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The Best Travel Medical Insurance for Visitors to the U.S.
- Atlas America– Best Overall
- Patriot America Lite– Best for Cost
- Patriot America Plus– Great for Trip Interruption Insurance
- Safe Travels USA Comprehensive– Best for Deductible Choices
- Seven Corners Travel Medical Basic USA– Best for Urgent/Emergency Care Reimbursem*nt
Best Overall
Atlas America
5.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Eligible ages
14 days to 99 years
Coverage length
5 days to 364 days
Extendable?
Yes, up to 364 days
Via Squaremouth's Secure Website
14 days to 99 years
5 days to 364 days
Yes, up to 364 days
Why We Picked It
Atlas America’s comprehensive policy hits all the high marks for benefits across the board—including high coverage limits, a generous selection of deductible amounts and great trip interruption coverage.
Pros & Cons
- Competitive costs.
- Excellent trip interruption benefits of $10,000.
- High coverage limit of $2 million available.
- Generous choice of deductible amounts.
- Out-of-network services covered at 100%.
- Pre-existing medical conditions not covered (though acute onset of pre-existing medical conditions is covered).
- $200 copay for emergency room care
More Details
- Choices of coverage maximums: $10,000, $50,000, $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, $1 million, $2 million.
- Choice of deductibles: $0, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000.
- Network used: United Healthcare PPO.
- Coverage for in-network urgent care: $15 copay, 100% thereafter up to policy maximum.
- Coverage for out-of-network urgent care: $15 copay, 100% thereafter up to policy maximum.
Best for Cost
Patriot America Lite
5.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Eligible ages
14 days to 99 years
Coverage amounts
5 days to 365 days
Via Squaremouth's Secure Website
14 days to 99 years
5 days to 365 days
Yes, up to 365 days
Why We Picked It
If low cost and robust trip interruption benefits are important to you, the America Lite policy from Patriot is worth checking out. Its prices are significantly lower than the competitors we assessed, which can make up for out-of-network care at only 80% coverage until you surpass $5,000 in services.
Pros & Cons
- Lowest cost among the policies we evaluated.
- Generous trip interruption benefits of $10,000.
- Decent choice of deductibles and coverage limits.
- The only plan among those we evaluated that does not cover acute onset of pre-existing medical conditions.
- Standard care, urgent care and emergency care out-of-network are only covered at 80% for the first $5,000 in services.
More Details
- Choices of coverage maximums: $10,000, $50,000, $100,000, $500,000, $1 million.
- Choice of deductibles: $0, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500.
- Network used: United Healthcare PPO.
- Coverage for in-network urgent care: $25 copay, 100% thereafter up to policy maximum.
- Coverage for out-of-network urgent care: $25 copay, 80% of the first $5,000, 100% thereafter.
Great for Trip Interruption Insurance
Patriot America Plus
4.5
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Eligible ages
14 days to 99 years
Coverage length
5 days to 365 days
Extendable?
Yes, up to 365 days
Via Squaremouth's Secure Website
14 days to 99 years
5 days to 365 days
Yes, up to 365 days
Why We Picked It
The America Plus plan by Patriot provides decent coverage at a good price and includes generous trip interruption benefits. The low price may make up for out-of-network care being covered for only 80% for the first $5,000 in services.
Pros & Cons
- Low cost compared to other top-rated companies.
- Ample trip interruption benefits of up to $10,000.
- Does not cover pre-existing medical conditions (though does cover acute onset of pre-existing medical conditions).
- Standard care, urgent care and emergency care out-of-network are only covered at 80% for the first $5,000 in services.
More Details
- Choices of coverage maximums: $10,000, $50,000, $100,000, $500,000, $1 million.
- Choice of deductibles: $0, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500.
- Network used: United Healthcare PPO.
- Coverage for in-network urgent care: $25 copay, 100% thereafter up to policy maximum.
- Coverage for out-of-network urgent care: $25 copay, 80% of the first $5,000,100% thereafter.
Best for Deductible Choices
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive
4.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Eligible ages
1 year to 89 years
Coverage length
5 days to 364 days
Extendable?
Yes, up to 364 days
Via Trawick International's Secure Website
1 year to 89 years
5 days to 364 days
Yes, up to 364 days
Why We Picked It
Safe Travels USA’s comprehensive plan has top-notch benefits at a decent price. These include the most choices for a deductible among the travel medical insurance policies we evaluated. It also provides 100% coverage for out-of-network care and 100% coverage for emergency and urgent care.
