Immigrant insurance is a type of health insurance designed for people who are new immigrants or long-term visa holders in the USA. who are not yet eligible for employer-sponsored or government health coverage.
U.S. healthcare is very expensive. Immigrant insurance protects you from high medical costs before you’re covered under domestic plans.
Visitor insurance is a short-term medical insurance designed for international visitors traveling to the United States. It provides coverage for unexpected medical expenses such as illnesses, injuries, emergencies, hospitalization, and urgent care during a visitor’s stay in the USA.
When you are planning to visit the United States, there are some important facts you should know before your trip. Any foreign country you are visiting can be different not just geographically but also culturally, weather-wise, lifestyle, foods, and (most appropriate for this article) healthcare system.
You need not fully understand each and every aspect but a basic understanding can help you avoid trouble. There are people who would be traveling to America to permanently settle down or become residents and few other who would be traveling as tourists as short-term visitors.
Both visitors and new immigrants in the US are not necessarily eligible for all benefits residents enjoy. This rule is particularly applicable for insurance coverage.
Purchasing travel insurance for immigrants to USA is mandatory and domestic health insurance plans are not applicable for international travelers or immigrants in America. The only exception would be a spouse to a current resident/citizen. There may be a mandatory waiting period, but a spouse and dependents can always be added to a domestic health plan (although the cost may be put onto the employee).
While coming to the USA, it is advisable that you get medically insured in case of any unexpected medical emergency situations. Before you research about insurance coverage in the USA, here are some basics about categories available (particularly on our website). There are visitor insurance plans and immigrant insurance plans (some of which overlap). Travelers should first decide which type of insurance they want to purchase.
Anyone in the US legally can purchase a visitor OR immigrant policy as listed on our website. However, the immigrant category has options that can be renewed and are for the long term. Some visitor options can only be purchased for 6 months or less and/or are not renewable.
Choosing the right type of health insurance depends on how long you plan to stay in the USA and your immigration status. American Visitor Insurance helps international travelers and new immigrants compare suitable insurance options based on their specific needs.
| Feature / Plan Example | New Immigrant Insurance | Visitor Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Who Can Buy | New immigrants, green card holders, long-term visa holders | Tourists, business travelers, parents visiting USA |
| Purpose | Coverage until eligible for domestic insurance | Short-term medical coverage during U.S. visits |
| Eligibility | Legally in the U.S.; various visa categories | Anyone visiting the U.S. temporarily |
| Coverage Duration | Up to 2 years (renewable) | 5 days to 2 years (usually up to 1 year, renewable) |
| Coverage Type | Comprehensive (some overlap with visitor plans) | Fixed benefit (budget) or comprehensive (broad) |
| Pre-existing Coverage | Limited/acute onset only | Limited/acute onset only |
| Cost | Moderate, less than domestic | $20–$353/month (varies by plan, age, coverage) |
| Network Restrictions | Flexible, some preferred providers | Flexible, often any U.S. doctor/hospital |
| When to Buy | Before/after arrival, during eligibility wait | Before/after arrival, for duration of visit |
| Example Plans | Diplomat Long Term,Patriot America Plus | Atlas America,Patriot America Plus,Safe Travels USA Comprehensive,Visitors Care |
The cost of visitor insurance depends on several factors:
For an average traveler, there are cheap travel insurance plans at less than a dollar a day.
Fixed vs Comprehensive Visitor Insurance Plans
The most affordable visitor health insurance USA starts from $20 per month with options up to $191 per month. The average cost of fixed benefit visitor travel insurance for the USA is calculated based on one-month quotes.
| Plan Name | Plan max range | Deductible | Age 40 | Age 60 | Age 70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Travels Advantage Trawick International |
$25,000 - $150,000 | $0 | $20 - $58 | $39 - $102 | $60 - $166 |
| Visitors Care IMG |
$25,000 - $100,000 | $100 | $25 - $47 | $40 - $75 | $66 - $152 |
| Safe Travels Elite Trawick International |
$25,000 - $175,000 | $0 | $26 - $76 | $50 - $134 | $109 - $155 |
| Venbrook Essential Venbrook International |
$25,000 - $150,000 | $0 | $26 - $81 | $49 - $124 | $68 - $147 |
| Visit USA Budget Travel Insurance Services |
$50,000 - $150,000 | $250 | $32 - $56 | $49 - $86 | $84 |
| VisitorSecure WorldTrips |
$50,000 - $130,000 | $100 | $34 - $62 | $55 - $76 | $96 - $139 |
| Travel Medical USA Visitor Basic Seven Corners |
$50,000 - $150,000 | $100 | $42 - $52 | $79 - $94 | $173 - $191 |
The best travel insurance cost for USA ranges from $58 to $353 per month. The average cost of comprehensive travel insurance for the USA is based on one-month quotes with a $250 deductible.
