Travel Insurance FAQ

Visitors insurance is short-term health insurance for non-US citizens or non-residents traveling to the United States. It is needed by parents and relatives visiting from abroad, tourists on B1/B2 visas, green card applicants waiting for employer benefits, and anyone not covered by US health insurance. Without visitors insurance, a single ER visit in the US can cost $5,000–$30,000 or more.

Visitors insurance for parents visiting the USA typically costs $80–$220 per month depending on the parent's age, coverage amount, and deductible. A 65-year-old parent can expect to pay around $120–$180/month for $100,000 in coverage with a $250 deductible. Parents over 70 may pay $160–$250/month. Choosing a higher deductible ($500–$1,000) reduces premiums by 20–35%.

The best visitors insurance for parents depends on their age and health. Patriot America Plus by IMG is highly rated for its broad network and emergency evacuation coverage. Atlas America by WorldTrips offers flexible deductible options and up to $2M in coverage. Safe Travels USA Comprehensive by Trawick International covers pre-existing conditions via an acute onset benefit. All three are available through Tower Hill Travel Insurance.

Yes. WorldTrips Atlas America is one of the most popular visitors insurance plans in the US market. It offers up to $2,000,000 in medical coverage, flexible deductibles ($0–$2,500), acute onset pre-existing condition coverage, and a 60-day look-back period — shorter than many competitors. Especially well-suited for parents from India, China, Mexico, and other countries. One note: coverage limits reduce at age 70+.

Both are top-rated plans for parents visiting the USA. IMG Patriot America Plus: covers up to age 99, uses the IPA/First Health hospital network, and has a 180-day look-back period. Atlas America: up to $2M coverage, 60-day look-back period (better for recent medical history), available to age 99, slightly lower premiums for ages 40–65. For parents 70+ with pre-existing conditions, WorldTrips Atlas America is preferred ($100K acute onset at 70–79) — IMG’s acute onset drops to zero at age 70+.

The most popular plans for Indian parents visiting the USA are WorldTrips Atlas America and IMG Patriot America Plus. For parents under 70 with conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, Atlas America's 60-day look-back period is more favorable. Both plans cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions — meaning if a parent has a sudden medical emergency related to a known condition, they are covered up to the policy maximum.

Yes. IMG Patriot America Plus and WorldTrips Atlas America both cover travelers up to age 99; Trawick Safe Travels USA covers to age 89. For parents 70+ with pre-existing conditions, WorldTrips ($100K acute onset at 70–79) or Trawick ($35K at 70–79) are best — IMG’s acute onset drops to zero at 70+. Expect to pay $200–$400+/month for a parent over 75. Premiums rise with age but coverage is available.

Travel insurance is not legally required to enter the United States on a tourist visa (B1/B2). However, it is strongly recommended because the US has some of the highest healthcare costs in the world. A single day in a US hospital can cost $5,000–$20,000, and an air ambulance can exceed $50,000. Without insurance, any medical incident could result in catastrophic out-of-pocket expenses.

Without travel insurance in the USA, medical bills are your full responsibility. Emergency room visits typically cost $1,500–$5,000 for minor issues and $20,000–$100,000+ for serious cases. A broken bone can cost $5,000–$20,000. A heart attack requiring bypass surgery can exceed $100,000. Hospitalization for 5 days averages $30,000–$60,000. US hospitals can pursue collections aggressively. Visitors insurance eliminates this catastrophic financial risk for a few dollars per day.

Most visitors insurance plans do not cover routine treatment of known pre-existing conditions. However, many plans include an 'acute onset of pre-existing condition' benefit, which covers a sudden, unexpected flare-up — such as a heart attack or diabetic crisis — up to a policy maximum. WorldTrips Atlas America covers acute onset up to the full policy maximum with a 60-day look-back period. Always review the policy's pre-existing condition definition before purchasing.

Acute onset coverage means your policy covers a sudden, unexpected, and severe flare-up of a pre-existing condition that requires emergency medical treatment — something that was not predictable before it happened. For example: if you have a history of heart disease and have a sudden heart attack abroad, acute onset coverage would cover emergency treatment. Routine care or scheduled procedures are not covered under this benefit.

Yes. Travelers with diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, COPD, cancer in remission, and other chronic conditions can get visitors insurance with acute onset coverage. WorldTrips Atlas America covers diabetic emergencies (DKA, severe hypoglycemia) with a 60-day look-back period. IMG Patriot America Plus covers cardiac events under acute onset for travelers under age 70. Call Tower Hill at (844) 950-3468 to find the right plan for your specific health situation.

Most current travel insurance plans cover COVID-19 as a standard illness — meaning if you contract COVID while traveling and need medical treatment, your medical coverage applies just like any other illness. Coverage for trip cancellation due to fear of COVID or government travel restrictions varies by plan.

Most visitors insurance plans do not cover routine prenatal care, childbirth, or complications arising from a pregnancy known at time of purchase. Many plans include a benefit for sudden complications of pregnancy — typically covering unexpected emergencies up to $2,500–$5,000. Travelers who are pregnant should carefully review the maternity section of any plan before purchasing.

International travel insurance costs vary widely. Health-only coverage (no trip cancellation) typically runs $1–$5 per day for travelers under 40 and $3–$10 per day for travelers over 60. Comprehensive plans with trip cancellation usually cost 4–8% of the total trip cost. A $5,000 trip would cost $200–$400 to insure comprehensively. Key factors: age, destination, trip length, coverage amount, and deductible chosen.

