Atlas America vs Patriot America Plus: Which Is Better?
Atlas America vs Patriot America Plus is a common comparison for international travelers seeking visitor medical insurance for the United States.
Both are comprehensive travel medical insurance plans designed primarily to cover eligible unexpected illnesses, injuries, hospitalization, emergency treatment, and medical evacuation while traveling outside your home country.
At first glance, the plans are similar. However, differences in medical maximums, deductible options, age limits, acute-onset of pre-existing condition benefits, and coinsurance can make one plan more suitable than the other for a particular traveler.
Quick Answer
For travelers under age 65, both plans are worth comparing.
For travelers ages 65–69, Patriot America Plus has an important advantage in available policy maximums because it continues to offer coverage options up to $1 million, while Atlas America offers a maximum of $100,000 in this age group.
For travelers ages 70–79, both plans offer medical maximums up to $100,000, but Atlas America has an important advantage: its qualifying acute-onset pre-existing conditions benefit remains available to eligible travelers under age 80. Patriot America Plus stops providing this benefit at age 70.
Atlas America vs Patriot America Plus at a Glance
| Feature | Atlas America | Patriot America Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage type | Comprehensive travel medical insurance | Comprehensive travel medical insurance |
| Administrator | WorldTrips | IMG |
| Medical maximums: Under 65 | $50,000, $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, $1,000,000, $2,000,000 | $50,000, $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, $1,000,000 |
| Medical maximums: Ages 65–69 | $50,000 or $100,000 | $50,000, $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, $1,000,000 |
| Medical maximums: Ages 70–79 | $50,000 or $100,000 | $50,000 or $100,000 |
| Medical maximum: Age 80+ | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Deductible options | $0, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000 | $0, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500 |
| Emergency medical evacuation | Up to $1,000,000 | Up to $1,000,000 |
| Acute onset age eligibility | Under age 80 | Under age 70 |
| Acute-onset-related evacuation | Up to $25,000 | Up to $25,000 |
| PPO network in USA | UnitedHealthcare PPO | UnitedHealthcare PPO |
| Pre-existing conditions | Generally excluded except qualifying acute onset benefit | Generally excluded except qualifying acute onset benefit |
| Minimum coverage period | 5 days | 5 days |
| Renewability | Renewable subject to plan terms | Renewable up to 24 continuous months, subject to plan terms |
1. Medical Coverage Maximum
The policy maximum is the maximum amount the plan can pay toward eligible medical expenses during the applicable coverage period, subject to policy terms and benefit limits.
Medical Maximum Comparison by Age
| Traveler Age | Atlas America | Patriot America Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Under 65 | $50,000, $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, $1,000,000, $2,000,000 | $50,000, $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, $1,000,000 |
| 65–69 | $50,000 or $100,000 | $50,000, $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, $1,000,000 |
| 70–79 | $50,000 or $100,000 | $50,000 or $100,000 |
| 80+ | $10,000 | $10,000 |
What This Means
The advantage changes by age.
- Under age 65: Atlas America offers a higher maximum coverage limit available up to $2 million, compared with $1 million for Patriot America Plus.
- Ages 65–69: Patriot America Plus offers better policy maximum options. It continues to offer maximums up to $1 million, while Atlas America is limited to $50,000 or $100,000.
- Ages 70–79: Both plans offer maximums of $50,000 or $100,000.
- Age 80+: Both plans have a $10,000 medical maximum.
This is why travelers should compare the benefits available for their exact age, rather than relying on the highest maximum advertised on the plan page.
2. Deductible Options
The deductible is generally the amount of eligible medical expenses the insured is responsible for before applicable insurance benefits begin.
Deductible Comparison
| Feature | Atlas America | Patriot America Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Deductible options | $0, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000 | $0, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500 |
What This Means
Both plans provide a good range of deductible choices.
Atlas America provides one additional option: $5,000.
A higher deductible can reduce the premium, but it also increases the amount the traveler may need to pay before the insurance begins paying according to the policy.
For a fair comparison, use the same deductible.
3. Coinsurance
Coinsurance determines how eligible medical expenses are shared after the deductible.
