Average cost of health insurance in the USA
How much does visitor health insurance cost?
The United States is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world attracting around 80 million tourists annually. However the healthcare costs in the USA for visitors is exorbitant, and it is important that visitors are well informed about US healthcare expenses and have the best medical insurance for visitors to the US. At American Visitor Insurance, we help visitors make an informed decision regarding the average cost of travel insurance in USA. We help them answer questions like - how much travel medical insurance do I need? We work with the top US travel insurance companies to offer their best medical insurance for visitors to usa products. We help travelers find the best health insurance for visitors to usa using our travel insurance cost comparison tool where visitors can compare travel health insurance usa cost options among the best medical insurance for visitors to usa.
How much does health insurance USA for foreigners cost?*
Visitors health insurance USA cost
US medical insurance cost for visitors 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 visitor health insurance usa cost ranges from $16 to $150 a month. The price varies based on several factors such as the age of the visitor, medical maximum coverage, deductible for the plan, coverage type (Fixed vs comprehensive coverage), and the coverage for pre-existing conditions. For an average traveler, there are cheap travel insurance plans at less than a dollar a day.
What is the best travel insurance for USA 2024?
Average cost of medical insurance for travelers to USA-
Patriot America Lite Insurance Comprehensive plan
- Ideal for Non US citizens outside their home country.
- $10,000 coverage per certificate period for travelers aged 80 years and above.
- Available for US citizens living outside USA but visiting the US.
- Patriot America Lite visitor visa insurance can be extended for a minimum of 5 days up to a 12 months period, until reaching a maximum of 24 continuous months.
Patriot America Plus Insurance Comprehensive plan
- Offers comprehensive medical insurance for non US citizens traveling individually or in groups to the USA.
- Purchase for a minimum of 5 days up to 364 days and can be renewed for maximum 2 years.
- Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions till maximum limit up to 70 years.
- The plan offers a benefit of copays of $25 for urgent care centers and $15 for walk-in clinics which are paid INSTEAD of the deductible each time these facilities are used (when the $0 deductible is selected.)
- This also offers optional riders provide additional coverage for a minimal charge.
Patriot Platinum Insurance Comprehensive plan
- Ideal for US citizens and Non US citizens.
- $20,000 coverage per certificate period.
- Plan covers acute onset of pre existing condition up to the age of 70 for up to $1,000,000.
- Patriot Platinum America can be used by green card holders as long as they maintain a residence outside the US.
Visitors Protect Insurance Comprehensive plan
- Availble for visitors traveling from their home country to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
- The plan offers temporary medical coverage with pre-existing conditions up to 99 years.
- Care Clix consultation is a new benefit under this plan where you can get access to a doctor by different means like a video chat , mobile app, phone... and consult about non emergency issues.
- Minimum purchase is 90 days.
Visitors Care Insurance Fixed Benefit plan
- It is an affordable plan for visitors visiting the US. It is a fixed benefit insurance plan.
- This plan covers Acute onset of pre existing condition up to the age of 70 for a maximum starting from $25,000 up to $100,000 depending on the selected policy maximum.
- This plan is renewable for a maximum of 2 years unless there is a break in the coverage.
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Safe Travels USA - Cost Saver Insurance Comprehensive plan
- Available for non U.S. residents and non U.S. citizens, traveling to the USA.
- Coverage may be extended, at the rates in force at the time of extension, for up to 364 days.
- The policy provides policy maximum options starting from $50,000 and provides coverage for $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, and $1,000,000
- This plan is available for green card holders.
Safe Travels USA Insurance Comprehensive plan
- Cheap travel medical insurance plan that covers Non-US Citizens and Non-US Residents while visiting the USA
- It offers comprehensive coverage for illness and accident and offer a Well Doctor Visit which pays up to $125.
- Covers Unexpected Recurrence of a Pre-Existing Condition up to 89 years.
- This plan is available for green card holders.
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive Insurance Comprehensive plan
- Offers excellent medical coverage for Non-US Citizens and Non-US Residents while visiting the USA
- Covers Acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to 69 years the limit is up to the medical maximum and for any coverage related to cardiac disease, coverage is limited to $25,000.
