Travel insurance for the USA isn't legally required for entry, but a single emergency room visit can cost thousands of dollars in a country with no government healthcare for tourists.
Do You Need Travel Insurance to Visit the USA?
Travel insurance isn't required to enter the USA, but ER visits cost $1,500 to $3,000, and hospital stays exceed $100,000.
Learn what travel insurance for your USA trip covers and how much it costs.
Updated: December 18, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
Travel insurance isn't mandatory for USA entry, but customs officers may request proof from elderly visitors
Emergency room visits cost $1,500 to $3,000 and hospital stays exceed $100,000 without insurance
Visitor insurance costs $19 to $172 per month with comprehensive plans offering better protection than fixed benefit plans
Is Travel Insurance Required for USA Entry?
No. The United States doesn't require travel insurance for tourist visas or ESTA entries, unlike Schengen countries that mandate €30,000 minimum coverage.
However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers can ask for insurance proof at entry, especially for elderly visitors. Consular officers may also inquire during visa interviews. While not mandatory, having coverage demonstrates financial responsibility and can strengthen visa applications.
Why International Visitors Need Travel Insurance for the USA
The U.S. operates a private healthcare system with no government facilities for tourists. Without insurance, a single ER visit costs $1,500 to $3,000, making travel insurance protection important for managing these unexpected costs. Hospitals charge full rates, and payment is expected within 30 days.
U.S. Healthcare Costs
Emergency room visit | $1,500 to $3,000 |
Broken bone treatment | $5,000+ |
Hospital stay with surgery | $50,000 to $150,000+ |
Medical evacuation | $100,000+ |
Your Home Insurance Won't Cover You
Domestic health insurance from your home country provides zero coverage in the U.S. Provincial health plans or national coverage stops at your border. Some plans offer limited reimbursement based on home country costs, not U.S. prices.
What Happens If You Get Sick in the USA Without Travel Insurance?
Emergency rooms must provide stabilizing treatment by federal law, but you'll receive full bills afterward. Without insurance, you pay full chargemaster rates, often 3 to 5 times what insured patients pay.
Financial consequences:
- Multiple bills from different providers (hospital, physician, radiologist)
- Payment expected within 30 days
- Unpaid bills go to collections after 90 to 120 days
- Collections affect credit and complicate future visa applications
- Serious conditions can result in $100,000+ bills
Comprehensive vs Fixed Benefit USA Visitor Insurance
The fundamental choice is between comprehensive and fixed benefit coverage.
These plans pay covered expenses up to your policy maximum after deductible. You pay deductible plus coinsurance (typically 10 to 20% of first $5,000), then insurance pays 100%.
Example:
$15,000 medical bill with $100,000 policy, $250 deductible
You pay: $1,000 total (deductible plus coinsurance)
Insurance pays: $14,000
Best for: Anyone wanting true financial protection against U.S. healthcare costs
Pay predetermined amounts per service regardless of actual cost. You pay the difference.
Example:
Hospital stay costs $3,000/day, plan pays $500/day
You pay: $2,500/day out of pocket
Best for: Budget travelers who primarily need proof of coverage for visa purposes or those in excellent health taking short trips
Quick Comparison
How It Pays | Percentage after deductible | Fixed amount per service |
Coverage | $50,000 to $2,000,000 | $25,000 to $100,000 |
Monthly Cost (Age 30) | $60 to $100 | $30 to $50 |
Monthly Cost (Age 65) | $120 to $172 | $75 to $95 |
Financial Protection | High | Low to moderate |
Most insurance experts recommend comprehensive plans for anyone who truly wants protection against U.S. healthcare costs rather than just checking a box for visa purposes.
What USA Travel Insurance Covers for Visitors
Visitor insurance plans focus on emergency medical care and related services that arise after your policy's effective date. These plans prioritize acute medical emergencies and evacuation services over routine care.
Emergency medical expenses | $50,000 to $2,000,000 |
Emergency evacuation | $500,000 to $1,000,000 |
Repatriation of remains | Up to policy maximum |
Prescription drugs | Covered after deductible |
Urgent care visits | $15 to $25 copay |
Emergency dental | $300 to $500 |
Acute onset of pre-existing conditions | Up to policy max (under age 70) |
All plans include 24/7 multilingual assistance to find doctors, arrange medical evacuations, and coordinate care.
