Many U.S. citizens living abroad return to the United States for short visits. Travel medical insurance is strongly recommended to protect against unexpected medical expenses—especially with increased risks during global health events like COVID-19.
Why U.S. Citizens Living Abroad Need Travel Medical InsuranceThe best travel medical insurance for U.S. citizens living abroad visiting USA is Patriot America Plus, Patriot America Platinum, Diplomat America, Visitors Protect, and Diplomat Long Term insurance plans available from American Visitor Insurance.
Patriot America Lite is a budget-friendly travel insurance for us expats visiting USA, delivering strong core benefits for healthy travelers during short-term visits. It is perfect for those returning to the U.S. for vacations or family visits.
Patriot America Plus is a top visitor medical insurance for U.S. citizens living abroad visiting the US., offering excellent coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions for travelers up to age 70, along with comprehensive emergency medical benefits. It is best for U.S. citizens returning to the United States for vacations, family visits, or short stays.
Diplomat America is a best travel medical insurance for u s citizens living abroad visiting us, providing protection for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to 70 years and comprehensive emergency medical coverage.
Patriot America Platinum is a premium travel insurance for expats travelling in the United States, offering first-class medical coverage with policy maximums up to $8,000,000 and comprehensive benefits for travelers seeking top-tier protection during their visit.
Visitors Protect insurance is a travel health insurance for U.S. citizens living abroad visiting the U.S., offering temporary medical coverage for the pre-existing conditions up to age 99. It provides comprehensive protection and is an excellent option for families hosting elderly parents or travelers on long-term stays.
Diplomat Long Term is the best travel insurance for U.S. citizens living abroad visiting the U.S., offering extended coverage for the unexpected recurrence of pre-existing conditions and comprehensive medical benefits for long-term stays.
U.S. citizens may need short-term travel or medical insurance for two very different situations. Understanding which group you belong to helps you choose the right type of coverage on American Visitor Insurance.
This group includes Americans who live outside the United States full-time and come back to the U.S. for short visits. Because their U.S. health insurance is usually inactive, they often need short-term health insurance for U.S. citizens visiting the USA to stay protected during their trip.
Since healthcare in the U.S. is extremely expensive, expats visiting the U.S. need a temporary visitor-style medical insurance plan, which you can compare and buy easily on American Visitor Insurance.
Common situations:This group includes U.S. citizens who live in the U.S. but are traveling:
Even inside the U.S., many travelers have:
Short term travel medical insurance from American Visitor Insurance can help reduce out-of-pocket risks during these trips.
Common Situations:You can generally buy visitor medical insurance if:
Most global or expat plans limit or exclude U.S. treatment unless specifically purchased as an add-on—making visitor insurance a more affordable and practical solution for short trips.
These plans are designed for unexpected medical needs, not routine care.
Transparency reduces complaints and confusion.
Not covered:Even when traveling inside the United States, unexpected events can disrupt your plans. Travel insurance for U.S. citizens can help protect your investment in flights, hotels, and tours if you need to cancel due to illness or emergencies.
Whether traveling alone, with family, or on a group tour, travel medical insurance for U.S. citizens visiting the USA provides peace of mind by protecting against common travel risks. It ensures you’re covered for medical emergencies, trip interruptions, delays, and more.
