IMG Patriot America Plus
Best overall for Chinese nationals. 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
China's National Health System Does Not Cover the USA
China's Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) and Urban-Rural Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URRBMI) fund domestic care only — they carry zero reimbursement authority outside China. The US and China have no bilateral healthcare treaty, leaving every US medical expense entirely out-of-pocket. An average US emergency room visit costs $3,100; a short hospitalisation runs $11,700–$28,000 per night. With over 5.4 million Chinese-Americans spread across Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York, parent and student visitors are highly exposed — a stroke admission can exceed ¥1.5 million in US charges.
A single night in a US hospital costs an average of $11,700 — more than the annual salary of most workers in China.
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 Chinese nationals 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 Chinese nationals
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 — 🇨🇳 China →Frequently Asked Questions — Chinese nationals Visiting the USA
Does China's UEBMI or URRBMI cover medical care in the USA?
No. China's Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) and Urban-Rural Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URRBMI) are strictly domestic — they provide zero coverage in the United States. The US and China have no bilateral healthcare agreement, so every US medical bill falls entirely on you. An ER visit alone can cost $2,000–$15,000; hospitalization routinely exceeds $50,000.
What visitor insurance is recommended for Chinese visitors to the USA?
For Chinese visitors, we recommend IMG Patriot America Plus (most popular), Trawick Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, and WorldTrips Atlas America. All three cover US emergency medical care, hospitalization, and doctor visits — everything UEBMI/URRBMI cannot provide. Plans can be purchased online in minutes with instant policy delivery by email.
Do Chinese citizens need a visa to visit the USA?
Yes, Chinese citizens must obtain a B-1/B-2 visitor visa from a US Embassy or Consulate before traveling. Proof of visitor insurance can strengthen your application — it demonstrates financial preparedness and shows consular officers you have coverage for potential medical expenses, since neither UEBMI nor URRBMI is valid in the USA.
How much does visitor insurance cost for Chinese visitors?
Plans typically start around $1.10–$2.50 per day depending on age, coverage level, and trip duration. A healthy adult under 60 visiting for 30 days usually pays $35–$90. Seniors over 70 or travelers requesting pre-existing condition coverage will see higher rates. Use our quote tool for an exact price — no personal information required.
Can I buy visitor insurance for my parents visiting from China?
Yes — this is one of the most common purchases we handle. You can buy a plan online on behalf of your parents, even before they travel. Plans cover travelers up to age 99, and most include coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions like hypertension and diabetes — critical for older Chinese visitors.
Does visitor insurance cover pre-existing conditions for Chinese visitors?
Most plans include 'acute onset' coverage — meaning a sudden, unexpected emergency related to a known condition (like a heart attack in someone with diagnosed heart disease) can be covered. Routine or elective treatment of stable chronic conditions is not covered. IMG Patriot America Plus and WorldTrips Atlas America both include this important protection.
What should I do if I need emergency medical care in the USA?
For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ER immediately. Then notify your insurer's 24/7 assistance line as soon as possible — they can coordinate with the hospital on billing and help you find in-network providers. Your insurance ID card (emailed at purchase) contains all the assistance numbers you need.
Related Guides for Chinese nationals
Written by Ty Taylor, TX #2608479TX · Tower Hill Travel Insurance · Updated May 2026