Visitor Insurance for Parents Visiting the USA
One night in a US hospital can cost $10,000–$25,000. Your parents' home insurance won't cover it. Get them protected from $1–$3 per day.
Plans from IMG, Trawick & WorldTrips · Acute onset pre-existing covered
From ~$1/day · Pre-existing covered · Instant quote
Why US Visitor Insurance Is Not Optional
The US has some of the highest medical costs in the world — and no government safety net for foreign visitors.
ER Visit: $3,000–$10,000
A single emergency room visit in the US averages $3,000 even for minor issues. Anything involving imaging, labs, or overnight admission can reach $25,000+.
Air Evacuation: $50K–$200K
If your parents need to be flown home or to a specialized facility, air medical evacuation costs $50,000–$200,000 without coverage.
Hospitalization: $5K–$30K/night
A hospital stay in the US averages $5,000–$30,000 per night depending on the facility and treatment required.
Home Insurance Stops at Borders
Your parents' national health insurance — NHS, OHIP, IRDAI, or any other — provides zero coverage in the United States.
Top Plans for Parents Visiting the USA
All three plans include acute onset pre-existing condition coverage and 24/7 emergency assistance.
IMG
Patriot America Plus
Best for: Budget-conscious families
- Up to $1M emergency medical
- Acute onset pre-existing coverage
- Emergency evacuation included
- Prescription drug coverage
- Telemedicine included
- Coverage up to age 99
- 24/7 global assistance
- Renewable — extend if needed
Trawick
Safe Travels USA
Best for: Parents who want deductible choice
- Up to $1M emergency medical
- Wide deductible range ($0–$5K)
- Acute onset pre-existing coverage
- Dental emergency benefit
- Trip interruption coverage
- Loss of passport benefit
- AD&D included
- 24/7 emergency hotline
WorldTrips
Atlas America
Best for: Parents who want maximum protection
- Up to $2M emergency medical
- Highest limits available
- Acute onset pre-existing coverage
- Emergency dental included
- Adventure sports optional
- Mental health emergency covered
- Local ambulance covered
- 24/7 multilingual support
Not sure which plan? (832) 856-1704 · Mon–Fri 9AM–6PM CST
What Does Visitor Insurance Cost?
Typical cost ranges for parents visiting the USA (IMG Patriot America Plus, $100K coverage).
| Parent's Age | Trip Duration | Coverage | Deductible | Est. Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 years old | 30 days | $100K | $250 | $45–$65 |
| 60 years old | 60 days | $100K | $250 | $90–$130 |
| 65 years old | 90 days | $100K | $250 | $160–$220 |
| 70 years old | 90 days | $100K | $250 | $220–$310 |
| 75 years old | 60 days | $100K | $500 | $180–$250 |
Estimates only. Exact pricing varies by plan and options selected. Get your exact quote →
Common Questions Before You Buy
"My parents have diabetes / high blood pressure"
Acute onset coverage means if their condition suddenly flares into a medical emergency, it's covered. This applies to diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and most other chronic conditions.
"I'm not sure which plan to pick"
Start with IMG Patriot America Plus — it's the most popular for a reason. If your parents are older or have more complex needs, call us at (832) 856-1704 and we'll help narrow it down.
"What if they already arrived?"
You can still buy coverage. There's a 48-72 hour waiting period for illness after arrival, but accidents and injuries are covered immediately. Buy as soon as possible.
"Will the insurance actually pay or fight the claims?"
IMG, Trawick, and WorldTrips are A-rated carriers with decades of claims-paying history. Emergency admissions go through a direct-billing network — the hospital bills the insurer directly, not your parents.
Looking for a Country-Specific Guide?
We have detailed visitor insurance guides for parents from 194 countries — covering visa requirements, coverage tips, and plan recommendations specific to each nationality.
Browse all 194 country guides →Frequently Asked Questions
What is visitor insurance for parents visiting the USA?
Visitor insurance (also called travel medical insurance) is short-term health insurance designed for non-US citizens visiting America. It covers emergency hospitalization, doctor visits, urgent care, prescription drugs, and emergency medical evacuation. Your parents' home country insurance and any existing health coverage typically does not work in the US — visitor insurance fills this critical gap.
How much does visitor insurance for parents cost?
Visitor insurance typically costs $1–$3 per day depending on your parent's age, coverage amount, deductible, and plan chosen. A 60-year-old parent on a 90-day visit with $100,000 in coverage might pay $80–$150 total. Older travelers (70+) pay slightly more. Use our free quote tool to get exact pricing for your parent's specific age and trip duration.
Does visitor insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Most visitor insurance plans cover the 'acute onset' of pre-existing conditions — meaning if a known chronic condition (like diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension) suddenly flares up requiring emergency treatment, it is covered. This is not the same as ongoing management of a chronic condition. IMG Patriot America Plus and WorldTrips Atlas America both include strong acute onset provisions. If your parent has serious pre-existing conditions, speak with us about the right plan.
Can I buy visitor insurance after my parents arrive in the USA?
Yes, but there is typically a waiting period. If purchased after arrival, most plans impose a 48–72 hour waiting period before coverage begins for illness (injuries are usually covered immediately). To avoid any waiting period, purchase before your parents depart from their home country. We recommend buying at least a week before travel.
What is the best visitor insurance for parents on a B1/B2 visa?
IMG Patriot America Plus is the most popular plan for parents on B1/B2 visitor visas — it's affordable, covers the full US, and includes acute onset pre-existing condition coverage. Trawick Safe Travels USA is a strong alternative with more deductible options. WorldTrips Atlas America is best for parents needing higher coverage limits (up to $2,000,000).
Does visitor insurance cover a hospital stay in the USA?
Yes. Emergency hospitalization is one of the primary benefits. All plans we offer cover inpatient hospital stays, surgery, ICU care, and follow-up visits related to a covered emergency. Given that a single night in a US hospital can cost $5,000–$25,000, this coverage is essential for any parent visiting from abroad.
Can visitor insurance be extended if my parents stay longer?
Yes. Most visitor insurance plans are extendable as long as no claim has been filed during the current policy period, and the maximum policy duration has not been exceeded (typically 364 days). You can request an extension online before the current policy expires. We recommend extending at least a week before expiration.
What happens if my parents need emergency evacuation?
Emergency medical evacuation is included in all plans. If your parents need to be transferred to a better-equipped hospital or flown home for continued treatment, the plan covers the full cost. International air evacuation can cost $50,000–$200,000 without coverage. Plan coordinators handle all logistics 24/7 — your parents don't have to navigate this alone.
Your Parents Are Coming. Get Them Covered.
It takes 3 minutes. Plans start from $1/day. Peace of mind is priceless.
Licensed in Texas · Serving families from 194 countries · (832) 856-1704