| State | Healthcare Cost Highlights | Travel Risks & Considerations | Why Travel Insurance Matters Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Among highest healthcare costs in US; average per capital cost ~$14,000 | Busy airports, urban travel delays, cold winters | High medical costs and frequent travel delays make coverage for medical emergencies and trip interruptions valuable |
| California | High healthcare spending; diverse climates | Wildfires, earthquakes, crowded airports | Coverage for emergency evacuation and trip delays is important due to natural disasters and travel disruptions |
| Florida | Moderate to high healthcare costs | Hurricanes, crowded tourist areas | Trip cancellation and delay coverage essential during hurricane season; medical coverage for tourist hotspots |
| Texas | Moderate healthcare costs | Large state with rural areas, heat waves | Emergency evacuation coverage useful for remote areas; medical coverage for heat-related illnesses |
| Alaska | Very high healthcare costs; limited facilities | Remote locations, extreme weather | Emergency medical evacuation critical; coverage for delays due to weather or transportation issues |
| Colorado | Moderate healthcare costs | Popular for skiing and outdoor sports | Adventure sports coverage important; medical and evacuation coverage for injuries in remote areas |
| Massachusetts | High healthcare costs | Urban travel, winter storms | Medical coverage and trip delay protection recommended for winter weather disruptions |
| Georgia | Lower healthcare costs | Busy airports, summer storms | Trip delay and baggage coverage helpful for frequent travelers through Atlanta’s busy hub |
| Nevada | Moderate healthcare costs | Tourist-heavy areas, desert heat | Coverage for medical emergencies and trip interruptions during peak tourist seasons |
| Washington | Moderate to high healthcare costs | Rainy weather, urban traffic delays | Trip delay and medical coverage helpful for weather-related disruptions |
Healthcare costs and travel risks vary widely by state. Some states have very high medical expenses so making travel medical insurance for U.S. citizens to avoid large out of pocket bills. Others face frequent weather related travel disruptions or have popular tourist destinations where delays and lost baggage are common. Having best travel insurance for visitors to USA tailored to your destination helps protect your health and finances no matter where you go in the US.
American Visitor Insurance offers several visitor travel medical insurance plans designed to provide short-term coverage for travelers visiting the United States. This comparison helps US citizens and visitors understand which plan best fits their needs when traveling inside or to the United States.
| Feature / Plan | Patriot America Lite | Patriot America Plus | Patriot Platinum America | Diplomat America |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage Maximum | $50,000 to $1,000,000 | $50,000 to $1,000,000 | Up to $8,000,000 | $50,000 to $1,000,000 |
| Deductible Options | $0, $100, $250, $500, up to $2,500 | $0, $100, $250, $500, up to $2,500 | $0 to $25,000 | $0, $100, $250, $500, up to $2,500 |
| Pre-Existing Condition Coverage | No coverage | Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions (under age 70) | Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions | Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions (under age 70) |
| Network | United Healthcare PPO Network | United Healthcare PPO Network | United Healthcare PPO Network | United Healthcare PPO Network |
| Urgent Care Copay | No | $25 copay (waived if $0 deductible) | $25 copay (waived if $0 deductible) | $25 copay (waived if $0 deductible) |
| Walk-In Clinic Copay | No | $15 copay (waived if $0 deductible) | $15 copay (waived if $0 deductible) | $15 copay (waived if $0 deductible) |
| Medical Evacuation | Up to policy maximum | Up to policy maximum | Up to policy maximum | Up to policy maximum |
| Trip Duration | 5 days to 2 years | 5 days to 2 years | Up to 36 continuous months | 5 days to 2 years |
| Additional Benefits | Basic medical coverage | Includes coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions, sports rider option | Extensive coverage including emergency reunion, political evacuation, AD&D, trip protection riders | Includes coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions, sports rider option |
| Ideal for | Budget-conscious travelers without pre-existing conditions | Travelers under 70 needing pre-existing condition coverage | Travelers seeking maximum coverage and additional riders | Travelers under 70 needing pre-existing condition coverage |
| Category | U.S. Citizens Living Abroad Visiting the U.S. | U.S. Citizens Already in the U.S. (Domestic Travelers) |
|---|---|---|
