If you're traveling from Israel to the United States, one of the smartest preparations you can make is securing travel medical insurance—also known as visitors insurance. While it's easy to focus on flights and accommodations, medical coverage is just as important, especially when visiting a country known for some of the highest healthcare costs in the world.
Israeli health insurance does not apply once you're abroad, and even a minor illness or injury in the U.S. can lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses. Travel medical insurance is designed specifically to cover medical emergencies during your trip, offering financial protection and peace of mind if the unexpected happens.
In this article, we'll explain what travel medical insurance covers, why it's essential for Israeli visitors to the U.S., and how to choose the right plan for your needs.
Why Travel Insurance is Essential for Israel to the USA
There are many reasons why travel insurance should be high on your priority list when you are planning your visit to the US.
High Medical Costs in the U.S.
The United States has some of the highest healthcare costs in the world. While the quality of care is excellent, even a routine visit to an emergency room can cost over $1,000—often much more depending on the treatment required. Without travel medical insurance, these costs are your responsibility.
Limited Coverage from Israeli Health Insurance
Most Israeli health insurance does not extend to care received abroad, including in the U.S. If you need medical attention while traveling, your Kupat Cholim or supplemental plan won't cover the expenses. Travel medical insurance fills this gap by covering eligible medical costs during your stay.
Protection During Medical Emergencies
If you experience an unexpected illness or injury while in the U.S., travel medical insurance can cover expenses such as hospitalization, doctor visits, ambulance services, and even emergency medical evacuation if necessary. It's designed specifically to handle medical needs during international travel. So you don't have to worry or stress about any of that.
Peace of Mind Knowing You're Ready for Anything
Traveling knowing that you have a solid safety net watching your back gives you a kind of peace of mind that is irreplaceable.
Whether it's a medical emergency or a delayed flight, securing the right travel insurance ensures you're prepared for any unexpected event during your trip, so you can focus on enjoying your trip, knowing you're financially protected if something goes wrong.
What Does Travel Medical Insurance for the US Cover?
Travel medical insurance provides coverage for unexpected health care expenses due to accident or sickness while traveling.
Travel insurance coverage typically includes:
| Coverage Type | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Expenses | Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, and medical treatments needed due to illness or injury. |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | Covers transportation costs if you need to be evacuated to a suitable medical facility to receive treatment in a life-threatening situation. In some cases evacuated back to your home country, if necessary. |
| Prescription Medications | Covers the cost of prescription drugs required to treat covered conditions during your trip. |
| Emergency Dental Care | Provides coverage for dental emergencies. Routine treatments are usually excluded. |
| Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions | Covers the sudden and unexpected outbreak of a pre-existing condition during your trip, requiring emergency care to stabilize. |
| Pre-Existing Conditions Coverage | Not all plans will have this, but the ones that do are designed to cover certain pre-existing conditions for emergency medical care if the traveler has a stable condition before the trip. Coverage varies heavily by plan. |
| Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) | Provides a lump sum payment if you experience death or serious injury (e.g., loss of limb or vision) due to an accident during your trip. |
| Please note: This is not a complete list of coverages. The coverage across plans varies; always read the policy document to read the inclusion and exclusion and policy limits. Limits may also apply per incident and are always detailed in the policy description. | |
Travel medical insurance, also referred to as visitors insurance, comes in two types:
- Limited coverage or fixed benefits plan options
- Comprehensive coverage options
While both will have the same coverages as listed above, the difference between the two lies in the extent of coverage. Limited coverage or fixed benefits plans tend to be cheaper but offer basic coverage, and comprehensive plans offer higher limits and more incidents being covered.
How to Choose the Right Travel Medical Insurance Plan
Selecting the right visitor insurance plan is a critical part of your trip preparation. Here's how to make sure you're covered for medical expenses and emergency medical care:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Look for a plan that offers comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance for emergency medical care, doctor visits, hospital stays, and surgeries.
- Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions: If you have a pre-existing condition, you'll want to check whether the plan offers coverage for pre-existing conditions. You might notice that many travel insurance plans will offer something called acute onset of pre-existing conditions–this isn't the same thing as pre-existing condition coverage. Take a second to understand the differences between acute onset and pre-existing condition coverage are before you decide on a policy.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: This benefit covers transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility—or, in some cases, back to Israel—if you face a life-threatening emergency. It's especially important if you plan to travel to rural or remote areas in the U.S. where advanced care may not be immediately available.
- PPO Network Access: A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) network is a group of U.S.-based doctors, clinics, and hospitals that have agreements with the insurance company to provide services at discounted rates. Plans that offer access to a PPO network can make it easier and more affordable to get care. These networks include trusted providers who are familiar with the billing process for international insurance, which often means lower out-of-pocket costs and faster, more streamlined claims.
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Not every policy will include this benefit. But there are some policies that will also include trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits. These are designed to offer coverage in case unforeseen events, such as illness or emergencies, force you to change or cut short your trip.
