CoverAmerica-Gold and Safe Travels USA Comprehensive are two of the most popular travel medical insurance plans for visitors to the United States. Both offer comprehensive medical coverage and acute onset of pre-existing condition benefits. But they come from different administrators and underwriters, use different hospital networks, and have meaningful differences on age limits, cardiac coverage, and plan flexibility that can matter a great deal depending on who you are buying for.
What Is CoverAmerica-Gold Insurance?
CoverAmerica-Goldis a comprehensive travel medical insurance plan designed 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), underwritten by Sirius Specialty Insurance Corporation, and rated A (Excellent) by AM Best. This customer-favorite plan is sold exclusively through VisitorsCoverage.
What Does CoverAmerica-Gold Cover?
CoverAmerica-Goldis a percentage-based comprehensive plan. This means, after you meet your chosen deductible amount, your insurance will cover 100% of eligible medical expenses at in-network (UnitedHealth PPO) providers with no additional co-insurance.
Why Customers Choose CoverAmerica-Gold: CoverAmerica-Gold pays 100% of eligible medical expenses at in-network (UnitedHealth PPO) providers after the deductible. It also includes a $15 urgent care copay, border entry protection up to $750, missed connection coverage, no cancellation or renewal fees, and a returning customer discount.
What Is Safe Travels USA Comprehensive Insurance?
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive is a comprehensive travel medical insurance plan for non-US residents visiting the United States. It is underwritten by Zurich Insurance Europe AG Belgian branch, rated A (Excellent) by AM Best, and administered by Trawick International. The plan uses the UnitedHealthcare PPO network and is available for travelers up to age 89.
What Does Safe Travels USA Comprehensive Cover?
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive pays 100% of eligible medical expenses for an unexpected medical emergency after the deductible is met, both in-network and out-of-network. This means no co-insurance split regardless of where you receive care.
Why Customers Choose Safe Travels USA Comprehensive: Higher policy maximums (up to $1,000,000 for travelers under 65), age eligibility up to 89, 100% payment both in-network and out-of-network after the deductible, and explicit cardiac and stroke coverage for travelers aged 70 and above.
Are CoverAmerica-Gold and Safe Travels USA Comprehensive Legit? Which Is More Trustworthy?
Both plans are fully legitimate, licensed insurance products backed by financially strong, established insurers with long histories of reliably paying claims. The short answer is that you can trust either plan.
The table below compares the credibility credentials of each plan:
| Insurance Plan | CoverAmerica-Gold® | Safe Travels USA Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|
| Administered by | IMG | Trawick International |
| Underwriter | Sirius Specialty Insurance Corporation | Zurich Insurance Europe AG Belgian branch |
| A.M. Best Rating | A | A |
Both underwriters hold AM Best ratings of A (Excellent), which indicates a strong financial ability to pay claims. Sirius Specialty Insurance Corporation (CoverAmerica-Gold) has been an IMG partner since 1990 and operates through customer service centers in the US and UK. Zurich Insurance Europe AG Belgian branch (Safe Travels USA Comprehensive) is a globally recognized insurer administered through Trawick International, which has handled travel medical plans since 1998. Both plans are sold through VisitorsCoverage, a licensed US insurance marketplace with a BBB A+ rating and over 7,000 Trustpilot reviews.
How Do CoverAmerica-Gold and Safe Travels USA Comprehensive 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® | Safe Travels USA Comprehensive |
|---|
| 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 89 years |
| Max coverage duration | Coverage for minimum of 5 days up to 365 days | Coverage for minimum of 5 days up to 364 days |
| Plan cancellation | $0 | $50 |
| Renewal/extension fee | Extendable for up to 365 days ($0 fee) | Extendable for up to 364 days ($0 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 $250 |
| Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions |
| Up to Policy Maximum: age 69 and below Up to $35,000: age 70 to 79 Up to $20,000: age 80 and above |
| 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% | Not covered |
| Return of Mortal Remains | Up to $25,000 | Up to $50,000 |
| 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 |
**Cardiac coverage will not apply to chronic conditions or travelers with an active heart history.
What Is the Difference in Cost Between CoverAmerica-Gold and Safe Travels USA Comprehensive? Which Is Cheaper?
While premium differences are generally modest, travelers should also consider the additional travel benefits, coverage limits, and eligibility features each plan offers.
| 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 |
| Safe Travels USA Comprehensive by Trawick International / Zurich Insurance Europe AG Belgian branch | ~$68 | ~$322 | ~$535 |
*Premiums shown are indicative and based on a $250 deductible with the base 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.
Which Plan Is Cheaper Overall?
CoverAmerica-Gold is generally the lower-cost option for travelers under 65. For travelers aged 65 to 79, pricing is comparable across both plans. The more important cost consideration for most buyers is the policy maximum. Safe Travels USA Comprehensive offers up to $1,000,000 for travelers under 65, compared to $500,000 for CoverAmerica-Gold. If a higher cap is important to you and you are under 65, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive may deliver more value per dollar, even if the premium is slightly higher.
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 Patriot America Plus.
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.