- This plan is available for green card holders.
Safe Travels Elite Insurance Fixed benefit plan
- Available for non U.S. residents and non U.S. citizens, traveling to the USA
- Covers Acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to 89 years.
- This plan is available for green card holders.
- Coverage for minimum 5 days to maximum up to 364 days
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Atlas America Insurance Comprehensive plan
- US travel Medical Insurance for Non-US Citizens traveling outside their home country.
- This plan offers coverage for Hospitalization, Prescription drugs, Trip cancellation, Trip Interruption, Travel delay and Evacuation and much more!
- It is an ideal visitor medical insurance for parents visiting USA.
- Eligible for coverage of acute onset of pre-existing conditions if you are younger than 80. This includes a $25,000 lifetime maximum for emergency medical evacuation.
Atlas Premium Insurance Comprehensive plan
- Plan is ideal for family, tourists, business persons, vacationers and adventure travelers.
- Provides coverage up to $50,000 and $1,00,000 70 to 79 year old travelers.
- Eligible for coverage of acute onset of pre-existing conditions if you are younger than 80. This includes a $25,000 lifetime maximum for emergency medical evacuation.
- Trip Interruption coverage available for up to $15,000 not subject to deductible.
VisitorSecure Insurance Fixed benefit plan
- Available for people traveling to the US and abroad.
- Visitor Secure plan provides coverage for hospital room and board including miscellaneous. The price varies depending on the type of plan.
- Plan provides coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to the age of 70.
- This plan covers Inpatient and Outpatient treatment facilities and price varies between the types of plans.
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Travel Medical Basic Insurance Comprehensive plan
- Available for Non US residents and citizens traveling to the US or to other countries.
- The maximum lifetime of the plan is 365 days and it can be renewed up to this time.
- The policy maximum for this comprehensive insurance starts from $50,000 and provides up to $5,000,000. For people above age 80 years, they get a policy maximum of $10,000.
- Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to 79 years.
Travel Medical Choice Insurance Comprehensive plan
- Available for Non US residents and citizens traveling to the US or to other countries.
- Covers Acute onset of pre-exisiting conditions upto 79 years.
- The policy maximum for this comprehensive insurance starts from $50,000 and provides up to $5M. For people above age 80 years, they get a policy maximum of $10,000
Travel Medical USA Visitor Basic Insurance Fixed Benefit plan
- Available for Non US citizens coming to the US.
- This is a fixed benefit insurance plan that provides a policy maximum of up to $150,000 for people below 70 years and for people above 70 years up to the age of 99 this policy can provide a policy maximum of up to $100,000
- Acute onset of pre-existing conditions is covered up to the age of 79 years. People below 70 years get $50,000 coverage and people above 70 years get $25,000 coverage for this benefit.
Travel Medical USA Visitor Choice Insurance Fixed Benefit plan
- Available also for Non US citizens coming to the US.
- This is a fixed benefit insurance plan that provides a policy maximum of up to $150,000 for people below 70 years and for people above 70 years up to the age of 99 this policy can provide a policy maximum of up to $100,000
- Acute onset of pre-existing conditions is covered up to the age of 79 years. People below 70 years get $75,000 coverage and people above 70 years get $25,000 coverage for this benefit.
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Diplomat America Insurance Comprehensive plan
- Available for Non Us citizens and Non US residents visiting the US.
- plan is available to the US citizens visiting US on business trips and vacation while living abroad. There is a requirement for a valid international address.
- Plan is not available for citizens of Australia and Iran.
- Covers pre-existing condition after 24 months of waiting period.
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WorldMed Insurance Comprehensive plan
- Available for people traveling outside their home country and is available to both US and Non US citizens.
- This plan covers acute onset of pre existing condition up to the age of 70.
- Deductible options are $0, $250, $500, $1000 and $2500.
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage is available for $50,000.
Visit USA Insurance Fixed benefit plan
- Available to Non-U.S. residents while visiting the U.S.
- Coverage is available for the main insured party and spouse, unmarried adult dependent children, or for children traveling alone.