Coinsurance Comparison
| Feature | Atlas America | Patriot America Plus |
|---|---|---|
| PPO network treatment | Plan pays 100% of eligible expenses after deductible, subject to policy terms | Plan pays 100% of eligible expenses after deductible, subject to policy terms |
| Out-of-network treatment | Subject to plan terms | Different coinsurance may apply |
| Policy maximum applies | Yes | Yes |
What This Means
For treatment received through the applicable PPO network, both plans provide a strong benefit structure.
However, the policy maximum, deductible, exclusions, network status, pre-certification requirements, and eligibility of the medical expense still determine what the plan actually pays.
4. Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions
This is one of the most important differences between Atlas America and Patriot America Plus, particularly for older travelers and parents visiting the USA.
Neither plan should be considered general pre-existing condition insurance. Both generally exclude ongoing treatment or routine management of pre-existing conditions.
Instead, they provide a separate benefit for a qualifying acute onset of a pre-existing condition.
There is a difference between pre-existing coverage and acute onset coverage.
Acute Onset Comparison
| Feature | Atlas America | Patriot America Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible age | Under 80 | Under 70 |
| Under age 70 | Up to applicable overall maximum, subject to policy terms | Up to applicable policy maximum, subject to policy terms |
| Ages 70–79 | Benefit may still apply subject to policy limits and conditions | Not available |
| Age 80+ | Not available | Not available |
| Treatment timing | Treatment must be obtained within 24 hours of qualifying onset | Subject to policy definition and requirements |
| Acute-onset-related evacuation | Up to $25,000 | Up to $25,000 |
| General pre-existing condition coverage | No | No |
What This Means
For travelers under age 70, both plans can provide qualifying acute onset benefits.
For travelers ages 70–79, Atlas America has a significant distinction: this benefit can remain available, subject to the policy requirements.
Patriot America Plus requires the insured traveler to be under age 70.
5. What Does Acute Onset Actually Mean?
Acute onset coverage does not mean that the plan provides general coverage for an existing medical condition.
A qualifying acute onset generally involves a sudden, unexpected medical event that develops rapidly and requires urgent medical care according to the policy definition.
Pre-Existing Condition Examples
| Situation | Generally Covered as Routine Pre-Existing Care? |
|---|---|
| Routine diabetes check | No |
| Blood pressure monitoring | No |
| Prescription refill | No |
| Scheduled specialist visit | No |
| Planned procedure | No |
| Ongoing chronic-condition treatment | No |
| Qualifying sudden acute onset | May be covered subject to policy terms |
Travelers with diabetes, hypertension, cardiac conditions, or other medical histories should read the acute onset definition carefully.
If broader pre-existing condition coverage is required, other visitors insurance plans should also be compared.
6. Atlas America vs Patriot America Plus by Age
Age changes this comparison substantially.
Age Comparison
| Traveler Age | Atlas America | Patriot America Plus | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 65 | Up to $2 million; acute onset may apply | Up to $1 million; acute onset may apply | Atlas has higher maximum |
| 65–69 | $50,000 or $100,000; acute onset may apply | Up to $1 million; acute onset may apply | Patriot has stronger maximum options |
| 70–79 | $50,000 or $100,000; acute onset may apply | $50,000 or $100,000; acute onset unavailable | Atlas has acute-onset advantage |
| 80+ | $10,000; no acute unavailable | $10,000; acute onset unavailable | Similar maximum |
Which Plan Has the Advantage by Age?
Under age 65: Atlas America has the higher maximum coverage ceiling.
Ages 65–69: Patriot America Plus has a clear advantage in available policy maximums, offering up to $1 million compared with Atlas America’s $100,000.
Ages 70–79: Both provide up to $100,000 in medical coverage, but Atlas America has the advantage if acute onset protection is important.
Age 80+: Both have significantly reduced maximum coverage and should be reviewed carefully.
7. PPO Network
A PPO network can make it easier to access doctors, hospitals, urgent care centers, and other medical providers in the United States.
