The United States is one of the most popular destinations for international travelers, whether for tourism, family visits, or business. However, the U.S. also has one of the most expensive healthcare systems in the world. That raises a very important question: Can a visitor to the USA get medical insurance?
The short answer is yes — visitors can and should purchase medical insurance for their stay in the USA. In this guide, we’ll break down how it works, who it’s for, and the best medical insurance for visitors to the USA. We’ll also provide helpful resources to compare plans and get the coverage you need.
Why Do Visitors Need Medical Insurance in the USA?
Healthcare in the U.S. is not free for tourists or temporary visitors. A simple visit to the emergency room can cost upwards of $2,000. If you are hospitalized or require surgery, bills can quickly run into tens of thousands of dollars.
Without insurance, visitors are responsible for paying 100% of the costs out of pocket. That’s why having travel medical insurance for USA visitors is essential for financial protection and peace of mind.
Who Can Buy Medical Insurance as a Visitor?
Almost any non-U.S. resident visiting the U.S. can purchase visitor medical insurance, including:
- Tourists on a B1/B2 visa
- Parents visiting children in the USA
- Business travelers
- International students prior to school insurance coverage
- Visitors from visa waiver countries (ESTA)
✅ Note: U.S. citizens living abroad (expats) visiting the U.S. may also need short-term medical insurance, as Medicare or local overseas coverage may not apply.
Types of Medical Insurance for Visitors to the USA
There are two main categories of visitor medical insurance:
1. Fixed Benefit Plans
These are low-cost plans that pay a set amount for each covered medical service. They are budget-friendly but come with more out-of-pocket expenses and lower coverage limits.
Best for: Healthy travelers on a budget and short trips.
2. Comprehensive Plans
These offer higher coverage limits and more flexible benefits, including:
- Emergency room visits
- Doctor consultations
- Prescription drugs
- Hospitalization
- Emergency medical evacuation
Some plans also cover COVID-19 treatment and acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
Best for: Senior travelers, long-term visits, and anyone seeking more robust protection.
What Does Visitor Medical Insurance Cover?
Most visitor health insurance for the USA covers:
- Emergency medical care
- Accidents and injuries
- Illness (including flu, infections, etc.)
- Hospital room and board
- Surgery and anesthesia
- Lab tests and X-rays
- Urgent care visits
- Emergency dental (limited)
- Prescription medication
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation
💡 Some plans also offer telemedicine, which is useful for non-critical consultations.
What’s Not Covered?
Like all insurance, visitor policies have exclusions. These commonly include:
- Routine checkups or preventive care
- Vision and dental (except for emergencies)
- Cosmetic surgery
- Pregnancy and childbirth (most plans)
- Long-term treatment
- Mental health services (unless specified)
Always read the policy details to understand what is and isn’t covered.
Top Medical Insurance Providers for Visitors to the USA
Here are some of the most trusted companies offering medical insurance for USA visitors:
1. IMG Global – Patriot America Plus
- Coverage up to $1 million
- Acute onset of pre-existing conditions
- COVID-19 treatment included
- Choice of deductibles and limits
Best for: Comprehensive protection for visitors of all ages.
2. WorldTrips – Atlas America
- Up to $2 million in coverage
- Covers travelers up to age 79
- Includes telemedicine and urgent care
- Acute onset of pre-existing conditions
Best for: Senior travelers and longer visits.
3. Seven Corners – Liaison Travel Plus
- Strong benefits for medical emergencies
- Trip interruption and baggage loss options
- Pre-existing condition coverage for younger travelers
Best for: Balanced coverage with flexibility.
4. Trawick International – Safe Travels USA Comprehensive
- Great for older travelers
- Covers COVID-19
- In-network discounts through PPOs
Best for: Parents visiting the U.S. and senior travelers.
You can compare these plans on aggregator sites like:
These sites allow you to filter plans by age, coverage, duration, and budget.
How to Buy Medical Insurance as a Visitor
Getting medical insurance for your U.S. visit is easy:
✅ Step 1: Choose Your Coverage Type
Decide between fixed or comprehensive coverage based on your health needs and budget.
✅ Step 2: Compare Plans
Use platforms like VisitorsCoverage or Insubuy to compare benefits and read customer reviews.
✅ Step 3: Enter Travel Dates and Age
Insurance prices are based on duration of stay, your age, and chosen deductible/coverage limit.
✅ Step 4: Purchase and Get Instant Policy
Once you buy the policy online, you’ll receive instant confirmation and ID cards by email.
Final Thoughts: Can a Visitor to the USA Get Medical Insurance?
So, can a visitor to the USA get medical insurance? Absolutely. In fact, it’s one of the most important preparations international travelers can make before arriving in the U.S.
Visitor insurance provides essential financial protection against the sky-high medical costs in the United States. Whether you’re staying for a few days or several months, having a reliable policy can make all the difference in an emergency.
Explore and compare plans today through trusted platforms like Insubuy or VisitorsCoverage, and enjoy your trip knowing you’re protected.
