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The US has no public healthcare for visitors. Hospitals charge full price. If you get treated, you pay out of pocket in full.
A standard emergency room visit costs $1,500 to $3,000 without insurance. An ambulance ride alone runs $500 to $1,300. These figures come from UnitedHealthcare cost data and claims analysis.
Serious situations cost far more. Heart attack treatment starts around $25,000. ICU stays can exceed $150,000.
If you are visiting the USA on a B1/B2 visit visa, your home country insurance almost certainly does not cover any of this.
The U.S. Department of State says it clearly: the US government does not pay medical costs for travelers. They recommend buying travel medical insurance before any trip.
Most domestic health insurance plans from other countries have zero coverage in America. Even US plans like Medicare do not cover care abroad.
💡 Tip: Even a basic urgent care visit in the US costs $150 to $400. Do not assume you can pay out of pocket.
In this article…
Fixed Benefit vs Comprehensive Plans
This is the first decision. The two main types of visitor medical insurance work very differently. If you are buying insurance for parents visiting the USA, understanding this distinction matters.
| Feature | Fixed Benefit | Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|
| How it pays | Fixed amount per service | Percentage of actual cost after deductible |
| Monthly cost | $19 – $60 | $53 – $300+ |
| Typical coverage limit | $25,000 – $50,000 | Up to $1,000,000 |
| PPO network | Rarely included | Usually included |
| Pre-existing conditions | Not typically covered | Some plans cover acute onset |
Fixed benefit plans are cheap. But they cap payouts per service. If a hospital charges $3,000 for an ER visit and your plan pays a fixed $1,500, you owe the rest.
Comprehensive plans work like real health insurance. You choose a deductible, the plan covers costs up to the policy maximum.
If you are still going through the US visa application process, having a plan picked out in advance is a good idea.
Source: Cost ranges from American Visitor Insurance and Insubuy marketplace data for 2026.
💡 Tip: A $250 deductible on a comprehensive plan keeps your premium affordable while still offering strong protection.
💡 Tip: Buy travel health insurance before your trip.
Check out popular travel insurance plans and choose one that suits you.
Most plans only cost less than $20 a day.
Common Exclusions — Read Before You Buy
Every plan has exclusions. These are the situations the insurer will not pay for. Knowing them before you buy saves problems later.
Pre-existing medical conditions are excluded by most standard plans. Some comprehensive plans cover the “acute onset” of a pre-existing condition — a sudden, unexpected flare-up that needs immediate care. Gradual or expected treatment does not qualify.
If you are concerned about common reasons applications or claims get denied, similar logic applies here.
High-risk sports and extreme activities are excluded unless you buy a specific adventure rider. Elective procedures, cosmetic work, and routine dental are also out.
Mental health treatment is limited or excluded in most plans. Claims related to alcohol or drug use are excluded across the board.
Trip cancellation only covers reasons listed in the policy. “Changed my mind” does not count unless you purchased a Cancel For Any Reason add-on, and even then it typically reimburses 50% to 75%.
If you are wondering whether to book flights before your visa is approved, factor this into the decision.
💡 Tip: Always read the Certificate of Insurance before purchasing. That document lists every covered reason and every exclusion.
Who Actually Needs This
Short answer: almost everyone visiting the USA.
If you are a non-US citizen entering on a tourist, business, or family visit visa, your home country insurance will not cover you. The USA has no reciprocal healthcare agreements with most countries.
Travel insurance is not legally required to enter the United States. But the U.S. State Department recommends it.
If you are figuring out which visa your parents need to visit you in America, insurance should be part of that conversation.
US citizens and residents traveling domestically may also benefit. Your regular health insurance might not cover out-of-network providers in another state. And it will not cover trip cancellations or lost baggage.
Visitors most at risk without insurance: seniors over 60, travelers with pre-existing conditions, anyone on a long stay, and adventure travelers heading to remote areas.
💡 Tip: If buying for elderly parents, look specifically for plans covering acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
Reputable Providers for Visitors to the USA
Several insurance companies specialize in coverage for non-US citizens visiting America.
This is not a ranking. The best plan depends on your age, health, trip length, and budget.
If you are still preparing your DS-160 form, it is not too early to start comparing.
Trawick International offers Safe Travels USA and Safe Travels USA Comprehensive. Coverage up to $1,000,000.
The comprehensive version covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions and uses the First Health PPO network. Source: Trawick International.
IMG (International Medical Group) offers Patriot America Plus and Visitors Protect. Visitors Protect is one of the few plans that covers gradual pre-existing conditions, not just acute onset.
Available for travelers up to age 99. Source: IMG.
WorldTrips offers Atlas America with coverage up to $2,000,000. Often cited as a strong value option for broad medical and evacuation coverage.
If you are also checking US visa processing times, plan your insurance purchase timeline alongside your application.
Seven Corners offers Trip Protection Choice. Some of the highest combined medical and evacuation limits on the market. Strong pick if emergency evacuation is your top concern.
💡 Tip: Get quotes from at least two comparison platforms. Prices are regulated — you will not find a better rate going directly to a provider.
Tin Leg offers Gold and Luxury plans. The Gold plan is the top-selling comprehensive travel insurance on Squaremouth, accounting for about 13% of all sales according to Squaremouth marketplace data.