| Plan name | Plan maximum | Age 40 | Age 60 | Age 70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas Essential WorldTrips |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 | $58 - $109 | $131 - $266 | $263 - $328 |
| Safe Travels USA Cost Saver Trawick International |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 | $71 - $117 | $139 - $250 | $237 - $299 |
| Venbrook Premier Venbrook International |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 | $77 - $135 | $176 - $346 | $352 - $437 |
| Patriot America Lite IMG |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 | $72 - $130 | $153 - $289 | $252 - $337 |
| Atlas America WorldTrips |
$50,000 - $2,000,000 | $78 - $154 | $177 - $378 | $355 - $444 |
| Patriot America Plus IMG |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 | $77 - $139 | $164 - $311 | $287 - $434 |
| Travel Medical Basic Seven Corners |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 | $80 - $138 | $167 - $314 | $252 - $337 |
| Safe Travels USA Comprehensive Trawick International |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 | $90 - $168 | $172 - $351 | $294 - $470 |
| SafeVista Protect INF |
$100,000 - $1,000,000 | $93 - $127 | $215 - $248 | $320 |
| Diplomat America Global Underwriters |
$50,000 - $1,000,000 | $125 -$214 | $229 - $301 | $353 |
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.
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.
A fixed benefit travel insurance plan is the cheap health insurance for visitors to USA plan, however this is because the fixed benefit travel insurance have a fixed limit of coverage for different medical benefits. Fixed benefit visitor insurance works well for small ailments but can be inadequate for more serious medical conditions involving hospitalisation.
Cheapest fixed benefit visitor insurance plans for the USA
The cheapest US travel insurance is Safe Travels Advantage. The other affordable travel insurance for the US are Venbrook Essential from Venbrook International and Visitors Care from IMG. These plans offer basic coverage at lower cost for visitors to USA.
VisitorSecure is an another affordable travel insurance plan designed for international travelers visiting the US. Offers up to $1,000,000 in emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation, and repatriation.
Age: 40 years | Plan: $25,000 | Deductible: $0
Age: 40 years | Plan: $25,000 | Deductible: $0
Comprehensive travel insurance provide full coverage for medical expenses up to the policy medical maximum limit. As opposed to fixed benefit visitor 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.
Best comprehensive visitor insurance plans for the USA
Some of the top recommended best comprehensive plans are Patriot America Plus by International Medical Group, Atlas America from WorldTrips, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive from Trawick International. These plans are well-suited for travelers to the U.S., offering robust medical coverage along with benefits for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
Age: 40 years | Plan: $50,000 | Deductible: $250
When planning your stay in the United States, it’s important to understand the different types of health insurance available. American Visitor Insurance helps international travelers and new immigrants compare options to find the coverage that best fits their needs, whether you are looking for travel medical insurance for visitors to USA or new immigrant insurance.
1️⃣ Visitor Insurance (Short-Term Travel Insurance)
This is the best option if you want basic protection for a temporary visit and need travel medical insurance for visitors to USA.
2️⃣ Immigrant Health Insurance (Long-Term or Comprehensive Plans)
Comparing Visitor insurance vs immigrant insurance helps you understand which plan fits your length of stay and healthcare needs.
3️⃣ Short-Term Health Insurance
Ideal for those who need health insurance for US immigrant visa processing or are waiting for permanent coverage.
4️⃣Comprehensive Health Insurance (ACA-Compliant Plans)
Best for new immigrants who want long-term security and broad coverage.
5️⃣ Specialized Plans
Use Visitor insurance vs immigrant insurance comparisons to select the plan that matches your stay, age, and health requirements.
Those who are going to live in America permanently and arrived as immigrants are eligible for US immigrant insurance plans. Potential immigrants can buy H1B visa health insurance H4 medical visa insurance and US Green card holders medical insurance plans Insurers offer long term comprehensive coverage under these plans until the insured is eligible for domestic health insurance plans. Immigrants can shop for travel insurance for immigrants to USA plans before leaving home country or even after the arrival in the USA.
