FAQ — Visitor Health Insurance Questions Answered

Question 1

Who can purchase visitor health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Visitor health insurance is available to non-US citizens and non-US residents traveling to the United States, as well as US citizens and permanent residents traveling outside the USA. Coverage is generally available for visitors aged 0 to 99, though specific age brackets may require different plans.

Question 2

Does my visa type affect eligibility?

Accepted Answer

Most visitor health insurance plans are available regardless of your visa type — including B1/B2 tourist visas, F-1 student visas, J-1 exchange visitor visas, and others. What matters most is that you are not a US citizen or permanent resident seeking coverage for a US visit. Some plans are specifically designed for students or groups.

Question 3

Are there age limits for coverage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most standard plans cover visitors aged 0–79. We offer specialized plans for ages 80–89 and 90 and above. Premiums and coverage limits may vary by age bracket. Children under 2 are often covered at no additional cost when traveling with an insured parent on certain plans.

Question 4

Are pre-existing conditions covered?

Accepted Answer

Coverage for pre-existing conditions varies by plan. Some plans offer a look-back period (typically 3–5 years) and may cover acute onset of a pre-existing condition — meaning a sudden, unexpected flare-up that requires immediate treatment. Chronic or ongoing management of pre-existing conditions is generally not covered. Review each plan's policy wording for full details.

Question 5

What does visitor health insurance cover?

Accepted Answer

Most plans cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, doctor visits, urgent care, prescription medications, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains. Coverage limits range from $50,000 to $1,000,000 depending on the plan you choose.

Question 6

What is typically not covered?

Accepted Answer

Visitor health insurance generally does not cover routine or preventive care, dental and vision (unless emergency), maternity care, mental health treatment, elective procedures, or ongoing management of pre-existing conditions. Always read the plan's Schedule of Benefits and exclusions before purchasing.

Question 7

Does visitor insurance cover dental or vision?

Accepted Answer

Standard visitor health insurance does not include routine dental or vision care. However, emergency dental treatment resulting from an accident is typically covered up to a specified limit. If you need comprehensive dental or vision coverage, you would need a separate supplemental plan.

Question 8

Is COVID-19 treatment covered?

Accepted Answer

Many of our plans now treat COVID-19 like any other illness, covering testing and treatment subject to the plan's standard terms and deductible. Coverage specifics vary by plan and carrier, so we recommend confirming COVID-19 coverage details before purchasing.

Question 9

How do I purchase a plan?

Accepted Answer

Click the 'Get a Quote' button on any plan card on our Plans page. You'll be taken to the carrier's secure quoting portal where you can enter your travel dates, age, and coverage preferences, then pay online. Your policy documents are typically emailed to you within minutes of purchase.

Question 10

When does my coverage start?

Accepted Answer

Coverage typically begins on the start date you select during purchase, provided you have already arrived in the USA (or departed the USA for outbound plans). Some plans have a brief waiting period of 24–48 hours after purchase before coverage becomes effective. Emergency coverage usually begins immediately upon arrival.

Question 11

Is there a waiting period after I buy?

Accepted Answer

Most plans activate on your chosen start date with no additional waiting period for accidents. Illness coverage may have a short waiting period of 24–72 hours depending on the carrier. If you purchase a plan after your trip has already started, the waiting period begins from the purchase date.

Question 12

How do I know which plan is right for me?

Accepted Answer

Consider your age, length of stay, budget, and whether you have any pre-existing conditions. Visitors aged 0–79 on a standard trip will find our Age 0–79 plan most suitable. Older travelers should look at our Age 80–89 or Age 90+ plans. Students should consider the Foreign Students Plan, and frequent travelers may benefit from the Multi Trip Plan. Still unsure? Contact us and we'll help you choose.

Question 13

How do I file a claim?

Accepted Answer

To file a claim, contact your insurance carrier directly using the claims number on your ID card or policy documents. You will typically need to submit a completed claim form, itemized bills from your provider, proof of payment, and your policy number. Claims can usually be submitted online, by mail, or by fax depending on the carrier.

Question 14

Do I need to use a specific network of doctors?

Accepted Answer

Most visitor health insurance plans are PPO-based, meaning you can see any licensed physician or hospital in the USA. Using in-network providers typically results in lower out-of-pocket costs. In an emergency, you may go to any facility regardless of network status.

Question 15

Can I extend or renew my coverage?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most plans can be extended if your stay is longer than expected, provided you have not had a claim or the extension is requested before the policy expires. Contact your carrier directly to request an extension. Note that extensions are not guaranteed and may be subject to underwriting approval.

Question 16

Can I cancel my plan and get a refund?

Accepted Answer

Most plans offer a full refund if you cancel before your coverage start date and have not filed any claims. After coverage begins, partial refunds may be available for unused days, minus a cancellation fee, provided no claims have been submitted. Refund policies vary by carrier — check your policy documents for exact terms.

