Best Medical Insurance for USA Visitors
Healthcare in the U.S. is among the most expensive in the world. Even a short hospital visit can cost thousands of dollars, making medical insurance for USA visitors essential.
Whether you’re traveling for tourism, business, or family reasons, especially if you’re arranging coverage for parents visiting the USA, a good travel medical insurance plan can protect you from unexpected medical expenses, emergencies, and hospital bills.
Several visitors’ insurance plans in the USA offer comprehensive coverage for non-U.S. residents staying up to 364 days, providing peace of mind from the moment your trip begins.
Here are some of the most trusted and popular medical insurance plans for USA visitors that you can easily compare and buy through OnshoreKare.
Top Medical Insurance Plans for USA Visitors in 2025
Each plan offers different maximum coverage limits, which define the upper limit of benefits available under the policy. Understanding these limits is crucial when comparing options.
| Plan Name | Plan Type | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| SafeVista Protect | Comprehensive Coverage | Includes emergency medical and evacuation coverage; offers acute onset of pre-existing condition protection; access to PPO network hospitals. |
| INF Premier | Pre-existing Conditions Coverage | Covers pre-existing conditions comprehensively; provides emergency services and hospitalisation benefits; suitable for visitors with known medical conditions. |
| Visitors Care | Limited Coverage | Offers essential protection for illness or injury; ideal for short trips and basic coverage needs; includes access to reliable medical facilities. |
| VisitorSecure | Limited Coverage | Covers emergency treatment and doctor visits; provides acute onset of pre-existing condition benefits; flexible for short-duration travel. |
| Atlas America | Comprehensive Coverage | Offers extensive medical and travel assistance benefits; includes coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions; strong PPO hospital network. |
| Patriot America Plus | Comprehensive Coverage | Designed for senior travellers and parents visiting the USA; covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions; includes emergency evacuation and assistance. |
| INF Elite | Pre-existing Conditions Coverage | Provides coverage for pre-existing conditions; includes hospitalisation and urgent care benefits; ideal for older or high-risk travellers. |
| Safe Travels USA Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation; includes repatriation of remains; suitable for families and long-stay visitors. |
Compare travel medical insurance for USA visitors.
Some of these are comprehensive coverage plans, offering extensive protection and broader benefits, while others are scheduled benefit plans, providing limited, predefined coverage and often being more affordable.
All these plans can be compared and purchased online at OnshoreKare.com, allowing you to evaluate coverage, pricing, and pre-existing condition benefits. Be sure to review the plan document for each option to understand the full details of coverage, exclusions, and benefits, as these can vary by plan and state.
When choosing a plan, consider the cost relative to the benefits and coverage provided to ensure you select the best value for your needs.
Why Visitors to the USA Need Medical Insurance
The U.S. healthcare system primarily operates on a private-pay model, and treatment costs are high for those without insurance.
Domestic health insurance plans from your home country generally do not apply here, as these plans typically offer limited or no coverage for international travelers, especially in the event of a medical emergency.
Even a simple doctor consultation in the USA can cost hundreds of dollars, while hospitalization may run into tens of thousands.
A USA visitors medical insurance plan offers:
- Emergency medical and hospitalisation coverage in case of a medical emergency
- Financial protection against unexpected illness or injury
- Access to quality hospitals through PPO networks
- Assistance in emergencies, including evacuation or repatriation
Visitor insurance plans also include important emergency services, such as travel assistance, medical evacuation, and repatriation, which are critical for travelers facing urgent situations abroad.
Without such protection, travellers would need to pay out of pocket, often at rates unaffordable for most visitors.
What Does Travel Medical Insurance for USA Visitors Cover?
A travel medical insurance or visitor health insurance plan provides short-term health coverage while you are in the United States. These plans are designed for international travellers staying for short durations, usually between five and 364 days.
Travel medical insurance plans that cover pre-existing conditions, such as INF Elite and INF Premier, may require a minimum purchase of 90 days.
International travel medical insurance is specialized coverage that protects visitors to the USA against unexpected medical expenses incurred during their stay, providing essential coverage for emergencies and unforeseen health issues abroad.
