IMG Patriot America Plus
Best overall for UK Citizens. 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
The NHS Does Not Cover Any Medical Treatment in the USA
The NHS (National Health Service) is one of the world's most comprehensive domestic health systems — but its coverage ends at the UK's borders. The NHS does not cover medical expenses in the United States, and the UK and US ended their reciprocal arrangement decades ago. A US ER visit averages $3,100; one hospital night costs $11,700. British nationals visiting family in the US — including a large diaspora in New York, Los Angeles, and Houston — carry full financial exposure: a single hospitalisation can exceed £9,200 per night with no NHS reimbursement.
The UK and USA have no healthcare reciprocal agreement — NHS coverage is 100% invalid in the United States.
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 UK Citizens 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 UK Citizens
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 — 🇬🇧 United Kingdom →Frequently Asked Questions — UK Citizens Visiting the USA
Does my UK travel insurance cover medical emergencies in the USA?
Many standard UK travel insurance policies include some US medical coverage — but limits vary enormously and may not reflect the true cost of US care. Budget UK policies often cap medical coverage at £2–5 million, which sounds large but can fall short with complex US billing. It's worth comparing dedicated visitor plans that specifically address US healthcare costs and often provide higher limits with no currency conversion issues.
Does the NHS cover me if I get sick in the USA?
No. The NHS provides zero coverage outside the UK. The UK-USA reciprocal healthcare arrangement ended decades ago. Any medical treatment you receive in the United States — from an ER visit to surgery — is entirely out-of-pocket unless you have valid visitor or travel insurance. An ER visit alone averages $3,100; a single hospital night averages $11,700.
Do UK citizens need a visa to visit the USA?
UK citizens are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) and can visit the USA for up to 90 days without a visa. An approved ESTA is required before departure. For longer stays, a B-1/B-2 visa is required. Visitor insurance is not mandatory for either, but strongly recommended.
How much does visitor insurance cost for UK citizens?
Plans typically start around $1.10–$2.00 per day. A healthy UK adult under 60 visiting for 30 days usually pays $35–$75. Rates increase with age. Travelers over 70 or those requesting pre-existing condition coverage will see higher premiums. Get an exact personalized quote instantly — no personal information required.
What visitor insurance plan is best for UK citizens visiting the USA?
For most UK visitors, IMG Patriot America Plus is the most popular choice — A-rated, comprehensive, and includes acute onset pre-existing condition coverage. Trawick Safe Travels USA Comprehensive offers strong value. WorldTrips Atlas America is ideal for older UK visitors or those with cardiac history, with coverage up to $2,000,000.
How long does it take to get covered?
Coverage is instant — compare plans, purchase online, and receive your policy documents and insurance ID card by email within minutes. No waiting, no forms to post. You can purchase before you travel or after arrival in the USA.
Does visitor insurance cover pre-existing conditions for UK visitors?
Most plans include acute onset coverage — meaning if you have a known condition (like heart disease or diabetes) and suffer a sudden unexpected emergency related to it, the plan can cover that emergency treatment. Routine management of stable conditions is not covered. This is important for UK visitors over 60 who may have managed conditions that are perfectly stable but could flare up unexpectedly.
Related Guides for UK Citizens
Written by Ty Taylor, TX #2608479TX · Tower Hill Travel Insurance · Updated May 2026