Visitor Insurance for Australians Traveling to the USA
Medicare covers you in Australia and some countries — but not the USA. One emergency without coverage could cost you tens of thousands.
⚠️ Australia and the USA have no reciprocal healthcare agreement — you're fully exposed to US medical costs.
Medicare Does Not Cover You in the United States
Australia's Medicare program covers doctor visits and public hospital care within Australia only — it reimburses nothing for treatment in the United States. Although Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements with the UK, New Zealand, and several European countries, it has no such agreement with the US. A US ER visit averages $3,100; one hospital night costs $11,700. Australian nationals visiting family in California, New York, and Texas carry full financial exposure: a single hospitalisation in the US can exceed AUD 18,000 per night with no Medicare reimbursement.
Pre-Existing Conditions — What's Covered for Australians?
US visitors insurance uses "acute onset" coverage — emergency treatment for a sudden flare of a known condition is typically covered.
| Condition | Acute Onset Covered? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Type 2 Diabetes | ✓ Yes | Acute onset emergency covered under IMG & WorldTrips |
| Hypertension / High Blood Pressure | ✓ Yes | Sudden cardiac event or stroke covered as acute onset |
| Coronary Artery Disease | ✓ Yes | Emergency heart attack treatment covered — not routine cardiology visits |
| COPD / Asthma | ✓ Yes | Acute attack requiring ER care typically covered |
| Arthritis | ✗ Limited | Routine care not covered; acute fracture unrelated to arthritis is covered |
| Kidney Disease (CKD) | ✗ Limited | Dialysis is excluded; acute infection or emergency is covered |
Acute onset means emergency treatment for a sudden flare of a known condition — not routine management. Questions? Call (832) 856-1704.
Best Visitors Insurance Plans for Australians
All plans accepted at US hospitals. A-rated carriers. Direct billing available.
Patriot America Plus
Best overall balance of price, coverage, and pre-existing condition provisions
- Up to $1M emergency medical
- Acute onset pre-existing covered
- Emergency evacuation included
- Prescription drug coverage
- Telemedicine included
- Coverage up to age 99
- 24/7 global assistance
- Renewable — extend as needed
Atlas America
Maximum medical limits for visitors with complex health history or older age
- Up to $2M emergency medical
- Highest available limits
- Acute onset pre-existing covered
- Emergency dental included
- Mental health emergencies covered
- Multilingual support 24/7
- Adventure sports optional add-on
- Renewable coverage
Safe Travels USA
$0 deductible option — no out-of-pocket at the hospital
- Up to $1M emergency medical
- $0 deductible option available
- Acute onset pre-existing covered
- Dental emergency benefit
- Trip interruption coverage
- Loss of passport benefit
- AD&D included
- 24/7 emergency hotline
How Much Does Visitors Insurance Cost for Australians?
Real price estimates based on actual plan rates — not inflated samples.
| Age | Duration | Coverage | Deductible | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 years | 30 days | $100K | $250 | $38–$52 |
| 55 years | 60 days | $100K | $250 | $85–$115 |
| 60 years | 90 days | $100K | $250 | $120–$175 |
| 65 years | 90 days | $100K | $250 | $175–$245 |
| 70 years | 90 days | $100K | $250 | $240–$340 |
| 75 years | 60 days | $100K | $500 | $195–$275 |
Estimates for visitors insurance to the USA. Exact pricing depends on carrier and plan selected.
How to Buy Visitors Insurance for Australians — Step by Step
Get an instant quote
Click 'Get Quote' and enter the visitor's age, travel dates, and home country (Australia). Takes under 2 minutes. No personal information required at this stage.
Compare 3–5 plans side by side
Our comparison tool shows IMG, WorldTrips, and Trawick side by side — coverage limits, deductibles, network, and pre-existing condition provisions. Pick what fits the visitor's health and budget.
Purchase online — instant policy
Pay securely online. The insurance certificate is emailed within minutes. Print it or save it to your phone — you'll need it if the visitor goes to a hospital.
Use the insurance if needed
In an emergency, call the number on the insurance card. The 24/7 assistance team will find the nearest in-network hospital, arrange direct billing, and handle paperwork.
Extend if the stay gets longer
If the visitor extends their stay, renew the policy online before it expires. As long as no claim has been filed, most plans renew seamlessly for up to 364 days total.
Frequently Asked Questions — Australians Visiting the USA
Does Australian Medicare cover medical care in the USA?
Does my Australian travel insurance cover me in the USA?
What visitor insurance is best for Australians visiting the USA?
Do Australians need a visa to visit the USA?
How much does visitor insurance cost for Australians?
Does visitor insurance cover pre-existing conditions for Australian visitors?
Can I extend my visitor insurance if my USA stay is extended?
Protect Your Family. Get Covered Today.
Home country health insurance doesn't work in America. Get covered before landing — instant quote, instant policy, instant peace of mind.
Get Instant Quote for AustraliansLicensed Texas #2608479TX · IMG, WorldTrips & Trawick International · (832) 856-1704