Travel insurance for the USA
Travel insurance for a trip to the USA. Below is general, non-binding guidance on what to look for in a policy. Medical care in the United States is expensive by any international standard, so a policy with solid medical coverage is the practical baseline for a visit.
Entry and insurance requirements are set by the authorities and can change, so verify the current rules against official sources before your trip. We don’t pass off unconfirmed figures as facts.
Verify entry rules before you travel
Entry requirements for the USA (visa or ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program) are set by the authorities and may change. This page is general guidance, not legal advice - verify the current rules against official sources before your trip.
Primary sources are official resources: travel.state.gov (visas) and cbp.gov (entry). We will cite them here as the section is filled in.
What to look for in a policy (general)
- Coverage of medical expenses in the USA for the whole duration of your trip - US medical bills are high, so prefer a high coverage limit.
- The policy should cover your entire stay: from the entry date to the exit date.
- For active travel - hiking, skiing, watersports - check that the activity is covered; basic plans often exclude it as a separate option.
- Keep a copy of the policy on your phone and in print.
- Medical evacuation and repatriation are useful to have included.
Before you rely on “sorting it out on site”
The USA has no universal free healthcare for visitors: emergency rooms treat first and bill later, and the bill can run into thousands of dollars. Arrange a policy in advance rather than counting on paying out of pocket.
For active travel - trekking, skiing, rafting and other extreme activities - you may need a separate coverage option. Verify coverage terms with the insurer before your trip.
Where to get a policy
Below are services travelers commonly use for trip insurance. Whichever you choose, check that the policy covers medical expenses in the USA for your whole trip and that the activities you plan are included. Prices depend on age, duration, and coverage, so we give only guidelines.
SafetyWing (Nomad Insurance)
for digital nomads and long trips
Subscription insurance billed monthly - convenient for those who travel for a long time and don’t want to buy a policy for a fixed period. Verify the current terms, US coverage and limits before buying.
Sign up on the service’s website. Before buying, verify the current terms and rate.
Comparison aggregators
compare several insurers at once
Comparison services show offers from several insurers and help you pick a policy for the limit and duration you need. The set of insurers and availability change over time - go by the current list on the service itself.
Sign up on the service’s website. Before buying, verify the current terms and rate.
What’s important to keep in mind
- Check that the activities you plan (hiking, skiing, watersports) are covered - basic medical plans often add them as a separate option.
- Buy the policy before your trip: some services have a “waiting period” and the insurance doesn’t take effect immediately after payment.
- Car rental insurance is a separate matter. A medical policy doesn’t cover damage to the car: for the rental you need your own coverage (CDW / collision), arranged together with the rental.
What to do in case of a claim
- Keep your insurer’s assistance service contact (usually a 24/7 phone line or app) - it’s listed in your policy. Save it to your phone before the trip.
- If you fall ill or get injured, call the assistance service first whenever possible: many policies require treatment to be pre-authorised. Without it, costs may not be reimbursed.
- Keep all documents: bills and payment receipts, discharge notes, diagnoses, referrals and prescriptions. Without supporting documents, reimbursement is difficult.
- Check how your policy works: the insurer either pays the clinic directly (direct billing) or you pay yourself and are reimbursed later against your receipts.
- Respect the deadline for filing a claim - it’s stated in your policy terms. Don’t delay: late claims are often rejected.
- In the USA the single emergency number is 911. In a serious situation, call for help first and sort things out with the insurer afterwards.