
Traveling abroad can be a thrilling experience, but it's essential to have a safety net in case of unexpected medical expenses. The cost of travel health insurance can vary greatly depending on your age, destination, and length of stay.
You can expect to pay around $100 to $200 per month for a basic travel health insurance plan, with some plans costing up to $500 per month or more.
If you're a young traveler, you may be able to get away with a more affordable plan that covers basic medical expenses, such as doctor visits and hospital stays.
However, if you're planning a longer trip or traveling to a high-risk destination, you may need to opt for a more comprehensive plan that covers additional expenses, such as emergency evacuations and trip cancellations.
Understanding US Travel Health Insurance
Travel health insurance is a must-have for anyone planning to visit the US. It provides hospitalization and out-patient treatment coverage, including emergency dental coverage up to $300 for acute onset of pain to natural teeth.
Some visitor coverage plans even cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions, which is a significant advantage. However, this coverage comes at a cost, making these plans the most expensive option.
Travel medical insurance USA plans have a wide PPO network of hospitals, which can lower medical bills. This is because PPOs offer more services, like vision, dental, or prescription drugs, compared to Non-PPO plans.
There are two main types of travel insurance to USA plans: fixed benefit and comprehensive. Fixed benefit plans have specific limits for different medical expenses, but they are the cheapest option. Comprehensive plans, on the other hand, have no benefit limits based on the type of medical expense, but they are more expensive.
Here's a breakdown of the two types of plans:
It's essential to choose a plan that aligns with your intended length of stay in the US. If you're not sure, you may need to extend your policy or buy a new one.
Cost and Pricing

The cost of travel health insurance can vary depending on several factors. The best tourist visa travel insurance cost ranges from $16 to $150 a month, depending on the age of the visitor, medical maximum coverage and deductible, visitors coverage type, and any visitors insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions.
For a 40-year-old traveler, the cost of travel insurance for a 6 month trip typically ranges around $122 to $1,050. This cost depends on factors such as coverage levels, the destination, and the type of policy selected.
The average cost of travel insurance is about 4-12% of the non-refundable trip cost. For instance, a trip costing $2,000 may have an insurance premium of approximately $100.
Here are some estimated costs for common medical procedures in the US:
- Routine physician's visit: $176
- Echocardiogram: $1,000 (Massachusetts) to $3,000 (New Jersey)
- Diabetes Mellitus with Hyperglycemia admitted to an emergency room: $2,500-$5,000
- Stroke resulting in ICU for about 10 days: $120,000
- Heart attack treatment: $20,000
- Acute kidney failure: over $22,000
These costs highlight the importance of having travel health insurance to protect against unexpected medical expenses.
Key Definitions
As you're considering visitor travel insurance, it's essential to understand the key definitions that will help you make an informed decision.

The benefit period is a crucial aspect of coverage, and the longer it is, the better the protection you'll have.
A deductible is the amount you'll pay before the insurer starts covering your expenses. This is a standard feature of most insurance plans.
Coinsurance, on the other hand, is the percentage of the bill you'll pay after paying the deductible. This is usually a fixed percentage, such as 20% or 25%.
Here are some common types of coverage:
- Per period of coverage: This type of coverage applies to claims throughout the policy period.
- Per injury: This type of coverage applies to individual sickness or injury.
Coverage types also vary depending on the destination, with options including coverage in the USA, excluding the USA, or including the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
In terms of coverage duration, longer plans for expatriates are more expensive, while shorter plans for vacationers are cheaper.
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Cost
The cost of travel insurance can vary greatly depending on several factors. The daily rate for travel medical insurance can range from $16 to $150 a month, depending on the age of the visitor, medical maximum coverage, and deductible.

The cost of travel insurance is not just about the price, but also about the coverage you need. A longer trip and a policy with several members will cost more, while a shorter trip and a policy with fewer members will cost less.
The average cost of travel insurance is about 5% of the non-refundable trip cost, which can range from less than 5% to as much as 10-15% for extensive coverage or specific add-ons.
Here are some examples of the cost of travel insurance for different types of trips:
- A 6-month trip for a 40-year-old traveler can cost between $122 and $1,050, depending on the coverage options.
- A trip costing $2,000 may have an insurance premium of approximately $100, which is about 5% of the trip cost.
- The cheapest travel insurance option is the Safe Travels Flex plan by Trawick International, which offers 100% coverage of the trip cost (up to a maximum of $45,000) with premiums starting as low as $25.
It's worth noting that the cost of travel insurance can add up quickly for emergency medical care or events like a cancelled flight due to adverse weather or lost or stolen baggage.
Types of Plans and Coverage
WorldTrips offers several travel medical insurance plans, including the Atlas Travel Premium, which starts as low as $0.70 per day or $4.90 for a full week of coverage.