Customers looking for these insurance plans may have several queries about the coverage details, premium costs, and exclusions. At American Visitor Insurance, we have simplified the insurance comparison and purchase process to help you choose the best plan that can save your money and help you get you the coverage you want. Please note that persons with green cards have particular insurance plans they can purchase.
Many people who travel may have this question in their minds. I am healthy, why should I buy insurance coverage? Unfortunately, the health care system in the US, while excellent in its services can be quite costly, particularly for foreigners who must convert other currencies to US dollars. Anyone at anytime can have a sudden medical emergency. Purchasing medical insurance for your trip give you financial security and can also help you gain access to better health care.
Purchasing a medical insurance is easy with America Visitor Insurance. There is a simple online application form for Visitors and one for Immigrants. Travelers can enter:
You will get a comprehensive list of plans that can meet your insurance requirements in America. Since you get several plans offered from different insurance companies, you have a better chance of saving money by choosing the right policy that provides effective coverage.
Selecting the wrong insurance plan can lead to unexpected medical bills in the United States. When comparing Visitors travel insurance USA and Immigrant health insurance USA, it’s important to avoid these common mistakes:
Avoiding these mistakes can help visitors and new residents choose the right coverage, whether they need short-term visitor insurance or comprehensive Immigrant health insurance USA while settling in the United States.
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There are many international travel health insurance plans for coverage both in the USA as well as around the world offered by US insurance providers. Given the several travel insurance international options, it can be confusing to find the best health insurance for international travel for your needs.
What is very useful in making this decision is to compare travel insurance USA of different companies. The 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 international traveler insurance deductible, any international travel health insurance plans with coverage for pre-existing ailments, travel insurance international 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.
New immigrants may use visitor insurance temporarily, but it is not suitable for long-term healthcare needs.
Visitor insurance is not legally required, but it is highly recommended due to the high cost of healthcare in the USA.
Travel insurance does not have a fixed standard price and varies based on different factors such as the cost of the trip, the age of the traveler, the type and amount of insurance coverage required …. In general the cost of the travel insurance cover for trip cancellation may be anywhere from 4%-10% of the total Pre-paid and non-refundable cost of the trip. For example - if your total cost of the trip is $5,000, travel insurance policy may be ranging between the price from $250-$500, subject to the variables opted.
Travel insurance does not have a fixed standard price and varies based on different factors such as the cost of the trip, the age of the traveler, the type and amount of insurance coverage required …. In general the cost of the travel insurance cover for trip cancellation may be anywhere from 4%-10% of the total Pre-paid and non-refundable cost of the trip. For example - if your total cost of the trip is $5,000, travel insurance policy may be ranging between the price from $250-$500, subject to the variables opted.
There are several plans designed to offer temporary coverage for new immigrants. New immigrants can buy visitors medical insurance cover which work well as new immigrant insurance in the US till they are eligible for domestic US health insurance.
These plans can provide new immigrants with coverage for up to 2 years. At American visitor insurance new immigrants can get quotes and compare several new immigrant health insurance policies and make an informed decision.
Yes. Many travelers start with visitor insurance and later switch to immigrant health insurance when their immigration status changes or their stay in the USA becomes long term. Once you receive an immigrant visa or green card, immigrant insurance provides broader benefits and is more suitable than short-term visitor coverage.
Travel insurance not only covers the unexpected incidents and injuries and takes care of the hospital costs, it also extends coverage for acute onset of pre existing condition, emergency evacuation, repatriation, trip interruption, trip delay, baggage loss or delay some of the travel insurance plans offer coverage for adventure sports.
Most visitor plans cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions only, with limits and conditions.
New immigrants should buy insurance as soon as they arrive in the USA to avoid gaps in coverage.
Some immigrant insurance plans are ACA-compliant, while others are short-term or temporary plans that do not meet ACA requirements. New immigrants often choose immigrant health insurance as a temporary solution while waiting to enroll in employer-sponsored or ACA-compliant health plans.
No, health insurance is not mandatory for most visitors entering the United States on a B1/B2 visa or other short-term visitor visas. However, medical care in the U.S. is very expensive, and even a minor hospital visit can cost thousands of dollars.
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