US visitor insurance is short-term health coverage for people visiting the United States—think tourists, family members, or anyone coming from abroad. Regular U.S. health insurance doesn’t really work for visitors, and coverage from back home usually falls short. That’s why this insurance matters so much. Medical care here costs a fortune, and without the right coverage, visitors end up paying out-of-pocket.
Why do visitors need medical insurance in the U.S.?
First, health care in the U.S. is expensive. Even a quick trip to the emergency room can set you back thousands of dollars. A longer hospital stay? You’re looking at bills in the tens of thousands. There’s no universal health care here, so visitors pay for everything themselves if they don’t have insurance. Most U.S. health insurance plans don’t cover short-term visitors, and your credit card or home-country insurance probably doesn’t cover much either.
Types of visitor insurance plans
There are two main kinds:
Comprehensive plans cost more, but they cover a bigger share of your medical bills—often 80% to 100% after you pay the deductible, up to a set maximum. These are a safer bet for older folks or anyone with health issues.
Fixed or limited plans are cheaper and more basic. They pay a set amount for each medical service. If the bill is higher than that, you pay the extra. These work best for healthy travelers on a budget who just want some protection.
What does visitor insurance usually cover?
It’s for new, unexpected illnesses or injuries that pop up after your policy starts. You get coverage for things like:
- Emergency medical expenses: hospital stays, doctor visits, urgent care, surgery.
- Emergency medical evacuation: getting you to a hospital that can actually help.
- Repatriation of remains: covering the cost to send remains back home if someone passes away.
- Prescription drugs for new conditions.
- Acute onset of pre-existing conditions: Sometimes, plans cover a sudden flare-up of an existing health problem, but rules depend on your age and the policy.
How to choose a plan
If you or your family member has a pre-existing condition, look for a plan that covers the “acute onset” of those issues—especially for older travelers. Age and health matter: older people or those with health concerns usually need more coverage and have fewer options. When you look at plans, check the policy maximum (the most the plan will pay) and the deductible (what you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in). Higher maximums give better protection but cost more. A lower deductible means you pay less if you need care, though your premium goes up.
Comprehensive plans give you broader protection and lower the risk of those big, scary bills. Fixed-benefit plans are cheaper but can leave you exposed if something major happens. Always buy from a trustworthy, licensed insurance company or broker.
How to buy best visitor insurance
It’s pretty simple. You can compare and buy plans online. Buy the insurance before you or your parents/relatives travel, so coverage starts right away. There’s no medical exam or history check—just fill in their info and you’re good to go.
You don’t have to buy insurance for most US visas, but honestly, why risk it? Most plans cover the basics—hospital care, doctor appointments, prescriptions, and emergency evacuations. Some even throw in dental emergencies or COVID-19 coverage. Plans differ in how much they’ll pay, the deductible, and how long they’ll cover you—anywhere from a few days up to a year or longer.
When you’re choosing, go for a plan that gives you wide network access and covers pre-existing conditions. That’s your best shot at dodging huge bills if something goes wrong.
Here’s a quick guide for picking out visitor insurance for your US trip:
What You Really Need in a Visitor Insurance Plan
- Strong Coverage: Look for plans that handle emergencies, hospital stays, doctor visits, surgeries, and prescriptions.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: If you get seriously sick or hurt, you want a plan that’ll get you to a proper hospital—or even fly you home if needed.
- Trip Interruption or Cancellation: Some plans help if you need to cut your trip short or cancel because of illness or emergencies.
- Repatriation of Remains: A grim thought, but if the worst happens, this covers bringing your remains back home.
- Pre-existing Condition Coverage: Some plans will cover those, but you might need to pay extra or add a rider.
- 24/7 Assistance: A round-the-clock helpline is a lifesaver when you’re in a bind far from home.
Top Visitor Insurance Providers
- IMG Global: Lots of options and you can tweak the benefits. They’re also known for solid customer service.
- WorldTrips: Big name, comprehensive coverage, and they cover COVID-19.
- Trawick International: Basic and premium plans, both with emergency evacuation and pandemic coverage.
- Seven Corners: Good prices, covers a lot, and handles emergencies and trip interruptions well.
What to Think About Before You Buy
- How Long You’ll Stay: Make sure your plan covers every day you’re in the US.
- Your Age: Older travelers sometimes need more coverage and usually pay more.
- Medical History: Got a pre-existing condition? Double-check if the plan covers it or lets you add a waiver.
- Planned Activities: If you’re doing anything risky (skiing, hiking, etc.), look for a plan that includes adventure sports.
- Claims Process: Read some reviews to see if people find it easy to file claims. Some companies make it simple; others, not so much.
How Much Will It Cost?
It depends on your age, how long you’ll stay, and how much you want covered. For a 30-day visit, most people pay between $50 and $150. If you’re staying longer or want more protection, expect to pay more.
How to Buy Visitor Insurance
- Online: Most folks go through comparison sites like VISOA.com to check prices and coverage. It’s quick and you can see all your options side by side.
- Direct: If you already know which company you want, just buy from their website. The price is usually the same wherever you buy, but you’ll only see their plans.
A Few Visitor Insurance Plans to Check Out
- Visitor Secure (WorldTrips): Simple, basic coverage with an easy claims process.
- Patriot Travel Medical Insurance (IMG): Lots of choices, covers emergencies and medical evacuation.
- Safe Travels USA Comprehensive (Trawick International): Covers a lot, including COVID-19 and non-medical stuff.
COVID-19 Coverage
Some plans now include COVID-19 coverage for both medical treatment and quarantine costs. If that’s a concern for you, double-check your policy before you buy.
Always remember to not skip buying the best visitor insurance for your US trip. It’s not just about being safe; it’s about peace of mind, too. VISOA® (Visitor Insurance Services of America) - www.VISOA.com can help you locate the best suited policy within your budget.
