Traveling with health conditions? Find the best emergency medical insurance for travelers with chronic conditions!
Visiting the USA brings a lot of worries for parents, seniors, or international travelers. One of the biggest worries involves pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or asthma.
Most standard visitor health insurance plans in the USA offer no coverage for pre-existing conditions. This means that if you go to the hospital, or need treatment or medications related to these conditions, it would not be paid for.
Some plans, like Atlas America and Patriot America Plus, cover the acute onset of a pre-existing condition.
Plans such as INF Elite Network insurance go beyond acute onset coverage.
✅ At American Visitor Insurance, you can compare plans side by side to find the best visitor medical insurance for pre-existing conditions – whether it’s for a short family visit or a longer stay in the USA.
Mr. Sharma is 65 and takes medications for high blood pressure. While on vacation, Mr. Sharma experienced a sudden cardiac event that required emergency care. Most of his bills were covered based on his plan, because the cardiac event was acute and he was conditionally stable (for at least one year) before the trip.
Mrs. Patel forgot to pack her prescribed diabetes medication and asked a pharmacy in the US to refill the medication. There was a subsequent denial based on the fact that routine medications for a pre-existing condition would not be covered by the acute onset benefits.
Plan | Coverage Type | Acute Onset Coverage Limits | Age Restrictions | Pre-Existing Condition Coverage / Exclusions |
---|---|---|---|---|
INF Elite Network INF | Comprehensive | Full coverage for pre-existing conditions | Up to age 99 | Covers pre-existing conditions beyond acute onset (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, etc.) |
Premier Plan INF | Fixed (Scheduled Benefits) | Full pre-existing coverage (fixed benefits) | Up to age 99 | Pre-existing conditions covered, but benefits are capped per schedule |
Atlas America IMG | Comprehensive | Up to policy maximum (after deductible) | Up to age 79 | Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions only (not routine care) |
Patriot America Plus IMG | Comprehensive | Up to policy maximum (after deductible) | Up to age 79 | Covers acute onset emergencies, excludes chronic management |
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive Trawick International | Comprehensive | Up to policy maximum (varies by plan) | Up to age 89 | Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions, excludes routine treatment |
Safe Travels USA Cost Saver Trawick International | Fixed Benefits | Limited acute onset coverage (per schedule) | Up to age 89 | Acute onset only, no full coverage for chronic pre-existing conditions |
Acute onset of pre existing condition | Pre existing condition |
---|---|
This is a sudden recurrence of a pre existing condition( please read the definition of pre existing condition above) without any forewarning, which needs immediate medical attention. However, it is in the hands of the doctor/provider to decide whether the incident can be considered as an acute onset of pre existing condition. |
Pre pre-existing condition is a health condition or a health issue that has been existing in the individual, before the individual has purchased or enrolled in a health insurance plan. This means it has existed at the time of application for the insurance plan or immediately for a certain period of time preceding the application of the individual for a travel health insurance plan. Pre-existing condition coverage is definitely an important feature that is part of any travel health insurance plan. Travel health Insurance plans normally exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions. |
Examples of Sudden recurrence of the medical condition
|
Most of the commonly diagnosed pre existing conditions are heart related, blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid, arthritis, kidney related... People above the age of 70 are very sure to have some of the health problems listed above in today's world. It is very rare to know a person above 70 not having any health issues and doing fine with their health |
US travel insurance cost in 2025 for visitors with pre-existing conditions has increasingly reduced the disposal income with a major portion of the income going to health care deductibles, co-payments and co-insurance. The cost of a routine physician's visit is significantly higher in the U.S. where it might be $176. An echocardiogram can cost around $1,000 in Massachusetts and around $3000 in New Jersey depending on the provider. The cost of common ailments like Diabetes Mellitus with Hyperglycemia admitted to an emergency room would cost around $2,500 -$5000. Stroke resulting in ICU for about 10 days would cost $120,000, Heart attack treatment with medical bills for ambulance, hospital emergency room, ICU, EKG and MRI heart scans and continuing care from cardiologists would cost about $20,000, The average treatment cost of acute kidney failure in the USA was over $22,000.