Visitors’ insurance coverage includes:
| Coverage Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Care | Covers hospitalisation, surgery, and doctor visits for sudden illness or injury during the trip. |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | In a life-threatening situation, arrange transportation to the nearest qualified medical facility and, in some cases, to your home country if treatment is not available locally. It is also important to review travel medical insurance options before you travel to ensure you’re covered for such emergencies. |
| Repatriation of Remains | Covers the cost of returning the insured’s remains to their home country in case of death. |
| Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions | Provides limited coverage for a sudden and unexpected recurrence of a previously stable medical condition. |
| Additional Travel Benefits | May include limited trip interruption, lost baggage, or accidental death benefits under comprehensive coverage plans. |
| International Travel Medical Services | Includes support services like multilingual travel assistance, hospital coordination, and access to local healthcare providers. |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Some exclusive plans offer coverage of pre-existing medical conditions. |
- Most international travel medical insurance plans do not cover expected medical care, such as scheduled treatments or procedures planned before your trip.
- Some plans offer coverage as secondary coverage, meaning they pay benefits only after any other primary insurance you have has paid its share.
- Travel medical insurance can significantly reduce hospital bills that travellers may incur in the U.S. if they are uninsured, where even local ambulance services can be costly.
- Secondary coverage applies when your travel insurance acts as a supplement, covering eligible expenses only after your primary insurance benefits are exhausted.
- Most travel insurance plans offer coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions, and a select few plans cover pre-existing conditions.
Types of Visitor Insurance Plans
There are two main types of visitor insurance plans:
- Limited Coverage Plans (Fixed Benefit/Scheduled Benefit Plans)
- Comprehensive Coverage Plans
| Feature | Fixed Benefit Plan | Comprehensive Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Pays fixed benefits for each service | Covers actual eligible medical expenses after the deductible |
| Hospital Billing | Limited reimbursement | May offer Direct billing via the PPO network |
| Benefits | Lower coverage, lower premiums | Broader protection, higher coverage |
| Ideal For | Short, low-risk trips | Seniors, parents, or long duration trips |
Scheduled benefit plans are more affordable and offer limited, predefined benefits, making them suitable for travelers seeking cost-effective options.
In contrast, comprehensive coverage plans provide broader protection for medical expenses, making them ideal for those seeking more comprehensive coverage during their stay.
Do you need a comprehensive coverage or a limited coverage plan?
Both are designed for non-U.S. residents visiting for up to 364 days.
How Much Does Medical Insurance for USA Visitors Cost?
The cost of visitor insurance in the USA depends on age, coverage limit, coverage duration, and plan type.
Some plans cost less than $1 per day for younger travelers, making them affordable for short stays. The insurance premiums increase for senior travelers. The overall cost also depends on the trip duration, with policies available for stays from five to 364 days.
Travel insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions is more expensive due to the higher risk.
| Traveller Type | Duration | Coverage | Approximate Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young adult (25 years) | Two weeks | $100,000 | $25–$50+ |
| Middle-aged traveller (45 years) | One month | $250,000 | $80–$150+ |
| Senior visitor (70 years) | One month | $50,000 | $180–$500+ |
Plans with lower coverage limits generally have lower premiums, while comprehensive plans with higher policy maximums offer more protection at a higher cost. Plans that include pre-existing condition benefits or higher emergency evacuation limits are typically priced higher.
There are many visitors’ insurance plans available, ranging from basic to comprehensive coverage, and at different price points to suit various needs.
Visitor insurance can cover unexpected medical expenses, helping you avoid large out-of-pocket payments for treatment or hospitalisation.
How to Buy Medical Insurance for USA Visitors
How to buy travel insurance? If this question is on your mind, OnshoreKare makes it straightforward:
- Enter your travel details, including age, citizenship, travel dates, and destination.
- Compare multiple plans based on coverage, cost, and pre-existing benefits.
- Select your preferred plan, for example, SafeVista Protect or INF Premier.
- Carefully review the plan document to understand the coverage, benefits, limitations, and exclusions before finalizing your purchase.
- Pay securely online and receive policy documents by email instantly.
It is highly recommended to purchase a U.S.-based plan before arrival, so coverage begins from your first day of travel. Reputable U.S.-based providers include:
Choosing a well-established insurance company is vital to ensure reliable claims processing and comprehensive coverage. A travel insurance marketplace like OnshoreKare makes it easy to evaluate multiple options from different providers.
Filing a Claim or Getting Medical Care in the USA
If you need urgent medical care:
- Contact the insurance provider’s emergency number on your ID card.
- Visit a hospital or clinic within the PPO network for direct billing. Many visitor insurance plans use United Healthcare or First Health as the PPO network, helping reduce out-of-pocket costs and streamline access to care.
- Keep all medical records and receipts for eligible expenses.
- Submit a claim form with supporting documents if reimbursement is required. Some insurance companies offer coverage through streamlined claim processes, including online portals that enable faster, more efficient claim handling.
