IMG Patriot America Plus and Trawick Safe Travels USA Comprehensive are the two most popular visitor insurance plans for non-US citizens visiting the United States. Both are comprehensive, hospital-grade plans from established carriers — but they have meaningful differences in network, age limits, and price at older ages. Here's a complete 2026 comparison.
Quick Verdict
- Ages 40–70, want the widest hospital network: IMG Patriot America Plus (UnitedHealthcare PPO)
- Ages 70–79, price-sensitive: Trawick Safe Travels USA Comprehensive (often 10–20% cheaper)
- Ages 80–89: Trawick Safe Travels (IMG does not cover this age group)
- Want best-in-class pre-existing coverage: Trawick Safe Travels First Class
Full Comparison Table
| Feature | IMG Patriot America Plus | Trawick Comprehensive | Trawick First Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max coverage | Up to $1,000,000 | Up to $1,000,000 | Up to $1,000,000 |
| Age limit | Up to 79 | Up to 89 | Up to 89 |
| PPO network | UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus | First Health | First Health |
| Deductible options | $0 – $2,500 | $0 – $5,000 | $0 – $5,000 |
| Pre-existing (acute onset) | Included, sub-limit | Included, lower sub-limit | Included, higher sub-limit |
| Mental health coverage | Included | Limited | Included |
| Physical therapy | Up to $50/visit | Up to $35/visit | Up to $50/visit |
| Home country coverage | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Typical premium vs. base | Base | ~5% less | +15–25% |
The Network Difference
The biggest practical difference between IMG and Trawick is the hospital network. IMG Patriot America Plus runs on the UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus network — one of the most recognized PPO networks in the country. Nearly every major US hospital and specialist is in-network. Trawick uses the First Health network, which is also broad but may have fewer in-network providers in some rural areas.
For visitors staying in major metropolitan areas, this difference rarely matters — both plans will cover the same hospitals. For visitors in smaller cities or rural areas, it's worth checking First Health's provider locator before purchasing Trawick.
The Age Limit Difference
This is the single most important factor for many families. IMG Patriot America Plus covers visitors up to age 79. If your parent or relative is 80 or older, you cannot purchase IMG for them. Trawick Safe Travels plans cover visitors up to age 89 — a significant advantage for older travelers.
For visitors in their 70s, Trawick is also typically 10–20% cheaper than IMG for comparable coverage amounts, making it the default recommendation for travelers ages 65–79 unless they specifically need the UnitedHealthcare network.
Pre-Existing Conditions: How They Compare
Neither plan covers pre-existing conditions on an ongoing basis — this is standard for visitor insurance. Both plans offer acute onset coverage, which means a sudden, unexpected medical emergency related to a known condition may be covered up to a sub-limit.
Trawick Safe Travels First Class has a higher acute onset sub-limit than the standard Comprehensive plan, making it the stronger choice for visitors with significant medical histories. IMG Patriot America Plus's acute onset benefit is comparable to Trawick Comprehensive.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose IMG Patriot America Plus if...
- →Your parent is under 79
- →You want the UnitedHealthcare PPO network
- →You prefer IMG's established claims reputation
- →Staying in a rural or smaller US city
Choose Trawick Safe Travels if...
- →Your parent is ages 80–89 (only option)
- →You want a lower premium at ages 65–79
- →You want home country coverage (First Class)
- →You need the highest acute onset limits (First Class)
Get Exact Prices for Both Plans
Enter your parent's age and travel dates to see side-by-side pricing for IMG, Trawick, and WorldTrips — in under 2 minutes.
Compare Plans Side by Side →Related: IMG Patriot International Review · Trawick First Class Review · IMG vs WorldTrips · Compare All Plans