Best US Health Insurance for UK Citizens in 2024 

Planning a US visit this year from the UK? It is a chance to create unforgettable memories together! But amidst the excitement, there is an important detail to consider: their health. The US healthcare system can be confusing and costly, with even minor medical issues leading to hefty bills. Visitor insurance can be a lifesaver, providing financial support in case of unexpected medical emergencies or illnesses during their visit. 

Table of Contents: 

• Why do UK Visitors Need Visitor Insurance in the US? 
• The Best Insurance Plans for UK Visitors in 2024 
• FAQs 
• Conclusion 

Why do UK Visitors Need Visitor Insurance in the US? 

1. High US healthcare costs: The US healthcare system is known for its inflated costs. Even seemingly minor medical issues can result in significant bills. Without visitor insurance, tourists could face a substantial financial burden if they require medical care during their visit. 
2. Unexpected emergencies: Accidents and illnesses can happen anytime, anywhere. Visitor insurance provides peace of mind knowing visitors are covered for unforeseen medical emergencies during their US visit, allowing them to focus on enjoying the trip. 
3. Unfamiliar healthcare system: Navigating a foreign healthcare system can be overwhelming. Visitor insurance often includes benefits like medical assistance services, which can help visitors find qualified doctors, understand procedures, and translate communication with medical professionals. 

The Best Insurance Plans for UK Citizens in 2024 

1. Safe Travels USA Comprehensive 

Safe Travels USA Comprehensive is an affordable, comprehensive visitor insurance plan for US visitors, making it an ideal policy for senior citizens, offering coverage from 5 days to 364 days (about 12 months). The plan is available until the age of 89 years. It covers medical and accident expenses, medical evacuation, repatriation, COVID-19, doctor wellness visits, trip interruption, baggage loss, and more.  

What does it offer? 

• Choice of five plan limits (varies per age)– $50,000, $100,000, $250,000, $500,000 or $1,000,000. 

• 100% co-insurance after deductible 

• COVID-19 is treated like any other illness. 

• $125 Doctor Wellness Visit Benefit 

• Emergency medical evacuation – up to $2,000,000. 

• Medically necessary repatriation up to $15,000 

• Trip Interruption coverage up to $5,000 

• Accidental Death and Dismemberment up to $25,000 

Any special features? 

• Optional Athletic Sports coverage, Home country coverage, and 24-hour AD&D. 

• Mental/Nervous disorder up to $2,500. 

• Dental treatment up to $250 for injury or pain to a sound natural tooth. 

2. Patriot America Plus  

Patriot America Plus is ideal for elderly parents coming to the US from their home country. The plan is available for individuals14 days (about 2 weeks) to 99 years, making it ideal for 70+ senior travelers. It offers benefits such as hospitalization, prescription drugs, and urgent care visits. It can be purchased from 5 days to 12 months and then renewed up to 2 years.  

What does it offer? 

• Choice of plan limits (can vary per age)- $50,000, $100,000, $500,000, and $1 million. 

• Choice of deductibles- $0, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or $2,500 

• $25 copay for urgent care and $15 copay for walk-in clinic. 

• Coinsurance is waived in-network. 

• Prescription drugs and medicines up to the maximum limit 

• Emergency medical evacuation up to $1,000,000 

• Accidental Death and Dismemberment up to $50,000. 

Any special features? 

• Optional riders are available for Adventure Sports (for ages up to 65 years) 

• Optional riders for Enhanced AD&D (for individuals only), Evacuation Plus and Chaperone/Faculty Leader (for groups only). 

• Traumatic dental injury for an accident is up to the maximum limit. 

• Dental Treatment to sound natural teeth up to $300. 

3. Visit USA 

Visit USA is a comprehensive visitor insurance plan that offers 3 categories of policies to the senior UK travelers- Budget Plan, Standard Plan, and Superior Plan. The age eligibility is from 14 days (about 2 weeks) to 80 years and above. Some plans cover up to 69 years (Plan B for both Budget and Standard plan). It can be purchased from 5 days to 364 days (about 12 months).  

What does it offer? 

• Choice of policy maximum- $50,000, $75,000, $150,000, $200,000, and $250,000. 

• Choice of deductibles- $0, $50, $100, $250, $500, and $1000. 

• $50 co-payment for Urgent Care Visits (waived with a $0 deductible) with the Standard and Superior Plan 

• Emergency medical evacuation up to $500,000 

• Emergency reunion up to $15,000 

• COVID-19 coverage is included for all categories of plans.  

Any special features? 

• Medical Evacuation up to $250,000 lifetime maximum 

• Repatriation up to $50,000 or $5,000 for cremation or burial 

• Pregnancy complications up to the first 26 weeks (about 6 months) 

• Dental accidents up to $1,000. 

4. Safe Travels Elite

Safe Travels Elite is the best seller fixed benefit plan available to visitors. The plan is available from ages 14 days (about 2 weeks) to 89 years, offering coverage from 5 days to 364 days (about 12 months), including medical illnesses and accidents acute on-set of pre-existing conditions, well doctor visit, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, with sub-limits. 

What does it offer? 

• Choice of policy maximum- $25,000, $50,000, $75,000, $100,000, and $175,000 

• $125 for Well Doctor Visit 

• Covers one Acute Onset episode of a Pre-Existing condition. 

• COVID-19 covered as any other illness. 

Any special features? 

• Doctor Visits $100 per visit (1 visit per day, 30 visits per injury sickness). 

• Prescription drugs $350 per injury sickness. 

• Dental accidents $750 max 

• Medical Evacuation coverage 

• Ambulance $650 per injury sickness.  

FAQs 

Is visitor insurance mandatory for UK visitors coming to the US? 

No, visitor insurance is not mandatory by law. However, it is strongly recommended due to the excessive cost of medical care in the US. Even a minor medical issue could result in a significant financial burden. 

How much visitor insurance coverage should a UK visitor get for a US trip? 

The recommended amount depends on factors like the duration of the trip, age of the visitor, and potential health risks. It is advisable to choose a plan with higher coverage limits to ensure adequate financial protection. 

What about coverage for medical evacuation or repatriation? 

This is crucial. Unexpected emergencies might require them to return home for medical care. Look for plans with evacuation and repatriation coverage. 

What about dental emergencies? 

Visitor insurance plans do not cover regular dental issues. Some plans can cover dental emergency for unexpected pain or abscesses to a naturally sound tooth. 

What if a UK visitor needs to be medically evacuated back to the UK during their US trip? 

This depends on the plan. Some visitor insurance plans offer medical repatriation coverage, which includes the costs associated with transporting the insured person back to their home country for further medical treatment in an emergency. 

Can UK visitors get visitor insurance that covers adventure activities planned during their US trip? 

Some visitor insurance plans offer optional add-on coverage for specific activities like skiing, snowboarding, or other adventure sports. These add-ons typically come at an additional cost. 

Conclusion 

Unexpected medical situations can quickly turn a joyful trip into a stressful ordeal. Visitor insurance acts as a security, shielding you from the financial burden of US healthcare costs. By understanding your options, choosing the right coverage plan, and being prepared, you can ensure everyone enjoys a worry-free and unforgettable US adventure together. 

Are you looking for a visitor insurance plan? Feel free to contact Visitor Guard®.