While there's no simple explanation for the high costs, an important contributing factor is the significant administrative expenses in healthcare and given the litigious nature of US society, the cost of medical-malpractice legal expenses. Employing numerous billing clerks by both hospitals and physicians, as well as by private insurance companies is a requirement in the US insurance system. In addition to that, the system's reliance on advanced technology, costly labor and the steep price of malpractice insurance in the US also contributes to the overall expenses.
While there are several reasons for high healthcare costs, the fact remains that one cannot afford to be uninsured while visiting the US. In US hospitals the cost for any treatment is much lower if you have insurance and the hospital is part of the PPO network when compared to getting the same treatment without any insurance. This is beyond the actual insurance coverage itself, so simply having visitors insurance reduces the bill substantially. This high price without insurance is unimaginable for visitors to pay out of their pocket. It is important for visitors to realize the importance of health insurance while visiting the US.
The cheapest pre-existing conditions travel insurance cost starts from $39 to $229 per month, The cost depends on the age of the visitor, duration, medical maximum coverage and deductible.
The average cost of pre-existing conditions travel insurance in USA based on quotes for one month for 60 year old traveler.
Plan Name | Medical Maximum | Deductible | Acute onset coverage | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
Safe Travels Advantage | $25,000 | $0 | Up to 89 yearsopen_in_new | $39 |
Visitors care | $25,000 | $100 | Up to 70 yearsopen_in_new | $40 |
Safe Travels Elite | $25,000 | $0 | Up to 89 yearsopen_in_new | $50 |
Visit USA Budget | $50,000 | $250 | Up to 65 years and aboveopen_in_new | $49 |
Safe Travels USA Cost Saver | $50,000 | $250 | Up to 69 yearsopen_in_new | $139 |
Visitors Preferred | $50,000 | $250 | Up to 70 yearsopen_in_new | $148 |
Atlas America | $50,000 | $250 | Up to 79 yearsopen_in_new | $151 |
Patriot America Plus | $50,000 | $250 | Up to 70 yearsopen_in_new | $164 |
Travel Medical Basic | $50,000 | $250 | Up to 79 yearsopen_in_new | $168 |
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive | $50,000 | $250 | Up to 89 yearsopen_in_new | $172 |
Venbrook Premier | $50,000 | $250 | Up to 70 yearsopen_in_new | $176 |
Diplomat America | $50,000 | $250 | Up to 70 yearsopen_in_new | $229 |
Source: American Visitor Insurance®
The Pre-existing conditions travel insurance cost for coverage outside USA starts from $55 to $233 per month, The cost depends on the age of the visitor, duration, medical maximum coverage and deductible.
The average cost of travel insurance covering pre-existing conditions outside the USA for a 60-year-old traveler, based on one-month quotes with a $50,000 medical maximum.
Plan Name | Deductible | Acute onset coverage | Cost |
---|---|---|---|
VisitorSecure | $100 | Up to 70 yearsopen_in_new | $55 |
Atlas International | $250 | Up to 79 yearsopen_in_new | $117 |
Patriot International Lite | $250 | Up to 70 yearsopen_in_new | $121 |
Travel Medical Basic | $250 | Up to 79 yearsopen_in_new | $121 |
Intermedical | $250 | Up to 80 yearsopen_in_new | $121 |
Atlas Premium International | $250 | Up to 79 yearsopen_in_new | $164 |
Safe Travels International | $250 | Up to 69 yearsopen_in_new | $233 |
Source: American Visitor Insurance®
Review US visitor insurance plan benefits.
These are the best health insurance for visitors to usa with pre-existing conditions
Policy maximum?
$25k, $50k, $100k and $150k
Deductible options?
offers $0 Deductible
Period of coverage?
5 days to 364 days
Policy maximum?
$25k, $50k, $100k, $150k
Deductible options?
$$0
Period of coverage?
5 days to 12 months.
Policy maximum?
