The B1/B2 visa covers short business trips (B1) and tourism or family visits (B2). Whichever it is, a visitor here has no US health cover, and US medical bills are among the highest in the world.
Visitor medical insurance from Protect Travel pays toward emergency treatment, up to a limit you choose. Here is how it fits a B1/B2 trip.
Is insurance required for a B1/B2 visa?
The US doesn't generally ask B1/B2 visitors to show health insurance to get the visa or to enter. Not required doesn't mean not needed: without insurance, the visitor or the family hosting them pays every bill in full. A US hospital expects to be paid by someone, and an insurance card makes that conversation much easier.
Who our visitor plans are for
- Visitors to the US who are not US citizens and live outside the US, for business or family visits.
- Not for people who already live here. The plans are for a visit.
- Age limits and a maximum length of cover apply. The quote shows what is available for the traveler's age and dates.
Choosing a plan
- You choose a medical maximum and a deductible.
- Emergency medical care and emergency medical evacuation are included.
- You can compare our visitor medical plans side by side on the quote.
A rule of thumb on limits. The medical maximum is what protects you; the deductible is what you save on. A longer stay, an older visitor or a visit with existing health issues points to a higher maximum.
What isn't covered
Every plan has exclusions, and the plan details list them all. The ones B1/B2 visitors run into most:
- Ongoing care of existing conditions. Some plans cover a sudden, unexpected flare-up, with limits; see our pre-existing conditions guide.
- Routine care and check-ups.
- Planned treatment, or treatment that was the reason for the trip.
Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply.
Extending your stay
Plans change. If the visit gets longer, extend the plan before it ends so there is no gap in cover. A lapse can mean starting over with a new plan.
Using the plan
- Keep the ID card on your phone. It has the assistance number.
- Call before a planned hospital stay or surgery.
- Urgent care first for minor problems; the emergency room is for real emergencies.
Get a quote
Choose "Traveling to the US", enter the traveler's age, dates and home country. If you're buying for a visitor, or for a group of visitors, call Protect Travel at 877-720-6696 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm ET).
Get a quote from Protect Travel →
Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See the plan details on our website before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need health insurance for a B1/B2 visa?
The US doesn't generally require it for the visa, but without it the visitor pays US medical bills in full.
Can a B1 business visitor buy a visitor plan?
Yes. Protect Travel's visitor plans are for non-US citizens visiting the US, for business or family visits. Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. Check the plan details before you buy.
How long can the coverage last?
For the length of the visit, up to each plan's maximum period. Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply.
Can I extend my visitor insurance if I stay longer?
Yes, before the plan ends. Extend before the end date so there is no gap in cover.
Does visitor insurance cover existing conditions?
Not ongoing care. Some plans cover a sudden, unexpected flare-up, with limits by plan and age. Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply.
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or immigration advice.
Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See the plan details on our website before you buy.