- The policy maximum for accident and sickness medical coverage limits with Plan A is $50,000. For people above 80, the policy maximum is $20,000.
- The deductible options in Plan A and Plan B are $0, $50, $100 or $250 per incident.
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Voyager Choice Insurance Comprehensive plan
- This plan avaiable for US residents travelling abroad
- Pre-existing Conditions Covered: No waiting period. US primary health plan required.
- Available from 1 day to 182 days
- Applicant's age must be under 95 years
Voyager Essential Insurance Comprehensive plan
- This plan avaiable for US residents travelling abroad
- Pre-existing conditions covered with 180 days exclusion
- Available from 1 day to 182 days
- Applicant's age must be under 95 years
- No US primary health plan required.
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INF Safe Traveler USA Insurance Comprehensive plan
Coverage range$150,000 - $300,000
- Provides coverage for Non-US Citizens & anyone visiting USA, Canada, Mexico and traveling worldwide outside their home country
- This plan is not available to US residents and is only available to non-US residents.
- Sickness & Accident Plan with 80% in network coinsurance.
- Minimum purchase of 30 days is required for this plan.
INF Safe Traveler USA 90 Insurance Comprehensive plan
Coverage range$150,000 - $3,000,000
- Covers 90% of elgibile medical expenses.
- Minimum purchase of 30 days is required for this plan.
- Provides coverage for Non-US Citizens & anyone visiting USA, Canada, Mexico and traveling worldwide outside their home country
- This plan is not available to US residents and is only available to non-US residents.
INF Elite Insurance Comprehensive plan
Coverage range$150,000 - $1,000,000
- Provides coverage for Non-US Citizens & anyone visiting USA, Canada, Mexico and traveling worldwide outside their home country
- Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions upto $1,000,000.
- Minimum purchase of 90 days required to buy this plan.
INF Premier Insurance Comprehensive plan
Coverage range$100,000 - $1,000,000
- Provides coverage for Non-US Citizens & anyone visiting USA, Canada, Mexico and traveling worldwide outside their home country
- Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions to $1,000,000.
- Acute Onset treated like New Sickness.
- Covers age up to 99 Years.
INF Premier Plus Insurance Comprehensive plan
Coverage range$3,000,000
- Provides coverage for Non-US Citizens & anyone visiting USA, Canada, Mexico and traveling worldwide outside their home country.
- Covers Full Pre-existing conditions up to 69 years.
- Plan provides policy maximum $300,000 covers pre-existing condition maximum of $50,000/$100,000 with deductible $1,000/$5,000 for age 0 to 69 years.
INF Elite 90 Insurance Comprehensive plan
Coverage range$150,000 - $1,000,000
- plan is available for Non-US Citizens.
- Minimum Enrolment should be 90 days to buy INF Elite 90 Plan.
- Covers 90% of elgibile medical expenses.
- Covers Full Pre-existing conditions up to 99 years.
INF Elite plus Insurance Comprehensive plan
Coverage range$150,000 - $300,000
- Not Available to US residents and is only available to non-US residents.
- Acute onset is considered new sickness. 90% of eligible medical expenses.
- Covers Full Pre-existing conditions up to 99 years.
INF Standard Insurance Fixed Benefit plan
Coverage range$50,000 - $150,000
- Provides coverage for Non-US Citizens & anyone visiting USA, Canada, Mexico and traveling worldwide outside their home country.
- Plan has a minimum purchase requirement of 30 days.
- Covers accident & sickness while traveling to USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Factors to buy best travel medical insurance USA
Age of the traveler
The cost of medical insurance for travelers is directly proportional to the age of the traveler. The older the traveler and greater will be the cost of the visitors health insurance.
Type of US travel health insurance
Comprehensive insurance provides exhaustive coverage but is more expensive than fixed benefit insurance which has a specified limit for each treatment.
Medical maximum coverage
The price of USA medical insurance for visitors is directly dependent on the maximum medical coverage and inversely proportional to the deductible of the plan chosen.
Region of coverage
Health insurance for USA visitors depends on the coverage region. The cost for visitor insurance for the United States is most expensive when compared to Europe or Asia.