$25k, $50k and $1M
Deductible options?
$0, $50, $100
Period of coverage?
5 days to 2 years
Policy maximum?
$50,000 to $1,000,000
Deductible options?
$0 to $2,500
Period of coverage?
5 days to 12 months
Policy maximum?
$50,000 and $100,000
Deductible options?
$0 to $5,000
Period of coverage?
5 days to 364 days
Policy maximum?
$50,000 and $100,000
Deductible options?
$0 to $5,000
Period of coverage?
Up to 364 days
Policy maximum?
$50,000 and $100,000
Deductible options?
$0 to $5,000
Period of coverage?
5 days to 12 months
Plans such as INF Premier X Insurance, Visitors Protect, and Safe Travels Elite provide full coverage for pre-existing conditions, including chronic and ongoing medical conditions. These plans offer comprehensive protection for travelers, including medical treatment for pre-existing conditions, hospitalization, and emergency medical evacuation, subject to the plan’s limits, deductible, and terms.
Policy maximum?
Ages 0–69: $100,000, $150,000, $300,000, $500,000, $1,000,000.
Ages 70–99: $100,000
Deductible options?
$75, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000
Maximum age limit?
Up to 99 years
Policy maximum?
$50,000 and $250,000
Deductible options?
$250 to $5,000
Period of coverage?
Minimum purchase 90 days
Policy maximum?
$150,000 and $300,000
Deductible options?
$500 to $5,000.
Period of coverage?
Minimum purchase 90 days
Feature | Fixed Benefit visitors insurance | Comprehensive visitors insurance |
Cost | Affordable | More Expensive |
Coverage | Fixed amount per benefit limited or coverage under certain conditions | Benefits for covered medical expenses up to the plan maximum |
Pre-existing conditions coverage | Not all plans offer coverage. Some offer coverage up to a specified limit | Some plans offer coverage, while some others offer coverage only for acute onset of pre-existing conditions |
Recommended for | Younger travelers | Travelers with pre-existing medical ailments |
Complete the student insurance quotes request form by providing details of the student and insurance requirements.
Compare the price and the benefits of the different travel insurance options to identify what fits your needs best.
Purchase the plan that fits your requirements and budget best by using a credit card and completing the online application.
Review the travel insurance policy documents received by email closely for coverage details and relevant contact numbers.
Travel insurance is coverage only for unexpected medical expenses while you are on a trip away from home. Some companies offer coverage for what they call "acute onset" of a pre-existing condition (excluding chronic or congenital disorders). This would be a life or life-style threatening situation that cannot wait to be taken care of when the trip is over.
It must be "acute" meaning that it came on suddenly and needs to be taken care of quickly (defined as within 24 hours of symptom onset). A "pre-existing condition" does not necessarily have to have been previously diagnosed. If it is reasonable to assume that this condition started in the patient before the start date of the insurance, then it will be considered pre-existing to the policy. Note that the exclusion for chronic (conditions that worsen over time) and congenital (conditions a person is born with) limit greatly the application of this exception.
If Asthma is not considered chronic, then an emergency due to Asthma could be covered by a policy which covers at least "acute onset" of pre-existing conditions. If a person requires regular medication and/or doctor visits for their asthma, this will NOT be covered and will have to be paid by the insured completely out of pocket.
Note that in the US, the same medications can differ widely in costs depending on the pharmacy you use and some medications (generally generics) for common illnesses can be purchased for $40 per month at the Walmart pharmacy (although there may be long wait times). Also, some drug companies have special "coupons" available online for some of their drugs. There are often "discount cards" available at pharmacies and other stores for prescriptions that are free to use.
These are all resources your visitor can use to avoid paying full price for costly required medications should they run out while they are in the US. Other countries may not require a prescription and may not be as costly to obtain. Having a prescription with you, however, may be a good idea to ease getting the medication and show authorities you are allowed to have it (in the case of regulated substances which can vary country to country).
