Best Medical Insurance for Visitors to the USA on Tourist Visa B1/B2 (Especially for Seniors)

Planning a trip to the U.S. on a B1/B2 tourist visa can be exciting—family visits, vacations, sightseeing, and sometimes medical checkups or extended stays with children. But if you're coming from India, especially as a senior (say, around 60 or older), there’s one critical thing you can’t afford to ignore:

Medical insurance!!

Let’s be real—healthcare in the U.S. is crazy expensive. A single ER visit can set you back thousands of dollars. Unlike in India, you don’t just walk into a hospital and pay a few hundred rupees. Even basic treatment can feel like you’re being billed in gold.

So, what’s the best medical insurance for visitors to the USA on a tourist visa B1/B2, especially for a 60-year-old staying for a few months? That’s what this blog is all about. I’ll walk you through everything—from understanding how it works to what plans are best, and how to choose smartly without overpaying.

Why You Need Medical Insurance on a Tourist Visa

Here’s the bottom line: visitors on B1/B2 visas are not eligible for U.S. government healthcare programs like Medicare or the Affordable Care Act (ACA). That means you must buy travel medical insurance—preferably before you even land. What can go wrong without insurance?

A sudden fever or infection
Accidental injury
Emergency surgeries
COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms
Slips or falls (which are very common for seniors)

Even a simple hospital stay of 2–3 days can cost $10,000 to $20,000. Without insurance, you're 100% liable to pay that.

What Type of Insurance Do You Need?

You're not looking for domestic U.S. insurance. You need "Travel Medical Insurance for Visitors to the US". These policies are designed for short-term stays and cover:

Emergency care
Hospital visits
Doctor consultations
Diagnostic tests (X-rays, blood work)
Emergency medical evacuation
Acute onset of pre-existing conditions (more on this below)

Fixed Benefit vs Comprehensive Plans

There are two main categories of visitor insurance:

Fixed Benefit Plans

Lower premiums
But limits on how much you can claim for each service (e.g., $100/day for a hospital room)
Works only if you're okay taking a risk for big bills

Comprehensive Plans (Highly Recommended)

Costs a bit more
But gives you a percentage-based coverage (e.g., 80% up to $5,000, then 100%)
Much better if you’re over 60 and visiting for more than 2–3 weeks

My recommendation: Go with a comprehensive plan, especially for a 60-year-old staying 5 months. The premium difference is worth the peace of mind.

What to Look For in a Policy

When comparing the best medical insurance for visitors to the USA on a tourist visa B1/B2, here’s what matters most:

Policy Maximum: At least $100,000 (higher is better)
Deductible: $250–$500 is a sweet spot (affordable premium + decent coverage)
Pre-existing Coverage: Look for plans that cover “acute onset of pre-existing conditions.”
Provider Network: Plans with a PPO network in the U.S. are easier to use
COVID-19 Coverage: This is now standard, but double-check anyway
Reputation of Insurer: Choose insurers known for easy claims and strong customer service

Best Medical Insurance Plans for Visitors from India (for Parents)

After going through a bunch of options, here are the top 4 plans I found that are ideal for someone visiting the U.S. from India for around 3 to 6 months (these prices might change in the future):

Safe Travels USA Comprehensive (by Trawick International)

Why I Like It:

Up to $1,000,000 coverage
Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions (non-cardiac) up to the policy limit
Includes COVID-19
Great for older travelers (especially the 60–69 age group)
Affordable, even with high coverage
Approx. Cost: $251 for 31 days, $500,000 coverage, $500 deductible
Ideal For: Seniors who want maximum protection at a reasonable price.

Patriot America Plus (IMG)

Why I Like It:

Trusted insurer with solid support
Up to $1 million coverage
Acute onset of pre-existing condition coverage included
COVID-19 included
Strong U.S. hospital network (good PPO access)
Approx. Cost: $254 for 31 days with $500K coverage and $500 deductible
Ideal For: Travelers with known mild conditions who need peace of mind.

