Travel insurance for the USA (2024)

Looking for travel insurance for a USA trip? Whether you’re planning to shop in New York, gaze at the Grand Canyon, or take in some history in D.C. we’ve got the right USA travel insurance policy for you.

What is USA travel insurance and why do you need it?

The USA has long been one of the most popular holiday destinations for UK travellers. However, the States has some of the most expensive emergency medical care in the world. Meaning things can get costly if something unexpected happens.

Don’t worry, our USA travel insurance has got you covered:

  • Buy it, then get on with enjoying your adventure: With cover for hospital expenses, personal belongings and legal costs, you can relax. What’s more, our 24-hour emergency assistance team will be available to call, day or night, if you need them
  • Cover for your pre-existing medical conditions: We will consider all pre-existing medical conditions. Let us know some details and we will send you a quote. Find out more about medical travel insurance or contact our helpful team
  • Tailor your policy to you and your trip: Our policies already have over 100 sports and activities covered. Plus we have extra cover available for things like extreme sports, winter sports, cruises and golf. Or if you’re looking to take the whole family away, we’ve got family US travel insurance policies
  • Go for a single trip or annual policy: If you’re planning on going away more than once this year, an annual travel policy might save you time and money. If this is your one getaway of the next 12 months, our single trip policies may be best for you.

Cover varies based on the policy you buy. Our policy wording includes details of what is and isn’t covered and other terms and conditions.

Get a quote for travel insurance to the USA today:

Get quote online

Call 0800 072 6778

What does InsureandGo’s USA travel insurance cover?

Our policies come with over 100 sports and activities included and our 24-hour emergency medical assistance team at the end of the phone. Find out what else is covered with our USA travel insurance:

What’s covered?

All our travel insurance to USA policies include:

  • Medical and hospital expenses cover
  • Cover for cancellation of your trip
  • Over 100 sports and activities covered (see your policy wording for a full list of activities)
  • Personal belongings and baggage cover
  • Personal money, passports and travel documents cover
  • Accommodation cover
  • Legal expenses cover
  • Delayed departure cover
  • Personal accident cover
  • Our 24-hour emergency assistance team, available to call, day or night

Find out about our optional add ons for activities like extreme sports, winter sports, cruises and golf.

We will consider all pre-existing medical conditions, find out more about medical travel insurance.The excess and amount of cover available varies depending on the level of USA travel insurance you buy. Make sure you have a look at our policy wording to see the full terms and conditions, including what is and isn’t covered.

What’s not covered?

We aim to provide as much cover as we can on our policies. However, there are some situations no travel insurance will cover. For example:

  • You cannot cover events or reasons to claim which took place before you booked the trip or purchased insurance. Insurance exists to cover unexpected events outside of the insured’s control
  • Claims which are less than the excess for that section of cover. For example, you cannot claim a £40 lost item if your baggage excess is £60
  • All of our travel insurance America policies include cover for cancellation of your trip, but there may be some exclusions. For example, you won’t be covered to cancel if you simply decide not to go

To check the policy exclusions and what is and isn’t included, take a look at our policy wording.

The best travel insurance for your USA trip

Looking for the best travel insurance for USA visitors? We have a wide range of policies to choose from:

  • Single trip USA travel insurance: Perfect if you’re only planning one trip this year. You tell us where you’re going and for how long and we give you a tailored quote
  • Annual travel insurance: If you’re going away more than once in the next 12 months, you could save time and money with multi-trip travel insurance. Pick our worldwide option, covering the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, and you can cover your trip to America plus any other trips for the year
  • Family travel insurance for the USA: Holiday cover for every member of the family, all under the same policy – simple! Cover every generation, from kids to grandparents (and even great grandparents)
  • Optional sports and activity cover: Our travel insurance for the USA includes cover for over 100 sports and activities at no extra cost. Meaning you can get up to more on your holiday. If you’re looking to do something a little different, we offer extra cover for extreme sports, winter sports, cruises and golf

Take a look at the specific policy wording for more information on what is and isn’t included.

How to book our travel insurance for the USA

When looking for the best travel insurance for the USA, we know the options can be overwhelming. That’s why we like to keep things simple:

1. Tell us about you and your trip

Tell us when you’re off, who you’re looking to cover and a little info about any pre-existing medical conditions. We will use these details to ensure we provide you with the right level of cover for your trip.

Start your quote today online or call our team:

Get quote online

Call 0800 072 6778

2. We’ll send you your quote

Get your quote and you can either go ahead and book or save the details for whenever you’re ready to buy your policy.

“Whether it’s a return visit to your favourite place or a one-off trip of a lifetime, the USA is a bucket list destination! With high healthcare costs in the US if something goes wrong, it’s important to make sure you’re covered before setting off on your holiday. We can help make sure you get the right cover for you, get in touch with our team now.”

Letitia Smith – Travel Insurance expert

USA travel insurance with pre-existing medical condition cover

At InsureandGo, we’ll consider covering all medical conditions. Our online medical screening process is simple and we’ll quickly be able to give you a quote.