Duration of travel insurance
The cost of trip insurance directly depends on the length of travel. The longer the duration of visitor medical insurance required, the higher will be the cost.
Any add on benefits
Additional add-on benefits to the basic insurance for tourist plan like adventure sports coverage, coverage for pre-existing conditions… will add to the overall cost.
International visitors to USA
Following are the different types of visitors to USA, Review the average cost of health insurance for visitors to USA:
- Visitors medical insurance - Short term health insurance for USA visitors, international tourists on vacation or to visit family. More details»
- International students health insurance - International students enrolled in a US university. More details»
- J1 Visa holders insurance - J visa holders or exchange scholars on research program. More details»
- US Immigrant health insurance - New immigrants planning to settle in USA. More details»
- Green Card Holders medical insurance - US Green Card holders frequently visiting US. More details»
- Global health insurance - Travelers like expatriates, missionaries. More details»
- H1B visa holders insurance - Non-immigrants on temporary work visa. More details»
- F2 visa holders insurance - Dependants of F1 visa holders. More details»
- J2 visa holders insurance - Dependants of J1 visa holders. More details»
- US visa types - Coverage for different visas in the US. More details»
Cost of routine physician visits
While visiting the United States is great fun, being forced to visit an US hospital can be financially traumatic, especially if you do not have proper travel insurance. While the US healthcare system is amongst the best in the world, medical costs for visitors to the USA is very-very expensive. There are chances that a visitor may face a medical emergency and will have to visit a physician.
Even a visit to a physician is very expensive in the US when compared to many other countries. In the US it costs $176/ while in countries like Spain the cost is only about $11. Even neighboring Canada it costs only $30. You can review the comparative costs of a routine physician visit in these countries.
Cost of Surgery
- Just imagine that you face an even more serious medical situation, you might have an accident, have a fall or have a serious heart problem.
- The average cost of a bypass heart surgery in the US would be $73,420 while that of a knee replacement is $25,637.
- This price is not something any tourist in the US would like to face while enjoying a holiday.
- You can compare the cost of these surgeries in other countries like Australia, South Africa, the UK or Argentina.
- The price is significantly less when compared to the price of surgeries in the US.
Cost of staying in hospital
- Any serious medical treatment would involve a stay in the hospital.
- For an average of 7 day stay in a US hospital it would cost you $16,000.
- While 10 days of stay in a hospital in Germany would cost you only $4,000. This is a very huge difference.
- Bottom line, while the healthcare cost in US is very sophisticated, it is also really expensive.
USA travel insurance coverage highlights
What does Travel Medical Insurance cover?
Some of the other important travel health insurance for USA benefits are listed below. Travelers can compare visitors medical insurance to review specific coverage details offered by the different companies and insurance plans.
Medical coverage for accidents and emergency medical ailments
The high cost of healthcare in the US makes it imperative for travelers to have good travel health insurance while traveling outside ones home country. 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 health insurance in USA 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 best health insurance for tourists in USA medical varies based on the tourist health insurance USA plan chosen, however travelers have the option of getting coverage up to $1,000,000. The available medical maximum coverage however decreases for travelers over 70 years.
Doctors visit
This allows travelers to visit Doctors for sudden unanticipated medical ailments (continuing treatment for pre-existing ailments and preventive care are not covered). The Co-pay and deductible will vary depending on the chosen health insurance for USA travel, travelers do have the option of No Co-pay and $0 deductible.
Pharmacy drugs
Doctor prescribed eligible pharmacy drugs are covered up to $50,000, but this varies from plan to plan.
Visitors medical insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions
A pre-existing condition is a medical ailment that existed before the start of the us holiday insurance for visitors coverage. Conditions that are considered as pre- existing diseases include ailments like Asthma, heart related issues, high blood pressure, kidney disease, cancer, diabetes etc. It is difficult to find health insurance for tourists in USA that covers pre-existing conditions.Only some tourist health insurance cover pre-existing conditions with INF being one company that offers greater coverage for pre-existing ailments. INF visitor insurance in USA with pre-existing conditions coverage insures in-patient, out-patient, urgent care, specialist, doctor visits, anything related to pre-existing conditions. This includes pre-existing conditions ranging from blood pressure, diabetes, kidney complications to arthritis and are covered by the INF Premier insurance and INF Elite Plan. Compare the best travel insurance for pre existing conditions before actually buying the travelers insurance.
