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What is Visitors Insurance?

Visitors insurance is a type of travel insurance designed to cover the unique needs of international travelers visiting the United States for vacation, business, study abroad, to visit family, or other reasons.

This short-term protection reimburses unexpected medical expenses, such as hospital stays and doctor visits, incurred during your stay. Many plans also protect against trip delays, emergency evacuations, baggage loss, and other common disruptions you may face while traveling.

Every visitor travel insurance plan found on Squaremouth comes with 24 Hour Assistance Services, which can help refer medical care, arrange medical evacuations, provide translation services, and facilitate emergency cash transfers.

Who Needs Visitor Medical Insurance?

This coverage is generally intended for non-U.S. citizens visiting the United States on a short-term basis, typically less than 90 days.

For example, if you’re traveling from India to the USA to visit family members for a month, a visitors insurance plan can provide essential coverage for the duration of your stay.

Americans traveling abroad can also benefit from similar travel protection. Traveling outside of your home country with the right kind of coverage can provide valuable peace of mind and financial protection.

Visitors to the U.S.

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Visitors to the U.S.

Whether visiting for leisure, reuniting with family, or engaging in business or academic pursuits, insurance protects against costly medical emergencies. Visitors health insurance is designed for non-U.S. citizens traveling to the United States for short-term trips that last less than 90 days.

Examples of travelers who should consider visitors insurance includes:

  • Tourists visiting the U.S.
  • Family members visiting relatives
  • Business travelers
  • International students
  • New immigrants or expats

Types of Travel Insurance for USA Visitors

There are two main types of travel insurance that you can purchase when visiting the U.S.; travel medical and comprehensive. While both options provide reimbursement for common travel disruptions, they differ when it comes to insurance cost and coverage scope.

Travel Medical Insurance

Travel medical insurance is the most affordable type of coverage available to U.S. visitors, and it provides coverage for a wide range of medical expenses if you get ill or injured while in the United States. Since medical treatment costs can be expensive, this policy helps you from paying medical costs out of pocket.

Many travel health insurance plans also include protection against delays, baggage loss, missed connections, and other common trip disruptions.

Comprehensive Travel Insurance

While rare, some travel insurance providers may offer comprehensive coverage to U.S. visitors. These plans offer strong health coverage, with the added benefit of covering your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs.

In other words, comprehensive travel insurance can reimburse your airfare, hotel booking, and other covered expenses if you’re forced to cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason.

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost for U.S. Visitors?

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How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost for U.S. Visitors?

Travel insurance for non-U.S. residents traveling within the United States costs $4.86 per day.

This number is based on internal Squaremouth data that takes into account policy sales from the past 12 months, which had an average premium of $131 and an average trip length of 27 days.

The cost of visitor insurance will depend on multiple factors, such as your age, the length of your stay in the United States, and the type of coverage you purchase.

Why Use Squaremouth to Buy Visitors Insurance?

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Why Use Squaremouth to Buy Visitors Insurance?

Squaremouth is the largest travel insurance marketplace in the United States, offering more plans and insurance providers than any other comparison site. We make it easy to find the best coverage for your trip to the United States by offering side-by-side comparisons of the most popular travel insurance policies on the market.

If you need assistance, our award-winning customer service team is well-versed in the intricacies of finding reliable coverage while visiting the USA from another country or traveling abroad from the United States. Get quotes for your upcoming visit today.

Visitor Insurance FAQ

Review answers to frequently asked questions regarding visitor insurance.

No, foreign health insurance is not usually accepted in the United States. Without proper coverage, you will be financially responsible for any medical costs you incur throughout your stay. Depending on the nature of your plan, your foreign health insurance might reimburse you for medical expenses while in the USA. However, due to the high cost of healthcare in the USA, it's highly recommended that U.S. visitors buy travel insurance that includes strong medical coverage.

No, while it’s strongly encouraged, travel insurance is not required for short-term stays in the United States for most travelers. With that said, certain visa types, like the J1 visa, may have specific travel insurance requirements that must be met to enter the country.