If you're comparing CoverAmerica-Gold and Atlas America, you've already narrowed your search to two of the most trusted visitors insurance plans on the market. Both are comprehensive plans with strong coverage limits, access to major PPO hospital networks, acute onset of pre-existing condition benefits, and both have strong track records for paying claims. But they serve different travelers well, but not every single plan is the best for every traveler. Let’s compare the two and understand the difference between the two.
What Is CoverAmerica-Gold Insurance?
CoverAmerica-Gold is a comprehensive travel medical insurance plan designed for international visitors to the United States, with incidental coverage extending to Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. It is administered by IMG (International Medical Group) and underwritten by Sirius Specialty Insurance Corporation. The plan is sold exclusively through VisitorsCoverage.
What Does CoverAmerica-Gold Visitors Insurance Cover?
CoverAmerica-Gold is a percentage-based comprehensive plan. After you meet your deductible, it pays 100% of eligible medical expenses at in-network (UnitedHealth PPO) providers with no additional co-insurance.
Why Customers Choose CoverAmerica-Gold: The 100% in-network payment model helps minimize unexpected out-of-pocket costs for eligible in-network medical expenses. Includes coverage for unique travel benefits that most competing plans skip, such as missed connecting flights, trip cancellation, and border denial protection. No cancellation or extension fees. Returning customers get a preferred rate. Digital ID can work directly in Apple and Google Wallet.
What Is Atlas America Insurance?
Atlas America is a comprehensive travel medical insurance plan for non-U.S. citizens traveling outside their home country, with a primary focus on visits to the United States. It is administered by WorldTrips and underwritten by TMHCC Insurance SPC Ltd and Houston Casualty Company. Atlas America is available through multiple distributors, including VisitorsCoverage.
What Does Atlas America Travel Medical Insurance Cover?
Atlas America is unique among comparable plans for covering 100% of eligible expenses at both in-network and out-of-network facilities, after the deductible. This makes it especially practical for travelers who don’t want the hassle of figuring out which hospital will accept their insurance during an emergency.
Why Customers Choose Atlas America: The higher age limit for medical coverage makes this a popular option for visitors aged 80+. Full out-of-network coverage removes network anxiety.
Are CoverAmerica-Gold Insurance and Atlas America Insurance Legit? Which Is More Trustworthy?
Both plans are fully legitimate, licensed insurance products backed by financially strong, established insurers with strong histories of reliably paying back claims. The short answer: you can trust either plan.
The table below compares the credibility credentials of each plan's underwriter:
| Insurance Plan | CoverAmerica-Gold® | Atlas America |
|---|---|---|
| Administered by | IMG | WorldTrips |
| Underwriter | Sirius Specialty Insurance Corporation | TMHCC Insurance SPC Ltd and Houston Casualty Company |
| A.M. Best Rating | A | A |
How Do CoverAmerica-Gold Insurance and Atlas America Insurance Compare on Coverage?
The table below breaks down all major coverage benefits side by side. Highlighted cells indicate the plan with the stronger benefit for that category.