Claims are typically processed within 30 days, and reimbursements are made via bank transfer or cheque.
Please note: direct billing may be available in select plans; in others, you may need to pay the medical bills and then claim a reimbursement by filing a travel insurance claim.
Conclusion
Medical insurance for USA visitors provides peace of mind by covering unexpected medical expenses during your trip. It protects you from high healthcare costs in the USA, ensures access to reliable treatment, and supports you in emergencies through travel assistance services.
Whether you are a tourist, a business traveller, or a parent visiting your children, the right visitor health insurance safeguards your finances and your health abroad.
OnshoreKare helps you compare, select, and buy trusted visitor insurance plans online in minutes. Review benefits, check coverage options, and choose the plan that best fits your travel needs.
Protect yourself and your loved ones today. Compare medical insurance for USA visitors on OnshoreKare.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Insurance for USA Visitors
What is medical insurance for USA visitors, and how does it differ from regular travel insurance?
Medical insurance for USA visitors is short-term health coverage designed for non-U.S. residents traveling to the United States. It covers eligible medical expenses, such as hospital stays, doctor visits, and emergency services. Unlike general travel insurance, which focuses on trip cancellations or lost luggage, travel medical insurance protects you from unexpected medical expenses and emergencies during your stay in the U.S.
Do I need medical insurance for USA visitors if I already have health insurance in my home country?
Yes. Domestic health insurance from your home country usually doesn’t cover medical treatment in the U.S. Without visitor insurance, you may have to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for healthcare. Buying visitor medical insurance for USA visitors provides financial protection, access to a PPO network of hospitals, and emergency assistance.
How much does medical insurance for USA visitors cost, and what factors affect the price?
The cost of visitor insurance in the USA ranges from $30 to $500 or more per month, depending on several factors such as age, coverage limit, trip duration, and plan type. Some travel medical insurance plans cost less than $1 per day for young travelers. Comprehensive plans with higher policy maximums cost more than fixed benefit plans but offer greater protection and benefits.
What types of visitor medical insurance plans are available for USA visitors?
There are two main types of visitor insurance plans: Fixed Benefit Plans and Comprehensive Coverage Plans. Fixed Benefit Plans provide limited benefits per service at lower premiums, while Comprehensive Plans cover eligible medical expenses after the deductible. Both types of visitors’ insurance are designed for international travelers visiting the USA for up to 364 days.
Does medical insurance for USA visitors cover pre-existing conditions?
Most visitor medical insurance plans do not cover pre-existing conditions, but may offer coverage for acute-onset pre-existing conditions. This benefit covers a sudden and unexpected recurrence of a stable condition that requires urgent medical care. Travel insurance plans like INF Premier and INF Elite provide pre-existing condition coverage, while plans such as SafeVista Protect and VisitorSecure include acute-onset coverage.
What does travel medical insurance for USA visitors typically cover?
Travel medical insurance plans generally cover emergency medical treatment for illness or injury, hospitalization, ambulance services, and prescriptions. They also include emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, and sometimes trip interruption or accidental death benefits. These benefits help travelers manage unexpected medical expenses while visiting the United States.
How long can I buy a visitor medical insurance plan for the USA, and can I extend it?
You can purchase visitor insurance plans for as little as 5 days or up to 364 days. Many plans can be renewed if you extend your stay. It’s best to match your policy period to your travel dates and renew before it expires. Platforms like OnshoreKare make it easy to compare, buy, and renew coverage.
Can I purchase medical insurance for USA visitors after arriving in the U.S.?
Yes, you can buy travel medical insurance after arriving in the United States. It’s best to purchase before departure to ensure you’re covered from the first day of travel. U.S.-based providers such as IMG, WorldTrips, Trawick International, and Seven Corners offer flexible plans for international visitors.
Will hospitals in the USA accept visitor medical insurance for direct billing?
Many visitor insurance plans include PPO network participation, which allows hospitals and doctors in the network to bill the insurance company directly. This means you may not need to pay upfront for major treatments. In cases where you have to pay upfront to the hospital, you can file a claim with the insurance provider for reimbursement.
Can family members or parents visiting the USA be covered under one policy?
Yes, many visitor insurance providers allow family members or parents visiting the USA to be covered under one policy if they travel together. However, if family members have different travel dates or age groups, it’s usually better to buy separate plans for personalized coverage. For senior visitors, plans such as Patriot America Plus, INF Premier, or SafeVista Protect offer excellent protection.
