IMG Patriot America Plus
Best overall for Maltese. 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
Your EHIC Card Is Useless in the USA
Malta's national health service and the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provide coverage within Malta and EU/EEA countries — but neither applies to medical treatment in the United States. Malta and the USA have no bilateral healthcare agreement. Maltese nationals visiting the USA — including the small but established Maltese-American community in cities like San Francisco and Detroit — face the full cost of American medical care. An ER visit starts at $2,400, and a hospitalization averages $11,700 per night. For Maltese parents visiting family in the United States, dedicated visitor insurance is the only protection available.
EHIC covers EU member states only — the USA is not included. Any US medical care must be paid out of pocket without visitor insurance.
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 Maltese 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 Maltese
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 — 🇲🇹 Malta →Frequently Asked Questions — Maltese Visiting the USA
Does Malta's Department of Health / Mater Dei Hospital public health (European Health Insurance Card / EHIC) cover medical care in the USA?
No. Malta's Department of Health / Mater Dei Hospital public health (European Health Insurance Card / EHIC) covers healthcare within Malta only — it provides zero coverage for medical treatment in the United States. The US has no bilateral healthcare agreement with Malta, meaning every hospital visit, ER charge, or specialist fee is entirely your personal financial responsibility without dedicated visitor insurance. A us hospital night can exceed €10,000.
Can I buy visitor insurance for my Maltese visiting the USA?
Yes — you can purchase a visitor insurance plan on behalf of parents, grandparents, or other family members visiting from Malta. Simply enter their details (age, travel dates) in the quote tool and complete the purchase. Policy documents and insurance ID cards arrive by email within minutes. Plans cover travelers up to age 99 and most include acute onset coverage for pre-existing conditions — critical for older maltese visitors.
What is the best visitor insurance for Maltese visiting the USA?
For maltese, we recommend three A-rated plans: IMG Patriot America Plus for comprehensive coverage and strong A+ rated carrier backing; Trawick Safe Travels USA Comprehensive for excellent value and broad emergency coverage; and WorldTrips Atlas America for high coverage limits (up to $2,000,000) and robust acute onset pre-existing condition protection. All three are purpose-built for the US healthcare system and available in minutes online.
Do Maltese need a visa to visit the USA?
Maltese can visit 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. Visitor insurance is not required for ESTA approval but is essential: without it, any US medical emergency is entirely out-of-pocket. Your EHIC/MOH Malta provides zero US coverage.
How much does visitor insurance cost for Maltese visiting the USA?
Plans typically start around $1.10–$2.00 per day (USD). A healthy Malta adult under 60 visiting for 30 days usually pays $35–$80. Seniors over 70 will see higher rates. The cost is minimal compared to the financial risk — a US hospital night can exceed €10,000. Get an exact personalized quote instantly with no personal information required.
Does visitor insurance cover pre-existing conditions for Maltese visiting the USA?
Most plans include acute onset coverage — meaning if you have a managed condition like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, or COPD, and you experience a sudden unexpected emergency related to it, the plan can cover that emergency treatment. Routine follow-up care, medication refills, or elective procedures for stable conditions are not covered. This protection is especially important for older maltese and those with chronic health conditions.
How quickly can I get coverage for Maltese visiting the USA?
Coverage can be active within minutes. Complete the quote form online, select a plan, and your policy documents and insurance ID card are emailed instantly. For accidents, coverage begins on your selected start date — which can be the same day. For illness coverage, a short 24–72 hour waiting period typically applies after the start date. Purchase before your family member departs Malta whenever possible to avoid any gap in protection.
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Written by Ty Taylor, TX #2608479TX · Tower Hill Travel Insurance · Updated May 2026