Visitor Insurance for New York City, NY
New York City's hospitals are among the most expensive in the world. An uninsured ER visit at NewYork-Presbyterian can cost $15,000–$80,000.
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Why Visitor Insurance Is Essential in New York City
New York City is the USA's most visited city — over 13 million international tourists per year. It's also home to some of the country's most expensive hospitals. International visitors to NYC have zero coverage under US public programs. Whether you're visiting Times Square, Brooklyn, or the Bronx, visitor insurance from IMG, Trawick, or WorldTrips ensures you're protected from Day 1.
Without Visitor Insurance
- ✗ER visit: $5,000–$30,000 billed to you directly
- ✗Hospital stay: $15,000–$100,000+
- ✗Medical evacuation: $20,000–$100,000
- ✗No negotiated rates — full sticker price
With Visitor Insurance
- ✓Emergency medical covered up to $1M–$2M
- ✓Access to New York City's hospital network
- ✓Emergency evacuation included
- ✓Plans from $1.10/day
Our Plans Are Accepted At New York City's Top Hospitals
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital
NYU Langone Medical Center
Bellevue Hospital
+ thousands more in-network hospitals and urgent care centers throughout New York
How Healthcare Billing Works in New York City
Hospitals in New York City — including NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital — operate under a system called "chargemaster pricing." This is the full, undiscounted sticker price for every service. Insured patients with US health plans pay far less because their insurer has negotiated rates. International visitors without visitor insurance receive bills at the full chargemaster rate.
A routine ER visit in New York City typically involves a facility fee ($2,000–$8,000), physician fees ($500–$2,500), and diagnostic costs — imaging, labs, and medications — that can each add thousands. For a single-day hospitalization, total charges routinely exceed $30,000. There is no cap, and collections agencies are frequently used for unpaid medical bills.
Visitor insurance from IMG, Trawick, or WorldTrips includes access to negotiated PPO networks — meaning your insurer has pre-arranged rates with New York City's hospitals. This reduces your actual cost exposure dramatically and eliminates the risk of receiving a full chargemaster bill.
Typical New York City Medical Costs (Uninsured)
Source: CMS Hospital Price Transparency data. Costs vary by facility and patient profile.
What Visitor Insurance Covers in New York City
Visitor insurance is designed specifically for international visitors who have no coverage under US public programs like Medicare or Medicaid.
Emergency Medical Care
Covers ER visits, hospitalization, physician fees, surgery, and intensive care at New York City hospitals. Limits from $50,000 up to $2,000,000 depending on plan.
Urgent Care & Doctor Visits
Non-emergency illness and injury treated at urgent care clinics and physician offices throughout New York City and New York. Telehealth also covered on most plans.
Pre-existing Conditions
Acute onset of pre-existing conditions is covered on IMG Patriot America Plus and Trawick Safe Travels USA — meaning sudden, unexpected flare-ups of a known condition.
Emergency Medical Evacuation
If medically necessary, your plan covers emergency transport to the nearest appropriate facility — or back to your home country. Flights can cost $25,000–$100,000+ without coverage.
Prescription Drugs
Medications prescribed during a covered medical incident are included. Most plans also cover 24/7 prescription assistance hotlines if you need help filling a prescription in the USA.
24/7 Global Assistance
All plans include round-the-clock multilingual assistance for medical emergencies, hospital coordination, and travel help. One call connects you to a team that works directly with New York City's hospitals.
Best Visitor Insurance Plans for New York City
All plans accepted at major New York City hospitals. Compare coverage and pricing below.
IMG Patriot America Plus
Coverage: Up to $1,000,000
- A-rated by A.M. Best
- Acute onset pre-existing covered (under age 70)
- Emergency medical evacuation included
- COVID-19 treatment covered
- Deductible from $0–$2,500
Trawick Safe Travels USA
Coverage: Up to $1,000,000
- $0 in-network deductible automatically
- First Health PPO — one of the largest US networks
- Acute onset pre-existing covered (tiered by age)
- COVID-19 treatment covered
- Available up to age 89
WorldTrips Atlas America
Coverage: Up to $2,000,000
- Highest coverage limit available
- Best for travelers under 65 needing max protection
- Covers urgent care and telehealth
- A.M. Best A-rated carrier
- Deductible from $0–$5,000
Side-by-Side Plan Comparison
All three plans are accepted at New York City hospitals. Here's how they differ.
