![Golden Gate, San Francisco, California, USA.](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/financial-services/Travel_insurance_USA.jpeg?imwidth=680)
Travel Insurance USA: What You Need to Know
When it comes to travel insurance, America is one destination where it is important to have comprehensive cover
![Golden Gate, San Francisco, California, USA.](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/financial-services/Travel_insurance_USA.jpeg?imwidth=680)
Next to having a valid passport and visa, purchasing the best travel insurance for the USA is another important requirement for visitors to America.
In the USA, holiday insurance is essential, mostly because of the cost of medical care, but also because of the many other unplanned changes that can happen when you travel. It's estimated that almost half a million trips to North America were taken by Brits last year.
This article explains why purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy for the USA can give travellers the peace of mind they need to relax and enjoy the country that has everything.
- Travelling to the USA? The Telegraph Media Group Travel Insurance Service, provided by AllClear, provides cover for more than 1300 medical conditions. Get a quote now.
Do I need travel insurance for the USA?
It is usually recommended that you take out travel insurance when travelling to the USA.
Although you can enter the country for a holiday without it, America’s medical costs make this a particular risk for travellers. The USA is famous for its privatised healthcare system and can be one of the most expensive countries in the world for emergency medical care
With a ride in an ambulance weighing in at an average cost of more than $1,000, the cost of treatment can quickly add up if you experience a medical emergency– and in places it may not be given at all if you lack adequate cover – so it is strongly recommended that you take out travel insurance for the USA.
How much travel insurance do I need for the USA?
When deciding what would be the best travel insurance for the USA for you, it’s important to bear in mind that you can get different levels of cover. You will want to make your choice depending on what activities you have planned and how much protection you may need.
The best USA travel insurance will be enough to cover you for any medical treatment you might happen to need, as well as the value of all belongings you might want to travel with (think sports equipment) and the cost of your flights.
Making sure you have comprehensive cover can therefore be even more important if you have a pre-existing medical condition.
How much is travel insurance for the USA?
The price of travel insurance for the USA can differ depending on a number of factors like the length of the journey, the age of the traveller, the level of protection wanted, and the insurance company selected. Most policies include medical cover, trip cancellation/interruption coverage, or baggage coverage, so ensure this is the case, or if it needs to be added on at additional cost.
As already noted, however, the medical costs and other risks in the USA can mean that policy quotes can be more expensive than for trips to certain parts of Europe, for example - but it is important to have the peace of mind that you are covered should something go wrong.
What will USA travel insurance cover?
Every travel insurance policy is different, so it is important that you read all the details beforehand to make sure your policy covers everything you require.
In general, it is wise to make sure your USA holiday insurance covers:
Emergency medical expenses Hopefully you will be able to enjoy your entire holiday in good health, but in case something happens while you are away, your insurance should cover you for emergency treatment. Remember to declare any pre-existing conditions before you travel as these may not be covered if you do not.
Repatriation to the UK This will cover the expense in case you need to be transported back to the UK for medical treatment.
Baggage and personal property loss or theft You may be able to have the cost of your personal items replaced should you lose your luggage or sporting equipment or have anything stolen. It is wise to check that this will also cover any gadgets, currency or passports that you will have on you too.
Cancellation cover & curtailment This should cover you if your holiday is cancelled or cut short due to conditions beyond your control.
You may also want to consider whether you need additional cover for travel disruptions, legal liability, COVID-19 cancellation, or separate insurance because you will be driving a vehicle.
Travelling regularly?
If you plan to travel to the USA or elsewhere multiple times over the next 12 months, an annual multi-trip policy could be a better option for you. Annual multi-trip travel insurance policies provide cover for multiple trips within a year, offering convenience and potentially cost savings for frequent travellers. On the other hand, single trip policies provide coverage for a specific trip, making them suitable for individuals who only travel occasionally or have a one-time trip planned.
AllClear, providers of the Telegraph Media Group Travel Insurance Service provide both options for travellers to the USA. Learn more.
Tips for travelling to the USA
Get your ESTA: Getting a visa for the United States can be difficult, but UK citizens planning a short holiday across the Pond should find this much easier, as they can qualify for an ESTA. This stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, and will allow you visa-free access to the country for up to 90 days for either business or holiday reasons. You will need to apply for this online before you go.
Check local laws: Laws in the USA can change from state to state. For example, you only need to be 18 years old to book a hotel room in Washington, whereas in Nevada you need to be 21. Make sure to look these up ahead of time, especially if you are planning a trip that takes in several destinations, such as a road trip. Insurance will not cover you if your actions are illegal in your location.
Don’t forget tipping: One of the biggest cultural differences Britons experience when travelling in the USA is the behaviour around tipping. From waiters to taxi drivers, many service workers in the USA require tips as part of their earnings. Tips of 15-20 per cent of your total bill are the norm.
Buy travel insurance for USA today
If you are travelling to the USA and need to purchase cover, AllClear providers of the Telegraph Media Group Travel Insurance service may be able to help. From a family holiday to Florida to a long weekend in New York, you can travel with peace of mind with USA travel insurance, which includes Covid-19 cover at no extra cost.
Travel to the USA in confidence with the Telegraph Media Group Travel Insurance Service - Get a quote today.
Read more:
- Why you need cruise travel insurance before you set sail
- Travel Insurance Europe: How it works
- What travel insurance do I need for Australia?
- What is annual multi-trip travel insurance?
Telegraph Media Group Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of AllClear Insurance Services Limited, a company that is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The above article was created for Telegraph Financial Solutions, a trading name of The Telegraph Media Group. For more information on Telegraph Financial Solutions click here.