The Atlas Travel Premium plan has a maximum possible premium of $30.71 per day or $214.97 for a full week of coverage, depending on the traveler's age and other factors.
WorldTrips also offers a range of coverage options, including Medical and Dental coverage, which reimburses travelers for necessary medical and emergency dental care costs, with limits varying from $50,000 to $250,000.
Trip Interruption coverage provides reimbursement for unused, non-refundable trip costs and additional transportation costs, with benefit limits of 125%, 150%, or 175% of the trip cost, depending on the plan.
Sport Equipment Coverage is available with the Preferred and Premium plans, covering lost, stolen, or damaged sporting equipment, with limits of up to $300 or $500 per person, respectively.
Consider reading: Does Health Insurance Cover Funeral Costs
How Are Configured?
Travel medical insurance costs are configured based on several factors, including your age, deductible, maximum coverage limit, and destination.
Your age is a significant factor in determining your daily rate, with younger age groups paying lower rates than older ones.

A deductible is a predetermined amount you must pay before your insurance kicks in, and increasing it can lower your daily rate.
Increasing your maximum coverage limit will also increase your daily rate, so it's essential to balance these factors to find the right plan for you.
Medical expenses are often higher in the U.S. than in other international countries, so your daily rate may be lower if your coverage area doesn't include the U.S.
Compare Plans
When comparing travel insurance plans, consider purchasing from a reputable provider with a track record of reliability and excellent customer support. WorldTrips, for instance, has been providing world travelers with international travel medical coverage for over 25 years.
WorldTrips’ Atlas Travel Series and StudentSecure international travel medical insurance products are underwritten by Lloyd's, a well-known and respected insurance provider. Tokio Marine HCC's U.S. Specialty Insurance Company (USSIC) underwrites WorldTrips' Atlas Journey, Atlas Cruiser, and Atlas On-The-Go trip protection insurance products.
For your interest: Atlas Travel Health Insurance

To find the best plan for your needs, compare the price and benefits of different travel insurance plans. You can get quotes from various providers and adjust the coverage options to find the policy that best aligns with your travel plans.
WorldTrips' Atlas On-The-Go trip protection insurance products are available to U.S. residents of the U.S. states and District of Columbia only. Coverage is only available during the covered trip, so be sure to read the policy carefully.
You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits, but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. It's a good idea to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home, and automobile insurance policies.
Take a look at this: Compare Travel Insurance
US Visitor Health Insurance
US Visitor Health Insurance is a must-have for international travelers to the US. It provides hospitalization and out-patient treatment coverage, as well as accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
Consider reading: What Is Us Health Insurance

The cost of US visitor health insurance varies, but it can range from $16 to $150 a month, depending on the age of the visitor, medical maximum coverage, and deductible. For an average traveler, there are cheap travel insurance plans at less than a dollar a day.
Some US visitor health insurance plans also cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions, which is a crucial benefit for travelers. However, this coverage can be more expensive.
Fixed benefit US travel insurance plans have specific limits for different medical expenses, while comprehensive travel insurance plans do not have benefit limits based on the type of medical expense. Comprehensive plans are more expensive than fixed benefit plans but offer more comprehensive coverage.
Here are some key benefits of US visitor health insurance:
- Hospitalization and out-patient treatment coverage
- Accidental death and dismemberment coverage
- Coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions
- Fixed benefit and comprehensive coverage options
- Wide PPO network of hospitals to reduce medical bills
Ultimately, having US visitor health insurance can save you a significant amount of money in medical bills, especially if you have a medical emergency while traveling in the US.
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Optional Policy Upgrades

