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When you think about visiting the U.S., you probably think about strutting down the Hollywood Walk of Fame or checking out the view from the top of the Empire State Building.
What you might not think about is America's notoriously high healthcare costs and what happens if you or one of your travel companions falls sick or is injured while abroad.
Buying visitors insurance can save you a lot of stress, anxiety, and money if you happen to get injured or ill during your travels to the United States.
What This Guide Will Cover:
- What exactly is US visitor medical insurance?
- Is visitor insurance required to enter the US?
- What does visitor medical insurance cover?
- How much does visitor insurance cost?
- How do you find the best visitor insurance plan?
- When should you buy visitor insurance?
- Is it better to buy from a US company or from your home country?
What is Visitors Insurance?
US visitor medical insurance is a form of travel insurance that offers protection for travelers in the event that they become ill or are injured during their trip to the United States.
Essentially, if you need to seek emergency medical care for a new sickness or injury that occurs during your US trip, you can receive coverage for eligible medical expenses. This can include hospitalization, surgery, emergency medical evacuation, and more.
Is Visitors Insurance Required to Enter the U.S.?
While visitors insurance is not mandatory in most cases, it is highly recommended, especially for older travelers.
Medical costs in the United States are notoriously high, and a trip to the emergency room can potentially leave you with a bill of thousands of dollars. There is also no universal healthcare in the United States, so visitors from other countries are left vulnerable without insurance during their visit.
With medical insurance for visitors, you can have peace of mind knowing that if you become ill or injured while in the United States, you can receive medical coverage for eligible expenses.
How Much Does Visitor Health Insurance Cost?
The cost of health insurance for visitors to the USA can average between $200 to $300, but it depends on many factors, including:
- Your plan’s benefits
- Policy maximum
- Deductible amount
- The length of your trip
- Trip destination
- Age
Here is a general estimate for a 30-day trip to the U.S.:
- Ages 20-40: $50-150
- Ages 41-60: $80-250
- Ages 61-70: $150-400
- Ages 71+: $300+
For elderly travelers and parents visiting the US, getting coverage for pre-existing conditions can significantly affect the cost of your policy.
What Is the Best Travel Insurance for Visitors to the USA?
Best Affordable Travel Insurance For Visitors to the US: CoverAmerica-Gold
Best Travel Insurance with High Medical Coverage Limits: Atlas America Premium
Best Visitors Insurance with Coverage for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions: INF Elite X
When Should You Buy Visitors Insurance?
It is highly recommended to purchase travel medical insurance before your trip to the United States. Purchasing in advance ensures you and your family are protected from the moment you arrive and may provide additional benefits like trip interruption coverage.
Early purchase also allows time to thoroughly review policy documents and address any questions before your trip begins. The majority of plans can be bought up to 12 months before the planned start date of your travel, with the coverage taking effect on the specific date you designate.
Ready to purchase visitors insurance for the US? Explore your options with VisitorsCoverage’s quote tool, where you can find and secure the best travel insurance for your trip in less than 5 minutes. If you have any questions along the way, our Customer Success Team is here to help.
- US visitor medical insurance offers short-term coverage for international travelers who experience illness or injury while in the United States, where medical costs are extremely high and there is no public healthcare for visitors.
- While generally not legally required for US entry, not having visitor insurance poses a serious financial risk, as even a brief hospital stay can lead to bills far exceeding a comprehensive plan's cost.
- The cost of visitor insurance primarily depends on age, trip length, deductible, and coverage level, with plans for seniors, especially those covering pre-existing conditions, starting around $300 or more.
- The ideal plan depends on your personal health, trip length, planned activities, and budget; carefully review policy maximums, age-related factors, and coverage for pre-existing conditions before purchase.
- Buying visitor insurance before you travel ensures continuous coverage immediately, prevents gaps due to waiting periods, and allows you time to fully understand the policy terms before you need to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visitors Insurance
Is travel insurance mandatory for visiting the U.S.?
While travel insurance is not a legal requirement for visitors to the US or for securing a US visitor visa, it is strongly recommended due to the high cost of US healthcare and the lack of a public healthcare system for visitors.
What is the age limit for visitors insurance?
Generally, there are plans that cap at age 99, but the higher the age, the more the premium may increase. Seniors over 65 should look into plans that are more specialized for their needs, including specific age eligibility and benefits, especially for older visitors or those with pre-existing conditions.
Are there visitor medical insurance plans specifically for seniors over 70 or 80?
Yes. VisitorsCoverage offers many visitor health insurance plans for seniors over the age of 70 and 80. Top-selling plans that cater to seniors over 70 include CoverAmerica-Gold, ChoiceAmerica, Atlas America, and INF Elite X.
Is it better to buy visitors insurance from the U.S. instead of buying travel insurance from my home country?
There are several advantages of buying travel insurance from an American insurance company, including government regulation, efficient customer support, instant coverage, faster claims processing with American health services, and ease of online purchase and renewal.
Can I buy visitors insurance after arriving in the U.S.?
Yes, you can buy visitors insurance after arriving in the U.S., however, it is still highly recommended to purchase insurance before your trip. There is typically a 24-hour waiting period for your insurance to start.
I am not in the U.S., can I still buy U.S. visitor health insurance?
Yes, you can purchase U.S. visitor health insurance even if you are not yet in the United States. VisitorsCoverage allows you to browse and select U.S. travel insurance plans while still in your home country, prior to your trip.
Will U.S. hospitals accept my visitors insurance directly?
Yes, many visitors insurance policies allow U.S. hospitals to do direct billing if you get medical treatment through your insurance’s PPO network. Going to an out-of-network hospital or doctor may decrease your chance of direct billing.
Can I buy visitor health insurance for my parents or relatives?
Yes. You can absolutely buy visitors insurance for your parents or relatives. You can complete the application process on their behalf and pay using your credit card, needing only basic information like their full names, birth dates, passport details, travel dates, and home address.
