Visitor Insurance for the USA – Compare & Buy 50+ Plans

Comprehensive plans pay a percentage of eligible medical expenses after the deductible, up to the policy maximum, and generally offer PPO network discounts. Fixed-benefit plans pay a predetermined dollar amount for each covered service, typically have lower premiums, and generally do not provide PPO network discounts. Prescription medications for both plan types may require payment upfront and reimbursement, depending on the policy.

No, Visitor insurance is generally not required by U.S. federal law for every visitor, but having medical coverage is strongly recommended because healthcare costs in the USA can be high. Certain visas,and programs, such as the J-1 exchange visitors,  may have specific insurance required by the U.S. Department of State to maintain specific levels of health insurance coverage throughout their stay.

USA visitor insurance can start at under $1 per day for basic, limited-benefit plans. The cost depends mainly on the traveler’s age, length of the trip, policy maximum, deductible, and type of plan. For example, for a 50-year-old traveling to the USA for 30 days, comprehensive coverage may cost approximately $110–$135 per month, while fixed-benefit plans may range from $27–$47 per month, depending on the selected policy maximum and deductible. Older travelers, longer trips, higher policy maximums, lower deductibles, and more comprehensive coverage generally result in higher premiums.

Yes. Visitor insurance is available for elderly parents and seniors traveling to the USA, with many plans offering coverage up to age 89+. Depending on the plan, coverage typically includes doctor visits, urgent care, emergency hospitalization, and prescription medications for new illness or injuries. Select plans also provide limited coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions, subject to age limits, exclusions, and policy terms. For older travelers, benefits, eligibility, and coverage for pre-existing or age-related conditions vary by plan.

Most visitor insurance plans exclude routine treatment for pre-existing conditions, but some provide limited coverage for the acute onset of a pre-existing condition typically defined as a sudden, unexpected recurrence requiring immediate medical attention. Coverage varies by plan, including differences between chronic and non-chronic conditions.

Visitor Guard® plans utilize top U.S. PPO networks, including UnitedHealthcare, and First Health. Using an in-network doctor or hospital allows care providers to bill the insurance company directly, providing direct, cashless payment processing for eligible claims.

Yes. You can purchase visitor insurance after arriving in the USA. However, existing symptoms or a known medical condition may be excluded as a pre-existing condition, and purchasing a policy after symptoms begin generally does not provide coverage for that existing condition. Some plans may also have waiting periods for new illnesses. While coverage can be purchased after arrival, it is generally best to have insurance in place before leaving your home country to avoid gaps in coverage.

Yes. Most travel medical plans cover prescription medications needed to treat a new, covered illness or injury during the trip. Coverage, copays, and reimbursement requirements vary by plan. Most policies require travelers to pay at the pharmacy and submit the expense for reimbursement.

Both comprehensive and fixed-benefit plans can be renewed if the policy is renewable and renewed before the current policy expires. Extensions can typically be completed online through the insurance portal, and many providers send an extension option to the email address used during enrollment. Depending on the plan and provider, coverage may be extended from a few additional days up to a maximum of 364 days and then more.

At an in-network PPO provider, eligible medical claims may be billed directly to the insurance company. If you pay out-of-pocket, you can typically submit the claim online with the required claim form, itemized bills, receipts, and medical records for reimbursement. Claim procedures vary by plan and provider. Detailed instructions are provided in the Fulfillment documents once you submit the application.

Many visitor insurance plans provide access to PPO networks across the United States. Your ID card will have the logo as well as the number to reach the PPO Network it uses. Using participating providers can make it easier to access care and, when available, have eligible services billed directly to the insurance company. 

 PPO Network: Access participating doctors, hospitals, urgent care centers, and other providers across the U.S. 

• Lower Costs: In-network care may offer lower out-of-pocket costs, depending on your plan. 

• Cashless Care: Participating providers may bill the insurance company directly for eligible covered services. 

• Out-of-Network Care: You may need to pay first and submit a claim for reimbursement. 

Networks, benefits, billing, and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan.