Fixed or Scheduled benefits versus Comprehensive Plans
Regardless of the insurance provider visitor's insurance is segregated into two broad categories like Comprehensive and fixed plans.Firstly, let us define what fixed and comprehensive plans are. They work quite differently from each other. A fixed plan also called scheduled benefits plan is popularly known as fixed, because the insurance company has limits placed on what they will pay for each medical expense and they provide basic coverage.
A Comprehensive offers much more complete coverage. Let me explain using an example. Let's suppose that a person has incurred the following medical expenses: Doctor visit for $350, prescription medications for $160, minor surgery for $1350. The total expenses are $1,860. Let's give two examples of plans with a $100 deductible and a $50,000 maximum limit.
The person with the comprehensive plan will pay the deductible of $100. After that, assume they have a 10% coinsurance charge, so they will still pay $176 (so a total of $276). With a fixed plan, the insurance company will pay only $55 for an office visit, only $100 for prescription medication and up to $3,300 for a surgery. That leaves $295 for the office visit, $60 for medication, and $0 for the surgery which totals $355. In this example, there is not much disparity between either policy.
Now imagine that all costs are the same except the surgery costs $15,000. In that case, the person with a comprehensive plan will pay only $600 for all expenses ($100 deductible plus 10% of next $5000), whereas the person with the fixed plan will now have to pay an additional $11,700 (since the plan will only pay $3,300 for a surgery), which gives a total bill of $12,055.
So, the question is: What do you want to insure yourself against: minor medical issues which are more likely (flu) or major events that are unlikely (broken bone)? If you decide for a fixed plan, I recommend getting a very high maximum ($100,000 or $130,000 are options) because as the maximum of the policy is increased, the amount paid for each expense tends to go up (at $100,000 maximum, they pay $5,500 for a surgery, for example). Also, with a fixed plan, get as high a deductible as you can ($200 for elderly insureds or $100). In either of the above scenarios, the insured would have to pay the same amount regardless of deductible and this would always be the case unless you have extremely minor charges. Therefore, you can save money on the premium by choosing a higher deductible.
To save money on the comprehensive plan which is much more costly than a fixed plan, you can increase the deductible quite high ($2,500 or $1,000; these levels are not available for fixed plans). With such a high deductible, you will most likely have to pay out of pocket for any minor complaints, like a doctor visit due to flu or stomach complaint; however, you would be protected from a devastatingly high medical bill. For a person over 80 years of age, the only options with at least a $50,000 maximum are fixed plans. In that case, I recommend the Travel Medical USA Visitor Choice. Other than that age group, the type of coverage you want will depend on what you wish to insure yourself against.
What are the cheapest fixed visitor insurance plans for the USA?
Safe Travels Advantage
Trawick International
$20 PER MONTHAge: 40 years | Plan: $25,000 | Deductible: $0
- Policy maximum limits ranges from $25,000 to $150,000
- Deductible option $0
- Coverage from 5 - 364 days
- Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions related to Cardiac Conditions or Stroke
Venbrook Essential
Venbrook International
$25 PER MONTHAge: 40 years | Plan: $25,000 | Deductible: $0
- Policy maximum limits ranges from $25,000 to $150,000
- Deductible options $0
- Coverage from 5 days - 12 months
- Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions coverage up to policy maximum
- Policy maximum limits ranges from $25,000 to $100,000
- Deductible options $0 to $100
- Coverage from 5 days - 2 years
- Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions coverage
What are the best comprehensive visitor insurance plans for the USA?
