IMG Patriot America Plus
Best overall for Mexicans. 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
IMSS and Private Mexican Insurance Plans Don't Cover US Emergencies
Mexico's IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social) and ISSSTE cover formal workers at Mexican healthcare facilities only — neither scheme reimburses any costs incurred in the United States. Mexico and the US have no bilateral healthcare agreement. A US ER visit averages $3,100; one hospital night runs $11,700. With 37 million Mexican-Americans in California, Texas, and Illinois, family visitors are especially at risk — a single cardiac event or road injury on US soil can generate bills exceeding MXN 52,000 per night with zero IMSS reimbursement.
The US-Mexico border sees thousands of medical emergencies every year. Without coverage, Mexicans can face bills of $50,000 or more.
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 Mexicans 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
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Enter the traveler's date of birth, travel dates, and destination. No personal information or account required — just basic trip details.
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Complete your purchase online in minutes. Policy documents and insurance ID cards are emailed immediately — coverage starts your selected start date.
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Compare Plans — 🇲🇽 Mexico →Frequently Asked Questions — Mexicans Visiting the USA
Does Mexico's IMSS or ISSSTE cover medical care in the USA?
No. Mexico's IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social) and ISSSTE are strictly limited to Mexico and provide zero coverage for any medical treatment in the United States. The US and Mexico have no bilateral healthcare agreement. Without dedicated visitor insurance, you are personally responsible for all US medical costs — an ER visit alone ranges from $2,000 to $15,000, while hospitalization and surgery can easily exceed $50,000.
What visitor insurance is best for Mexican visitors to the USA?
For Mexican visitors, we recommend IMG Patriot America Plus, Trawick Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, and WorldTrips Atlas America. All three cover US emergency medical care, hospitalization, and doctor visits — everything IMSS/ISSSTE cannot provide. Plans can be purchased online in minutes with instant policy delivery. Trawick Safe Travels USA Comprehensive is especially popular for its competitive pricing and comprehensive emergency coverage.
Do Mexican citizens need a visa to visit the USA?
Yes — Mexican citizens must obtain a B-1/B-2 visitor visa from a US Embassy or Consulate before traveling. Including proof of visitor insurance with your application can strengthen it by demonstrating financial preparedness, since IMSS and ISSSTE provide zero US coverage. Consular officers often view evidence of medical coverage as a positive signal when assessing your application.
How much does visitor insurance cost for Mexican visitors?
Plans typically start around $1.10–$2.00 per day. A healthy Mexican adult under 60 visiting for 30 days usually pays $35–$75. Seniors over 70 or travelers requesting pre-existing condition coverage will see higher rates. For Mexican visitors from border cities like Tijuana or Juárez making frequent short trips, single-trip policies remain the most cost-effective option.
Does visitor insurance cover pre-existing conditions for Mexican visitors?
Most plans include acute onset coverage — meaning if you have a known condition like hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease and experience a sudden unexpected emergency, the plan can cover that emergency treatment. Routine management of stable conditions is not covered. This is critical for older Mexican visitors who commonly have managed chronic conditions that could flare up without warning.
Can I buy visitor insurance at the US border or after arriving?
Yes — most plans can be purchased after you've entered the USA. However, a short waiting period (typically 24–72 hours) applies for non-emergency conditions. For sudden emergencies, coverage usually begins immediately upon purchase. We recommend buying before you cross the border to avoid any waiting period and ensure seamless coverage from day one.
What happens if I need emergency care near the US-Mexico border?
If you're near the border and face a life-threatening emergency, US law requires all hospitals to provide stabilizing emergency care regardless of insurance status (EMTALA). However, you will receive a full-cost bill after treatment. Visitor insurance would cover these costs up to your policy limit. For non-emergencies, always call your insurer's 24/7 assistance line first to find covered providers.
Related Guides for Mexicans
Written by Ty Taylor, TX #2608479TX · Tower Hill Travel Insurance · Updated May 2026