Is Visitor Insurance Available for Long-Term Trips to the USA (6 to 12 Months)? 

When parents, relatives, or international travelers visit the United States for an extended stay—six months, nine months, or even up to a year—healthcare protection becomes a top priority. The US is known for its advanced medical care, but the costs are among the highest in the world. A single emergency room visit can cost thousands of dollars. That is why families often ask: 

“Is visitor insurance available for long-term trips to the USA (6 to 12 months)?” 

The answer is yes—many reputable insurance providers offer flexible visitor insurance plans designed for long-term stays. In this article, we will explain how these plans work, how long you can stay covered, and what to watch for when choosing the best policy for your parents or loved ones. 

Table of Contents: 

• Understanding Visitor Insurance for Long-Term Travel 
• Coverage Duration: How Long Can You Buy Visitor Insurance? 
• Best Types of Visitor Insurance for Long-Term Trips 
• Key Benefits for Long-Term Visitor Insurance 
• Things to Watch Out For 
• Example Scenarios 
• FAQs 
• Conclusion 

Understanding Visitor Insurance for Long-Term Travel 

Visitor insurance is a short-term medical insurance plan specifically designed for foreign travelers visiting the United States. Unlike domestic health insurance, it does not require a U.S. address, citizenship, or a Social Security number. These plans are ideal for individuals who plan to stay temporarily and want financial protection against unexpected medical emergencies. 

What makes visitor insurance appealing for long-term stays is its flexibility. Most insurers allow you to buy coverage anywhere from 5 days up to 364 days (almost 12 months). Depending on the company, you may also have the option to renew or extend the policy if your parents decide to stay longer. 

This makes visitor insurance an ideal choice for: 

• Parents visiting children or grandchildren for several months 
• Tourists with extended vacations 
• Business travelers with long assignments 
• Retirees exploring the US 

Coverage Duration: How Long Can You Buy Visitor Insurance? 

Most US-based visitor insurance plans offer flexible durations: 

• Minimum Coverage: 5–10 days (depending on the insurer) 
• Maximum Coverage: Up to 364 days at any given time during one policy term 
• Extensions: Many plans allow renewals, meaning you can extend coverage beyond the initial purchase period if you apply before expiration 

Example: If your parents are staying in the US for 11 months, you could buy a 6-month policy and later extend it for another 5 months or buy an 11-month policy upfront by paying the entire premium.  

Best Types of Visitor Insurance for Long-Term Trips 

When choosing long-term visitor insurance, consider plans that are renewable and provide comprehensive coverage. Here are the two main categories: 

1. Comprehensive Coverage Plans 

For long-term trips, these are the most popular plans. They offer a certain percentage of coverage  (often 80–100% of eligible expenses) after the deductible has been met. Benefits included in such plans : 

• Hospitalization 
• Doctor visits 
• Emergency medical evacuation 
• Repatriation 
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment 
• Prescription drugs 
• Acute onset of pre-existing conditions (in many plans) 

Examples include: 

• Safe Travels USA Comprehensive 
• Patriot America Plus 
• Visitors Protect 
• Venbrook Premier 

2. Fixed-Benefit Plans 

These plans have set limits for each service (e.g., $2,500 for surgery, $1500 per hospital room per day). While they are usually less expensive, they are not recommended for long-term stays because medical costs in the US can easily exceed fixed benefits. 

Examples include: 

• Safe Travels Elite 
• Visitors Care Lite 
• Venbrook Essential 
• Visitors Secure 

Key Benefits for Long-Term Visitor Insurance 

• Flexibility – Buy coverage for 6, 9, or 12 months depending on your parents’ trip. 
• Renewability – Extend policies online if plans change (depending on the plan). 
• Immediate Protection – Coverage starts as early as the next day or from a future effective date you select on the application form (can be the day of departure or arrival). 
• PPO Network – Access to PPO networks and direct billing in many US hospitals. 
• Peace of Mind – Families avoid the financial stress of unexpected medical bills. 

Things to Watch Out For 

While visitor insurance is available for up to a year, keep these points in mind: 

• Maximum Age Limits: Some plans restrict coverage for travelers above age 80. 
• Pre-Existing Conditions: Most plans include only the acute onset of pre-existing conditions and not routine treatments. 
• Renewal Rules: Not all policies are renewable; always check before purchase. 
• Deductibles & Policy Maximums: Choose wisely based on expected needs. Higher coverage limits (like $100,000–$500,000) are recommended for longer stays. 

Example Scenarios 

Scenario 1: Parents Visiting for 6 Months 

You can buy a 6-month visitor insurance policy that covers their entire trip. If they extend their stay, you can renew the plan before it expires. 

Scenario 2: Parents Visiting for 12 Months or more 

At any given time, plans can be purchased for upto 364 days.  You can purchase coverage for 364 days and then renew or buy a new plan if needed. Do remember that you will need to pay the premium upfront for the number of days you apply for. If the plan is renewable, you can buy it for 3 months and keep renewing the plan as needed. Scenario 3: Retired Couple Traveling Across the US 

A comprehensive visitor insurance plan with strong PPO network coverage ensures they can access hospitals in multiple states without worrying about massive out-of-pocket costs. 

FAQs 

1. Can I buy visitor insurance for 12 months in one go? 

Yes, many insurers allow to buy policies up to 364 days.

2. What happens if my parents extend their US stay beyond the policy period? 

If the plan is a renewable plan, you can renew or extend coverage online, provided you do so before the policy expires. 

3. Can seniors above 70 get long-term visitor insurance? 

Yes. Coverage limits may be lower, and premiums for this age usually are higher. Plans like Safe Travels Elite and Visitors Protect are good options for seniors. 

4. Can I cancel the insurance if my parents return early? 

Yes, most plans allow cancellations with refunds for unused days (minus a small cancellation fee) provided there are no claims. If there is a claim, there is no refund. 

5. Does visitor insurance cover pre-existing conditions for long trips? 

Many plans include coverage for  acute onset of non-chronic pre-existing conditions, and  not routine care. Always check the plan details. 

6. Is it better to buy one long policy or two shorter ones? 

One long policy avoids gaps in coverage as one can forget to renew. However, some families prefer splitting into two shorter terms for flexibility in premium payment. 

7. Will coverage work across all US states? 

Yes, visitor insurance works in all US states.  

8. Can I buy long-term visitor insurance after my parents arrive in the US? 

Yes, but do remember that coverage can start as early as the next day. So, any illness/injury that occurred during the time before the effective date will be excluded from coverage. Some plans may have waiting periods for acute onset of pre-existing condition (typically 48 hours) Accidents are usually covered immediately. 

Conclusion 

Visitor insurance is not just for short trips. If your parents or loved ones are staying in the US for 6 to 12 months, you can absolutely find coverage that fits their needs. With flexible terms, renewable options, and strong benefits, these plans ensure long-term visitors are protected against the high costs of US healthcare. 

For more information, visit www.visitorguard.com.