PPO Network Comparison
| Feature | Atlas America | Patriot America Plus |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. PPO access | Yes | Yes |
| Network | UnitedHealthcare PPO | UnitedHealthcare PPO |
| Negotiated network rates | Available where applicable | Available where applicable |
| Direct billing guaranteed? | No | No |
What This Means
Using an in-network provider can help with:
- Negotiated provider rates
- Benefit verification
- More favorable network benefits
- Potential direct billing
However, PPO participation does not guarantee direct billing.
A provider may still require payment from the patient and ask the traveler to submit a claim for a reimbursement.
8. Emergency Medical Evacuation
Emergency medical evacuation may be necessary when appropriate medical treatment is not available at the traveler’s location.
Emergency Evacuation Comparison
| Feature | Atlas America | Patriot America Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency medical evacuation | Up to $1,000,000 | Up to $1,000,000 |
| Acute-onset-related evacuation | Up to $25,000 | Up to $25,000 |
| Subject to policy requirements | Yes | Yes |
| Coordination may be required | Yes | Yes |
What This Means
There is relatively little separating the two plans in terms of their headline emergency-evacuation maximums.
The more important issue is whether the situation qualifies and whether the required assistance and pre-approval procedures are followed.
9. Atlas America vs Patriot America Plus for Parents Visiting USA
Both plans are commonly considered for parents visiting USA.
The most useful comparison is by age.
Parents Insurance Comparison
| Parent’s Age / Situation | Plan to Compare More Closely | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Under 65 | Both | Atlas has higher maximum; both offer strong comprehensive coverage |
| 65–69 | Patriot America Plus deserves closer comparison | Maximums up to $1 million vs Atlas maximum of $100,000 |
| 70–79 | Atlas America deserves closer comparison | Both up to $100,000, but Atlas retains qualifying acute onset benefit |
| 80+ | Compare both carefully | Both have significantly reduced maximums |
| Need more than $1 million coverage | Atlas America | Up to $2 million under age 65 |
| Need $5,000 deductible | Atlas America | Patriot maximum deductible is $2,500 |
| Need ongoing pre-existing condition coverage | Neither | Both generally exclude routine pre-existing care |
This age-based comparison is more useful than declaring one plan universally better.
10. Which Plan Is Better for Ages 65–69?
This age group deserves particular attention because the policy maximums differ significantly.
Ages 65–69 Comparison
| Feature | Atlas America | Patriot America Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Medical maximums | $50,000 or $100,000 | $50,000, $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, $1,000,000 |
| Acute onset benefit | Available subject to policy terms | Available subject to policy terms |
| Emergency evacuation | Up to $1,000,000 | Up to $1,000,000 |
| Highest deductible | $5,000 | $2,500 |
What This Means
For travelers ages 65–69, Patriot America Plus has a substantial advantage in available medical maximums.
A traveler who wants $250,000, $500,000, or $1 million in coverage can consider Patriot America Plus, while Atlas America is limited to $100,000 in this age range.
11. Which Plan Is Better for Ages 70–79?
For travelers ages 70–79, the comparison changes again.
Ages 70–79 Comparison
| Feature | Atlas America | Patriot America Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Medical maximums | $50,000 or $100,000 | $50,000 or $100,000 |
| Acute onset benefit | Available subject to policy requirements | Not available |
| Emergency evacuation | Available subject to policy terms | Available subject to policy terms |
| General pre-existing condition coverage | No | No |
What This Means
Both plans offer similar headline medical maximums in this age range.
However, Atlas America has a meaningful advantage because qualifying acute onset coverage can remain available through age 79.
That does not automatically make Atlas America better. Premium, deductible, medical history, and other exclusions should still be compared.
12. Atlas America vs Patriot America Plus Cost
There is no single plan that is always cheaper.
Premiums vary according to:
| Pricing Factor | Atlas America | Patriot America Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Affects premium | Affects premium |
| Trip duration | Affects premium | Affects premium |
| Medical maximum | Affects premium | Affects premium |
| Deductible | Affects premium | Affects premium |
The fairest approach is to quote both plans using exactly the same:
- Traveler age
- Travel dates
- Policy maximum
- Deductible
We have intentionally not included estimated premiums here because rates can change.
Get a free quote to see current prices.