No. When you purchase any of our travel insurance plans, they offer guaranteed coverage with no medical questions. However, be aware that they all exclude pre-existing medical conditions. So, please take any medications you use regularly or for flare ups of your conditions since these will not be covered by travel insurance. As far as I know, Arthritis cannot lead to a life-threatening situation, so will be excluded from coverage by short-term travel policies.
If you are a frequent traveler and want major medical coverage in any country to which you travel, you can opt for global medical policies which will (after the first year, generally) cover all aspects of health costs.
You can Compare and buy Global health insurance policies. To apply for these policies, you will have to reveal your entire medical history and you are not guaranteed coverage.
The application must go through underwriting and you can be approved, rejected, or approved with exclusions. In any case, you can opt out of the policy 10 days from your approval for no cost to you or simply reject the exclusions they require on the policy. Note that these policies are best for people who want health insurance for a whole year, or better, longer.
Once you are approved on the plan, you are guaranteed coverage year after year and the price is determined by your age group, not your individual medical history. So, in the case of a global medical insurance application, you would have to declare your Arthritis on the application and you may or may not be covered for that illness by the policy they offer you.
Yes. Any medical condition you have been diagnosed with or are being treated for will be considered pre-existing to a new travel policy. If you take regular medication for your condition, this will not be covered by the policy. However, should you, for example, have an accident and break a bone, this would be covered even if your condition may have made you a little more vulnerable to the break (unless you were being particularly reckless).
Accidents are generally always covered (car accidents are more complicated because if you were not at fault, the driver's insurance may cover part of your injuries) unless caused by intoxication. So, even if you have OsteoArthritis or some other pre-existing condition, you are still eligible for coverage by a travel insurance policy which will protect you from sudden illness or accident/injury while you are on your trip.
This is a tough question. And, unfortunately, the answer depends on where you are traveling to and from.
For people that are traveling to the US from abroad:
As a broker, I am not a medical professional, so I can only tell you this from the insurance side of the question. Generally speaking, the most common cause for heart attack as I understand it is due to plaque build up in the person's arteries.
Since that build up happens slowly, over time, I think it's fair to say that it would NOT be covered by any travel health insurance. This is because travel health insurance excludes pre-existing conditions from any coverage (even emergency coverage if they are chronic or congenital). So the answer for the common cause of heart attacks is NO. So, foreigners run a risk (hopefully a small one) when traveling here.
Health insurance can still help with costs of accidents and other unexpected illnesses while on vacation. However, the answer is be different for people who are US residents traveling abroad. US residents can purchase trip cancellation plans and some of those waive the pre-existing condition exclusion IF you purchase them within a short time of your initial trip deposit (that is the earliest date you pay for any portion of your trip).
Check out trip cancellation plans. Notably, the GeoBlue student and travel plans also waive the pre-existing condition exclusion for people who had creditable prior insurance coverage, and these plans are only available to US residents with US domestic coverage. And, for travel plans for US residents going abroad, some, like the Safe Travels Outbound plans, will cover pre-existing conditions IF they have been stable in the last 6 months (meaning there have been no changes, episodes, or changes to medication in that time frame). You can Compare Safe Travels Outbound Insurance plans.
No. Travel health insurance is meant to cover a sudden illness or accident, such as you get a stomach flu or you twist or break your ankle. Since Arthritis is not a life-threatening illness, it will not be covered by a short-term travel plan. Should you require regular medications or ointments, you should bring them or purchase ointments available in the visiting country for your condition.
Some countries may not require prescriptions to purchase medications. However, you should be cautious in using a new medication since there may be side-effects of concern. You may want to stick to what you know or consult with your own physician if you can.
The following travel insurance plans cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions:
Simply put, a pre-existing condition is a disease or condition a person is already diagnosed with, being treated for, or has, with reasonable certainty before the start of the insurance policy.
Companies use a "look back" period to determine if a condition will be considered pre-existing or not. Click here to read more ».
No , there are no medical tests required for purchasing visitor travel insurance to usa with pre existing conditions.
The short term visitor insurance plans usually do not cover pre-existing medical conditions, however some plans do provide limited coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions. You can compare the insurance plans that offer pre-existing condition coverage using our compare tool option.
