Why do UK travelers need travel medical insurance when visiting the USA?
A recent survey by a International travel insurance showed that over 4 million British travelers went without medical insurance while traveling outside their home country (as reported in the International Travel and Health Insurance Journal, Issue 164).
Many thought that insurance was not needed while traveling within Europe, although nearly 10% reported having to pay for medical expenses while on their holiday. Furthermore, according to Sainsbury’s Travel Insurance, the average cost of an overseas medical claim for British travelers was £1,088.
The average claim in the US, however was more than double this at £2,851, by far the highest average of the 9 countries listed. Main causes of claims were found to be accident, ear/nose/throat conditions, stomach conditions, respiratory conditions, bites or stings, and infectious disease.
Travelers travelling anywhere outside of their home on a vacation during the pandemic require a good travel medical insurance to be safe. The new SAR’s Delta and C.1.2 variant virus is considered highly infectious and are transmitted easily even for the fully vaccinated individual. All travelers from the UK or US require visitors medical insurance while they plan for a holiday.
From reading these and other articles, it seems that coverage purchased in the UK can be quite expensive for holiday travel and furthermore travelers must list pre-existing conditions. If pre-existing conditions are not listed, then they are denied coverage for these conditions should they suffer from these whilst away from home.
Luckily, UK and other international travelers can easily purchase international medical insurance plans from US providers. These policies are often more affordable than European options, especially for trips that do not include the United States.
Travelers can use our Visitors medical insurance comparison tool to compare prices and coverage of different policies. Some policies offer coverage for pre-existing conditions (there is no list of diseases to be mentioned in the application). Be sure you select your destination as either "US only" or "all nations including US" or "all nations excluding US" and your citizenship as "US" or "non-US" to get an accurate price quote.
While comprehensive travel health insurance plans like Patriot America Plus provide coverage for acute onset of pre existing condition up to the age of 70, comprehensive plans like Atlas Travel and Atlas Premium from WorldTrips extend their coverage for acute onset of pre existing condition for the age range of 70 - 79 with a policy maximum as high as $100,000 to $250,000.
Travel Medical plans is another set of very good comprehensive plans with worldwide coverage availability for people traveling out of their home country.
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive can provide coverage for acute onset of pre existing condition with a policy maximum of $50,000 for people up to age 69.
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive
A holiday experience should be relaxing and as carefree as possible. Insure yourself and your loved ones before you travel for peace of mind and for help with your medical bills should you incur any! As always, we wish you safe and happy travels.
INF travel insurance
INF offers excellent visitors medical insurance in the United States which includes adequate coverage for dental, loss of checked luggage, medical emergencies and accidents incurred while traveling. Following are the best US travel insurance.
Is health insurance for UK travelers to the USA necessary?
Yes, US health insurance is highly recommended for visitors due to the high cost of medical care in the country. Without insurance, even minor treatments can be expensive, and emergency care or hospitalization can result in overwhelming bills.
Having travel health insurance ensures coverage for unexpected illnesses, accidents, and medical emergencies, protecting travelers from financial burdens. Many home-country insurance plans do not provide coverage in the US, making it essential to have a separate policy.
For certain visa holders, such as those on a J1 visa, having health insurance is a mandatory requirement. Insurance offers peace of mind, allowing visitors to enjoy their trip without worrying about potential medical expenses.
Who needs US travel insurance?
US travel insurance is essential for various types of travelers, including:
- International Tourists – Visitors to the US should have insurance to cover high medical costs in case of emergencies.
- Business Travelers – Professionals traveling for work can benefit from coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost baggage.
- Students on F1 & J1 Visas – Many US universities require international students to have health insurance coverage.
- Senior Travelers & Parents Visiting the US – Older travelers are more prone to medical issues, making insurance crucial for their safety.
- US Citizens Traveling Abroad – Those traveling outside the US may need coverage for medical emergencies, trip delays, and evacuations.
