IMG Patriot America Plus
Best overall for Australians. Largest PPO network, multilingual support, trusted at every major US hospital.
Best for: First-time visitors, families
WorldTrips Atlas America
Best for seniors and maximum protection. $2M coverage, $1M evacuation, highest pre-existing limit.
Best for: Seniors 65+, long stays
Trawick Safe Travels USA
Best budget option. Lower premiums at all ages, free telehealth, flexible deductibles to $5,000.
Best for: Budget buyers, under 65
Medicare Does Not Cover You in the United States
Australia's Medicare program covers doctor visits and public hospital care within Australia only — it reimburses nothing for treatment in the United States. Although Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements with the UK, New Zealand, and several European countries, it has no such agreement with the US. A US ER visit averages $3,100; one hospital night costs $11,700. Australian nationals visiting family in California, New York, and Texas carry full financial exposure: a single hospitalisation in the US can exceed AUD 18,000 per night with no Medicare reimbursement.
Australia and the USA have no reciprocal healthcare agreement — you're fully exposed to US medical costs.
Why Visitors Insurance Matters in the USA
The United States has the most expensive healthcare system in the world. A single emergency room visit costs $3,100–$8,000 on average. One night of hospitalization runs $11,700. A cardiac event with ICU care can exceed $150,000. Your home country's health insurance covers exactly $0 of these bills in the USA.
Visitors insurance is specifically designed to fill this gap. It's short-term US health coverage that you purchase before or immediately after arrival. Plans are issued by A-rated US carriers, accepted at any US hospital, and typically cost $1–$3 per day depending on age and coverage level.
Complete Plan Comparison
| Feature | IMG Patriot Plus | WorldTrips Atlas | Trawick Safe Travels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Coverage | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Deductible Options | $0–$2,500 | $0–$5,000 | $0–$5,000 |
| Acute Onset Pre-Existing (under 70) | Policy maximum | Policy maximum | Policy maximum |
| Acute Onset Pre-Existing (70–79) | Not covered | $100,000 | $35,000 (USA) / $25,000 (Elite) |
| Emergency Evacuation | $500,000 | $1,000,000 | $500,000 |
| PPO Network | UHC Choice Plus | First Health/Cofinity | First Health PPO |
| Telemedicine | Available | Available | Included free |
| Prescription Drugs | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Emergency Dental | Up to $250 | Up to $500 | Up to $250 |
| Repatriation of Remains | Included | Included | Included |
| Maximum Age | 99 years | 99 years | 89 years |
| Coverage Periods | 5 days–1 year | 5 days–364 days | 5 days–364 days |
| Trip Interruption | Up to $5,000 | Up to $10,000 | Up to $5,000 |
| In-Network Coinsurance | 80% after ded. | 80% after ded. | 80% after ded. |
| Coinsurance Cap | $5,000 max OOP | $5,000 max OOP | $5,000 max OOP |
Monthly Cost by Age — $100K Coverage, $250 Deductible
| Age | IMG Patriot Plus | WorldTrips Atlas | Trawick Safe Travels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 30 | $28/mo | $26/mo | $23/mo |
| Age 40 | $38/mo | $35/mo | $32/mo |
| Age 50 | $52/mo | $48/mo | $45/mo |
| Age 60 | $78/mo | $72/mo | $68/mo |
| Age 65 | $105/mo | $95/mo | $88/mo |
| Age 70 | $145/mo | $130/mo | $120/mo |
| Age 75 | $195/mo | $175/mo | $158/mo |
| Age 80 | $265/mo | $240/mo | Not available |
Representative rates — exact pricing varies by exact age, trip dates, and deductible. Get a live quote for Australians above.
Which Plan is Best for Your Situation?
| Situation | Best Plan |
|---|---|
| First-time visitors / tourists | IMG Patriot America Plus |
| Seniors 65–69 | WorldTrips Atlas America |
| Seniors 70–79 | WorldTrips Atlas America |
| Budget-conscious buyers | Trawick Safe Travels USA |
| Pre-existing conditions (under 70) | All three plans tied |
| Pre-existing conditions (70–79) | WorldTrips Atlas America |
| Maximum possible protection | WorldTrips Atlas America |
| Families with children | IMG Patriot America Plus |
How to Get Covered in Minutes
Enter Your Details
Enter the traveler's date of birth, travel dates, and destination. No personal information or account required — just basic trip details.
Compare Live Plans
See real-time pricing from IMG, WorldTrips, and Trawick side-by-side. Filter by deductible, coverage limit, or price. Read full benefit details.
Buy & Get Covered Instantly
Complete your purchase online in minutes. Policy documents and insurance ID cards are emailed immediately — coverage starts your selected start date.
Get an Instant Quote for Australians
Compare IMG, WorldTrips, and Trawick live. Enter the traveler's date of birth and trip dates — no account needed. Coverage can start today.
Compare Plans — 🇦🇺 Australia →Frequently Asked Questions — Australians Visiting the USA
Does Australian Medicare cover medical care in the USA?
No. Australian Medicare only covers treatment in Australia and, through reciprocal agreements, in select countries — but the USA is not one of them. Australia and the US have no healthcare agreement whatsoever. Any medical treatment in the USA — from a basic ER visit ($2,000–$15,000) to hospitalization ($50,000+) — is entirely your personal financial responsibility without dedicated visitor insurance.
Does my Australian travel insurance cover me in the USA?
Many Australian travel insurance policies do include US medical coverage, but policy limits vary significantly. Budget policies may cap medical coverage at AUD 500,000–$1,000,000, which can be insufficient for a major US health event. Dedicated visitor plans are specifically structured for US medical costs and often provide superior US coverage at competitive prices. Always check your existing policy's sub-limits for US medical emergencies.
What visitor insurance is best for Australians visiting the USA?
For Australian visitors, we recommend IMG Patriot America Plus for its comprehensive coverage and A-rated carrier status. Trawick Safe Travels USA Comprehensive offers strong value. WorldTrips Atlas America is ideal for seniors or those with health history, offering up to $2,000,000 in coverage. All three are specifically designed for the US healthcare system.
Do Australians need a visa to visit the USA?
Australian citizens can visit the USA for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program by obtaining an approved ESTA before travel. For stays over 90 days, a B-1/B-2 visa is required. Visitor insurance is not mandated for ESTA, but strongly recommended — Medicare is completely invalid in the USA.
How much does visitor insurance cost for Australians?
Plans typically start around $1.10–$2.00 per day (USD). A healthy Australian adult under 60 visiting for 30 days usually pays $35–$80. For seniors over 70, expect $100–$250 per month depending on coverage level. Get an exact personalized quote instantly — no personal information required.
Does visitor insurance cover pre-existing conditions for Australian visitors?
Most plans include acute onset coverage — if you have a managed condition like heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure and suffer a sudden emergency related to it, the plan can cover that emergency treatment. Routine follow-up care or medication refills for stable conditions are not covered. This coverage is especially important for Australian visitors over 60.
Can I extend my visitor insurance if my USA stay is extended?
Yes — most plans can be extended online before expiry, provided no claim has been filed and you have not been hospitalized. Contact the insurer or extend via their portal at least a week before expiration. This is common for Australians on extended holidays or family visits that run longer than planned.
Related Guides for Australians
Written by Ty Taylor, TX #2608479TX · Tower Hill Travel Insurance · Updated May 2026