Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for the USA From India?
Why Buy Travel Insurance From USA?
- When considering travel insurance for USA from India, buying the best travel health insurance is very important.
- Indian travelers have the option to buy visitors insurance coverage from either a US-based or an India-based insurance provider, each offering a variety of plans.
- How do you decide whether to buy visitor insurance from the USA or India? Which is the best medical insurance for visitors to USA from India?
- Buying the right travel insurance for parents visiting the USA is important to protect against high US medical costs and emergencies.
A good visitors coverage covers:
- Doctor visits
- Urgent care
- Acute onset of pre-existing conditions
- Benefits like direct billing through PPO networks
Travel insurance from USA:
- Purchasing the best medical insurance for visitors to USA from India with US insurance providers is advisable over travel insurance from India because:
- US hospitals are more familiar with US insurance providers, making direct billing simpler.
- US travel insurance are part of US PPO networks which will significantly decrease hospital bills.
Is It Better To Buy Travel Insurance From India Or USA?
Travel insurance from the USA is the best option for Indian travelers visiting the US due to these key advantages:
- US-based insurers are highly regulated, offering reliable protection for travelers.
- US plans integrate seamlessly with local healthcare providers, reducing out-of-pocket costs and allowing for direct billing.
- US doctors and hospitals are more likely to accept insurance from US-based companies, ensuring better access to care.
- 24/7 emergency assistance aligned with US time zones.
- US insurance plans provide comprehensive coverage, including for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions, ideal for visitors.
- Allows for easy renewals and extensions, ensuring continuous coverage for longer stays.
Buying travel insurance for USA from India might have limited coverage, lack of regulations, and difficulties in navigating medical care and filing claims in the USA.
Which Is The Cheapest Travel Medical Insurance For USA From India?
The cheapest US travel insurance from India is Safe Travels Advantage. Other affordable options include Safe Travels Elite from Trawick International and Visitors Care from IMG. These plans provide basic coverage at a lower cost for visitors from India to the USA.
Cheapest travel insurance cost for USA from IndiaThe cheapest visitor health insurance for the USA from India starts at just $20 per month for a 40-year-old traveling for one month.
| Insurance Plans | Plan Maximum | Deductible | Cost * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Travels Advantage | $25,000 | $0 | $20 |
| Safe Travels Elite | $25,000 | $0 | $25 |
| Visitors Care | $25,000 | $100 | $27 |
Source: American Visitor Insurance®
Other affordable travel insurance for USA options with comprehensive coverage are:
- Safe Travels USA: A more budget-friendly comprehensive plan for non US citizens with coverage for unexpected recurrence of pre-existing conditions up to $1,000 of covered expenses for ages up to 70 years.
- Patriot America Lite: A short-term medical insurance plan popular among visitors to the USA with coverage for emergency treatment, urgent care clinic and medical evacuation.
- Venbrook Basic: An affordable comprehensive medical insurance offers coverage for hospitalization, urgent care, prescriptions, emergency room visits and accidental death & dismemberment.
Which Health Insurance Is Best For Indians Traveling To The USA?
Best Travel Insurance for USA from India Top plans include Patriot America Plus (IMG), Atlas America (WorldTrips), and Safe Travels USA Comprehensive (Trawick International) — offering strong coverage and acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
Venbrook Premier is another good comprehensive visitors insurance plan for USA with benefits for hospital stays, ER visits, and urgent care.
Cost: Starts around $76 per month for a 40-year-old traveler, depending on age, coverage, and deductible.
| Insurance Plans | Plan Maximum | Deductible | Cost * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas America | $50,000 | $250 | $76 |
| Patriot America Plus | $50,000 | $250 | $76 |
| Venbrook Premier | $50,000 | $250 | $77 |
| Safe Travels USA Comprehensive | $50,000 | $250 | $118 |
Source: American Visitor Insurance®
How Much Does Visitor Health Insurance USA Cost?
How Much Is Medical Insurance for Tourists in the US?US Healthcare is extremely expensive, and even a simple doctor’s visit can become a financial burden unless insured properly.
In 2025, the cost of travel health insurance for visitors to the US ranges between $19 to $172 per month, depending on
- Age of the traveler
- Insurance company
- Type of visitors insurance
- Coverage limits
- Whether pre-existing conditions are covered
Cheaper options are available for as little as $1 to $5 per day, however the coverage is also limited.