| Feature | IMG Patriot America Plus Most Popular | Trawick Safe Travels USA Best Value | WorldTrips Atlas America Highest Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Coverage (under 65) | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 |
| Max Coverage (ages 65–79) | $100,000 | $100,000 | $100,000 |
| Max Coverage (ages 80+) | $10,000 | $20,000 | $10,000 |
| Deductible Options | $0 – $2,500 | $0 – $5,000 | $0 – $5,000 |
| In-Network Deductible | Your chosen deductible | $0 automatically | Your chosen deductible |
| In-Network Coinsurance | 100% after deductible | 100% after deductible | 100% after deductible |
| Out-of-Network | 80% first $5K, then 100% | 80% first $5K, then 100% | 80% first $5K, then 100% |
| PPO Network | UHC + First Health | First Health (Aetna) | UHC Options PPO |
| Maximum Age | 99 | 89 | 99* |
| Renewable Up To | 24 months | 364 days | 364 days |
| Acute Onset Pre-existing | ✓ Under age 70 | ✓ Tiered by age | ✓ Under age 65 |
| COVID-19 Covered | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Min. Trip Length | 5 days | 5 days | 5 days |
| Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote |
* Coverage limits reduce significantly above age 64. Benefits vary by age — get a quote to see your exact options. All plan details are for general comparison only; refer to the certificate of insurance for complete terms.
How to Choose the Right Plan for New York City
The most important decision is your deductible. A $0 deductible plan costs more per day but means you pay nothing out-of-pocket before coverage kicks in — ideal if you want maximum peace of mind or are older and more likely to use the plan. A $250–$500 deductible significantly lowers your daily premium and is the right choice for most healthy adults on a shorter trip.
For visits to New York City specifically, consider your planned activities and health history. If you're visiting family and primarily staying indoors, a mid-tier plan with a $250 deductible is typically sufficient. If you're planning outdoor activities, sightseeing around the city, or have any chronic conditions, opt for a plan with acute onset pre-existing condition coverage and a lower deductible.
Trip length matters too. Plans are priced per day, and most are renewable up to 12 months. If your stay in New York is open-ended, choose a plan that allows monthly renewals without a waiting period reset — IMG Patriot America Plus and Trawick Safe Travels USA both offer this flexibility.
IMG Patriot America — $500 deductible. Best value for short stays.
Trawick Safe Travels USA Comprehensive — renewable monthly, strong hospital network.
Trawick Safe Travels USA — $0 in-network deductible, available up to age 89, tiered pre-existing coverage.
IMG Patriot America Plus — acute onset coverage included, not excluded.
Get Covered for New York City in 3 Steps
Most visitors complete this in under 5 minutes. Your policy documents arrive by email immediately.
Enter Your Trip Details
Tell us who needs coverage, your New York City arrival date, departure date, and home country. Takes about 60 seconds.
Compare Plans & Prices
We show you real quotes from IMG, Trawick, and WorldTrips side-by-side. Filter by deductible, coverage limit, or price.
Buy Online & Get Instant Proof
Pay securely online. Your ID card and policy document arrive instantly by email — print or show on your phone.
Visitor Insurance New York City — Frequently Asked Questions
Do international visitors to New York City need health insurance?
Yes. International visitors have no coverage under Medicare, Medicaid, or any US public program. An ER visit at NewYork-Presbyterian or Mount Sinai can cost $10,000–$80,000 without insurance.
What is the best visitor insurance for New York City?
IMG Patriot America Plus, Trawick Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, and WorldTrips Atlas America are top choices. All have broad networks covering NYC hospitals including NewYork-Presbyterian and NYU Langone.
Can I buy visitor insurance after arriving in New York?
Yes. You can purchase visitor insurance after arriving in NYC. Most plans include a 24–72 hour waiting period for illness. Accident coverage typically starts immediately.
How much does visitor insurance cost in New York City?
Visitor insurance for New York City typically costs $1.10–$2.50 per day depending on the traveler's age, deductible, and coverage limit selected. A healthy 35-year-old with a $250 deductible and $100,000 in coverage pays approximately $1.50–$1.80/day. Seniors over 65 typically pay $4–$8/day. All prices are for a plan with coverage accepted at New York City's major hospitals. Get a real-time quote in 60 seconds to see your exact cost.
What happens if I have a medical emergency in New York City?
Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies — you will be taken to the nearest appropriate facility. Your visitor insurance plan includes a 24/7 emergency assistance number on your ID card. Call that number as soon as possible so your insurer can coordinate directly with the hospital. For non-emergency care, use your online member portal to find in-network urgent care centers near you in New York City. Most plans have direct billing arrangements with New York City's major hospital systems.
Does visitor insurance cover COVID-19 in New York City?
Yes. IMG Patriot America Plus, Trawick Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, and WorldTrips Atlas America all cover COVID-19 treatment as a covered illness. If you test positive and require medical care — ER visit, hospitalization, or physician treatment — your plan covers it like any other illness. Routine testing without symptoms is generally not covered. Check the plan's summary of benefits for full details.
Can I extend or renew my visitor insurance while in New York City?
Yes. Most plans sold through Tower Hill can be renewed monthly without leaving the country. IMG Patriot America Plus and Trawick Safe Travels USA allow renewals up to 24 months. WorldTrips Atlas America allows renewals up to 12 months. To renew, log into your member portal or contact us at support@towerhillcorp.com before your current coverage expires. Note: a new waiting period does not apply when renewing the same plan continuously.
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