IMG Patriot America Plus
Best overall for Germans. 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
German Krankenversicherung Doesn't Work in the USA
Germany's world-class public health system (GKV) provides excellent coverage across the EU and in countries with social security agreements — but the USA is not one of them. Private health insurers (PKV) may offer some international coverage, but it is typically limited and cannot cover the true cost of US emergency care. A single hospitalization in the US averages $11,700 per night, and major events like cardiac surgery or stroke treatment can exceed $150,000. German nationals visiting the large German-American communities in Milwaukee, Cincinnati, or St. Louis need dedicated visitor insurance before departure.
The USA has no social security agreement with Germany covering healthcare — German GKV has zero coverage for US medical treatment.
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 Germans 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 Germans
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 — 🇩🇪 Germany →Frequently Asked Questions — Germans Visiting the USA
Does my German Krankenversicherung (GKV) cover medical care in the USA?
No. German statutory health insurance (GKV) covers you within the EU and in countries with social security agreements — but the USA is not one of them. The US and Germany have no bilateral healthcare treaty, so every US medical bill is entirely your responsibility. Private insurers (PKV) may offer some international coverage, but limits are often insufficient for major US events like cardiac surgery ($80,000+) or a stroke ($150,000+).
Do Germans need a visa to visit the USA?
German citizens can enter the USA for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program — but you must obtain ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) approval before departure. While visitor insurance is not required for ESTA, it is strongly recommended. Without it, any US medical emergency is 100% out-of-pocket.
Can I buy visitor insurance for my parents or relatives visiting from Germany?
Yes — you can purchase a plan online on behalf of family members. Simply enter their details (age, travel dates) in the quote tool and complete the purchase. Policy documents are emailed instantly. Plans are available for travelers of all ages and include options for pre-existing condition coverage.
How much does visitor insurance cost for German visitors?
Plans typically start around $1.10–$2.00 per day. A healthy German adult under 60 visiting for 30 days usually pays $35–$75. Rates increase with age. Visitors over 70 or those requesting pre-existing condition coverage will see higher premiums. Get an instant personalized quote — no personal information required.
Does visitor insurance cover COVID-19 for German visitors?
Yes — most plans including IMG Patriot America Plus and Trawick Safe Travels USA cover COVID-19 as an emergency medical condition. This includes hospitalization, doctor visits, and prescription medications. Coverage is treated the same as any other acute illness.
What is 'acute onset of pre-existing conditions' coverage?
If you have a known condition like hypertension or heart disease, and you suffer a sudden unexpected emergency related to it — like a heart attack or stroke — the plan can cover that emergency treatment. Routine follow-up care for pre-existing conditions is not covered. This protection is especially important for German visitors over 60.
How quickly does coverage start after purchasing?
Coverage begins on the start date you select — which can be the same day for travelers needing immediate protection. After purchasing online, your insurance ID card and full policy documents arrive by email within minutes.
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Written by Ty Taylor, TX #2608479TX · Tower Hill Travel Insurance · Updated May 2026