- Fixed Benefit Insurance vs. Comprehensive Plans: Insurance plans generally fall into two categories: limited (fixed benefit) and comprehensive. Limited plans offer lower premiums but cap the amount paid for specific services. Comprehensive plans cost more but provide broader protection with higher benefit limits. If you want stronger financial protection, especially for serious medical issues, a comprehensive plan is usually the better choice.
- Understanding Coverage Details: Before you purchase your plan, take a few minutes to review the coverage details to ensure that the plan includes all necessary medical expenses, including emergency medical care, emergency medical evacuation, and hospitalization.
Once you have a good idea of which plan you would like to get, you can go to the coverage estimator tool and test different emergency medical scenarios and see how much your plan could cover in that situation. That way you can visualize how well a plan works for you.
How Much Does Travel Insurance for Israel to the USA Cost?
The cost of travel insurance depends on several factors. Here's a breakdown:
| Factor | Impact on Premium |
|---|---|
| Age | Older travelers may pay higher premiums due to increased health risks |
| Trip Duration | Longer trips typically cost more to insure |
| Coverage Limits | Plans with higher coverage limits, such as emergency medical evacuation, are generally more expensive |
| Pre-Existing Conditions | If you have pre-existing health conditions, you may pay more, but there are options that provide this coverage |
Even with these factors, travel medical insurance for Israeli visitors to the U.S. is typically a small fraction of your total travel expenses—and it can save you from paying tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket in a medical emergency.
If you want to get an idea of what the cost of a travel insurance policy would look like, you can compare and contrast top insurance plans to find one that is right for you.
Common Myths About Travel Insurance for Israel Visitors to the USA
There are several myths surrounding travel insurance, especially when it comes to Israel travel insurance. Let's address some of them:
Myth #1: "I don't need travel insurance because I have health insurance in Israel."
Fact: Your Israeli health insurance may not cover you in the USA. Travel medical insurance is designed specifically to cover medical emergencies while you're abroad.
Myth #2: "Travel insurance is too expensive."
Fact: Travel medical insurance is more affordable than you might think. Most travel medical insurance plans cost just a small percentage of your overall trip. For just a few dollars per day, you gain financial protection in case of emergencies, potentially saving you from massive out-of-pocket expenses.
Myth #3: "Travel insurance is only for older or sick travelers."
Fact: Emergencies can happen to anyone, regardless of age or health. Whether it's a sudden illness, a sports injury, or an unexpected hospital visit, travel medical insurance protects you from the high cost of care in the U.S.
Myth #4: "All travel insurance plans are the same."
Fact: Travel medical insurance plans vary widely in coverage, limits, and exclusions. It's important to choose a plan that matches your needs, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or specific concerns.
Israel Travel Insurance vs. USA-Based Travel Insurance: Which Should You Choose?
When planning your trip to the USA, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right travel insurance. Here's why USA-based travel insurance often makes more sense for Israel visitors:
- Better Access to Local Medical Providers
USA-based plans work directly with local healthcare providers, ensuring you have access to a wide network of hospitals and doctors. - Comprehensive Medical Coverage
USA-based insurance plans are specifically designed to cover the high costs of medical care in the USA, including emergency medical evacuation and specialized treatments. - Faster Claims Processing
USA-based providers are familiar with U.S. healthcare systems, making claims processing quicker and easier compared to Israel-based insurance. - Local Assistance
USA-based plans offer 24/7 assistance, providing you with direct support for emergencies and medical needs while in the U.S.
While both Israel travel insurance and USA-based travel insurance can provide necessary protection, USA-based plans tend to offer more comprehensive and tailored coverage for travelers to the United States.
They provide better access to medical providers, faster claims processing, and more appropriate coverage for the unique risks associated with traveling to the USA.
Where to Get Reputable Travel Medical Insurance
When it comes to buying travel medical insurance, choosing a reliable policy from a trusted provider is essential. The good news? You're already in the right place.
At VisitorsCoverage, you have access to a curated selection of top-rated travel medical insurance plans specifically designed for international visitors to the U.S., including travelers from Israel. The platform lets you:
- Compare plans side by side based on your trip length, age, and coverage needs
- Filter for specific features like pre-existing condition coverage or emergency medical evacuation
- Read detailed policy information without having to dig for information
- Get instant quotes and purchase your plan securely online
Whether you're looking for basic emergency coverage or a comprehensive plan with broader protection, everything you need to make an informed decision is right here.
Take a few minutes to explore your options, compare plans, and choose the one that gives you the right balance of coverage and cost for your trip.
VisitorsCoverage is Here to Make Travel Insurance Easy For You
We know travel insurance can feel overwhelming, especially when you're excited about your trip. The last thing you want to do is get bogged down in the details.
With VisitorsCoverage, you can compare different plans, choose the one that works best for you, and secure your policy in just 5 minutes—no email or phone number required—so insurance doesn't become another thing to stress over.
If you'd prefer some expert advice or need help narrowing down your options, our Customer Success team is always here to guide you through the process.
