Travel Insurance for the USA

Whilst Spain is undeniably the hotspot for UK holidaymakers, for long haul trips, the USA is the most popular destination for travel outside of Europe.

3.4 million trips were made by travellers form the UK to the US in 2022*, and with so much to see and do in the US, it’s little surprise a trip across the pond is a popular choice for UK holidaymakers.

From long weekend breaks to the Big Apple, bucket list trips to Vegas, fun packed family holidays to Disney World, driving Route 66 or sight-seeing in San Francisco, America has something to offer even the most discerning traveller.

For the more active and adventurous, popular activities include hiking in Yellowstone National Park, surfing off the coast of California, skiing in Colorado or taking a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. If you are intending to undertake an adventure holiday in the US, you should Check the policy wording for confirmation of the activities for which you will be covered for and the level of cover available and take out additional cover where appropriate such as Winter Sports cover for your US ski trip.

Do I need travel insurance for America?

There is no legal requirement to have travel insurance for a trip to the US. However, as flights, accommodation and healthcare in particular are so expensive, it is recommended to have appropriate travel insurance for your America trip.

The Global Health Insurance Card which offers free or reduced-price emergency medical treatment for trips to Europe, does not apply in the US. Without travel insurance in place, should you require any medical treatment while holidaying in the USA, you could find yourself facing large medical bills.

Insurance to travel to America is an inexpensive investment that will offer you the peace of mind that you have a range of cover should you need assistance before or during your trip stateside.

It’s important to note, for travel to the USA, you wouldn’t be covered by an ordinary worldwide travel insurance policy. Instead, you’ll need a specific policy that covers the US, Canada, and the Caribbean.

What does travel insurance for the USA cover me for?

Any good travel insurance policy for USA holidays and business trips will offer cover for:

• Emergency medical and repatriation expenses
• Cancellation and curtailment
• Cover for lost, stolen or damaged possessions, passports and documents
• Missed departures
• Personal liability

The level of the cover provided will be dependant on the travel insurance policy you choose.

What is the best travel insurance for America?

The best travel insurance for America depends entirely on the level of cover you require and the activities that you will be taking part in during your trip.

You may find cheap holiday insurance for the USA which offers the cover that you require, alternatively, you may benefit from paying a little more for a policy that provides additional cover than the cheapest travel insurance for the USA available for you to purchase.

Compare travel insurance for the USA

enabling you to select the best travel insurance policy to suit your needs..

You can view the tables on our single trip travel insurance or annual multi-trip travel insurance pages to easily compare the cover each level of travel insurance provides.

Whatever level of travel insurance cover you opt for, it’s important to remember to arrange your travel insurance for America as soon as you book your trip. If you need to cancel your trip for any reason which is covered by the policy**, you’ll be able to make a claim.

Am I covered for healthcare whilst in the USA?

America has some of the best, most advanced healthcare systems in the world. That said, the healthcare system in the USA can be complicated and expensive.

Without an appropriate travel insurance policy for the USA in place, you potentially face being left with a very expensive medical bill, or even might not be able to get the help you need in the first place.

If you require emergency whist in the USA, you may find some hospitals or treatment centres ask for a ‘good faith’ payment upfront, prior to providing you any treatment. Any such requests should be referred to your travel insurance provider and only paid directly if you are instructed to.

Do I need a VISA for my USA trip?

For travel from the UK to the USA, you must apply for ETSA, the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver, so long as the duration of your trip is for 90 days or less.

You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you:

• have been arrested (even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction)
• have a criminal record
• have been refused admission into, or have been deported from the USA
• have previously overstayed under an ESTA visa waiver

If any of the above are applicable, then you will need to apply for a Visa.

* Source: Most popular destinations for UK tourists 2022 | Statista
** Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. For full details please check policy wording and IPID.