A pre-existing medical condition is any illness or condition that has occurred before you take out an insurance policy. Your policy won’t always cover you for existing medical conditions as standard and you’ll need to declare them before you buy it.

Medical costs in the USA are famously expensive and foreign visitors don’t get free healthcare, even if you come from a country with a system like the NHS. Also bear in mind that A&E (or ER, as they call it in the USA) isn’t free either. So in an emergency situation the costs can quickly add up. If you’re considering travel medical insurance for the USA, it’s sensible to check your cancellation, repatriation and medical evacuation cover. For more information, read our travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions page and refer to policy wording.

Frequently asked questions on travel insurance for the USA

Do you need travel insurance for USA?

Although travel insurance isn’t mandatory for the USA, it is highly recommended that you take out a policy. If something goes wrong on your trip and you don’t have a policy to cover you, you could rack up high costs that leave you out of pocket.America is known for having some of the world’s most expensive emergency medical care. Buying a single trip or annual multi-trip policy is important to make sure you’re covered.

Do I need a visa for the USA?

The UK is part of the visa waiver programme with the USA, meaning UK citizens with a valid passport don’t need a visa to travel to the USA. You need to get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), which allows travellers up to 90 days in the USA.

Do you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and travel insurance to visit the USA?

Although it’s called a ‘Global’ Health Insurance Card, a GHIC doesn’t cover the USA. It is mainly for use in EU countries. The best way to ensure you’re covered if something unexpected happens on a holiday to America, is by purchasing a travel insurance policy.

Remember, even if you are travelling to a country covered by the GHIC scheme, it is recommended that you also buy travel insurance. This will protect you from any costs that aren’t covered by the card. Find out more information about EHIC and GHIC cards on the NHS website.

How much is travel insurance for USA?

The price of your travel insurance to the USA will depend on various things. These include:

  • Where you’re travelling to and if you’re visiting any other countries
  • How long you will be staying
  • If you want a single trip or annual multi-trip travel insurance policy
  • Pre-existing medical conditions
  • Your age
  • Level of policy cover
  • Any policy add-ons

Get your quote today and get ready for your trip to the USA!

What travel insurance do I need for the USA?

Make sure you choose travel insurance that covers the USA, as some policies do not. You should also keep these pointers in mind:

  • It’s important to check the level of medical cover. The government advises at least £2 million of medical cover when travelling to the USA. Our policies start at £5 million
  • When choosing US travel insurance, think about the cost of your holiday and what you’ll be taking with you. You need to know you’re covered if anything happens
  • Travelling as a family? Cover everyone under one policy with our family holiday insurance
  • Consider whether you want a single trip or annual multi-trip policy

Why is travel insurance to the USA so expensive?

Travel insurance to the USA can be more expensive than for Europe. This is because of higher claims costs if anything unexpected happens. Medical treatment can be very expensive in the USA and it can also cost a lot if someone needs emergency transport back to the UK. This means policies that cover the US can be a bit more costly.

Can I buy USA travel insurance after booking my trip?

Have you left buying your USA travel insurance until the last minute? Don’t worry! We make getting covered quick and simple, so you can focus on looking forward to your holiday. Get your quote now.

You’re able to purchase a last minute US travel insurance policy on the same day as you head off. As long as you haven’t been through customs or left the UK yet. Just remember, we can’t cover you for any potential claims that you’re aware of before you buy the policy (e.g. a cancelled flight).For more information, read our policy wording.

Does Mexico come under the USA in travel insurance?

If you’re visiting Mexico or another country on your US trip, there are two easy ways to ensure you’re covered:

  • If you’re buying a single trip policy, just tell us the countries you’ll be visiting and we’ll give you a quote to cover your whole trip
  • If you’re after an annual multi-trip policy, make sure you pick our Worldwide cover including USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean

What if I have to go to the hospital in the USA?

It’s important that you have travel insurance for the USA to cover unexpected issues while you’re away.

Medical costs in the USA are famously expensive. Most hospitals are large and privately run. If your medical emergency isn’t serious enough to warrant a visit to the hospital, you may be able to contact them and ask for a local physician. They may be able to offer cheaper treatment.

If a hospital discovers you have no insurance, they may transfer you to a welfare hospital if one is nearby. However, there aren’t many available, especially in more rural areas, and they may have very long waiting times.If you have a pre-existing medical condition, visit our page on travel medical insurance for more information. Or you can contact us online.

Can InsureandGo help if I need medical treatment while in the United States?

Our US travel insurance comes with access to our 24-hour emergency assistance team. Meaning there will always be someone here to help you if you become ill or are injured while abroad.

You can give our team a call any time, day or night, as part of your USA travel insurance policy.

Who can buy USA travel insurance?

All our USA travel insurance policies are available to UK residents. This means:

  • Someone who has been living in the UK or the Channel Islands for at least six of the last 12 months
  • They must be in the UK at the time of purchase
  • All trips must start and end in the UK

Unfortunately, we can’t provide cover to anyone who doesn’t fit this description.Get a quote online or browse our policy documents for more information.