Surgery
Emergency surgery treatment will be covered. The maximum available amount for surgery is typically $50,000, but this varies from plan to plan.
Medical Evacuation
Provides coverage for medical evacuation up to $1,000,000 if the traveler has to be evacuated to get access to proper medical treatment in the event of a medical emergency.
Repatriation of remains
The repatriation of remains benefit pays for the repatriation expenses back to the home country in the event of death of the traveler for any reason. While this depends on the tourist health insurance chosen, one can get repatriation coverage up to $50,000.
Emergency dental coverage
Emergency dental coverage up to $300 is available for acute onset of pain to natural teeth.
Steps to buy
US visitor travel insurance online
Step 1: Finding the available US travel insurance plans
Complete the travel insurance quote request form by providing details of the traveller and insurance requirements.
Step 2: Compare the different travel insurance options
Compare the price and the benefits of the different travel insurance options to identify what fits your needs best.
Step 3: Buy the travel insurance that you like best
Purchase the plan that fits your needs and budget best by using a credit card and completing the online application.
Step 4: Review insurance plan documents received by email
Review the travel insurance documents received by email closely for coverage details and relevant contact numbers
Different types of US Visitors travel insurance
Fixed Benefit travel insurance
A fixed benefit or scheduled benefits travel insurance plan is the cheapest US travel insurance plan, however this is because the Fixed benefit travel insurance have a fixed limit of coverage for different medical benefits. Fixed benefit international travel medical insurance works well for small ailments but can be inadequate for more serious medical conditions involving hospitalisation.
Comprehensive travel insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance provide full coverage for medical expenses up to the policy medical maximum limit. As opposed to fixed benefit international travel medical insurance there are no coverage limits for each benefit. It is much more expensive when compared to fixed benefit plans but also provides significantly superior coverage especially in case of a serious medical emergency or hospitalisation.
What is the best health insurance for visitors to USA? What is the best travel insurance for USA? What is the best visitor insurance USA?
There are different factors for buying best health insurance for USA visitors. Visitors should compare fixed benefits and comprehensive visitor insurance plans. Foreign visitors to USA travel insurance customers should understand the concepts of deductibles and co-insurance and Pre-existing conditions travel health insurance.
A prudent and well informed traveler will make the correct choice while buying tourist insurance in USA for his or her unique needs. While the best travel insurance for USA varies from traveler to traveler, the following list can be considered the best health insurance for foreign visitors to USA based on their popularity.
USA Healthcare travel insurance - FAQ's
1. What happens if a tourist visiting the US is forced to go to a hospital for a medical emergency?
What happens if a tourist gets sick in USA? How are tourist emergency hospital bills handled? What is involved in seeing a Doctor in the US as a tourist? How is the medical treatment in USA for foreigners handled? All of these are common concerns of tourists visiting the United States. It is extremely important for US tourists to know that healthcare in the US is very expensive and that most US residents have health insurance to cover their medical expenses. Given this situation, it is important for US tourists to have the best travel insurance for US as they are fully responsible for any medical expenses that they incur in the country. Being forced to get medical treatment in the USA without insurance can be financially catastrophic, and the best way to shield oneself from this situation is to buy US travel insurance for the entire duration of one’s visit to the country.
2. What travel insurance covers the USA?
US Travel insurance plans for coverage can be purchased online at American Visitor Insurance to get a medical and travel insurance cover in the United States. International travel insurance provides coverage for unexpected medical emergencies during the travel period. Travel insurance is particularly important during the Covid19 pandemic for safe travel to the US. American visitor insurance offers customers with some of the best US travel insurance options which can be compared to find the most appropriate product for one’s needs. For more details travelers can call the customer service or email and the team will be glad to help.
3. What does US travel insurance cover?
A standard US travel insurance plan offers protection for all unexpected travel and medical illness or injury during the trip. Trip cancellation insurance provides coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions, medical emergencies, trip cancellation, trip interruption, delays and medical evacuation, lost -damaged, or stolen of the luggage.
