IMG Patriot America Plus
Best overall for South Africans. 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
South African Medical Aids Have No US Coverage
South Africa's medical aid schemes — including Discovery Health, Momentum Health, Bonitas, Medshield, and others — provide coverage within South Africa's private healthcare network only. Most South African travel insurance policies include some US medical coverage, but limits are often insufficient for serious US medical events. Dedicated visitor insurance specifically designed for US healthcare costs provides far superior protection.
A single ICU day in the USA costs an average of $4,000. Discovery Health and other South African medical aids will not pay a cent of that bill.
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 South Africans 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 South Africans
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 — 🇿🇦 South Africa →Frequently Asked Questions — South Africans Visiting the USA
Does South Africa's public provincial health system or private medical aid (Discovery Health, Bonitas, Medihelp) cover medical care in the USA?
No. South Africa's public provincial health system or private medical aid (Discovery Health, Bonitas, Medihelp) covers healthcare within South Africa only — it provides zero coverage for medical treatment in the United States. The US has no bilateral healthcare agreement with South Africa, 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 zar 215,000.
Can I buy visitor insurance for my South africans visiting the USA?
Yes — you can purchase a visitor insurance plan on behalf of parents, grandparents, or other family members visiting from South Africa. 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 south africans visitors.
What is the best visitor insurance for South Africans visiting the USA?
For south africans, 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 South Africans need a visa to visit the USA?
South Africans require a B-1/B-2 visitor visa before traveling to the United States. When applying at the US Embassy or Consulate, including proof of visitor insurance can strengthen your application — it demonstrates financial preparedness and shows consular officers that potential US medical costs are covered, since South Africa's Medical aid / public health provides no US coverage.
How much does visitor insurance cost for South Africans visiting the USA?
Plans typically start around $1.10–$2.00 per day (USD). A healthy South Africa 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 ZAR 215,000. Get an exact personalized quote instantly with no personal information required.
Does visitor insurance cover pre-existing conditions for South Africans 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 south africans and those with chronic health conditions.
How quickly can I get coverage for South Africans 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 South Africa 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