Visitor Insurance for Guatemalans Visiting the United States
Over 1.5 million Guatemalan Americans live across the US — concentrated in California (Los Angeles), Texas (Houston), Florida (Palm Beach, Immokalee), and New York (Queens). B1/B2 tourist visitors from Guatemala City and Quetzaltenango need US visitors insurance — Guatemalan IGSS and private plans have zero US coverage.
Why Guatemalans Visit the United States
the United States is home to approximately 1.5 million Guatemalan-born residents — one of the largest Guatemalan communities in the US. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Guatemalans visit the United States on B1/B2 tourist visa, TN visa (CAFTA professionals), F-1 student visa, O-1 extraordinary ability visa visas to see family, receive medical care, and attend important life events. Most arrive without any understanding of what US healthcare actually costs.
Important: Guatemalan IGSS (Instituto Guatemalteco de Seguridad Social) is a domestic social security program with zero international coverage. Guatemalan private insurance — GTS (Guatemalan Transport Security), Seguros G&T, Aseguradora General — operates domestic networks in Guatemala City only. International coverage for the US is not included in any standard Guatemalan health plan. Any medical care at a Houston, LA, or Miami hospital is entirely out of pocket without US visitors insurance.
Why Guatemalans Come to the United States
Family Visits
1.5 million Guatemalan Americans are spread across California, Texas, and Florida. B1/B2 visa family visit traffic from Guatemala is consistent year-round.
Business & Trade
The US is Guatemala's largest trading partner. Business travel from Guatemala City to Houston, Miami, and Los Angeles is frequent.
Agricultural Communities
Guatemalan agricultural workers in Florida (Immokalee), California (Central Valley), and Georgia have family members visiting from Guatemala who need insurance.
University Events
Guatemalan students at US universities — particularly in Texas and California — receive parents as visitors for graduations and family weekends.
Medical Tourism
Guatemala City-to-Houston flights connect Guatemalans to MD Anderson and Texas Medical Center for specialized cancer and cardiac care.
Cultural & Religious Events
Guatemalan communities in Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago celebrate Independence Day (September 15) with large festivals attracting visitors from Guatemala.
What US Medical Bills Actually Look Like in the United States
Emergency Room Visit
$3,100–$8,000
Triage, exam, basic tests
One Night Hospitalization
$11,700–$22,000
Room, nursing, meals only
Cardiac Event Treatment
$75,000–$185,000
Catheterization, ICU, meds
Medical Evacuation Home
$95,000–$250,000
Air ambulance back to Guatemala
Visa Types & Coverage Eligibility
B1/B2 tourist visa
Eligible for all visitors insurance plans from Tower Hill
TN visa (CAFTA professionals)
Eligible for all visitors insurance plans from Tower Hill
F-1 student visa
Eligible for all visitors insurance plans from Tower Hill
O-1 extraordinary ability visa
Eligible for all visitors insurance plans from Tower Hill
Visitors Insurance Cost for Guatemalans
Monthly premium estimates · $100,000 coverage · $250 deductible
| Age | 30 Days | 60 Days | 90 Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–34 | $28–$42 | $55–$83 | $82–$124 |
| 35–44 | $33–$52 | $65–$103 | $98–$155 |
| 45–54 | $45–$72 | $89–$143 | $133–$215 |
| 55–64 | $72–$118 | $143–$235 | $215–$352 |
| 65–69 | $115–$188 | $229–$375 | $343–$562 |
| 70–74 | $165–$265 | $329–$529 | $493–$793 |
| 75–79 | $215–$355 | $429–$709 | $643–$1,063 |
Major Hospital: Memorial Hermann / Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Houston has the largest Guatemalan community in Texas. Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center and Houston Methodist are the primary hospitals for Guatemalan visitors. ER visits average $3,500–$9,000. Both have Spanish-language services. Tower Hill plans accepted.
All Tower Hill visitors insurance plans are accepted for emergency care at this facility.
Best Visitors Insurance Plans for Guatemalans in the United States
All three plans are accepted at any US hospital, purchased entirely online in minutes, and include emergency evacuation back to Guatemala.
IMG Patriot America Plus
UHC PPO network
- ✓ Up to $1,000,000 coverage
- ✓ Acute onset pre-existing: $25K
- ✓ Emergency evacuation included
- ✓ Up to 364 days
Trawick Safe Travels USA Comprehensive
First Health PPO
- ✓ Up to $1,000,000 coverage
- ✓ Acute onset pre-existing: $100K
- ✓ Dental emergency included
- ✓ Telemedicine included
WorldTrips Atlas America
UnitedHealthcare PPO
- ✓ Up to $2,000,000 coverage
- ✓ $1M evacuation coverage
- ✓ Acute onset included
- ✓ Mental health coverage
Compare Plans Before You Visit the United States
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Frequently Asked Questions
I have Seguros G&T health insurance from Guatemala. Does that cover me in the US?
No. Guatemalan private insurance plans including Seguros G&T, Aseguradora General, and Guatemalan IGSS are domestic plans with zero US coverage. Any care in Houston, Los Angeles, or Miami is entirely your financial responsibility without US visitors insurance.
My Guatemalan parents have a B1/B2 visa. How long can I insure them?
Visitors insurance is available for any duration — 5 days to 364 days — matching your B1/B2 visa stay. For parents with a 6-month B1/B2 stay, we recommend a 180-day policy. You can also purchase for shorter stays and extend if needed.
How much does visitors insurance cost for Guatemalans visiting the US?
For a Guatemalan visitor in their 40s, a 30-day plan with $100,000 coverage costs approximately $30–$50. For a 60-year-old, $65–$110. For a 70-year-old, $115–$185. Houston and LA healthcare is expensive — we recommend $250,000 coverage for anyone over 55.
My Guatemalan relatives are visiting Houston. They don't speak much English. Is there Spanish support?
Yes. All three major plans (IMG, Trawick, WorldTrips) provide 24/7 Spanish-language assistance. Houston hospitals also have strong Spanish-language services — Houston Methodist, Memorial Hermann, and Ben Taub have Spanish-speaking staff in emergency departments.
Can I purchase visitors insurance for my family while they're already in Guatemala, before they travel?
Yes — and you should. Purchase the policy before departure from Guatemala so coverage starts on arrival in the US. Purchasing after arrival can create coverage gaps and some plans have waiting periods if purchased after travel begins.
My Guatemalan relative visiting Houston has a heart condition. Does pre-existing affect their eligibility?
Visitors insurance is not subject to health underwriting — pre-existing conditions like heart disease do not affect eligibility or price. Routine cardiac care and ongoing prescriptions are not covered. However, if they experience an acute cardiac event (heart attack, emergency) during their US visit, that's covered as acute onset of pre-existing condition up to $25K–$100K depending on the plan.