4. Can I still get travel insurance for the USA?
Yes, travelers can buy travel insurance if the traveler has already started a trip. However travelers should keep in mind that the cover is provided for any illness or injury that occurs after the inception of the policy.
5. Do I need medical insurance to travel to the US?
Purchasing medical insurance for travelling to the US is not mandatory, however it's best to get a travel medical insurance. Healthcare in the US is very expensive and if there is need for hospitalization travelers may end up in a huge financial loss. An adequate US travel insurance plan will provide coverage for medical expenses incurred in case of any injury or illness especially during the pandemic.
6. Can I travel to the USA without travel insurance?
Yes, one can travel to the USA without travel insurance, however this is very risky given the high cost of US healthcare services. One can easily buy travel insurance for USA online by comparing available popular options on American Visitor Insurance.
7. Can I get US health insurance for tourist visa in USA?
It is unlikely that you will be able to obtain US domestic health insurance with a tourist visa in the USA. However you can buy US travel health insurance which will provide health insurance coverage for the tourists temporary stay in the US. The main limitations of US travel medical insurance when compared to US major medical health insurance is that the travel health insurance does not cover any preventive care and provides very little coverage for pre-existing conditions.
However it works very well in typical travel related accident or sickness medical care. Tourists can review different US travel insurance plans, benefits and coverage options from various travel insurance companies using the Compare US tourist Insurance tool to find the best fit for your needs.
8. What happens if a tourist gets sick in USA without insurance?
- If a tourist gets sick in the USA without insurance, they will be responsible for paying for their medical expenses out of pocket. Medical expenses in the US can be very expensive, and the cost will depend on the severity of the illness or injury and the type of medical care needed.
- If the medical expenses are high and the tourist is unable to pay, they may be sent to a collections agency, which can negatively impact their credit score. In some cases, they may also be denied entry into the US in the future.
- It's important to note that some hospitals may provide emergency medical treatment regardless of insurance status, but the tourist will still be responsible for paying for the care they receive.
- To avoid these situations, it's highly recommended for tourists to buy proper US travel health insurance that will cover their medical expenses while they are in the US.
9. How much does it cost to see a doctor in the USA?
The cost of seeing a doctor in the USA can range anywhere from $100 to more than $200 for a routine consultation without insurance. The actual cost can vary depending on factors such as location, type of doctor, and specific medical services. Having health insurance can significantly impact the out-of-pocket cost.
The average cost of a doctor’s visit in the USA is:
- $100 - $200 for a primary care physician (PCP) visit for a physical exam or a consultation.
- $250 or more for a specialist visit for a consultation or a procedure.
- More than $2000 for an emergency room (ER) visit for an illness or an injury.
However, these are just estimates and the actual cost may vary depending on the specific services and tests you need during your visit.
For example, some of the common tests and procedures that may add to your cost are:
- $50 - $100 for a blood test
- $100 - $200 for an electrocardiogram (EKG)
- $20 - $50 for a vaccine or an injection
- $150 - $200 for a strep test
- $150 - $300 for a urine test
- $200 - $400 for an X-ray
- $500 - $1000 for an ultrasound
- $1000 - $2000 for a CT scan
- $1500 - $3000 for an MRI
If you have health insurance, your cost may be lower depending on your plan’s coverage and deductible. You may also have to pay a co-pay or co-insurance fee at the time of your visit. If you do not have health insurance, you may have to pay the full amount out of pocket or negotiate with the doctor or the hospital for a discount or a payment plan.
Given this situation it is very important for everyone visiting the US to have the best travel health insurance possible. This is true even if you have health insurance in your home country and might offer coverage globally. This is because of the fact that the cost of US healthcare is very high and that US insurance providers negotiate better prices with hospitals and healthcare providers for their customers when compared to customers who are not part of any US insurance preferred providers network (PPO network).