Optional policy upgrades can significantly enhance your travel health insurance coverage. If you're looking to boost your coverage, consider the Atlas Travel plan's optional upgrades.
The Crisis Response upgrade increases your coverage amount to $100,000, providing you with added financial protection in case of a medical emergency. This upgrade is a must-have for travelers who want to ensure they have sufficient funds for medical evacuation or repatriation.
Personal Liability coverage can also be upgraded to $100,000, offering you additional protection in case of an accident or injury to others. This upgrade is especially important for travelers who plan to engage in high-risk activities.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage can be increased to $50,000, providing your loved ones with financial support in case of your untimely passing. This upgrade is a thoughtful way to ensure your family's financial security.
Device protection is another optional upgrade available through the Atlas Travel plan. For an additional fee, you can receive coverage of up to $2,000 per plan ($1,000 maximum per claim) for accidental damage to your smartphone, laptop, or tablet.
Here are the optional upgrades available through the Atlas Travel plan:
- Crisis Response – $100,000 coverage amount
- Personal Liability – $100,000 coverage amount
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) – $50,000 coverage amount
If you bundle all three upgrades, you can save money on your overall travel health insurance cost.
Global

The cost of global travel health insurance can vary greatly depending on your age and the level of coverage you need. For example, a traveler in the youngest age group (14 days - 29 years) can expect to pay as low as $0.50 cents per day for a policy like the Atlas Travel medical insurance policy.
The maximum possible premium for this age group is $16.12 per day, which is a significant increase from the minimum cost. This highlights the importance of carefully considering your insurance needs before purchasing a policy.
For those traveling outside the U.S., the Atlas Travel Premium policy starts as low as $0.70 per day, which is slightly more than the Atlas Travel policy. However, the maximum possible premium for this policy is $30.71 per day, which is a more substantial increase from the minimum cost.
It's worth noting that the cost of global travel health insurance can also depend on the level of coverage you need. For instance, a traveler in the oldest age group (80+) can expect to pay as low as $0.50 cents per day for a policy like the Atlas Travel medical insurance policy, but the maximum possible premium for this age group is $16.12 per day, which is a significant increase from the minimum cost.
For your interest: How Does a Monthly Premium Work with Health Insurance
Cost Variations and Exclusions

Travel health insurance costs can vary significantly depending on several factors. The daily rate for travel medical insurance can range from $16 to $150 a month, depending on the age of the visitor, medical maximum coverage, and deductible.
The cost of a routine physician's visit in the US can be as high as $176, while an echocardiogram can cost $1,000 in Massachusetts and around $3,000 in New Jersey.
Some events may not be covered by travel insurance, including pre-existing medical conditions, high-risk activities, unapproved destinations, and intentional acts.
Blog: For vs Global
If you're planning a trip, you might be wondering what kind of insurance you need. There are different types of policies, including Trip, Travel, and Global health insurance.
Trip cancellation insurance can be a lifesaver if you need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances. It can reimburse you for non-refundable trip costs, but the benefit limits vary by plan, ranging from 125% for Standard to 175% for Premium.
For more insights, see: Do I Need Us Health Insurance If I Live Abroad

Travel medical insurance is essential for covering medical expenses while abroad. The cost of medical care in the US can be staggering, with a routine physician's visit costing as much as $176 and a stroke treatment costing $120,000.
Global health insurance, on the other hand, provides continuous coverage for an entire year, regardless of how many trips you take. It's ideal for frequent travelers who take multiple trips within a year.
Here's a comparison of the three types of policies:
Ultimately, the choice between Trip, Travel, and Global health insurance depends on your travel habits and individual needs. If you're an occasional traveler, a single trip policy might be more cost-effective. But if you're a frequent traveler, an annual policy can provide continuous coverage and savings.
Different Costs: Coverage Variations Between Plans
The cost of travel insurance can vary significantly depending on the plan you choose.
Medical and Dental coverage can be included in all three plans, but the per person limits vary from $50,000 for Standard to $150,000 for Preferred and $250,000 for Premium.

Trip Interruption coverage provides reimbursement for unused, non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs if your trip is interrupted due to a covered event, with benefit limits varying by plan: 125% for Standard, 150% for Preferred and 175% for Premium.
Sport Equipment Coverage is available with the Preferred plan up to $300 per person and Premium plan up to $500 per person, but not available in the Standard plan.
The Premium plan is the only option for purchasing coverage for Pre-existing medical conditions, and it must be purchased prior to or within 24 hours of final trip payment.
With a relatively small amount of the total trip cost, you can purchase travel insurance that can help protect against common mishaps like Trip Interruption, Trip Cancellation and Trip Delay.
Recommended read: Travel Insurance Pre Existing Medical Conditions List
Exclusions
Exclusions are a crucial aspect of travel insurance that can leave you high and dry if you're not aware of them. Pre-existing medical conditions are often excluded from coverage, so make sure to purchase insurance shortly after booking your trip if you have a medical condition.