World Nomads covers over 200 adventure activities other plans exclude.
Useful if your US trip includes skiing, hiking, or water sports. For travelers heading to other destinations as well, understanding visa on arrival rules is a related planning step.
How to Buy Travel Insurance for the USA
The process is fully online. Most plans activate within minutes of purchase.
Start at a comparison platform. The main ones for visitor insurance: Squaremouth, Insubuy, VisitorsCoverage, and American Visitor Insurance. You can also buy directly from Trawick, IMG, Seven Corners, or WorldTrips.
Enter your trip details — dates, destination, age, citizenship — and the platform shows available plans with pricing.
Before buying, read the Certificate of Insurance. It lists every exclusion, deductible, and claim procedure. If you are also scheduling your US visa appointment, line up your insurance purchase around the same time.
💡 Tip: Many providers offer a 10 to 15 day free-look period. If you change your mind and have not filed a claim, you get a full refund.
You can buy visitor insurance after arriving in the USA. But nothing that happened before the policy start date will be covered. Buy before you depart if possible.
After purchase, save your policy documents and insurance ID card on your phone. Print a backup copy. Keep the 24/7 emergency assistance number accessible at all times.
If someone is hosting you and writing a sample invitation letter for your US visitor visa, mentioning your travel insurance arrangement can support your application.
Approximate Costs
Pricing depends on your age, trip length, coverage level, and deductible. These are general ranges based on 2026 marketplace data.
For a 35-year-old on a one-month trip, basic fixed plans cost $19 to $60 per month.
Comprehensive plans for the same profile: $53 to $175 per month. Older travelers pay more. At age 65 and above, comprehensive plans can reach $100 to over $1,000 per month.
💡 Tip: A higher deductible lowers your premium. But make sure you can afford to pay that deductible if something happens.
Trip cancellation insurance is priced differently — typically 4% to 10% of your total insured trip cost. Squaremouth reports an average visitor insurance premium of about $131 for a 27-day trip.
Source: Squaremouth visitor insurance data. If your visa timeline is uncertain, understanding US visa processing times can help you time your insurance purchase better.
What a Good Plan Should Cover
Not every plan includes the same benefits. Check for these specific areas before purchasing.
Emergency medical expenses.
The core benefit. Should cover hospitalization, surgery, doctor visits, prescriptions, and diagnostics. Aim for at least $100,000 for the USA. $50,000 is the bare minimum.
Medical evacuation.
Pays for emergency transport to the nearest adequate hospital or back home. Look for at least $100,000 in evacuation coverage. If you are preparing for a US visit visa interview, having insurance details ready shows you have planned for emergencies.
PPO network access.
Plans with a Preferred Provider Organization network connect you to hospitals at pre-negotiated rates. Using in-network providers significantly cuts your out-of-pocket costs. Major US networks: United Healthcare and First Health.
💡 Tip: Print your insurance ID card. Keep the emergency assistance number saved in your phone. You do not want to search for it during a crisis.
COVID-19 coverage. Most major providers now treat COVID-19 like any other illness. Confirm this with your specific plan before buying.
Baggage and travel delay.
Some plans reimburse for lost, stolen, or delayed luggage and costs from major flight delays.
Secondary benefit, but useful for long-haul travel. If you are traveling from India specifically, see our guide on US visa appointments from India for country-specific preparation tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit the USA without travel insurance?
Yes. It is not legally required. But with ER visits averaging $2,700 without insurance, going unprotected is a financial risk most travelers should not take.
Can I buy insurance after I arrive in America?
Yes. Most plans allow it. But events before the policy start date are not covered. Buy before departure if possible.
Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?
Most major providers treat COVID-19 like any other illness. Medical expenses during your trip should be covered. Confirm with your provider.
What does “acute onset of pre-existing condition” mean?
A sudden, unexpected flare-up of a condition you already had. Example: a sudden asthma attack or diabetes emergency. Some comprehensive plans cover this. Fixed benefit plans typically do not.
Can I extend my policy if my trip gets longer?
Many plans allow extensions before the current policy expires. Some extend up to 364 days. Contact your provider to confirm.
How do I file a claim?
Most providers have online portals. Submit a claim form with medical bills, receipts, and supporting documents. Keep every receipt during your trip.
Is it worth it for a short 2-week trip?
A comprehensive plan for two weeks costs roughly $25 to $50 depending on your age. A single ER visit averages $2,700. The math is straightforward.
What if I need emergency help finding a hospital?
Most plans include 24/7 emergency assistance. Call the number on your insurance ID card. They locate nearby hospitals, arrange transport, and coordinate with your insurer.
If you are unsure about the difference between an embassy and consulate in case you need government help abroad, that is a separate resource.
💡 Tip: Buy travel health insurance before your trip.
Check out popular travel insurance plans and choose one that suits you.
Most plans only cost less than $20 a day.
Disclaimer
Rules can change. Always confirm plan details, pricing, and coverage directly with the insurance provider or an authorized comparison platform before purchasing.
This page is for general guidance and is not legal or financial advice. VisitVisaGuide.com is not affiliated with any government agency, embassy, insurance company, or insurance marketplace.
We do not sell, broker, or endorse any specific insurance product.
The providers and plans mentioned are based on publicly available information at the time of writing. Availability, coverage, and pricing may have changed since this article was last updated.
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