Many people, although healthy and able to travel, particularly older travelers take medications for certain medical conditions. While these conditions can be called "normal" for a person of their age, not all people have these conditions and they will be classified as "pre-existing" by an insurance company.
If you do NOT have coverage for it, then the policy will pay $0 for any incident of it, emergency or not. The coverage you can get is limited to "acute onset" of a pre-existing condition which can cover an unexpected life-threatening emergency of the condition which would then give you as complete coverage as you could get for your travels or visitor.
This is why we offer some options with this coverage for nearly all ages of travelers. For more information, go here.
If the heart attack occurs suddenly without any warning, it can be an acute onset of pre existing condition as long as it qualifies for your insurance plan guidelines (needs medical attention within 24 hours and not being part of ongoing treatment).
Yes, Most of the visitor insurance plans offer acute onset of pre-existing up to the age of 69 to 70 years with limited coverage, while INF Premier X and INF Elite X insurance plans offers full pre-existing conditions up to the age of 99 years.
Please can you get me the different options for a 87 year old Indian traveling to USA for 1 month. He has had heart by-pass surgery in 2022. Please can you get me the different options including details of what pre-existing is covered.
Thank you,Here are details of available US travel insurance for pre-existing conditions. Most of the comprehensive plans provide only $10,000 or $20,000 as policy maximum for this age. There are fixed benefit plans which provide higher policy maximums of $50,000 or $100,000. We have put down a list of plans with the best possible options for your requirements.
Here are the suitable Pre-exiting conditions travel insurance:1. Visit USA Standard: This is a comprehensive plan from Travel Insurance Services and provides a policy maximum coverage of $20,000. This plan comes under the PPO network of First Health and United HealthCare and provides coverage of 100% for eligible expenses within the PPO network. This plan costs $404.60 for a policy maximum of $20,000 with a deductible of $250 for 1 month for your visitor. This plan provides coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
2. Visit USA Superior: This is another variant of the Standard plan mentioned above and is a comprehensive plan from Travel Insurance Services and provides a policy maximum coverage of $20,000. This plan comes under the PPO network of First Health and United HealthCare and provides coverage of 100% for eligible expenses within the PPO network. This plan costs $680.60 for a policy maximum of $20,000 with a deductible of $250 for 1 month for your visitor. This plan provides coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
3. Safe Travels Elite: This is a Fixed plan from Trawick International and provides a policy maximum of $100,000. This plan comes under First Health PPO network. This plan covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions. This plan costs $661.50 for a policy maximum of $100,000 with a deductible of $200.
4. Safe Travels Advantage: This is a Fixed plan from Trawick International and provides a policy maximum of $100,000. This plan comes under First Health PPO network. The plan pays 80% of preferred allowance within the network and 80% of plan maximum for expenses incurred out of network. This plan covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions. This plan costs $690 for a policy maximum of $100,000 with a deductible of $0.
Please let us know in case of any questions.
Visitor insurance for elderly with acute onset coverage
Read more »Best of the Best Coverage for Pre-existing Medical Conditions
Read more »Get quote for visitor health insurance with pre existing conditions.
Read more »Popular pre-existing conditions for visitors to the USA plans which have coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Read more »Compare visitor insurance plans with acute onset coverage and buy the best plan.
Read more »Travel medical insurance resources
Choose international travel insurance resources for travel outside your home country.
Compare travel insurance factors
Important factors to consider while deciding on the best travel medical insurance.
Types of travel insurance online
Understanding different US travel insurance options, fixed benefits vs comprehensive coverage.
Travel insurance Claims Procedure
Travel medical insurance online claims process for getting medical care in a hospital.
Pre-existing condition insurance
Compare pre-existing insurance
Best pre-existing coverage plans
Pre-existing Conditions - Article
Pre-existing insurance FAQ
Pre-existing insurance reviews
Pre-existing insurance forum
Pre-existing insurance blogs
Travel insurance Pre-existing