IMG Patriot America Plus
Best overall for Koreans. 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
Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS) Has No US Coverage
South Korea's National Health Insurance Service (NHIS / 국민건강보험) covers medical care within Korea only — it offers zero reimbursement for US treatment. South Korea and the United States have no bilateral healthcare agreement, meaning every US medical charge is your personal responsibility. US ER visits average $3,100; ICU care runs $4,000+ per day. With 1.8 million Korean-Americans concentrated in Los Angeles, New York, and New Jersey, parents and relatives visiting on a B-2 visa face serious financial exposure — a single hospitalisation can exceed ₩15 million in uncovered US charges.
US emergency care is priced in dollars — a single ER visit can cost ₩4,000,000+ before any treatment begins.
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 Koreans 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 Koreans
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 Korea →Frequently Asked Questions — Koreans Visiting the USA
Does South Korea's National Health Insurance (NHIS) cover medical care in the USA?
No. South Korea's NHIS (국민건강보험) covers treatment at enrolled Korean medical facilities only — it provides zero coverage in the United States. Korea and the US have no bilateral healthcare agreement. Without dedicated visitor insurance, any US medical treatment is entirely your personal financial responsibility. An ER visit alone averages $3,100; a hospital night averages $11,700.
What visitor insurance is best for Korean visitors to the USA?
For Korean visitors, we recommend IMG Patriot America Plus for its A-rated carrier status and acute onset pre-existing condition coverage. Trawick Safe Travels USA Comprehensive is an excellent value option. WorldTrips Atlas America covers up to $2,000,000 — ideal for Korean seniors or those with cardiac history. All plans can be purchased online in minutes with instant policy delivery.
Can I buy visitor insurance for my Korean parents visiting the USA?
Yes — this is one of the most common purchases we handle for the Korean-American community. You can buy a plan on behalf of parents or family members, even before they depart Korea. Plans are available for all ages up to 99, and most include acute onset coverage for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease — very common among older Korean visitors.
Do South Korean citizens need a visa to visit the USA?
South Korean citizens can visit the USA for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). For stays exceeding 90 days, a B-1/B-2 visa is required. Visitor insurance is not mandated for ESTA, but is strongly recommended — your NHIS is completely invalid in the USA.
How much does visitor insurance cost for Korean visitors?
Plans typically start around $1.10–$2.00 per day. A healthy Korean adult under 60 visiting for 30 days usually pays $35–$80. Seniors over 70 will see higher rates. The cost is a fraction of what a single US medical emergency would cost without coverage — an ER visit alone runs ₩4,000,000+.
Does visitor insurance cover COVID-19 for Korean visitors?
Yes — most plans including IMG Patriot America Plus and Trawick Safe Travels USA cover COVID-19 as an acute illness. This includes hospitalization, physician visits, and prescription medications required for COVID treatment. COVID is treated the same as any other emergency illness under these policies.
What should a Korean visitor do in a US medical emergency?
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest ER immediately. Then call your insurer's 24/7 international assistance line (printed on your insurance ID card, emailed at purchase). They can coordinate billing with the hospital, locate in-network providers, and arrange medical evacuation if needed. Acting quickly minimizes out-of-pocket exposure.
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Written by Ty Taylor, TX #2608479TX · Tower Hill Travel Insurance · Updated May 2026