Why is travel insurance USA is so important? A simple doctor’s visit can cost anywhere between $250 to $350, while a heart attack can cost at least $25,000. A stay in the ICU after a stroke can cost upwards of $150,000. As routine echocardiogram can range from $1,500 to $4,000 while emergency treatments for conditions like diabetes can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $7,000. Treatment for kidney failure can result in bills of over $30,000.
How Much Does Cheap Visitor Insurance in the 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 | $25 - $44 | $30 - $65 | $66 - $152 |
| 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 the age of the traveler, coverage limits, deductible, and optional add-ons. Higher medical maximum plans including pre-existing condition benefits and lower deductibles are more expensive.
On average, a good comprehensive health insurance plan costs between $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 Protect | $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 |
Source: American Visitor Insurance®
Get the Best Visitor Insurance Today!
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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.
What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing Travel Insurance To USA?
Here are key factors to consider when buying the best medical insurance for visitors to USA:
- Age of the traveler: Travel insurance costs increase with age, as older travelers are considered higher risk and pay more in premiums.
- Pre-existing conditions: Select a plan specifically designed to cover pre-existing medical conditions, while considering age limitations or coverage restrictions.
- Length of stay: The duration of your trip affects the cost and the type of plan you need.
- Coverage type: Comprehensive plans tend to be more expensive but provide wide range of medical services whereas fixed benefit plans are less expensive but have limits for each type of treatment.
- Budget: Compare best travel insurance for visitors to USA costs and select a plan that fits your budget and needs while providing adequate coverage.
- Network of hospitals & direct billing: Some US insurance providers work with a network of hospitals that offer cashless or direct billing services. This is very helpful in avoiding large out-of-pocket expenses particularly during emergencies.
Choosing the right visitor insurance plan will help to ensure you're protected during your stay in the USA and also avoid expensive out-of-pocket medical costs. Make sure to read the details of the policy so that you know what you’re actually covered, especially any exclusions or limitations related to pre-existing conditions or specific treatments.
What Is The Best Medical Insurance For Visitors To USA From India?
Patriot America Plus IMG
- Direct Billing: First healthcare
or United HealthCare 
- Urgent Care: $30 per incident; no copayment if deductible is $0
- Acute onset of pre-existing condition: Up to policy maximum for ages up to 70 years
- Emergency medical evacuation: Up to $1,000,000
- Patriot America Plus cost for 40 year old traveler ranges from $52 to $169 for a month.
Policy maximum?
$50,000 to $1,000,000Deductible options?
$0 to $2,500Period of coverage?
5 days to 12 months
Atlas America WorldTrips
- Direct Billing: Unitedhealthcare
- Urgent Care: 15 per incident; no copayment if deductible is $0.
- Maternity: Covers complications of pregnancy in the first 26 weeks
- Acute onset of pre-existing conditions: Up to maximum limit, for ages up to 80 years
- Emergency medical evacuation: Up to $1,000,000
- Atlas America Insurance cost for 40 year old traveler ranges from $46 to $216 for a month.
Policy maximum?
$10,000 to $2,000,000Deductible options?
$0 to $5,000Period of coverage?
Up to 364 days
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive Trawick International
- Direct Billing: First HealthCare
- Urgent Care: $30 per incident; no copayment if deductible is $0
- Maternity: Emergency medical treatment for pregnancy, up to $1,000
- Acute onset of pre-existing conditions: Up to 89 years
- Covers up to $1,000,000 for medical expenses and $2,000,000 for emergency evacuation.
- The plan also includes a wellness visit benefit.
- Safe Travels USA Comprehensive cost for 40 year old traveler ranges from $55 to $204 for a month.
Policy maximum?
$50,000 to 1,000,000Deductible options?
$0 to $5,000Period of coverage?
5 days to 364 days
Visitors Protect IMG
- Direct Billing: First healthcare or Unitedhealthcare
- Urgent Care: 15 per incident; no copayment if deductible is $0
- Pre-existing conditions: Up to 99 years
- Minimum purchase is 90 days
- Visitors Protect Insurance cost for 40 year old traveler ranges from $300 to $750 for 3 months.
Policy maximum?
$50,000 to $250,000Deductible options?
