A Guide to USA Visitor Insurance for Foreigners

Traveling to a new country can be an exciting experience, but also a little bit stressful. There may be cultural hurdles to overcome, and you won’t be able to depend on familiar faces or places in times of need. Because of this, it’s extremely important to look after your health.

The USA has some of the finest hospitals and clinics in the world. The trouble is, they’re incredibly expensive. Americans cannot afford medical care without health insurance, and the same goes for foreign visitors to the USA. That’s where?visitors insurance comes in.

A visitors insurance plan takes the guesswork and financial strain out of getting necessary medical care in the US. Your?insurer can point you to the right doctors, cover the majority of your bills in accordance with the policy documents, and make medical care in the US as stress-free as possible.

Can Foreigners Buy US Health Insurance?

A foreign visitor cannot buy a typical domestic major medical plan like American citizens have. Instead, they must buy?visitors insurance?from an independent broker like Insubuy. We make it easy to?get instant quotes and purchase the US health coverage you need in minutes. You don’t even need a doctor’s exam.?

Why You Need Health Insurance in the US

The reason foreign visitors need?health insurance in the US?comes down to cost. Even a minor procedure can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and major surgery can cost hundreds of thousands.?

It’s impossible to guarantee that you won’t get sick or injured while visiting the USA, so you need to have a?plan?in place to pay for medical care. Visitors medical insurance is your best option, as foreign health insurance typically is not accepted or sufficient in the US.?

Benefits of Health Insurance for Foreigners

A?visitors insurance?plan provides a wealth of benefits that are useful to every foreign traveler in the US. These include:

• Emergency medical coverage – If you get hurt or sick in the US, your visitors insurance plan can help you pay for covered medical expenses.
• Medical evacuation/repatriation coverage?– Should a life-threatening emergency occur that requires transport to another location for treatment, this benefit can help cover the astronomical costs.?
• PPO network participation – Many comprehensive coverage visitors insurance plans participate in PPO networks, which are networks of healthcare providers that can offer direct (cashless) billing and lower, network-negotiated rates.
• Coverage for?acute onset of pre-existing conditions – Even if your acute illness is related to a pre-existing condition, many visitors insurance plans can still provide coverage.
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage – In the event that the insured were to be killed or grievously injured, this benefit can provide financial compensation to the beneficiary.?
• Return of mortal remains?– In the event that the insured were to pass away while visiting the United States, this benefit can cover the costs of transporting the mortal remains.
• Travel benefits include?lost luggage coverage?and?trip interruption coverage.

How Much Does Health Insurance for Foreigners Cost?

The cost of travel health insurance for foreign visitors depends on a variety of factors. These factors typically include:

• The specific visitors insurance plan you choose.
• The?policy maximum and?deductible?you select.
• The length of your coverage period.
• Your age.
• Any optional coverages you select.

Not sure where to start? Enter your information in our quote form to compare your personalized visitors insurance options!

How to Calculate Your Trip Cost for Travel Insurance

Planning a trip is an exciting process, full of anticipation for new experiences. But it’s also a financial commitment that requires thoughtful preparation. One key step is calculating your trip cost accurately—not just for your budget, but to ensure you’re covered by the right?travel insurance policy.

What Does “Trip Cost” Mean for Travel Insurance?

Your “trip cost” includes all nonrefundable, prepaid expenses related to your travel plans. This can range from airfare and hotels to pre-booked tours and event tickets. Travel insurance uses this amount to determine your coverage, so being precise is essential.

To unlock the full benefits of travel insurance, you need to provide an accurate trip cost when purchasing your policy. Several comprehensive travel insurance plans require you to insure the total trip cost before you leave for the trip. This means every prepaid cost must be included in your travel insurance plan.

