Trip Insurance, Travel Medical Insurance & Global Medical Insurance – Complete Guide
Choosing the right type of travel protection can be confusing. This page helps you clearly understand the differences between Trip Insurance, Travel Medical Insurance, and Global Medical Insurance, so you can select the perfect plan for your travel needs.
Whether you are a tourist, international student, visitor to the USA, long-term expat, or digital nomad, this guide provides everything you need to know. And if you ever feel unsure about which plan to choose, American Visitor Insurance is here to help you compare options, understand benefits, and find the right coverage for your journey.
What Is the Difference Between Trip, Travel Medical & Global Medical Insurance?
Quick Comparison of Travel, Trip, and Global Medical Insurance Plans
| Feature | Trip Insurance | Travel Medical Insurance | Global Medical Insurance |
| Main Purpose | Protects trip cost | Covers emergency medical needs | Full international health coverage |
| Best For | Cruise travelers, prepaid trips | Tourists, visitors to USA, business travelers | Expats, students, digital nomads |
| Duration | Trip-specific | Short-term (5 days–1 year) | Long-term yearly |
| Covers Cancelation | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Covers Emergency Medical | Limited | Strong coverage | Comprehensive |
| Pre-existing Conditions | If purchased early | Acute onset only | After underwriting |
| Visa Letter Available | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Plans | Safe Travels AnyReason, Safe Travels Protect, iTravelInsured Travel Choice, iTravelInsured Essential, Pathway Plus | Patriot America Lite, Safe Travels USA, Atlas America, Diplomat America, INF ELite | Global Medical Insurance, Global Medical Bronze, Global Medical Silver, Global Medical Gold, Global Medical Platinum |
Trip Insurance vs Travel Medical vs Global Medical Insurance - Which Is Right for Your Trip?
Choose Trip Insurance : If you have prepaid for flights, hotels, or tours and want protection in case you need to cancel due to illness, injury, or other covered emergencies. Trip insurance also provides coverage for interruptions, missed connections, or lost baggage, giving you peace of mind while traveling.
Choose Travel Medical Insurance : If you are visiting the USA or other countries with high medical costs and need emergency medical coverage abroad. These plans typically include protection for medical evacuation and repatriation and are ideal if you require a Schengen visa-compliant medical certificate.
Choose Global Medical Insurance : If you are relocating abroad for work, living as an expat, or traveling as a digital nomad. These plans offer long-term health coverage, including preventive care, and may provide additional benefits such as maternity coverage, prescription drugs, and mental health support, making them suitable for extended stays overseas.
What Trip, Travel Medical & Global Insurance Cover?
Trip Insurance : Trip Insurance covers the non-refundable cost of your trip, offering protection for trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delays, missed connections, and baggage loss or theft. It also includes limited emergency medical coverage and 24/7 assistance.
Note : It Does NOT cover Long-term medical treatment, preventive care, routine checkups.
Travel Medical Insurance : It focuses on emergency medical treatment while traveling abroad. It provides coverage for hospitalization, emergency medical expenses, acute onset of pre-existing conditions, medical evacuation, repatriation, and travel assistance.
Note : It does not include trip cancellation, baggage coverage, or long-term and routine medical care.
Global Medical Insurance : designed for long-term international travelers, expats, and global residents. It offers comprehensive worldwide coverage, including inpatient and outpatient care, preventive care, prescription drugs, optional maternity benefits, mental health services, and long-term renewability. This makes it ideal for those living abroad for extended periods.
Visa Requirements - Do These Insurance Plans Qualify?
- Schengen Visa Insurance : Meets all Schengen requirements, including €30,000 minimum medical coverage, emergency evacuation, and zero-deductible options preferred by consulates.
- USA Visitors Insurance (B1/B2 Visa) : Provides high medical coverage, access to PPO networks, and COVID-19 coverage treated like any other illness.
- Student Visa Insurance (F-1 / J-1 / M-1) : Offers university-approved coverage, evacuation and repatriation, and affordable long-term plans for international students.
- Digital Nomad Visa Insurance : Includes a global medical certificate and renewable year-long coverage suitable for remote workers living abroad.
Pre-existing Conditions – What You Should Know
Trip Insurance
- Covered if purchased within 10–20 days of your initial trip deposit.
Travel Medical Insurance
- Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions (age-dependent).
- Does not cover the full range of pre-existing conditions.
Global Medical Insurance
- May provide coverage after medical underwriting.
- Full coverage possible for healthy applicants.
- Some pre-existing conditions may be excluded.
Eligibility & Coverage Start for Trip, Travel Medical, and Global Insurance
Who Can Buy These Plans?
- Travelers purchasing before their trip
- Travelers purchasing after their trip has begun (varies by plan)
- Individuals, families, and groups
- U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens
When Does Coverage Begin?
- Starts on the effective date you select at purchase
- Covers emergencies immediately once the start date begins
Have Questions?
Need help understanding your policy?
Our Customer Service team is available 24/7, ready to assist you at every step of your journey and ensure your needs are always our top priority.
What Factors Affect the Cost of US travel insurance plans?
The cost of travel insurance is directly proportional to the age of the traveler. The older the traveler and greater will be the cost of the visitors health insurance.
Comprehensive health insurance which provide exhaustive coverage are more expensive than fixed benefit medical insurance.
The price of medical insurance is directly dependant on the maximum medical coverage and inversely proportional to the deductible of the plan chosen.
The longer the duration of medical insurance required, the higher will be the cost.
Why Buy Travel, Trip, or Global Medical Insurance from American Visitor Insurance?
With more than 20 years of expertise, American Visitor Insurance helps travelers understand the differences between Trip Insurance, Travel Medical Insurance, and Global Medical Insurance, ensuring you choose the right plan for your unique travel needs. Whether you are a short-term tourist, international student, expat, digital nomad, or visitor to the USA, our licensed insurance professionals guide you every step of the way.
We specialize in:- Emergency medical coverage for international travel
- Long-term global health insurance for expats and nomads
- 24/7 customer support
- Over 20 years helping international travelers
- Instant policy documents
- Trip protection for cancellations, delays, and lost baggage
- Plans for seniors, families, and travelers with pre-existing conditions
Documents You Receive After Purchase
When you purchase a plan from American Visitor Insurance, you’ll get all the essential documents you need to travel with confidence. These include:
- ID Card
- Certificate of Coverage
- Visa Letter (if required)
- Full Policy Wording
- Claims Forms & Assistance Numbers
Note : All documents are emailed instantly by American Visitor Insurance after purchase.
Trip, Travel Medical & Global Insurance - FAQ's
Yes, many travel medical plans allow purchase after departure.
Yes, most plans treat COVID-19 as any other illness.
Some plans offer Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR), which may cover it.
Yes, with specific age bands and medical limits.
Highly recommended due to extremely high medical costs.
Usually yes, for limited days depending on the plan.
- Trip insurance protects your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs (cancellation, interruption, baggage).
- Travel medical insurance covers emergency medical expenses while traveling abroad. They serve different purposes.
No. Global medical insurance is long-term international health insurance for expats, students, and residents abroad. Travel insurance is short-term coverage for temporary trips.
Visitor medical insurance is best for non-U.S. citizens visiting the United States. These plans cover emergency medical care, hospitalization, and urgent treatment during your stay.