Pros & Cons
- Competitive cost.
- Urgent care and emergency room care out-of-network covered at 100% after copay.
- Most choices for deductibles among plans evaluated.
- Trip interruption coverage of $5,000 is low compared to some competitors we evaluated.
- Acute onset pre-existing medical conditions covered, but not pre-existing conditions.
- Dental benefits of $250 are lower than some competitors.
More Details
- Choices of coverage maximums: $50,000, $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, $1 million.
- Choice of deductibles: $0, $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000.
- Network used: First Health PPO.
- Coverage for in-network urgent care: $30 copay, 100% thereafter up to policy maximum.
- Coverage for out-of-network urgent care: $30 copay, 100% thereafter up to policy maximum.
Best for Urgent/Emergency Care Reimbursem*nt
Seven Corners Travel Medical Basic USA
4.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Eligible ages
14 days to 99 years
Coverage length
5 days to 364 days
Extendable?
Yes, up to 364 days
On Seven Corners' Secure Website
14 days to 99 years
5 days to 364 days
Yes, up to 364 days
Why We Picked It
If you value having urgent care and emergency room care covered at 100% over coverage for pre-existing conditions and Covid, Seven Corners’ Travel Medical Basic USA plan is worth checking out.
Related: Seven Corners Travel Insurance Review
Pros & Cons
- Competitive price and coverage amounts up to $1 million
- Urgent care (in-network and out-of-network) covered at 100% after copay
- Emergency room care (in-network and out-of-network) covered at 100% after copay
- Does not cover Covid-related medical expenses or pre-existing medical conditions (but covers acute onset)
- Out-of-network standard care only covered at 80% for first $10,000 of care, compared to others at 100% or 80% for first $5,000
- Trip interruption benefits are low at $2,500
More Details
- Choices of coverage maximums: $10,000, $50,000, $100,000, $1 million
- Choice of deductibles: $0, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $5,000
- Network used: United Healthcare PPO
- Coverage for in-network urgent care: $30 copay, 100% thereafter up to policy maximum
- Coverage for out-of-network urgent care: $30 copay, 100% thereafter up to policy maximum
Summary: Best Travel Medical Insurance for Visitors Coming to the U.S.
| Company | Company - Logo | Forbes Advisor Rating | Forbes Advisor Rating | Policy | Choices of deductibles | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas America |  | 5.0 |  | n/a | $0, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000 | Get A Quote | Via Squaremouth's Secure Website | |
| Patriot America Lite |  | 5.0 | | America Lite | $0, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500 | Get A Quote | Via Squaremouth's Secure Website | |
| Patriot America Plus | | 4.5 |  | America Plus | $0, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500 | Get A Quote | Via Squaremouth's Secure Website | |
| Safe Travels USA Comprehensive |  | 4.0 |  | Comprehensive | $0, $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000 | Get A Quote | Via Trawick International's Secure Website | |
| Seven Corners Travel Medical Basic USA |  | 4.0 | | Travel Medical Basic | $0, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $5,000 | Get A Quote | On Seven Corners' Secure Website |
What Is Travel Medical Insurance?
Travel medical insurance for visitors to the U.S. provides short-term medical coverage It compensates you up to the policy limits for medical expenses if you get sick or injured during your trip.
Sometimes called visitors insurance, these policies are designed for non-U.S. citizens traveling to the U.S. for trips lasting a few weeks or a few months, up to a year. For example, travel medical insurance is a common type of travel insurance for parents visiting the U.S. whose adult children live here.
Americans traveling abroad can also buy travel medical insurance for themselves, often as part of comprehensive travel insurance policies that cover trip cancellation, travel delays and much more.
What Does Travel Medical Insurance Cover?
A comprehensive travel medical insurance policy for visitors to the U.S. generally covers inpatient and outpatient services, urgent and emergency medical services and other health care, as well as a range of other types of care. This can include:
- Emergency dental coverage
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Emergency medical treatment for pregnancy complications
- Mental disorders
- Prescriptions/medication
What Isn’t Covered by Travel Medical Insurance?
The list of exclusions varies by insurance policy but can include:
- Cosmetic and elective surgeries
- Injuries due to extreme sports
- Intentional self-inflicted injuries
- Suicide or attempted suicide
- Injury or illness while over the legal limits for alcohol
Be sure to review your policy for details on what conditions and activities are not covered.