| Benefit | CoverAmerica-Gold® | Atlas America |
|---|
| Policy maximum | Up to $500,000 | Up to $2,000,000 |
| Age eligibility | For Ages 14 days to 79 years | For Ages 14 days to 99 years |
| Max coverage duration | Coverage for minimum of 5 days up to 365 days | Coverage for minimum of 5 days up to 365 days |
| Plan cancellation | Free | $25 |
| Renewal/extension fee | Extendable for up to 365 days (Free) | Extendable for up to 365 days ($5 fee) |
| PPO Network |  | |
| In-network payment | 100% up to policy maximum | 100% up to policy maximum |
| Out-of-network payment | 80% of first $5,000, 100% thereafter | 100% up to policy maximum |
| Hospital Room and Board | 100% up to policy maximum | Average semi-private room and rate |
| Prescription Drugs / Medicines | 100% up to Policy Maximum | 100% up to policy maximum |
| Emergency dental | Up to $300 | Up to $300 for emergency dental accident and acute onset of pain |
| Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions |
| Up to the policy maximum: Age 79 and below An acute onset of a pre-existing condition is a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence that is of short duration, is rapidly progressive, and requires urgent care. A pre-existing condition that is a chronic or congenital, or that gradually becomes worse over time, is not acute onset of a pre-existing condition. The Acute Onset of Pre-existing Condition benefit will only apply if all of the following conditions are met: a) The Acute onset of a Pre-Existing Condition does not directly or indirectly relate to a chronic condition or congenital condition; b) Treatment must be obtained within twenty-four (24) hours of the sudden and unexpected outbreak or reoccurrence; c) You must be under eighty (80) years of age; d) You must not be traveling against or in disregard of the recommendations, established treatment programs, or medical advice of a physician or other healthcare provider; e) You must not be traveling with the intent or purpose to seek or obtain treatment for the pre-existing condition; f) You must be traveling outside your home country |
| Pre-Existing Conditions | Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered under Travel Medical plans unless classified as an acute onset of pre-existing condition by a physician and the insurer. Here are some common pre-existing conditions: Please review your policy document for any other limits or exclusions. | Pre-existing conditions are not covered under Travel Medical plans unless classified as an acute onset of pre-existing condition by a physician and the insurer. Here are some common pre-existing conditions: Please review your policy document for any other limits or exclusions. |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation / Repatriation | Up to $1,000,000 | Up to $1,000,000 |
| Terrorism | Up to 100% | 100% upto Policy Maximum |
| Return of Mortal Remains | Up to $25,000 | 100% up to policy maximum |
| Lost or Stolen Passport | Up to $200 | Up to $100 |
| Missed Connection | Up to $400 | Not covered |
| US Border Entry Protection | One way ticket and/or common carrier change fees up to $750 | One way ticket and/or common carrier change fees up to $500 |
What Is the Difference in Cost Between CoverAmerica-Gold Insurance and Atlas America Insurance? Which Is Cheaper?
Both plans are competitively priced and the gap between them is often small — but it varies significantly by age. Younger travelers will find CoverAmerica-Gold notably cheaper. For travelers in their 70s, Atlas America's price premium is modest relative to the extended coverage it provides.
| Insurance Plan | Solo Traveler Age: 35 30 days | $250 deductible | Couple Age: 60, 58 30 days | $500 deductible | Senior Parent Age: 72 60 days | $500 deductible |
|---|---|---|---|
| CoverAmerica-Gold® by IMG / Sirius Specialty Insurance Corporation | ~$65 | ~$277 | ~$632 |
| Atlas America by WorldTrips / TMHCC Insurance SPC Ltd and Houston Casualty Company | ~$57 | ~$298 | ~$688 |
*Premiums shown above are indicative and based on a $250/$500 deductible with the base policy maximum. Actual cost depends on your chosen deductible, policy maximum, state of purchase, and exact travel dates. Use the quote tool to get your exact price.
Which Plan is Cheaper Overall?
CoverAmerica-Gold is generally the lower-cost option for travelers under 60. For travelers aged 60–69, pricing is comparable. For travelers aged 80+, Atlas America carries a modest premium. But, given that it extends 100% policy maximum coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions for travelers up to 99, most customers in this age group consider the price difference worthwhile.
Which Plan Should You Pick?
Use the guide below to find the best match for your situation. If you're still unsure, contact the VisitorsCoverage team — licensed advisors are available via phone, chat, and email.
Regardless, you should pick your travel medical insurance plan based on your needs and which features of a plan will be useful for you. If you need assistance, you can send your specific questions to our Customer Success Team.
You can also learn more about CoverAmerica-Gold or compare it to some of our other top-rated plans for the U.S. and international travel including Patriot America Plus and Safe Travels USA.
This comparison article is for informational purposes only. Coverage details, limits, and premiums are subject to change. Always review the full policy certificate before purchasing. VisitorsCoverage is a licensed US insurance marketplace. For personalized plan recommendations, contact a licensed advisor at VisitorsCoverage.