Atlas America (WorldTrips)

Why I Like It:

Highly rated by expats and visitor insurance aggregators
Coverage up to $2 million
Acute onset of pre-existing conditions covered (till age 70)
Good for high-coverage seekers
Emergency evacuation and repatriation included
Approx. Cost: $447 for 30 days at $50K coverage, $100 deductible
Ideal For: People who want top-tier coverage and don’t mind a slightly higher premium.

CoverAmerica-Gold (INF Insurance)

Why I Like It:

India-focused plan
Pre-existing coverage for even cardiac conditions up to limited amounts
Great if your parents or relatives have known health risks
Robust telemedicine and urgent care benefits
Approx. Cost: Around $191 for 30 days with $100K coverage
Ideal For: Seniors with pre-existing conditions or who prefer India-friendly support.

Where to Buy These Plans?

Use trusted aggregator sites like Visitors Coverage that show side-by-side comparisons for all the plans that I listed above. I have used it multiple times, and it's pretty promising. I have included the link here.

Final Thoughts

If you're traveling to the U.S. on a tourist visa (B1/B2), especially as a senior or with aging parents, skipping medical insurance is a huge gamble. The best medical insurance for visitors to the USA on a tourist visa B1/B2 is the one that gives you:

Real protection in a crisis
Easy access to U.S. hospitals
Coverage for unexpected events like COVID, accidents, or sudden illnesses

For a 60-year-old staying 5 months from India, I’d say start with Safe Travels USA Comprehensive or Patriot America Plus—they strike the right balance of affordability, coverage, and reputation. You can find these companies listed when you get quotes on Visitors Coverage.

You don’t want your family visit to turn into a financial nightmare. Spend a few hundred dollars upfront and enjoy your time here stress-free.

FAQs on Medical Insurance for Visitors to the USA

Can I buy the plan after arriving in the U.S.?

Yes, you can, but it's not recommended. Most visitor insurance plans start coverage only from the date of purchase, and any illness or injury before that won't be covered. It's best to buy it before departure or as soon as your travel dates are finalized.

Will this insurance cover my existing health conditions?

Most plans do not cover pre-existing conditions by default. However, some offer:

Limited coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions (e.g., sudden heart attack, stroke).
Specialized plans that offer better coverage for conditions like diabetes or hypertension under strict rules.

Check for plans that say "Acute Onset Coverage" for pre-existing conditions and read the fine print.

What if I need coverage for more than 5 months?

Many plans can be extended. Just make sure the total policy period is within the insurer’s allowed limit (often 364 days max).

Will they accept Indian credit cards?

Yes, all the major insurers and aggregator platforms accept Indian cards and email you the policy instantly.

What’s the average cost of insurance for a 60-year-old visitor from India?

For a 60-year-old visitor from India staying in the U.S. for 5 months, the average cost of travel medical insurance typically ranges from $300 to $800 for basic plans, and $1,000 or more for comprehensive plans that offer higher coverage limits and lower deductibles.

Which is better: Fixed coverage or Comprehensive coverage?

If you're age 60+ and visiting for a longer period:

Comprehensive Plans are better — higher coverage for hospitalization, surgery, diagnostics, etc.
Fixed Coverage Plans are cheaper but cover fixed amounts per service and may leave you with high out-of-pocket costs.

What should I do in case of a medical emergency?

Call 911 if it's a serious emergency. For non-emergency: visit an urgent care center or walk-in clinic listed in your insurance network. Always carry your insurance ID card and call the insurance company’s support number before major treatment, if possible.

Can I cancel the insurance if my trip is delayed or cut short?

Yes. Most companies allow a full refund before the policy start date or a pro-rated refund if you return early (minus small admin fees).

Will this insurance help me get a US visa?

While it's not mandatory for a B1/B2 visa, having travel medical insurance can positively support your visa application, especially for older travelers or those planning longer stays.

If you’re around 60 years old or the consulate raises concerns about your ability to handle medical expenses, showing proof of insurance demonstrates financial responsibility and reassures them you won’t be a burden on the U.S. healthcare system.

What is a PPO network? Should I choose a plan with it?

A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) is a network of doctors and hospitals that agree to provide care at reduced rates. Choosing a plan with a PPO network allows you to receive treatment from pre-approved providers and often enjoy lower out-of-pocket costs or even cashless billing.