$250 to $5,000Period of coverage?
Minimum purchase 90 days
SafeVista Protect INF
- Direct Billing: Unitedhealthcare
- Urgent Care: Up to $25 co-payment
- Acute on set of pre-existing conditions: Up to 99 years
- SafeVista Protect Insurance cost for 40 year old traveler ranges from $74 to $127 for one month.
Policy maximum?
$100,000 to $1,000,000Deductible options?
$0 to $5,000Period of coverage?
10 days to 364 days
Venbrook Premier Venbrook International
- Urgent Care: $30 copay if the $0 deductible is chosen
- Acute onset of pre-existing conditions: Up to maximum limit, for ages up to 70 years
- Emergency medical evacuation: Up to $1,000,000
- Venbrook Premier Insurance cost for 40 year old traveler ranges from $40 to $140 for a month.
Policy maximum?
$50,000 to $1,000,000Deductible options?
$0 to $5,000Period of coverage?
5 days to 12 months
Which Is The Best Travel Insurance For Seniors Over 65?
The best travel insurance plans for seniors over 65 include comprehensive options like:
- Safe Travels USA Comprehensive: Best plan for seniors above 65, offers excellent coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions, including hospitalization and emergency services.
- Patriot America Plus: Suitable for seniors under 70, who is looking for comprehensive coverage with good PPO network and covers sudden illness or injury.
- Atlas America: Recommended for healthy seniors under 80, this plan offers flexible coverage options and covers acute onset of pre-existing condition up to policy maximum.
- SafeVista Comprehensive: Best comprehensive plan for seniors looking for high coverage limits and covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to 99 years.
What Are The Different Types Of US Visas?
The most commonly used short-term USA visitor visas are:
- B-1/B-2 Visa: This is the most generally used visa for short-term visits to the U.S. It combines both the B-1 (Business Visitor) and B-2 (Tourist Visitor) categories, allowing for travel for business, tourism, or family visits. It’s often issued for stays of 6 months, with possible extensions.
- F1 Student Visa: U.S. non-immigrant visa for full-time students pursuing academic studies at an accredited institution. It allows part-time on-campus work, full-time during breaks, and certain off-campus employment with authorization.
- J1 Exchange Visitor Visa: Issued for individuals participating in exchange programs that promote cultural exchange. It’s commonly used for researchers, scholars, and professionals (such as au pairs or doctors). This visa allows work and training but under specific exchange program conditions. The J2 visa holders or dependents (spouses) of J1 visa holders require medical insurance while in the USA to cope with the exorbitant health care system.
- F2 Visa (Dependents of F1 Visa Holders): For spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of F1 visa holders. F2 visa holders are not permitted to work in the U.S.
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization): For travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, ESTA allows for visa-free travel to the U.S. for business or tourism for up to 90 days. This is not a visa but an authorization for eligible travelers.
US visa health insurance »
International Travel Insurance From India Or The US FAQ’s
contact_supportWhy is travel insurance to USA so expensive?
Travel insurance for the USA is so expensive due to the high cost of healthcare, which includes significant medical expenses associated with doctor visits and emergency services. The US healthcare system operates with high costs and a lack of regulation, leading to variability in medical costs that insurers must account for in their premiums. The comprehensive coverage, such as emergency medical evacuation, 24/7 support, and protection for various travel-related concerns, also adds to the higher cost.
contact_supportDo I need travel insurance for India?
Yes, travel insurance to India from the US is highly recommended, especially for international visitors, NRIs, or elderly travelers. While health care in Indian cities is good, it can be expensive. Having the best international health insurance for India will ensure access to quality care without high out-of-pocket costs. While not mandatory for entry, it's a smart way to safeguard your trip.
contact_supportShould I buy US travel insurance from India or locally in the USA?
It is strongly recommended to buy US travel insurance using an US-based provider. While Indian plans might be cheaper, US insurers offer more options and more importantly stronger benefits like direct billing, better hospital acceptance, and more comprehensive coverage, including for acute onset of pre-existing conditions. Knowing the difference between US insurance and Indian insurance can help you avoid issues with claims or treatment access during emergencies.
contact_supportCan I use my Indian health insurance in USA?