Question 17

Where can I get claims support for my Blue Cross Blue Shield Global plan?

Accepted Answer

BCBS Global Solutions provides a dedicated claims help page for Travel Outside USA policyholders. You can find instructions for submitting claims, locate claim forms, and get support for medical claims filed abroad.

Question 18

Where can I file a claim for my IMG Patriot Platinum or Trip Cancellation plan?

Accepted Answer

IMG provides a dedicated Claims Center for Patriot Platinum and Trip Cancellation policyholders. You can submit a claim online, download claim forms, and find instructions for filing medical or trip cancellation claims.

Question 19

Where can I find the full Atlas Travel claims FAQ?

Accepted Answer

WorldTrips provides a dedicated Claims Resource Center for Atlas Travel policyholders. You can submit claims, download claim forms, find step-by-step filing instructions, and access your policy documents all in one place.

Question 20

Where can I find the full Trawick International claims FAQ?

Accepted Answer

Trawick International provides a dedicated claims filing page for Safe Travels policyholders. You can submit a claim online, download claim forms, and find step-by-step instructions for filing your medical claim.

Question 21

What is the Atlas Travel plan?

Accepted Answer

Atlas Travel is a comprehensive visitor health insurance plan offered by WorldTrips, designed for non-US citizens and non-US residents visiting the USA, as well as US citizens traveling abroad. It provides coverage for emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, urgent care, and more.

Question 22

Who is eligible for the Atlas Travel plan?

Accepted Answer

The Atlas Travel plan is available to non-US citizens visiting the USA and US citizens or residents traveling outside the USA. Coverage is available for individuals aged 0–79. It is not available to US citizens or permanent residents seeking coverage within the USA.

Question 23

What coverage limits does Atlas Travel offer?

Accepted Answer

Atlas Travel offers maximum coverage limits ranging from $50,000 to $2,000,000 per policy period. You can also choose your deductible — from $0 up to $2,500 — to adjust your premium. Higher deductibles result in lower monthly premiums.

Question 24

Does Atlas Travel cover pre-existing conditions?

Accepted Answer

Atlas Travel covers the acute onset of a pre-existing condition — a sudden, unexpected flare-up requiring immediate medical attention — up to $50,000 for individuals under age 70. Chronic or ongoing treatment of pre-existing conditions is not covered.

Question 25

Does Atlas Travel use a provider network?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Atlas Travel uses the UnitedHealthcare Options PPO network, one of the largest in the USA. Using in-network providers reduces your out-of-pocket costs. In a medical emergency, you may use any licensed provider regardless of network status.

Question 26

Where can I find the full Atlas Travel FAQ?

Accepted Answer

WorldTrips maintains a detailed FAQ page covering all aspects of the Atlas Travel plan including claims, ID cards, policy documents, and more. Visit the WorldTrips FAQ page at worldtrips.com/customer-resources/faqs for complete information.

Question 27

What is the Trawick International Safe Travels plan?

Accepted Answer

Safe Travels USA is a visitor health insurance plan offered by Trawick International, designed specifically for non-US citizens and non-US residents visiting the United States. It provides coverage for emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, urgent care, and emergency medical evacuation.

Question 28

Who is eligible for the Trawick Safe Travels plan?

Accepted Answer

The Trawick Safe Travels plan is available to non-US citizens and non-US residents traveling to the USA. It is not available to US citizens or permanent residents. Coverage is available for visitors aged 14 days to 89 years, making it one of the few plans that extends coverage to travelers aged 80–89.

Question 29

What does the Trawick Safe Travels plan cover?

Accepted Answer

Coverage includes emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, doctor visits, urgent care, prescription drugs, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, and accidental death and dismemberment. Maximum coverage limits range from $50,000 to $1,000,000 depending on the plan selected.

Question 30

Are pre-existing conditions covered under the Trawick plan?

Accepted Answer

The Trawick Safe Travels plan covers the acute onset of a pre-existing condition — a sudden, unexpected flare-up that requires immediate emergency treatment. Coverage for acute onset is available up to the policy maximum for travelers under age 70, and up to $25,000 for travelers aged 70 and above. Ongoing or chronic management of pre-existing conditions is not covered.

Question 31

Which provider network does the Trawick plan use?

Accepted Answer

Trawick International uses the First Health PPO network for in-network provider access across the United States. Using an in-network provider helps reduce your out-of-pocket costs. In a medical emergency, you may seek treatment at any licensed facility regardless of network status.

Question 32

How do I file a claim with Trawick International?

Accepted Answer

To file a claim, log in to the Trawick International member portal or contact their claims department directly. You will need your policy number, itemized bills, and any relevant medical records. Claims can be submitted online or by mail. Trawick recommends notifying them within 30 days of treatment.

Question 33

Where can I download the Trawick Safe Travels plan brochure?

Accepted Answer

The official Trawick International Safe Travels plan brochure provides a full summary of benefits, coverage limits, exclusions, and plan details in a convenient PDF format.

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