- Policy maximum limits ranges from $10,000 to $1,000,000
- Deductible options $0 to $2,500
- Coverage from 5 days to 12 months
- Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions
- Policy maximum limits ranges from $10,000 to $2,000,000
- Deductible options $0 to $5,000
- Coverage for 364 days
- Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions, also includes $25,000 lifetime maximum for emergency medical evacuation
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive
Trawick International
$87 PER MONTHAge: 40 years | Plan: $50,000 | Deductible: $250
- Policy maximum limits ranges from $25,000 to $150,000
- Deductible options $0 to $5,000
- Coverage from 5 days to 364 days
- Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions coverage up to 100% policy maximum
Types of visitors insurance
| Feature | Fixed benefit plans | Comprehensive plans |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Fixed benefits plans have specific benefit limits for different covered medical expenses. These benefit limits are not the same as the plan medical maximum. |
These plans do not have benefit limits based on the type of medical expense. Benefits for covered medical expenses go all the way up to the plan maximum (less deductible and co-insurance) |
| Cost | Cheapest options with basic coverage | Expensive but exhaustive coverage. |
| Coverage | Clearly defined coverage limits. More affordable when compared to comprehensive plans, but with correspondingly less coverage. | The plan pays for all expenses after the deductible and co-insurance component. These plans are recommended given the high costs of health care in the US. |
| Deductibles | For fixed benefit plans deductibles can be per period of coverage, or per injury/sickness basis | Comprehensive insurance plans typically include deductibles, requiring the insured individual to pay a specified amount out of pocket before the insurance coverage begins. |
| Policy maximum | The policy maximum, like $50K or $100K, is the total limit for all scheduled benefits. It doesn't guarantee full coverage for all medical expenses up to that limit. | Get the coverage up to the chosen policy maximum. |
| Out-of-Pocket Expenses | Policyholders may face higher out-of-pocket expenses for services not covered or not fully covered by the plan. The fixed benefits may not cover the entire cost of medical care. | Comprehensive plans often involve cost-sharing mechanisms such as deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance. Policyholders share the costs with the insurance company, and there may be an annual out-of-pocket maximum for added protection. |
| PPO network | You can visit any hospital or doctor, since there will be no discounted rates, the plan will only pay up to the clearly defined limits for different expenses. | Most comprehensive plans have PPO networks, which means cashless service (direct billing as opposed to reimbursement basis), more discounted rates, as well as easier acceptance within the PPO network. |
| How does the plan work? | The customer is required to pay an initial deductible for each injury or sickness and the plan pays for the rest of the covered expenses. | The insured has to pay the deductible and an additional 20% co insurance for the first $5K of the medical expense incurred. After $5K, the plan pays 100% of the eligible medical expenses up to the plan maximum. There are other variances of the co-insurance, some where the plan pays 90% up to first $5K and 100% after that. |
| Trip expenses | Trip Expenses are not covered. | Include extensive travel coverage’s, such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, and baggage protection. These plans offer more comprehensive protection for various travel-related risks. |
| Pre-existing condition | Fixed benefit plans may have limitations or exclusions for pre-existing conditions, potentially excluding coverage or imposing waiting periods. | Comprehensive benefit plans typically cover pre-existing conditions, but there may be waiting periods before such coverage takes effect. |
| Benefits | Fixed benefits plan pays benefits like set of maximum amount. For example: Surgery up to $3k, Local Ambulance up to $300 and Hospital emergency room up to $350 etc... |
Comprehensive plans pays up to the maximum limit For example: Hospital emergency room: subject to a $250 deductible for each emergency room visit for treatment that does not result in direct inpatient hospital admission. Up to the maximum limit. |
| Popular insurance plans | Visitors Care | Travel Medical USA Visitor Choice | Travel Medical USA Visitor Basic | Visitors Secure | Safe Travels Elite | INF Premier Plus Insurance | Venbrook Essential | Safe Travels Advantage | Atlas America | Patriot America Lite | Patriot America Plus | Patriot Platinum | Travel Medical Basic | WorldMed | Diplomat America | Safe Travels USA | Safe Travels USA Comprehensive | INF Elite Plus Insurance | INF Elite 90 Insurance | Travel Medical Choice | Atlas Premium | Visitors Protect | Visitors Preferred | Venbrook Premier | Visitors Protect |
What does visitor travel insurance cover?
- Doctor visit: Insures Doctor visits for sudden injury or sickness.
- Pharmacy drugs: Doctor prescribed eligible pharmacy drugs expenses.
- Pre-existing conditions: Some plans insure acute onset of pre-existing conditions coverage.
- Medical evacuation: Medical evacuation expenses to nearest facility included.
- Repat of remains: Repatriation of remains to home country included.
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 $19 to $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.
Following is the cost of visitor insurance per month.
| 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 |
| Venbrook Essential | $25,000 - $150,000 | $0 | $25 - $74 | $36 - $105 | $66 - $142 |
| 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 |
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.
Following are the cost of best health insurance for visitors to USA per month for a $250 deductible.
| 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 |
| Venbrook Premier | $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 |
| SafeVista Comprehensive | $100,000 - $1,000,000 | $76 - $97 | $158 - $225 | $320 |
| 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 |
Visitor health insurance for USA
Review US visitor insurance plan benefits.
How much does 6 month medical insurance for visitors to USA cost?
For a 60 year old traveler, the cost of USA visitor insurance for 6 months typically ranges around $122 to $1,050, based different coverage options, medical needs, and traveler’s budget on American Visitor Insurance. The best 6 month USA travel insurance is the one which is affordable, reliable and allows the traveler stress free. From ER visits to urgent care, stay covered for 6 months in the U.S starting from just $1.50/day!