How to Calculate Your Trip Cost

Manually calculating your trip cost requires attention to detail, but it’s a great way to stay in control of your budget. Start by creating a list of all potential expenses:

• Transportation:?Flights, car rentals, trains, and ferries.
• Accommodation:?Hotels, vacation rentals, or other lodgings.
• Food & Drinks:?Meals, snacks, and beverages.
• Activities:?Tours, tickets, and excursions.
• Travel Insurance:?Yes, this should be part of your budget!
• Miscellaneous Costs:?Visas, vaccinations, tips, and baggage fees.

Don’t forget to include a small buffer for unexpected expenses like last-minute changes or emergencies. It’s better to overestimate than risk running short.

What Should You NOT Include in Your Trip Cost?

While calculating your trip cost is essential for budgeting and travel insurance, it’s equally important to understand what typically does not count as part of your trip cost for insurance purposes. These exclusions can vary by policy, so knowing them helps you plan more effectively and avoid surprises.

1. Refundable Expenses:?Any bookings or deposits that can be fully refunded if canceled (e.g., refundable hotel rooms or flight tickets) are usually excluded. Trip cancellation insurance only covers non-refundable expenses since refundable costs don’t result in a financial loss.
2. Personal Expenses During the Trip:?Costs like meals, souvenirs, shopping, or other incidental spending during your trip are not considered part of your trip cost for insurance purposes. These expenses are typically paid out of pocket and are not refundable.
3. Frequent Flyer Miles or Points:?If you use reward points, frequent flyer miles, or travel credits to book flights, accommodations, or other services, these are not included in the trip cost. However, the cash equivalent (e.g., taxes or fees paid on a rewards booking) may be included if they are non-refundable.
4. Optional Add-Ons: Expenses like seat upgrades, premium cabin choices, or early boarding fees are often excluded unless specified otherwise in your policy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Calculating Trip Costs

Even seasoned travelers can overlook key details. Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls:

1. Skipping Small Expenses:?Service fees, parking, and tips may seem minor, but they add up quickly.
2. Ignoring Currency Fluctuations:?Exchange rates can shift unexpectedly. Build a buffer into your budget to account for these changes.
3. Forgetting a Contingency Fund:?Always include a cushion for emergencies, from missed connections to medical needs.

Avoiding these mistakes keeps your budget accurate and ensures you’re prepared for any surprises.

Travel Confidently with Your Total Costs Covered

Calculating your trip cost isn’t just about numbers—it’s about setting yourself up for a worry-free adventure. By taking the time to estimate your expenses accurately, you’ll not only secure the?right travel insurance but also enjoy your journey without financial stress.

Whether you’re backpacking through Europe, cruising the Caribbean, or exploring a city closer to home, planning your budget carefully ensures that the memories you make are all good ones.

The Best Travel Medical Insurance for Extreme Sports

Proper insurance coverage is essential for any traveler. However, what if your vacation tastes are a bit on the extreme side? Maybe you’ve always wanted to try skydiving or whitewater rafting? Perhaps you’d like to give mountain biking a try? If so, be especially diligent when researching a travel insurance plan. Most travel insurance plans do not provide extreme sports coverage. However, you do have a few choices that are especially tailored for adventure activities.?

For Extreme Sports Outside the USA

If you’re taking an international trip outside the US and want to participate in extreme sports, Diplomat International is an excellent choice. It offers an optional Athletic & Hazardous Activity benefit that can cover a range of hazardous activities.

For Extreme Sports Within the USA

If you’re traveling to the USA and need visitors insurance with extreme sports coverage, consider Diplomat America, a comprehensive visitors insurance plan with policy maximums up to $1,000,000 and an optional hazardous sports rider for insureds under the age of 80.

Remember This When Choosing Coverage

Many visitors insurance and travel medical insurance plans offer optional extreme sports coverage, but not every plan will cover every extreme sport. Be sure to review the policy documents before purchasing a plan to make sure it will cover the sport you plan to participate in. Do you need a little extra guidance in choosing a hazardous sports insurance plan? Contact us today to get help from a licensed, USA-based agent.