10. How can international tourists and foreigners get health insurance in the USA?
Residents in the US can get health insurance in the USA mostly from their employer or from government programs like Medicare or Medicaid or from the Health Insurance Marketplace through insurance agents or brokers or from direct purchase from insurance companies. However, these options are not available for international tourists or visitors to the US. Tourists should buy international travel insurance that are offered by reputed US insurance providers. However, deciding on one company or insurance policy can be difficult, and this is where insurance comparison websites like American Visitor Insurance are very helpful. On American Visitor Insurance, visitors can easily compare visitors insurance based on the price as well as coverage details and buy the US travel insurance plan that is best suited to their needs.
11. Is it worth it to get health insurance for visitors to the US?
Given the very high cost of US healthcare, it is very logical to buy good health insurance for visitors to the US. The cost of the US health insurance for visitors is very small when compared to the healthcare costs in the USA for expatriates and visitors, so a small cost will bring tremendous peace of mind while in the country.
And, should the traveler fall sick or get injured while in the US you will no doubt consider the short term visitor health insurance as the greatest investment you ever made. Of course, we all hope that your travels are smooth and pleasant. US travel Insurance is however for the unexpected, whether falling sick or having an accident and finding yourself in a hospital in the US. An US short term health insurance for visitors policy will take care of you in those situations.
12. 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, travel insurance USA coverage for Covid19 ... 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.
- Wide range of Student insurance options for Indian students is USA
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- Resourceful user friendly Student travel insurance comparison tool
- Customer support with support for claims settled in the USA
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Ailment and average cost of treatment in US
According to INF insurance, the top Eight visitor medical insurance claims for older travelers visiting the US are:
1. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Hyperglycemia
Patients admitted to the hospital Emergency Room(ER) and discharged within 1-2 days. The average bill across the US for a hypoglycemic event is around $25,000.
2. Cerebral Infarction, also known as stroke
This can involve a 4-5 day stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) coupled with at least 2 MRI scans and follow up treatments with a Neurologist. The average cost of a cerebral infraction is nearly $100,000.
3. Septicemia
blood poisoning caused by bacteria often due to Urinary Tract infection
The average cost of septicemia in 2018 was over $50,000
4. Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Ischemic stroke- the occlusion of a cerebral artery that causes damage to the brain tissue dependent on blood supply for the affected blood vessel. Treatment for this kind of stoke will definitely need ICU care for 8-10 days, many brain scans from MRI and PET machines, and skilled follow up care. The average cost of cerebral artery occlusion in 2018 was nearly $120,000.
5. Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction
, commonly known as heart attack
Typical medical bills will include ambulance, hospital emergency room, ICU, EKG and MRI heart scans and continuing care from cardiologists. The average cost for Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction in 2018 was close to $20,000.
6. Persistent atrial fibrillation
which results in irregular or rapid heartbeat.
Common symptoms experienced by older travelers due to extreme weather conditions can include dizziness, nausea and heart palpitations. According to INF claims data, the average cost of an atrial fibrillation in 2018 was almost $12,500.
7. Hypertensive emergency
A Hypertensive emergency is high blood pressure with a systolic blood pressure of over 180 mmHg or having a diastolic blood pressure over 110mmHh. This level of high blood pressure can permanently damage organs such as the brain, kidney, eyes, or heart. INF claims data found that the average treatment of hypertensive emergencies was over $85,000 in 2018.
8. Acute Kidney Failure
Acute Kidney Failure is a complication caused by different pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, urinary tract infections or diabetes. The average treatment cost of acute kidney failure in the USA was over $22,000 in 2018.
Visitors Pre-existing conditions coverage
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Resourceful tourist insurance USA information
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Travel insurance for specific groups
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Top Eight visitor medical insurance claims for older travelers visiting the US
Click here to know more »US health care costs and need for visitors insurance for USA visitors
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After being aware of these facts, it would be penny wise pound foolish to not buy adequate visitor medical insurance for the US. Buying proper visitor medical insurance will protect you from a financial crisis while in a medical emergency.
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Travel insurance for USA resources
Choose international travel insurance resources for travel outside your home country.
Types of travel insurance online
Different US travel insurance options, fixed benefits vs comprehensive coverage.
Travel insurance Claims Procedure
Travel insurance online claims process for getting medical care in a hospital.