Most travel insurance plans cover: emergency medical expenses (doctor visits, hospitalization, surgery), emergency medical evacuation (often $500,000–$1,000,000), accidental death and dismemberment, and repatriation of remains. Comprehensive plans also include trip cancellation and interruption, trip delay, lost or delayed baggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Visitors insurance plans focus primarily on medical coverage.

Travel insurance typically does not cover: routine medical checkups, dental or vision care (except emergencies), pre-existing conditions without a waiver or acute onset benefit, elective procedures, pregnancy in most cases, self-inflicted injuries, extreme sports without a rider, war or civil unrest, and travel to countries under US State Department Level 4 travel advisory.

A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance begins paying. Higher deductibles ($500, $1,000, $2,500) lower your premium by 15–35%. Common deductibles: $0, $100, $250, $500, and $1,000. A $250 deductible is the most popular balance. For healthy younger travelers, a $500 or $1,000 deductible is often cost-effective.

For visitors to the USA, we recommend a minimum of $100,000 in medical coverage, though $250,000 or $500,000 is better given US healthcare costs. Emergency medical evacuation should be at least $500,000 — a helicopter transport alone can cost $30,000–$50,000. For a short visit (under 30 days), a $250 deductible plan with $100,000 coverage is a solid baseline. For stays over 3 months, consider $500,000+ limits.

Yes, most visitors insurance plans can be extended as long as you have not filed a claim during the current coverage period. Extensions can typically be done online or by contacting Tower Hill at support@towerhillcorp.com or (844) 950-3468. Extensions must be requested before the current policy expires. Most plans have a maximum coverage period of 364 days total.

Visitors insurance coverage periods typically range from 5 days to 364 days (just under 1 year). B1/B2 visa holders are usually authorized for up to 6 months per visit. Most visitors insurance plans are renewable for extended stays.

To obtain a Schengen visa, applicants must show proof of travel insurance that: covers the entire Schengen area (all 27 countries), provides at least €30,000 (~$32,000) in emergency medical and repatriation coverage, and is valid for the entire duration of the stay. Tower Hill offers Schengen-approved plans from WorldTrips, IMG, and Trawick. Certificates are delivered instantly after purchase.

J-1 visa holders are required by the US State Department to maintain health insurance with at least $100,000 per accident or illness, medical evacuation of at least $50,000, and repatriation of remains of at least $25,000. The deductible must not exceed $500. Tower Hill offers plans specifically designed for J-1 visa holders that meet all Exchange Visitor Program requirements.

F-1 international students typically need health insurance meeting their university's requirements — usually at least $100,000 in medical coverage, mental health coverage, and prescription drug benefits. Students can purchase their school's sponsored plan or waive it with comparable private coverage. Student travel insurance plans from Tower Hill often cost less than university plans.

Green card holders living in the USA who travel abroad need international travel insurance, not visitors insurance. If a green card holder is not yet enrolled in US employer health benefits, they may need visitors insurance as a bridge. Tower Hill offers specific plans for green card holders at various immigration stages.

IMG (International Medical Group): Patriot series — broad IPA/First Health network, coverage to age 99, reliable claims. Best for older travelers and those needing a wide hospital network. Trawick International: Safe Travels series — competitive pricing for older travelers, trip cancellation add-ons available. WorldTrips: Atlas series — up to $2M coverage, 60-day look-back period, flexible deductibles. Best for travelers under 70 with recent medical history. All three are A-rated carriers available through Tower Hill.

Tower Hill Travel Insurance is a licensed insurance broker, not an insurance company. We are licensed in Texas (License #2608479TX) and work with multiple A-rated insurance carriers including IMG, Trawick International, and WorldTrips. As a broker, we compare plans across carriers to help travelers find the best coverage for their needs. Contact us at (844) 950-3468 or support@towerhillcorp.com, Monday–Friday 9AM–6PM CST.

Tower Hill Travel Insurance is a specialized broker focused on visitors insurance, international travel medical insurance, and Schengen visa insurance. Unlike large aggregators, Tower Hill offers direct licensed broker support — you can speak to a licensed agent who specializes in complex situations like elderly parents with pre-existing conditions. We carry the same top-rated plans (IMG, Trawick, WorldTrips) as major comparison sites, with personalized guidance.

To file a travel insurance claim: (1) Contact the 24/7 emergency assistance line on your ID card immediately if hospitalized. (2) Get itemized bills and receipts for all medical treatment. (3) Complete the claim form from your insurance carrier. (4) Submit all documentation within the timeframe specified in your policy (typically 90 days). (5) Keep copies of everything. Claims are typically processed in 15–30 business days. Tower Hill can assist with claim guidance at support@towerhillcorp.com.

Yes, you can buy visitors insurance and many travel insurance plans after you've already departed. However, most plans have a waiting period of 24–72 hours before coverage begins for illness (accidents are usually covered immediately). For the best coverage and lowest premiums, purchase before departure.

Standard travel insurance typically excludes injuries from extreme or adventure sports. However, many plans offer optional adventure sports riders covering skiing, scuba diving, rock climbing, bungee jumping, and white-water rafting. WorldTrips Atlas Adventure includes adventure sports as standard. Always verify coverage before purchasing.

Most visitors insurance and travel insurance plans include emergency dental coverage, typically $200–$500 for treatment needed to relieve sudden acute pain — such as a broken tooth, severe toothache, or dental abscess. Routine cleanings, checkups, fillings, crowns, and cosmetic dentistry are not covered.