| Who They Are? | Expats, retirees, students, missionaries, digital nomads living overseas | U.S. residents taking domestic trips (weekend travel, business trips, road trips, cruises) |
| Typical Situation | Returning to the U.S. temporarily without active U.S. health insurance | Have a U.S. health plan but may face gaps, high deductibles, or out-of-network issues |
| Primary Need | International medical insurance for U.S. citizens returning home temporarily | Domestic trip insurance for U.S. citizens traveling within the country |
| Medical Coverage Requirement | HIGH – U.S. healthcare is extremely expensive and they may be uninsured | MODERATE – They have coverage, but it may not protect trip costs or deductibles |
| When Coverage Is Needed? | Before entering the U.S. for 1 week to 12 months | Before taking a U.S. flight, cruise, staycation, or road trip |
| Why Insurance Is Beneficial | Protects against ER visits, hospitalization, accidents, sudden illness, and high medical bills | Covers trip cancellation, delays, baggage loss, and helps with high deductibles |
| Best Type of Plan | Visitor-style international medical insurance (e.g., Patriot America Plus, Atlas America, Safe Travels USA) | Domestic travel insurance with trip cancellation + interruption benefits |
| Approximate Cost | $1.50–$6 per day (varies by age and medical limit) | 4–7% of total trip cos |
| Common Mistake | Believing old U.S. health insurance still works after moving abroad | Assuming U.S. health insurance covers trip cancellation |
| Coverage Focus | Emergency medical care, hospitalization, evacuation | Trip protection, baggage coverage, travel delays, deductible support |
U.S. citizens and expats living in the USA travel back to the United States to visit family, for business, or for other personal reasons. At American Visitor Insurance we have the best travel insurance for U.S. expats visiting USA.
Short term travel health insurance in USA for US citizens visiting the country that are designed by IMG a reputed US insurance provider are
Another popular travel insurance for U.S. citizen traveling to USA is Diplomat America insurance by Global Underwriters.
The cost of US expat returning to USA health insurance are based on
Approximate monthly cost of expat health insurance for visiting USA for a 40-year-old traveler with a $100 deductible.
| Travel insurance USA | Coverage | Provider Network | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patriot America Lite | $50,000 |  |
$79 |
| Patriot America Plus | $50,000 | |
$84 |
| Patriot Platinum America | $2,000,000 | |
$161 |
| Diplomat America | $50,000 | No PPO | $138 |
Source: American Visitor Insurance®
When planning a visit to the United States, it’s important to understand how your health coverage options differ from standard US health insurance. Here’s a straightforward comparison to help you see why American Visitor Insurance plans are often the best travel insurance for visitors to USA are the best choice for travelers and temporary visitors
| Features | Standard US Health Insurance (e.g., Marketplace or Employer Plans) | American Visitor Insurance (e.g., Patriot America Plus) |
|---|---|---|
| Who Can Buy? | Only U.S. residents or citizens | Visitors, travelers & U.S. citizens living abroad |
| Coverage Duration | Long-term, auto-renewed yearly | Short-term, flexible from days to years |
| Pre-Existing Conditions | Fully covered, no waiting | Covers acute onset (under 70) |
| Network Access | In-network only for lower cost | Large PPO networks with flexible access |
| Cost | Higher monthly premiums | Lower cost, budget-friendly options |
| Benefits | Comprehensive & preventive care | Emergency medical & travel-related care |
| Billing | Direct billing in network | Direct billing with many PPO providers |
| Renewal | Auto annual renewal | Renewable for extended stays |
| Trip Protection | Not included | Optional trip interruption & baggage add-ons |
| Best For | Residents needing full U.S. coverage | Visitors & short-term travelers |
If you are visiting the US temporarily or live abroad and plan a visit home, traditional US health insurance may not be an option or may not provide the coverage you need. American Visitor Insurance offers plans specifically designed for these situations, providing affordable, flexible coverage that protects you against unexpected medical expenses during your stay.
With access to a wide network of providers and coverage for emergency care - including sudden flare-ups of pre-existing conditions - these plans fill the gap left by standard health insurance.
Consider multi-trip annual plans
When choosing medical insurance for U.S. citizens visiting the USA, it’s important to avoid common errors that can leave travelers without proper coverage. These mistakes especially affect U.S. expats, retirees, and long-term travelers who no longer have active health insurance for U.S. citizens returning to the USA.
