A 6-month visit to the USA is a significant stay — the maximum duration granted to many B-1/B-2 visa holders at the port of entry, and the most common length for parents visiting adult children for an extended family stay. At 180 days, visitor insurance isn't just a formality. It's a genuine financial safety net against healthcare costs that could otherwise be catastrophic.
Over six months, the statistical probability of at least one unplanned medical event is higher than most families realize — particularly for travelers over 50. A slip-and-fall, a respiratory illness requiring hospitalization, a cardiac event, or a urinary tract infection that turns into a kidney problem can easily cost $20,000–$100,000 to treat in the US. Visitor insurance for a 6-month stay costs $385–$2,635 depending on age and deductible — a fraction of a single hospital bill.
This guide covers the full picture: exact pricing by age, what's covered and what isn't, how to choose between coverage tiers, plan comparisons for 2026, and answers to the most common questions we hear from families arranging coverage for a 6-month US stay.
B-1/B-2 Visa: 6-Month Maximum Stay
The US Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry typically grants B-1/B-2 visa holders up to 6 months (180 days) of authorized stay. This is stamped on the I-94 arrival/departure record. Always match your insurance end date to your I-94 authorized stay — not the visa expiration date. The I-94 controls how long you can legally remain in the US.
How Much Does 6-Month Visitor Insurance Cost?
Premiums are based on three main factors: age, coverage amount, and deductible. Here are representative estimates for a 180-day policy with $500,000 in coverage:
| Age | $0 Deductible | $250 Deductible | $1,000 Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 40 | $385–$545 | $270–$385 | $175–$270 |
| 40–55 | $715–$1,020 | $500–$715 | $325–$510 |
| 56–65 | $1,110–$1,550 | $780–$1,110 | $510–$750 |
| 66–75 | $1,880–$2,635 | $1,320–$1,855 | $870–$1,255 |
Estimates for $500,000 maximum benefit. Actual premiums vary by carrier and specific plan selection.
Cost-Per-Day Analysis
A 6-month policy costs slightly less per day than a series of monthly renewals. For a 65-year-old with $500,000 coverage and a $250 deductible, a 6-month policy averages roughly $4.33–$6.17/day. Monthly renewals for the same period would average about $5.00–$7.00/day — a consistent 15–20% savings for buying upfront. Beyond the savings, you eliminate the renewal hassle and any risk of a coverage gap.
What Does 6-Month Visitor Insurance Cover?
Coverage applies to all new illnesses and injuries that first occur during the 180-day policy period. A comprehensive visitor insurance plan includes:
- Emergency medical and urgent care: ER visits, urgent care clinics, physician visits for new conditions arising during the trip
- Hospitalization and surgery: Inpatient room and board, ICU, surgical procedures, anesthesia, specialist consultations
- Diagnostic services: Lab tests, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and other imaging ordered for a covered condition
- Prescription medications: Medications prescribed for covered illnesses or injuries that begin during the trip
- Emergency medical evacuation: Medical transport to the nearest appropriate facility or repatriation to home country if necessary
- Repatriation of remains: Full coverage in the event of death during the insured period
- Acute onset of pre-existing conditions (premium plans): Sudden emergencies triggered by a known chronic condition — heart attacks, strokes, severe asthma flare-ups — covered up to the full policy maximum for travelers under 70
What Is NOT Covered?
Standard exclusions are consistent across most visitor insurance plans:
- Routine preventive care, annual physicals, and wellness visits
- Dental care (except emergency dental caused by an accident)
- Vision care — exams, eyeglasses, contact lenses
- Ongoing management of pre-existing conditions (blood pressure management, diabetes monitoring)
- Maintenance prescription refills for ongoing conditions
- Elective or cosmetic procedures
- Pregnancy-related care (except unexpected complications of an existing pregnancy)
Choosing the Right Coverage Level
For a 6-month stay, choosing the right coverage maximum matters more than for short trips. We recommend $500,000 minimum for all ages. For travelers over 65, consider $1,000,000 coverage — a single cardiac event can exceed $100,000 and a complex hospitalization can reach $500,000.
$0 Deductible — Recommended for travelers over 65 or with pre-existing conditions
Full coverage from the first dollar — no out-of-pocket at point of care. The highest premium option, but essential for older travelers or anyone with heart disease, diabetes, or other chronic conditions who might need care.
$250 Deductible — Best value for healthy adults 40–65
Small out-of-pocket exposure with significant premium savings vs. $0 deductible. A great balance for the majority of 6-month travelers who are in reasonably good health.
$1,000 Deductible — Suited for healthy travelers under 40
Lowest premium available. You take on the first $1,000 of any claim but are fully protected against anything catastrophic. Good for younger adults accompanying a family member or traveling independently.
Plan Recommendations for 6 Months
IMG
Patriot America Plus
Best ComprehensiveThe top choice for comprehensive 6-month coverage. Up to $1M in medical coverage, acute onset pre-existing condition coverage up to the full maximum for travelers under 70, and access to the United HealthCare PPO network with over 900,000 providers nationwide. Direct billing at most major hospitals — no upfront payment required. The best balance of comprehensive protection and network access for long-stay visitors.
WorldTrips
Atlas America
Best for Older TravelersThe premier choice for travelers over 70. Coverage up to $2M, available to age 99, with $100K acute onset benefit for ages 70–79. Includes emergency dental, a $0 deductible option, and straightforward claims process. For families with elderly parents spending 6 months with family in the US, Atlas America is the most complete protection available.
Trawick International
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive
Best ValueA cost-effective option for 6-month stays offering solid protection at lower premium points. Available for travelers through age 89 with flexible deductible and coverage tiers. Covers acute onset pre-existing conditions. Best for health-conscious travelers ages 40–65 who want solid protection without the premium pricing of the top-tier plans.
6-Month Policy Tips
- Buy before the visitor arrives in the US to avoid the 5-day illness waiting period that applies to after-arrival purchases
- Match your policy end date to the I-94 authorized stay date — not the visa stamp expiration
- If the visitor plans a brief trip home or to another country mid-stay, check whether your plan covers re-entry seamlessly or requires a new policy
- For travelers with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or COPD: choose $0 deductible and $1M coverage for maximum protection
- Save your policy documents, ID card, and insurer's 24-hour emergency line to your phone before arrival
- If cancellation for a partial refund is needed (e.g., guest leaves early), contact the carrier with the departure date and no-claims confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can parents on B-1/B-2 visa get 6-month visitor insurance?▾
Should I buy 6 months at once or renew monthly?▾
How much does 6-month visitor insurance cost per day?▾
What does 6-month visitor insurance cover?▾
What if the visitor needs to leave and re-enter the US during the 6 months?▾
Can a 6-month visitor insurance policy be cancelled for a refund?▾
Does 6-month visitor insurance cover pre-existing conditions?▾
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