Indian health insurance plans do not provide coverage in the USA. Most Indian insurers offer limited or no coverage for medical expenses incurred abroad. If you're traveling to the US, it’s recommended to buy a US-based travel insurance plan designed for international coverage to ensure comprehensive medical coverage.
contact_supportCan I buy travel insurance after arriving to the US?
Yes, you can buy travel insurance after arriving in the USA, but it is recommended to buy it before your trip begins. If you buy insurance after arrival, it may not cover any medical expenses incurred before the policy was activated. Some insurance providers may have a waiting period before certain coverage takes effect. Buying in advance ensures your protected from the moment you arrive.
contact_supportCan I purchase travel insurance from both India and the US for the same trip?
Yes, you can buy travel insurance from both India and the US for the same trip. However, it's important to understand how the benefits will work together if you need to file a claim. While purchasing travel insurance from India is an option, it is generally recommended to buy US visitor insurance for US trips. US-based plans are well-recognized by hospitals, offer smoother claims processes, and provide more seamless coverage in the US.
contact_supportWhat is the best travel insurance for parents visiting USA from India with existing ailments?
If pre-existing medical conditions is a top concern for you when insuring your visiting parents, then you should consider one of three plans that actually covers any emergency whether due to something new or due to a pre-existing condition. The policies are: Visitors Protect by IMG, or Premier or Elite from INF.
The Elite plan and the Visitors Protect plans are comprehensive which make them fairly complete. The Visitors Protect plan is a 25/75 plan meaning that after the deductible, they pay 75% and you would pay 25% of medical expenses. The Elite plan is a 20/80 plan, or you can opt for the Elite 90 plan which is a 10/90 plan. The third plan is a fixed plan offered by INF. A fixed plan or limited plan has caps on what it pays out for each medical expense, so it may not pay 100% of any bill (and it does not cover a percentage like the comprehensive plans).
The definition of pre-existing conditions and how they cover is unique to these plans. Firstly, if a condition is VERY stable (has had no flare up nor change in medication 12 months before the start of the plan), then the policy covers it like any other condition (at the maximum and deductible you chose). If there HAS been a flare up or change in the past year, then it is still covered, but it will be subject to a higher deductible and a lower maximum (on the fixed plan, you choose these). Please call us if you have any questions or need assistance at (877)-340-7910.
contact_supportIs $50,000 enough for travel insurance to USA?
For minor illness or injury, $50,000 might be enough coverage. However, if you are concerned about an (albeit unlikely) stay at a hospital, those expenses can run up quickly beyond $100,000 in a few days. When asked, I typically recommend at least $100,000 maximum. If a person is at risk for multiple fractures or a longer hospital stay (they are older, perhaps?), then I would go as high as I could. Often, the age of the insured will limit the maximum allowed.
The cheapest $50,000 travel insurance with deductible $250 for 65 years old traveler is Safe Travels USA whose cost starts from $160 per month, then is the Patriot America Plus insurance cost starting from $173 per month while Atlas America insurance can cost $206 per month.
contact_supportHow do you handle international travel medical insurance for pre-existing chronic conditions?
Visitor travel health insurance plans never cover regular, required medical care for a chronic condition. For example, if a traveler takes medication regularly or requires treatment like dialysis, those things will have to be paid for out of pocket by the traveler and should be calculated into the cost of their trip. If medications are lost or stolen and need to be replace, that will require a doctor visit to get a prescription and then the purchase at the pharmacy all of which would have to be paid for by the insured.
If the concern is for a sudden, unexpected flare up with a chronic, pre-existing condition, then there are a few plans which will cover that, but they are quite expensive and must be purchased for at least 90 days. Note also, that those plans also must be purchased BEFORE the travel begins and cover only travel to the US (some include Canada and Mexico).
contact_supportDoes visitors medical insurance cover everything in USA?
No. Visitor policies do not cover wellness visits and routine checkups. So, vaccinations, for example, will not be covered, nor an annual ob-gyn exam. Also, there is often limited or no coverage for pre-existing medical conditions (check carefully on the policy if these are a major concern). Also, all policies have exclusions of particular illnesses.
For example, maternity is specifically excluded from most policies as are UTI’s and other diseases (particularly sexually transmitted diseases and issues or expensive and lengthy ones, like cancer treatment). Also, if a person is traveling to get a particular medical treatment, that will not be covered nor any issue arising therefrom.
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