Frequently asked questions

If you’ve got more questions about how our USA travel insurance works, or more general travel insurance queries, have a read through our FAQs.

Travel advice

Our travel advice section offers handy tips and guides to specific countries, from what documents you need to what you might visit while you’re there.

Travel insurance reviews

If you want to know what our customers think of us, and why they rate us so highly, have a read through some of the reviews they’ve left us.

Travel insurance for the USA (2024)

FAQs

Do I need a travel insurance to travel to the USA? ›

Do I Need Travel Insurance to Enter the USA? The USA does not necessarily require foreign visitors to obtain travel health insurance before they're allowed to enter, however, it is highly recommended. The US is known for having very high healthcare costs, where a simple ER visit can reach thousands of dollars.

Is $250,000 enough for medical travel insurance? ›

Emergency Medical Evacuation insurance can cover these transportation costs, which can easily rise to tens of thousands of dollars. For most international destinations, we recommend travelers carry $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage, and up to $250,000 for cruisers or travelers going to a remote destination.

Is insurance needed for the USA? ›

It is advisable to buy health insurance for visitors to the USA. There are also several other essential travel documents that are required for travelling to the USA from India. The aforementioned documents have been listed below. USA travel health insurance, including Covid-19 coverage.

Is $50,000 travel insurance enough? ›

Every plan is different, but the coverage amounts and benefits may vary. Determine how much you really need. For example, SquareMouth recommends international travelers get around $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and $100,000 for cruises or travel to remote areas.

Is it mandatory to take travel insurance for the USA? ›

No, buying a travel insurance is not mandatory for USA travel. Although buying a travel insurance plan is not mandatory when traveling to the US, it can be extremely helpful in taking care of unexpected expenses and travel-related emergencies.

What is the best travel health insurance for the USA? ›

Summary: Best Travel Medical Insurance for Visitors Coming to the U.S.
Editors' TakeCompanyAverage cost
Best OverallWorldTrips$447
Great for Trip Interruption InsuranceIMG (VisitorsCoverage)$332
Best for Urgent/Emergency Care Reimbursem*ntSeven Corners$330
Best for Deductible ChoicesTrawick$328
1 more row
2 days ago

Why is travel insurance to USA so expensive? ›

You may notice when shopping around for travel insurance to the USA that it costs a lot more than for holidays to Europe. The reason for this is the US is deemed a higher risk destination because healthcare is much more expensive than the rest of the world.

What does travel insurance not cover? ›

Most travel insurance policies won't pay out if you're negligent while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and have an accident or have property stolen.

Can a tourist to the USA get health insurance? ›

Yes, foreigners can get insurance while in the U.S. Various insurance options are available to travelers depending on their length of stay and visa type. It's best to research what's available to you based on your visa requirements before purchasing a plan.

How much is travel insurance for USA? ›

For one adult travelling from India to the USA for 7 days, a $50,000 travel insurance plan starts at just ₹671 (excluding GST). [As of December 2023, this is how much it will cost].

Can I go to USA without insurance? ›

Yes, you can enter the USA without travel insurance as it is not a legal requirement for tourists. But travel insurance is worth considering as it will protect you against unforeseen incidents, like expensive medical charges and lost luggage.

What happens if you don't have health insurance in USA? ›

If you don't have health insurance, you're at much greater risk of accumulating medical bills that you may not be able to pay. In a worst-case scenario, you could be sued and have your wages garnished. You might even be forced into bankruptcy.

How much does full travel insurance cost? ›

The average cost of travel insurance is about 3% to 5% of a trip's total value, according to quotes gathered by our research team across different travel insurance providers for various traveler profiles.

Is it wise to get travel insurance? ›

Travel insurance can be useful, but it's not always necessary. The key to knowing if you need travel insurance is figuring out your specific risks for any given vacation, then deciding if you can buy coverage that adequately protects you from any financial losses and pitfalls that might occur.

What is the recommended amount of travel insurance? ›

How much travel medical insurance do you need? Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, recommends buying at least $50,000 in emergency medical coverage for international travel. For travelers going on a cruise or to a remote destination, the site recommends at least $100,000 in coverage.

Can you travel to USA without insurance? ›

Do I need travel insurance for the USA? You're not required to have travel insurance for your trip to the USA, but as flights, accommodation and healthcare, in particular, are so expensive, it'll cover you if the trip takes an unexpected turn.

Is it OK to not have travel insurance? ›

When Is Travel Insurance Not Necessary? You generally don't need travel insurance if you're not putting down large non-refundable trip deposits, or if your U.S. health plan will cover you at your destination.

Is it mandatory to have insurance in the US? ›

As of Jan. 1, 2019, there is no mandate for health insurance at the federal level. Before 2019, under the ACA, also called Obamacare, U.S. adults who were not otherwise eligible for an exemption were required to have health insurance coverage for themselves and their families.

How much does travel insurance cost to USA? ›

What type of travel insurance do I need for the USA?
Policy typeAverage price*
Single Trip£23.68
Annual Multi Trip£54.81
Backpacker£167.39
Long-Stay£167.39
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Nov 18, 2022

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