CoverAmerica-Gold and Patriot America Plus are two of the most popular travel medical insurance plans for visitors coming to the USA, especially for elderly parents and family members. They are backed by the same underwriter (Sirius Specialty Insurance Corporation), administered by the same company (IMG), and use the same hospital network. Both plans are very similar, but there are some key coverages and scenarios where one differs from the other, including policy maximums by age, out-of-network coinsurance, acute onset of pre-existing conditions at age 70 and above, and coverage eligibility for US citizens living abroad.
What Is CoverAmerica-Gold Visitors Insurance?
CoverAmerica-Goldis a comprehensive travel medical insurance plan designed exclusively for non-US residents visiting 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-Goldpays 100% of eligible medical expenses at in-network (UnitedHealth PPO) providers after the deductible. Outside the network, the plan pays 80% of the first $5,000 in eligible expenses, then 100% up to the policy maximum.
Why Customers Choose CoverAmerica-Gold: CoverAmerica-Gold pays 100% of eligible medical expenses at in-network (UnitedHealth PPO) providers after the deductible. Out of network, the plan pays 80% of the first $5,000 in eligible expenses, then 100% up to the policy maximum. It also includes a $15 urgent care copay, no cancellation or extension fees, and a returning customer discount.
What Is Patriot America Plus Insurance?
Patriot America Plus is a comprehensive travel medical insurance plan administered by IMG and underwritten by Sirius Specialty Insurance Corporation, the same combination behind CoverAmerica-Gold. Unlike CoverAmerica-Gold, Patriot America Plus is available to a broader audience. It covers non-US citizens visiting the US, and also US citizens and Green Card holders who live outside the US and are temporarily returning. It is available for travelers up to age 99.
What Does Patriot America Plus Travel Medical Insurance Cover?
Patriot America Plus pays 100% of eligible in-network medical expenses after the deductible. Out of network, the Plus plan pays 90% of the first $5,000, then 100% up to the policy maximum.
Why Customers Choose Patriot America Plus: Higher policy maximums (up to $1,000,000 for travelers under 70), age eligibility up to 99, stronger out-of-network coinsurance at 90% of the first $5,000, and eligibility for US citizens and Green Card holders living abroad.
Are CoverAmerica-Gold and Patriot America Plus Legit? Which Is More Trustworthy?
This comparison is straightforward on credibility. Both plans share the same administrator (IMG) and are backed by the same highly rated underwriter, giving both products a similarly strong financial foundation.
The table below shows how the two plans compare on credibility:
| Insurance Plan | CoverAmerica-Gold® | Patriot Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Administered by | IMG | IMG |
| Underwriter | Sirius Specialty Insurance Corporation | SiriusPoint Speciality Insurance Corporation |
| A.M. Best Rating | A | A |
Sirius Specialty Insurance Corporation holds an AM Best rating of A (Excellent), which indicates a strong financial ability to pay claims. IMG has administered travel medical insurance since 1990, with customer service centers in the US and UK, multilingual support staff, and a 24/7 claims assistance line. Because both plans run through the same infrastructure, the main question is not which plan is more trustworthy. They are equivalent. The real question is which product is the better fit for your situation.
How Do CoverAmerica-Gold and Patriot America Plus 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® | Patriot Plus |
|---|
| Policy maximum | Up to $500,000 | Up to $1,000,000 |
| 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 | $50 |
| Renewal/extension fee | Extendable for up to 365 days (Free) | Extendable for up to 730 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 | 90% of first $5,000, 100% thereafter |
| Hospital Room and Board | 100% up to policy maximum | 100% up to Policy Maximum |
| Prescription Drugs / Medicines | 100% up to Policy Maximum | 90% of first $5,000, 100% thereafter |
| Emergency dental | Up to $300 | Up to $300 |
| Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions |
| Up to policy maximum: Age 69 and below |
| 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% | Up to $50,000 |
| Return of Mortal Remains | Up to $25,000 | 100% up to policy maximum |
| Lost or Stolen Passport | Up to $200 | Not covered |
| Missed Connection | Up to $400 | Not covered |
| US Border Entry Protection | One way ticket and/or common carrier change fees up to $750 | Not covered |
What Is the Difference in Cost Between CoverAmerica-Gold and Patriot America Plus? Which Is Cheaper?
While Patriot America Plus may have a lower premium in some scenarios, CoverAmerica-Gold includes several value-added benefits that Patriot America Plus does not, including U.S. Border Entry Protection, no plan cancellation fee, no renewal fee, and acute onset coverage for eligible travelers ages 70–79. For travelers who value these additional protections, the higher premium may be worthwhile.
| 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 |
| Patriot Plus by IMG / SiriusPoint Speciality Insurance Corporation | ~$57 | ~$264 | ~$528 |
*Premiums are indicative, based on the specified deductible and policy maximum for the traveler's age group. 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. For travelers aged 70 to 79, the Patriot America Plus premium reflects the $50,000 maximum. The plan does not cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions at this age.
Which Plan Is Cheaper Overall?
For many travelers under age 70, the plans are similarly priced, although premiums vary based on age, deductible, policy maximum, travel dates, and state of purchase. If you are looking for a higher policy maximum, Patriot America Plus starts to cost more. For travelers aged 70 to 79, the price similarity shifts. At this age CoverAmerica-Gold might start to cost a little more, but it also provides an acute onset of pre-existing conditions benefit up to $30,000 and coverage for cardiac and stroke (for healthy travelers with no related medical history), which Patriot America Plus does not offer at this age at all. For travelers 80 and above, Patriot America Plus is one of the few plans that offers reliable coverage while still staying affordable.
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 Atlas America 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.
