U.S. Tourist Visa Health Insurance Explained

Travel medical insurance for B-2 visitors helps protect you from unexpected illness and injury costs during a trip to the United States. Unlike standard health insurance, these visitor plans cover medical emergencies, emergency medical evacuation, and other travel risks for international travelers entering the U.S. for tourism or leisure. 

Before you apply for your visa, it’s important to understand that the application steps may vary slightly by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. To see specific instructions for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest to you, visit USEmbassy.gov and find the country in which you will apply.

For a general overview of the tourist visa application process, note the following steps:

1. Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160
The Form DS-160 will require you to upload a recent color photo that meets thephotograph requirements found here. Once you have filled out and submitted your form, you’ll need to print the confirmation page to bring with you to your visa interview.

2. Schedule an Appointment for Your Visa Interview
This is the interview you will complete with a U.S. consular officer to determine whether or not you meet visitor visa requirements and which visitor visa you need. While you may schedule your interview at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate, it is recommended that you schedule it in the country in which you live – it may be more difficult to obtain a visa outside of your country of residence. To find the nearest embassy or consulate and its contact information, search for your country of residence at USEmbassy.gov.

IS A VISA INTERVIEW REQUIRED OF ALL U.S. VISITORS? In general, visa interviews are required of all travelers between the ages of 14-79. Interviews are not typically required of applicants 13 years and younger or 80 years and older—though consular officers reserve the right to require an interview of any visa applicant, regardless of age.

3. Check the Typical Wait Time for Your Country
Understand that wait times vary by location, visa category, and even season, which is why you should apply early. You can check the wait time for your embassy or consulate under "Appointment Wait Time" at travel.state.gov.

4. Pay the Non-Refundable Visa Application Fee
This is a $185 fee that may be required before your interview. Fees can change, so always check the U.S. Department of State website (travel.state.gov) for the most current information. Citizens or residents of certain countries will be required to pay an additional visa issuance fee (upon visa approval). To determine whether you’ll owe an issuance fee, select your nationality under “Prepare for Your Interview” at the state.gov “Visitor Visa” page.

5. Gather the Required Documents
Prior to your visitor visa interview, ensure you have the following:

• Passport that is valid for 6 months after your planned departure from the United States
• Nonimmigrant visa application Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Application fee payment receipt (if payment is required prior to interview)
• One printed photo that complies with visitor visa photo requirements (in case your photo fails to upload to the online Form-DS-160)

Note that the U.S. Embassy or Consulate may request additional documentation which serves as evidence of the following:

• The purpose of your trip: Evidence could include your itinerary, travel plans, or proof of family ties in the United States.
• Your intentions to leave the U.S. when your visa expires: You could provide evidence of a job back home, friends or family, or ties to a church or social club in your home country.
• Your financial means which allow you to travel to the USA: Evidence could include bank statements, credit cards, or pay slips. A tourist visa health insurance policy could help demonstrate your ability to pay for medical expenses by showing that you have coverage for unexpected injury or illness.

6. Attend Your Visa Interview
See tourist visa interview practice questions and interview tips.

In the face of a medical or travel emergency in the United States, a tourist visa health plan like Atlas America can provide access to a wide network of doctors and hospitals, emergency assistance, and a number of vital benefits. Here Are a Few Highlights of Atlas America Insurance:

• 100% coverage for eligible medical expenses – after the deductible and up to the overall maximum limit – for injuries and illness incurred inside the U.S.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation
• Trip Interruption, Travel Delay, and Lost Checked Luggage coverage
• Multilingual emergency assistance available 365 days a year

Atlas America Offers Several Different Policies to International Visitors:

• Atlas Travel: Flexible and generally budget-friendly, this balanced plan offers high coverage limits for single international trips.
  
  
• Atlas Premium: This plan provides even higher coverage limits for a number of important benefits.
  
  
• Atlas Group: This plan provides the same coverage as Atlas Travel – at a 10% reduced rate for groups or families of 5 or more!

Atlas America policies are available to individuals 14 days or older who are traveling to the U.S. from abroad and looking for coverage of up to one year.

Why Choose Atlas America Insurance?

When you purchase an Atlas policy from WorldTrips, you can expect:

• Flexibility: Policies allow you to select the deductible, length of coverage, and coverage maximum that best align with your travel needs.
• Ease-of-Use: Online fulfillment is available immediately. Plus, our wide provider network covers the majority of the United States, making it easy to find quality doctors and treatment.
• Assistance: Policies come with access to a full line of travel assistance services, available in multiple languages 365 days a year.