13. Which Plan Should You Choose?
Final Comparison
| Your Priority | Plan to Compare More Closely |
|---|---|
| Maximum above $1 million | Atlas America |
| $2 million maximum | Atlas America |
| Age 65–69 and want more than $100,000 coverage | Patriot America Plus |
| $5,000 deductible | Atlas America |
| Acute onset benefit for age 70–79 | Atlas America |
| Traveler under age 65 | Compare both |
| Emergency medical evacuation | Compare both |
| General ongoing pre-existing condition coverage | Neither |
Bottom Line
Atlas America and Patriot America Plus are both comprehensive visitor medical insurance plans, but the better fit changes significantly with age.
| Age Group | Main Advantage |
|---|---|
| Under 65 | Atlas offers the higher maximum, up to $2 million |
| 65–69 | Patriot offers substantially higher policy maximums, up to $1 million |
| 70–79 | Both offer up to $100,000, but Atlas retains qualifying acute onset benefits |
| 80+ | Both have significantly reduced maximums |
For travelers under 65, both plans deserve comparison.
For ages 65–69, Patriot America Plus becomes particularly attractive if the traveler wants more than $100,000 in medical coverage.
For ages 70–79, Atlas America becomes more relevant when acute-onset coverage is an important consideration.
Neither plan provides broad ongoing coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.
Always review the current policy certificate before purchasing because policy limits, age restrictions, definitions, and benefits can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Atlas America and Patriot America Plus?
The major differences are age-based medical maximums, deductible options, and acute onset eligibility. Atlas offers higher maximums for travelers under 65; Patriot offers higher maximums for ages 65–69, and Atlas retains qualifying acute onset benefits through age 79.
Which plan is better for travelers under 65?
Both are worth comparing. Atlas America offers a maximum up to $2 million, compared with $1 million for Patriot America Plus.
Which plan is better for ages 65–69?
Patriot America Plus has the stronger policy maximum options. It offers maximums up to $1 million, while Atlas America offers only $50,000 or $100,000 in this age group.
Which plan is better for ages 70–79?
Both plans offer medical maximums of $50,000 or $100,000. Atlas America has an important advantage: its qualifying acute-onset benefit may still apply to travelers under 80, while Patriot America Plus stops this benefit at age 70.
What coverage is available after age 80?
Both plans provide significantly reduced medical maximums for travelers age 80 and older. The current headline maximum is $10,000, subject to plan eligibility and terms.
Does Atlas America cover pre-existing conditions?
Atlas America generally excludes pre-existing conditions but provides a qualifying acute onset benefit for eligible travelers under age 80.
Does Patriot America Plus cover pre-existing conditions?
Patriot America Plus generally excludes pre-existing conditions but provides a qualifying acute onset benefit for eligible travelers under age 70.
Which plan has the higher maximum coverage?
It depends on age.
For those under age 65, Atlas America offers the higher maximum at $2 million.
For Ages 65–69, Patriot America Plus offers a higher maximum at $1 million compared with $100,000 for Atlas America.
Ages 70–79, both offer up to $100,000.
What deductibles does Atlas America offer?
$0, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, and $5,000.
What deductibles does Patriot America Plus offer?
$0, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, and $2,500.
Which plan offers better emergency medical evacuation coverage?
Both currently offer up to $1 million in qualifying emergency medical evacuation benefits, subject to policy requirements.
Which plan is better for parents visiting the USA?
It depends heavily on age. Under 65, compare both. Ages 65–69, Patriot may be more attractive because of its higher available medical maximums. For ages 70–79, Atlas may deserve closer consideration because of its acute-onset benefit.
Does PPO network access guarantee direct billing?
No. A provider may still require payment upfront even when participating in the plan’s network.
Are Atlas America and Patriot America Plus comprehensive plans?
Yes. Both are comprehensive travel medical insurance plans rather than traditional fixed-benefit visitors insurance plans.
Which plan is better for someone with pre-existing conditions?
Neither offers broad ongoing pre-existing condition coverage. Atlas has an important advantage for ages 70–79 because its acute onset benefit may still apply, subject to the policy definition and eligibility requirements.