High-risk activities like extreme sports, scuba diving, or mountaineering may not be covered by standard travel insurance. This means if you plan to participate in these activities, you'll need to consider purchasing additional coverage or a specialized policy.
Travel insurance may not cover trips to countries or regions with travel advisories or warnings issued by governmental authorities. Always check the destination's status before purchasing insurance.
Losses or incidents resulting from intentional acts, illegal activities, or self-inflicted injuries are typically excluded from coverage. This includes losses due to war, acts of terrorism, or civil unrest, unless you've purchased an optional add-on.
Standard travel insurance may not cover cancellations or disruptions caused by natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods. Specific "cancel for any reason" coverage may be required for such situations.
Here's a quick rundown of some common exclusions to keep in mind:
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- High-risk activities
- Unapproved destinations
- Intentional acts
- Natural disasters (without "cancel for any reason" coverage)
- Financial default of travel provider
- Alcohol or substance abuse
- Non-medical evacuations
By understanding these exclusions, you can make informed decisions about your travel insurance and avoid unexpected surprises down the line.
When to Buy and How to Obtain

It's essential to buy travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. This allows you to compare policies, coverage options, and prices on American Visitors Insurance without last-minute stress.
You can complete the travel insurance quote form by providing traveler details and insurance requirements. This will give you a clear idea of the best tourist visa travel insurance cost, which ranges from $16 to $150 a month.
Given the high US healthcare costs, buying travel health insurance is crucial. The cost of a routine physician's visit is on average as high as $176, and hospital bills can be exorbitant, as seen in the case of an echocardiogram costing $1,000 in Massachusetts.
When to Buy vs Adding After Booking
It's best to buy travel insurance as soon as you book your trip to take advantage of coverage for trip investment expenses in case you cancel due to unforeseen events.
Buying early allows you to compare policies and prices, avoiding last-minute stress and giving you time to understand the terms and conditions.

Some travel insurance offers coverage for pre-departure problems, such as a family member's illness or a home emergency, which can occur before you even leave for your trip.
If you wait until after booking, you may miss out on this coverage and be left with no protection against unforeseen events.
How to Obtain US Health Care
If you're planning a trip to the US, it's essential to have a good understanding of how to obtain US health care. You can start by filling out a travel insurance quote form, which will require you to provide your traveler details and insurance requirements.
To find the best medical insurance for visitors to the US, look for plans that offer coverage for international travel and are underwritten by reputable US insurance companies. You can also call their customer service at (877) 340 7910 or contact them online for more information.
Emergency dental coverage is available up to $300 for acute onset of pain to natural teeth. This can be a lifesaver if you experience a dental emergency while traveling.
Related reading: Allianz Emergency Medical Travel Insurance

When buying health insurance for US visitors online, you'll receive a confirmation email immediately with your policy details and a travel insurance USA ID Card attached. You can also request the insurance to be mailed to your physical address.
The cost of medical insurance for visitors to the US depends on various factors, but one thing is certain: it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health while traveling abroad.
Here's an interesting read: Tourist Health Insurance Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
Is travel health insurance worth it?
Travel health insurance is worth considering due to unexpected accidents and injuries that can occur while traveling. It provides financial protection against unexpected medical expenses abroad.
What is the cost of international health insurance?
The cost of international health insurance varies widely, ranging from $500 to over $10,000 per year, depending on the level of coverage and benefits. On average, an international medical insurance plan costs around $5,500 per year.
Is $250,000 enough for medical travel insurance?
While $250,000 in evacuation coverage is a recommended minimum, the adequacy of this amount depends on individual circumstances and medical needs. Consider your specific requirements and read more about our policies to ensure you have sufficient coverage.
Sources
- https://www.worldtrips.com/how-much-does-travel-medical-insurance-cost
- https://www.americanvisitorinsurance.com/insurance/visitors-medical-compare.asp
- https://www.generalitravelinsurance.com/travel-resources/travel-insurance-cost.html
- https://www.americanvisitorinsurance.com/travel-insurance/trip-cancellation-insurance-cost-calculator.asp
- https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/travel-outside-the-u.s.
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