Yes — you can buy visitor insurance after arriving in the USA. But there's an important catch: most plans impose a waiting period before illness coverage begins. Here's everything you need to know about after-arrival purchase, waiting periods, and what to do if you need coverage right now.
Key Rule: Buy Before Arrival When Possible
If you purchase visitor insurance before you arrive in the USA, coverage typically begins on your arrival date with no waiting period. After-arrival purchase triggers a waiting period. The best approach is always to buy before you land.
After-Arrival Waiting Periods by Plan
| Plan | Accident Coverage | Illness Waiting Period |
|---|---|---|
| IMG Patriot America Plus | Immediate | 5 days |
| WorldTrips Atlas America | Immediate | 5 days |
| Trawick Safe Travels USA | Immediate | 5 days |
What the Waiting Period Means in Practice
If your parent arrives on January 1 and you purchase insurance on January 3:
- Accident on January 4: Covered immediately (accidents have no waiting period)
- Flu symptoms on January 4: NOT covered (still within 5-day illness waiting period)
- Flu symptoms on January 9: Covered (past the 5-day waiting period)
How to Buy After Arrival
- Use Tower Hill's online quote engine — enter the current date as the start date
- Select your age, coverage amount, and deductible preference
- Purchase online — policy documents arrive by email immediately
- Coverage begins the same day (accidents) or after the waiting period (illness)
Buy Visitor Insurance Right Now
Already in the USA? Get covered today. Accident protection starts immediately.
Get a Quote Now →Related: Compare Plans · Best Plans for Parents · Multiple Entry Visitors