Are There Any Tourist Visa Exceptions?
Yes – the U.S. Department of State notes that citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not typically need a visa for tourism and visits.
You can also bypass the visa process if you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program allows non-U.S. citizens who meet specific requirements to travel to the U.S. for approved business or tourism purposes – without first obtaining a visa.
The Visa Waiver program is only available to individuals of an approved VWP country who are traveling for 90 days or less and have authorization under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
To learn more about eligibility and enrollment, visit our “Understanding the U.S. Visa Waiver Program” page.
Why Do I Need U.S. Tourist Visa Health Insurance?
Though undeniably exciting, international travel can still pose a risk. Here are 3 reasons to consider health insurance for your tourist visa:
1. There’s always a chance you could encounter a travel mishap, accident, or illness that calls for tourist visa insurance. After all, you’ll be navigating a foreign country while likely trying new foods, dealing with the effects of jet lag, and exposing yourself to foreign bacteria.
2. Your domestic health policy may not cover you in the United States. Even if it does, it may provide limited coverage. In the U.S., people are responsible for their own healthcare costs, meaning you’ll be financially responsible for any medical expenses that result from an unexpected illness or injury.
3. According to healthcare.gov, a broken leg can cost up to $7,500 to fix in the U.S., and the average cost of a 3-day hospital stay is around $30,000. Tourist visa health insurance, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), can reduce “the cost of a medical emergency" and the resulting “financial burden on travelers" by providing access to quality care and financial help if the unexpected occurs as you travel the country.
4. You may be asked to show proof of your ability to pay return travel, lodging, and medical costs. A tourist visa health policy like Atlas America could help demonstrate your ability to pay for medical expenses by showing that you have coverage for unexpected injury or illness. When you purchase Atlas America insurance, you’ll be given access to a visa letter which can serve as proof of work visa health insurance.
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