What's Not Covered
Visitor insurance excludes routine care and non-emergency services:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Preventive care, checkups, vaccinations
- Pregnancy, childbirth, and maternity care
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Routine dental and vision care
- Dialysis, chemotherapy, scheduled treatments
- Elective procedures and cosmetic surgery
- Congenital conditions
- Injuries from professional sports or illegal activities
- Care in your home country or care you're traveling to receive
Pre-existing condition exception: Most plans cover "acute onset" or sudden, unexpected flare-ups requiring immediate treatment within 24 hours. Available in comprehensive plans for travelers under age 70 (some extend to 79). Doesn't cover routine management or gradual worsening.
USA Travel Insurance Costs for International Visitors
Premiums vary based on age, policy maximum, and plan type. Fixed benefit plans cost 30 to 50% less than comprehensive coverage but provide significantly less financial protection.
18-40 | $19 to $45/month | $40 to $75/month |
41-50 | $35 to $60/month | $60 to $95/month |
51-60 | $50 to $85/month | $85 to $120/month |
61-70 | $95 to $130/month | $120 to $150/month |
71-79 | $130 to $150/month | $150 to $172/month |
Assumes mid-range policy maximums ($100,000 fixed, $250,000 comprehensive) with $250 to $500 deductibles.
Cost factors:
- Higher policy maximum = higher premium (but better protection)
- Higher deductible = 15 to 25% lower premium
- Longer trips = lower cost per day
- Plan type = Fixed costs 30 to 50% less than comprehensive
Travel insurance to America costs more for seniors due to higher health risks, but remains significantly cheaper than paying out of pocket for a single emergency.
Travel Insurance Requirements by USA Visa Type
B1/B2 Tourist | No | Recommended; may strengthen visa application |
F1/M1 Student | Yes (by universities) | Check your school's international student office for specific minimums. Most require $100,000 medical, $50,000 evacuation. Enrollment may be blocked without proof. |
J1 Exchange | Yes (by law) | Must meet: $100,000 medical, $50,000 evacuation, $25,000 repatriation, max $500 deductible |
H1B Work | No | Usually covered by employer insurance |
Green Card | No | Need domestic insurance, not visitor plans |
Purchase timing:
- Under 65: Buy before departure or within 30 days of arrival
- 65+: Must purchase before arrival or show proof of prior coverage
- Coverage periods: 5 days minimum, up to 2 to 3 years with renewals
What to Do If You Need Medical Care in the USA
For Emergencies
Go to the nearest emergency room immediately. If you need an ambulance, call 911 and bring your insurance card so the hospital can contact your insurer to verify coverage and arrange billing.
For Non-Emergencies
Call your insurer's 24/7 assistance line to find in-network providers. In-network care reduces costs by 40 to 60%. Urgent care facilities charge $15 to $25 copays versus $1,500+ at emergency rooms for non-life-threatening issues.
Use the PPO network listed on your insurance card (UnitedHealthcare or FirstHealth). Search the network directory online before appointments.
If You Pay Out of Pocket
Submit itemized bills with diagnosis codes, payment receipts, and completed claim forms within 30 days. Reimbursement takes 30 to 45 days. All plans include 24/7 multilingual assistance for emergencies, translations, and care coordination.
USA Travel Insurance: FAQs
Can I buy visitor insurance after arriving in the USA?
Yes, travelers under 65 can purchase within 30 days of arrival. Seniors 65+ must buy before arrival or show proof of prior coverage. Conditions beginning before your purchase date aren't covered.
Will U.S. hospitals treat me without insurance?
Emergency rooms must provide stabilizing treatment by law, but you'll receive full bills afterward. Non-emergency providers can refuse service without payment.
What happens if I can't pay my U.S. medical bills?
Bills go to collections after 90 to 120 days. Some agencies pursue international debt depending on your country. Collections affect your credit and can complicate future U.S. visa applications.
Does Medicare cover international visitors?
No. Medicare only covers U.S. citizens and permanent residents for care in the U.S. Visitors can't use Medicare or Medicaid.
Can I extend my visitor travel insurance?
Yes. Most plans allow extensions before expiration. Contact your provider to purchase additional coverage, maintaining continuous protection up to 2 to 3 years total.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.