- Expatriates & Digital Nomads – Long-term travelers and expats can benefit from comprehensive coverage for extended stays.
- Cruise Travelers – Medical facilities on cruise ships are limited, and insurance can help with emergencies and evacuations.
Can I get travel insurance after arriving in the USA?
Yes, you can still purchase travel insurance after arriving in the US, but there are a few important factors to consider:
- Waiting Period – Some plans impose a waiting period (24-48 hours) before coverage becomes active if purchased after arrival.
- Limited Coverage Options – Certain benefits, such as coverage for pre-existing conditions or trip cancellation, may not be available for late purchases.
- Higher Premiums – Some policies may have slightly higher premiums if bought after arrival.
- Eligibility Criteria – Not all companies offer plans for travelers who have already entered the US, so it’s important to choose one that allows post-arrival purchases.
Is it better to buy travel insurance from USA or UK?
When selecting a
travel insurance for the USA, US-based travel insurance is a better option for UK visitors due to key advantages:
- US-based insurers provide access to Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) networks, allowing healthcare services with direct billing options.
- The US does not have universal healthcare, and medical expenses can be extremely high. US-based insurers provide higher coverage limits and better benefits to meet these costs compared to UK policies.
- UK travel insurance plans often focus on trip cancellations and baggage loss, while US-based travel insurance offers coverage for medical emergencies, hospital stays, and repatriation.
- Many USA travel insurance plans cover the acute onset of pre-existing conditions, which UK-based policies generally exclude or offer with limitations.
- US-based travel insurance simplifies access to healthcare and emergency support, as insurers are well-versed in the US healthcare system, enabling quicker response times during emergencies.
UK travelers can compare and buy the best medical insurance for visitors to USA on American Visitor Insurance online. For more details please contact us at
(877)-340-7910 or
email and one of our licensed agents to get help finding best travel insurance for US visitors from the UK.
How much does visitor health insurance USA cost?
Healthcare in the U.S. is extremely expensive, and without good travel health insurance, even a simple doctor’s visit can become a financial burden. In 2025, the cost of travel health insurance for visitors to the US ranges between $20 and $172 per month, depending on the age, the insurance company, the type of visitors insurance, the coverage limits, and whether you want coverage for pre-existing conditions. If you are looking for a cheap option, some plans cost as little as $1 to $5 per day, making it an affordable way to stay covered.
Why is travel insurance USA is so important ? A routine doctor’s visit can cost between $250 to $350, while a heart attack will leave you with a bill of at least $25,000. If you need to stay in the ICU after a stroke, the cost can exceed $150,000. Even something as routine as an echocardiogram ranges from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on where you get it. Emergency treatments for conditions like diabetes complications cost anywhere from $3,500 to $7,000, and if you need treatment for kidney failure, expect to pay over $30,000.
How much does cheap visitor insurance in USA cost?
Cheap visitor health insurance for visitors to USA starts at $19 per month for fixed benefit plans.
The cost of visitor insurance is calculated based on one-month quotes.
Plan Name |
Plan max range |
Deductible |
Age 35 |
Age 55 |
Age 75 |
Safe Travels Advantage |
$25,000 - $150,000 |
$0 |
$19 - $54 |
$29 - $82 |
$59 -$160 |
Visitors care |
$25,000 - $100,000 |
$100 |
$19 - $41 |
$29 - $62 |
$64 - $144 |
Safe Travels Elite |
$25,000 - $175,000 |
$0 |
$25 - $71 |
$36 - $110 |
$105 - $150 |
Visit USA Budget |
$50,000 - $150,000 |
$250 |
$30 - $49 |
$42 -$74 |
$81 |
VisitorSecure |
$50,000 - $130,000 |
$100 |
$31 - $55 |
$46 - $84 |
$93 - $135 |
Travel Medical USA visitor basic |
$50,000 - $150,000 |
$100 |
$39 - $47 |
$56 - $68 |
$178 - $196 |
Source:
American Visitor Insurance®
How much does the best comprehensive visitor insurance cost per month?