Does Travel Medical Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
Some travel medical insurance policies cover pre-existing medical conditions—and it’s usually with coverage caps—but not all do.
Many travel medical insurance plans for visitors to the U.S. cover the acute onset of pre-existing medical conditions. This coverage generally provides necessary emergency care for a medical emergency that is life threatening or requires immediate medical treatment if you experience a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence of a pre-existing condition. There are coverage limits, so be sure to read the details of the policy.
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How Much Does Travel Medical Insurance Cost for Visitors to the U.S.?
Travel medical insurance is relatively affordable considering that you can buy high coverage amounts for long trips to the U.S. Costs will depend mainly on the visitor’s age, trip length and the medical coverage amount and deductible chosen.
| Company and policy name | Cost for visitors age 60 and 65 from India coming to U.S. for 30 days($50,000 in medical coverage with a $100 deductible) | Cost for a visitor age 70 from India coming to U.S. for 90 days($100,000 in medical coverage with a $250 deductible) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas America | $447 | $1,147.50 | ||
| Patriot America Lite | $303.93 | $659.70* | ||
| Patriot America Plus | $331.65 | $720* | ||
| Seven Corners Travel Medical Basic - USA | $330 | $979.20 | ||
| Safe Travels USA Comprehensive | $328.20 | $1,139.40 | ||
| Source: Forbes Advisor research. Patriot costs are based on a $50,000 policy because $100,000 wasn’t available. | ||||
Methodology
To identify the best travel medical insurance for visitors coming to the U.S., we scored only comprehensive travel medical plans on the following criteria:
Cost (50% of score): Plans with lower costs were awarded the most points.We analyzed average rates for:
- A 70-year-old traveler from India coming to the U.S. for 90 days, with coverage of $100,000 with a $250 deductible (or closest deductible).
- Two travelers ages 60 and 65 coming from India to the U.S. for 30 days, with coverage of $50,000 with a $100 deductible (or closest deductible).
Trip interruption benefits (10% of score): Points were awarded if policies included $10,000 or more in trip interruption benefits. If a visitor has to cut their trip to the U.S. short and return home, this coverage can pay the costs. The reason for the trip interruption must be listed in the policy in order to make a claim.
Choices of policy maximum coverage amounts (10% of score): Points were awarded if the policy had maximum medical coverage amounts of $500,000 and up.
Urgent care out-of-network reimbursem*nt (10% of score): Policies that cover out-of-network urgent care at 100% (after copay) earned points.
Emergency room out-of-network reimbursem*nt (10% of score): Policies that cover out-of-network emergency room care at 100% (after copay) earned points.
Emergency dental care (10% of score): Points were awarded if emergency dental care coverage was $300 or more.
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Best Travel Medical Insurance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need travel medical insurance if I have health insurance?
Visitors to the U.S. need travel medical insurance if they want to be reimbursed for medical expenses if they get sick or injured here. Health plans from other countries aren’t usually accepted in the U.S.
You also need travel medical insurance if you are a U.S. citizen taking a trip to another country. U.S.-based health plans will have limited or no coverage in foreign countries, so it’s prudent to consider medical insurance for trips abroad.
Does travel medical insurance cover Covid?
Many travel medical plans cover Covid-related medical expenses, but not all do. For example, the Travel Medical Basic – USA plan by Seven Corners does not cover Covid. Be sure to check the details of your policy to see if Covid is covered like any other illness.
How far in advance should I purchase travel medical insurance if I’m coming to the U.S.?
It’s prudent to purchase travel medical insurance before you get to the U.S., so that you have medical coverage in place. Occasionally a policy will require purchase at least 30 days in advance if you want certain features, such as a rider to cover pre-existing conditions.
Is travel health insurance ever required?
Travel health insurance isn’t required to enter the U.S. Still, it can be a smart purchase so that you don’t end up with thousands of dollars in medical bills after an injury or unexpected illness while you’re visiting the U.S.
What types of travel insurance are available for visitors to the U.S.?
Visitors travel insurance most commonly refers to international travel medical insurance plans designed for non-U.S. citizens who are visiting the U.S. for a period of time—typically less than one year.
There are two main types of visitors travel insurance:
• A limited policy, also called a fixed benefits policy. Fixed benefit plans are more affordable but have limited coverage. These plans have a maximum fixed coverage amount for each medical service or condition.
• A comprehensive policy. Comprehensive plans are more expensive but provide more robust coverage than limited plans.
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