Here are the key mistakes to watch for:Most foreign or international plans do not cover care inside the United States. This is why visitor medical insurance for U.S. citizens is often required for short visits.
Medicare typically provides no coverage overseas, and returning citizens may need to re-enroll. This creates a coverage gap for anyone coming back to the U.S. temporarily.
Low-priced fixed-benefit plans may only cover a small percentage of U.S. medical costs. Comprehensive visitor plans offer better protection for emergency medical expenses.
A high deductible may lower the premium, but it also increases your out-of-pocket costs during emergencies. Choose a realistic deductible for your budget.
Most travel insurance for US citizens includes only acute onset of pre-existing conditions, not ongoing treatment. Understanding this is essential before purchasing.
Many plans must be purchased before entering the USA for full eligibility. Buying early ensures immediate protection.
U.S. expats should enter their current residency abroad, not “United States,” when buying coverage. This prevents eligibility issues and ensures the plan is valid.
I am a US citizen living in Australia and returning to the US to help support my ageing parents. I plan to remain in the US for a few years and want to find short term insurance to cover me until I can enroll in an ACA plan. Can I apply for Patriot Plus? I have national health and private health insurance in Australia and have purchased travel insurance but it has a COVID exclusion.
Thanks,Thank you for contacting us at American Visitor Insurance!.
Yes, you can purchase Patriot America Plus plan. Here are the details:Patriot America Plus can be purchased by visitors visiting America and the plan provides worldwide coverage including or excluding America. Until the age of 80, the plan provides a policy maximum options for $50,000 $100,000 $500,000 or $1 million and it offers coverage for "acute onset" of pre-existing conditions up to the maximum of the plan for persons under 70 years of age. This plan has a new benefit where you can pay a $15 copay at an urgent care center INSTEAD of the deductible (this is waived if you chose a $0 deductible). This plan covers COVID-19 like any other
Please find links for Patriot America Plus below:
Please let us know if we can help you in any further.
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Yes, as long as they maintain a foreign residence and are visiting the U.S. temporarily.
Some plans allow this, but it’s always safer to buy before arrival.
Only as acute onset and only below certain age limits.
Visitor insurance is not valid—you must buy domestic U.S. health insurance.
Depends on the plan; some offer adventure sports riders.
Yes, you can purchase the Patriot America Plus plan after arriving in the U.S. For travelers under 65 years old, the policy can be bought up to six months after arrival. For those aged 65 and over, there is a 30-day window to purchase the plan after arrival. However, coverage for pre-existing conditions only applies to acute onset conditions occurring after the policy takes effect; any conditions existing before the policy start date are not covered.
Your old U.S. health insurance likely will not cover you when you visit if you are living abroad or visiting temporarily. Most standard U.S. health insurance plans require you to be residing in your home state or within their coverage network, so they won't pay for medical care received outside the U.S. or in a different state without proper in-network providers.
Travel insurance for U.S. citizens visiting USA is essential for expats and Americans living abroad who are returning home temporarily. Many foreign or old U.S. insurance plans do not cover treatment in the U.S., and healthcare costs are extremely high.
These visitor medical insurance plans, including Visitors Protect, Patriot America Plus, Patriot America Platinum, and Diplomat Long Term insurance through American Visitor Insurance, provide coverage for emergencies, accidents, hospitalization, acute onset of pre-existing conditions, and urgent care visits.
Whether you’re visiting for vacation, family, or business, this insurance ensures you are protected from unexpected medical expenses during your stay. Coverage can range from a few days to multiple years, depending on the plan, making it a flexible and affordable solution for U.S. citizens living abroad.
You can find reliable travel insurance providers for U.S. citizens visiting USA such as International Medical Group (IMG) and Global Underwriters offering best insurance for short visits to the USA.
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