The cost of comprehensive visitor insurance starts around $53 month, depending on factors such as age, coverage limits, deductible, and optional add-ons. Higher-tier plans with extensive coverage, including pre-existing condition benefits and lower deductibles, tend to be more expensive. On average, a good comprehensive health insurance plan costs $58 to $108 per month for a 35 year old traveler.
The best visitor health insurance for visitors to USA cost is calculated based on one-month quotes.
Plan name |
Plan maximum |
Age 35 |
Age 55 |
Age 75 |
Atlas Essential America |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 |
$53 - $98 |
$117 - $200 |
$244 - $326 |
Visitors Preferred |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 |
$53 - $99 |
$123 -$231 |
$244 |
Patriot America Plus |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 |
$57 - $106 |
$124 - $235 |
$279 - $420 |
Safe Travels USA |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 |
$57 - $103 |
$123 - $227 |
$244 - $321 |
VenbrookPremier |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 |
$58 - $104 |
$129 - $240 |
$352 - $437 |
Atlas America |
$50,000 - $2,000,000 |
$58 - $114 |
$127 - $253 |
$344 - $429 |
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 |
$66 - $122 |
$143 - $269 |
$285 - $455 |
Atlas Premium America |
$50,000 - $2,000,000 |
$72 - $142 |
$158 - $316 |
$430 - $537 |
Diplomat America |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 |
$81 - $142 |
$176 - $303 |
$342 |
Travel Medical Choice |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 |
$98 - $173 |
$186 - $333 |
$736 - $1,000 |
Patriot America Platinum |
$1,000,000 - $8,000,000 |
$108 - $226 |
$240 - $494 |
$604 |
Visit USA Superior |
$250,000 |
$112 |
$233 |
$404 |
Source:
American Visitor Insurance®
Travel insurance from USA vs UK
How do I file a travel insurance claim?
Filing a travel insurance claim involves a few key steps to ensure a smooth process:
- Contact Your Insurer – Inform the company as soon as possible about the incident.
- Gather Required Documents – Collect medical reports, receipts, police reports (if applicable), and any other necessary paperwork.
- Complete the Claim Form – Accurately fill out the form provided by your insurer with all relevant details.
- Submit Your Claim – Send the completed form along with supporting documents through email or the insurer’s online portal.
- Follow Up on the Status – Keep in touch with the insurer to track progress and provide any additional information if required
Does US travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Yes, many US travel insurance plans offer pre-existing conditions coverage in US insurance, ensuring that travelers with chronic illnesses or past medical conditions receive necessary medical care during their stay. Some comprehensive plans provide coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions, while others may offer broader protection depending on the policy.
How to buy visitors insurance ? How to find the best visitor health insurance?
There are many visitor health insurance plans for coverage in the USA offered by US insurance providers. Given the several US visitor insurance options, it can be confusing to find the best health insurance for travel to USA for your needs. What is very useful in making this decision is to
compare travel insurance USA of different companies.
The US travel insurance comparison allows travelers compare prices as well as coverage benefits in an objective manner. The traveler can change relevant factors like the medical maximum coverage required, the US traveler insurance deductible, any US travel health insurance plans with coverage for pre-existing ailments.
The global travel insurance comparison also allows travelers to buy the best travel insurance based on ones needs by completing an online application and paying using a credt card. One completing the purchase the travel insurance plan is emailed to the customer.
Is visitors travel insurance a good idea? Is medical insurance required for US tourist visa?
Visitor medical insurance is not just a good idea, but a necessity! Health Care is very expensive in countries like the US, where not having
travel health insurance for USA can be catastrophic.
Having Visitors Insurance for USA visitors can be a huge relief which comes in handy during any major unexpected sickness or injury while in a foreign country. International travelers are urged to buy visitor insurance USA to have a safe sojourn outside their home country.
When should I take out travel insurance?
