Visiting the United States as a tourist? U.S. healthcare is the most expensive in the world — a single ER visit can cost $10,000 or more. Compare medical insurance plans designed specifically for tourists and international visitors to the USA, starting from as low as $1 a day.
The United States has no universal healthcare system for visitors. If you are a tourist visiting the USA — whether on a B1/B2 visa, an ESTA travel authorization, or any other visitor status — you are personally responsible for 100% of any medical costs you incur during your stay. Without medical insurance, a single emergency room visit can cost $5,000–$30,000. A hospital stay can easily exceed $100,000.
Medical insurance for tourists visiting the USA fills this gap. These short-term travel medical insurance plans are specifically designed for international visitors and provide coverage for emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, evacuation, and related costs during your stay in the United States.
International tourists visiting the USA on a B1 (business) or B2 (tourism) visa are among the most common buyers of tourist medical insurance. Your home-country health plan will not cover you in the United States, making a dedicated policy essential for your visit.
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries — including the UK, Germany, Japan, Australia, and 39 others — can visit the USA without a visa using ESTA. However, ESTA approval does not include any medical coverage. Tourist medical insurance is strongly recommended for all ESTA travelers.
Parents, grandparents, and relatives visiting family in the United States are one of the largest groups purchasing tourist medical insurance. Many are older travelers with existing health conditions — making the choice of plan particularly important.
Tourists visiting the USA for weddings, graduations, conferences, or other special events need medical insurance for the duration of their stay. Plans can be purchased for as few as 5 days and are extendable if your visit is prolonged.
Understanding U.S. healthcare costs helps illustrate why tourist medical insurance is so important. These are typical out-of-pocket costs for uninsured patients in the United States:
| Medical Situation | Typical Cost Without Insurance | Covered by Tourist Insurance? |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Room Visit (minor) | $500 – $3,000 | ✓ Yes |
| Emergency Room Visit (serious) | $5,000 – $30,000 | ✓ Yes |
| Ambulance Transport | $1,000 – $3,000 | ✓ Yes |
| Hospital Admission (per day) | $2,000 – $10,000+ | ✓ Yes |
| Surgery (moderate) | $15,000 – $80,000 | ✓ Yes |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | $50,000 – $200,000 | ✓ Yes |
| Prescription Medications | Varies widely | ✓ Yes (covered conditions) |
| Tourist Medical Insurance | From as low as $1 a day | |
For USA visits, choose a minimum of $100,000 in medical coverage. U.S. hospital costs can exhaust lower limits very quickly. Many tourists opt for $250,000–$500,000 for genuine peace of mind. The premium difference is typically small.
Choose a deductible that balances premium cost against out-of-pocket exposure. A $250 deductible plan costs more per day than a $2,500 deductible plan but reduces your cost if you make a claim. Most tourists in good health choose a mid-range deductible.
Most standard tourist medical insurance plans cover only the "acute onset" of pre-existing conditions — a sudden, unexpected emergency flare-up. If you have ongoing health conditions, look for plans from providers like INF Plans that offer broader pre-existing condition coverage.
Purchase a plan that covers your full intended stay, including travel days. Many plans allow extensions if your visit is extended. If you are unsure of your return date, choose a plan with a clear extension policy before purchasing.
Compare top-rated plans from 50+ providers through our partner VisitorsCoverage. Instant quote, instant policy — coverage starts as soon as today.
🛡️ Compare Free Quotes NowWork like traditional health insurance — cover a percentage of actual medical bills up to the plan's coverage limit after the deductible. Offer the strongest financial protection for serious medical events and are the most recommended option for tourists visiting the USA, where medical costs are extremely high.
Pay a set dollar amount for each covered service regardless of the actual bill. Lower premiums, but benefits may fall significantly short of actual U.S. medical costs in a serious emergency. Better suited for very short visits or travelers with a tight budget who understand the trade-off.
Specialized plans from providers like INF Plans offer coverage for ongoing pre-existing conditions — not just acute onset emergencies. These plans cost more but offer significantly stronger protection for older tourists and those with chronic health conditions.
Some providers offer plans specifically for senior tourists visiting the USA, with eligibility up to age 99. If you are purchasing medical insurance for elderly parents or grandparents visiting the United States, compare senior-specific plan options for the best coverage terms.
Compare 50+ top-rated plans for tourists visiting the USA. Instant quote, instant policy — coverage starts as soon as today.
🛡️ Compare Free Quotes Now →