Visitor medical Insurance FAQ's
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Can a non-US citizen get medical insurance?
Yes, if the traveler is a non US citizen and needs medical insurance it can be purchased. The US travel insurance cover can provide the traveler with the medical coverage required.
5. What is the difference between comprehensive and fixed benefit visitors insurance?
Comprehensive visitors insurance coverage offer more extensive coverage than fixed benefit visitors insurance, also known as limited coverage plans. Comprehensive travel health insurance are more flexible and provide coverage for a wider range of situations. They usually include basic travel protection, as well as coverage for natural disasters, personal accidents, and third-party liability. On the other hand, fixed benefit travel health insurance offer limited coverage and are cost-efficient. They usually provide basic travel protection and are ideal for those who are looking for a budget-friendly option.
6. What is a comprehensive visitors medical insurance?
Comprehensive visitors medical insurance is travel insurance that provides coverage for a wide range of risks that one may face during travels, including hospitalization, medical expenses, loss of luggage or documents, cancellation or disruption of flights, and various other costs. It is a bundle of different types of travel insurance coverage that can be purchased together. Most commonly, comprehensive travel insurance bundles a 24-hour assistance line to help find doctors or get assistance in an emergency, reimburse you for trip cancellation, interruption and delay, baggage loss or delay, and medical expense and medical evacuation coverage. It is advisable to purchase travel insurance well in advance to avail all benefits.
7. What is a fixed benefit travel health insurance plan?
- A fixed benefit travel health insurance plan refers to a type of insurance where the terms and benefits are predetermined and do not change over time.
- Fixed benefit travel medical insurance often offer a guaranteed fixed benefits. A fixed premium may provide a fixed coverage for surgery.
8. Which is better, a fixed or comprehensive travel health insurance plan?
The choice between a fixed and comprehensive plan depends on individual needs and preferences. If someone prefers a cheaper plan, a fixed visitors travel insurance plan might be suitable. If someone wants a more versatile solution covering various aspects, a comprehensive visitor travel insurance plan could be better.
9. Do comprehensive plans cost more than fixed plans?
Comprehensive plans definitely have a higher premium because they cover a wider range of risks. Fixed plans, being more focused and predictable, lower premiums.
How does fixed benefit insurance work?
Let us take an example: The medical bill is $25,000; Deductible is $100 and choosen Policy Maximum is $50,000
- full_coverage
Insurance coverage $50,000
- attach_money
Deductible $100 per certificate period
- draft
Medical expenses Claims$25,100
The Visitors Care plan covers clearly defined amounts for different medical situations up to a medical maximum coverage ($50,000). The insured must pay the deductible ($100). After that, the insurance plan pays fixed amount as defined in the policy for specific treatment. In this hypothetical example described in the table, the insured has to pay $17,050. This is the difference between the fixed amount the insurance pays and the actual billed amount.
| Expense | Amount billed | Amount Insurance Pays | Amount Insured Owes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deductible | $100 | $0 | $100 |
| Days in hospital | $2,000/day for 3 days | $1,400/day for 3 days | $1,800 |
| Surgery | $17,000 | $3,300 | $13,700 |
| Prescription Drugs | $800 | $250 | $550 |
| X Ray | $1,700 | $800 | $900 |
| Total: | $25,100 | $8,550 | $17,050 |
How does Comprehensive travel insurance work?
Consider an example where your:
- full_coverage
Insurance coverage $50,000
- attach_money
Deductible $500 per certificate period
- draft
Medical expenses Claims$26,500
Below is a simple calculation showing how much the plan/insurance company pays you:
- Subtract the deductible from claims amount - $26,500 minus $500 equals $26,000. Insured bears $500
- Apply 100% coinsurance
- Plan/insurance company pays: $26,500 minus $500 equals $26,000 and insured bears $500
| Expense | Amount billed | Amount Insurance Pays | Amount Insured Owes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deductible | $500 | $0 | $500 |
| Days in hospital | $3,000/day for 2 days | $6,000 | $0 |
| Surgery | $18,000 | $18,000 | $0 |
| Prescription Drugs | $600 | $600 | $0 |
| X Ray | $1,400 | $1,400 | $0 |
| Total: | $26,500 | $26,000 | $500 |
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Which are the best travel insurance companies in USA?
You can find reliable US insurance providers like International Medical Group(IMG), Seven Corners, WorldTrips, Global Underwriters, Travel Insure, GeoBlue, HTH Worldwide, INF insurance, HTH Worldwide and Venbrook International.
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