It is always recommended to purchase travel insurance before you depart your home country and start the travel. This is to makefull and genuine use of the insurance so that you are covered from day One when you are in a foreign country.
However, you can also purchase the insurance after arriving at your destination country. Some insurance plans might have arrival time restriction where the insurance must be purchased within 30 days after arriving in the destination. This time could be 6 months as well depending on the age of the person.
What is the best US visitors insurance with pre-existing conditions coverage?
The best US visitors insurance with pre-existing conditions coverage is listed here:
- The INF Elite plans are designed for travelers who need coverage for full pre-existing medical conditions up to age 99 years. INF Elite plans are comprehensive plans available for people traveling to the US and provide flexible coverage. Minimum Purchase of 90 days is required on the plans.
- Safe Travels USA Comprehensive offers coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to 70 years the limit is up to the medical maximum purchased per period of coverage and for any coverage related to cardiac disease, coverage is limited to $25,000.
- Atlas America Insurance is a comprehensive visitor insurance for acute on set of pre-existing conditions that covers Non-US citizens and Non-US residents while visiting the US up to age 79 years.
The plan provides acute onset of non-chronic pre-existing conditions coverage..
- Patriot America plus is Comprehensive travel insurance covers acute on set of pre-existing conditions up to chosen maximum limit aged up to 70 years. This plan is available for Non US citizens travelling to the USA and US citizens and Non US citizens living abroad can buy this plan for visiting the US for short while. Plan is suitable for Green Card holders as long as they reside outside the US.
- Visitors Protect is Comprehensive visitor medical insurance offers pre-existing conditions up to age 99 years. Minimum Purchase of 90 days is required on the plan. It is an affordable plan for visitors visiting the US.
- Safe Travels USA is a cheap travel medical insurance plan that covers sudden, unexpected recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition for Non-US Citizens and Non-US Residents while visiting the USA up to 89 years.
What does visitor travel insurance cover?
Visitors travel insurance reviews
"Thank you for such helpful information. You've impressed me as I have contacted other companies and haven't gotten half of the information from them that you have sent me. I will take what you've said into consideration and hope to be in touch soon."
Know more »
Shelie
"I recently visited your website for the first time to buy insurance for travel to US. I found the information very good. Your customer support was fantastic and awesome. You were so dedicated to take care of my inquiries. I would rate your service 100/100."
Know more »
Charlotte
"I am pleased to say that your company is very professional in the field of Insurance.
The customer is happy to get easily connected and then you very patiently explain the difference between various plans to suit each customer's need."
Know more »
Lori Fields
Resourceful tourist insurance USA information
Flight
Find the best travel insurance
Find out the best insurance for your budget and needs
Know more »
Recommend
How does travel insurance work?
Claims process for expenses due to injury or sickness
Know more »
Help
How to buy travel insurance?
Guide to buying the best international travel health insurance
Know more »
Menu_Book
Travel insurance glossary
Commonly used international travel medical insurance terms
Know more »
Group
Travel insurance for specific groups
Tourists, Cruises, Students, J1 visa, OPT status, Immigrants...
Know more »
Balance
Compare travel insurance plans
Compare the best travel insurance plan for your needs
Know more »
International travel health insurance useful links
Resourceful travel medical insurance information
flight
Travel medical insurance resources
Choose international travel insurance resources for travel outside your home country.
Explore »
globe
Compare travel insurance factors
Important factors to consider while deciding on the best travel medical insurance.
Explore »
compareTypes of travel insurance online
Understanding different US travel insurance options, fixed benefits vs comprehensive coverage.
Explore »
descriptionTravel insurance Claims Procedure
Travel medical insurance online claims process for getting medical care in a hospital.
Explore »
Travel health insurance information
question_mark
International Travel Insurance FAQ
FAQs about travel insurance
Know more »
rss_feed
Travel Insurance USA Blog
Blog about travel health insurance
Know more »
forum
Travel Insurance USA Forum
Customer Queries for USA travelers
Know more »