Travel insurance for the USA
From once-in-a-lifetime road trips to action-packed city breaks, the USA has it all. If you’re planning a holiday in the States, you’ll need to consider travel insurance before you go.
From once-in-a-lifetime road trips to action-packed city breaks, the USA has it all. If you’re planning a holiday in the States, you’ll need to consider travel insurance before you go.
Do I need travel insurance for the USA?
Whether you’re planning an adrenalin-fuelled trip to the theme parks of Orlando, sightseeing around New England or shopping in New York, it’s important to arrange your travel insurance before you go.
Medical care in America is notoriously expensive but with the right travel insurance policy, if you have an accident or fall ill, you should be covered.
But travel insurance isn’t just there for medical emergencies – it can also include cover for cancellation, delays, and lost or damaged baggage.
Customers with pre-existing medical conditions
If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. However, you should always declare any medical conditions and tell your insurance provider the truth, because if you give false information your claim could be rejected. When you declare medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers that will cover them with no exclusions.
If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers that may be able to offer quotes.
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How much does travel insurance for the USA cost?
If you’re buying travel insurance for the USA you’ll need worldwide travel cover, which can cost from £20.33 for a one-week trip[1]. To find out how much it will cost you, start comparing travel insurance quotes now.
Compare travel insuranceBear in mind that the cost of travel insurance for America will vary depending on personal circumstances such as your age, plus the level of cover you need for your trip and the types of activities you’re planning. Worldwide travel insurance is usually more expensive than other levels of cover, which can make cheap travel insurance to America harder to find.
For example, an annual policy that includes multi-trip cover will cost more than single-trip travel insurance. And if you’ll be taking part in high-risk activities such as skiing or water sports, you can expect to pay more than you would for a standard travel insurance policy.
[1] Based on Compare the Market data for a worldwide travel insurance policy for a 20 year old with no pre-existing medical conditions travelling for 1 week. Prices correct as of January 2025.
What will USA travel insurance cover?
A multi-trip or single-trip USA travel insurance policy will typically include cover for:
- Emergency medical care and repatriation costs – if you fall ill or have an accident, the policy should cover the cost of medical treatment. The American healthcare system is one of the most expensive in the world and it’s heavily privatised, so consider looking for policies with at least £5m of medical expenses cover. Some travel insurance policies cover up to £20m.
- Lost, stolen or damaged luggage and passports – your travel insurance should cover you for replacing clothes, gadgets and other personal possessions.
- Holiday cancellation cover – this can help you recoup some of your holiday costs should you need to cut short your trip or cancel altogether in certain circumstances. This is why it’s important to arrange your holiday insurance as soon as you book your trip, so you’re covered straight away.
- Flight disruptions – your travel insurance for the USA may provide cover if you have to cancel your flight. Check the policy to make sure cover for missed connections is also included.
Policies will vary depending on the provider and the level of cover you choose. So it’s a good idea to find out what’s covered, how much excess you’ll need to pay and what’s excluded before making your choice.
What isn’t covered by USA travel insurance?
Before you buy USA holiday insurance, there are several exclusions to watch out for:
- Undeclared pre-existing medical conditions – if you’ve been diagnosed with a condition that could require specialist care while you’re in the USA, it’s vital you declare this when buying your travel insurance – otherwise your policy may not cover you for it. You might have to pay a bit more, but it’ll be worth it for the peace of mind.
- Incidents related to alcohol abuse – if you’re injured or lose something after consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, your claim will likely be rejected.
- Terrorism and civil unrest – some policies offer limited cover for terrorism-related incidents, but you’ll need to clarify this with your insurance provider. Make sure that, at the very least, you’re covered for emergency medical expenses resulting from a terror attack.
What activities will I be covered for?
It’s important to think about what you’ll be doing on your trip and make sure your insurance policy covers you for them. Here are some activities you might need extra cover for:
- Extreme sports – if you’re planning to go rock climbing in the Rocky Mountains or skydiving in Arizona, ensure your policy covers these high-risk activities. Extreme sports often require additional cover due to the higher risk of injury.
- Adventure sports – the USA offers numerous adventure sports including white-water rafting in Colorado and zip-lining in the forests of Oregon. Check that your travel insurance includes cover for these thrilling activities.
- Water sports – from surfing the waves in California to jet skiing in Florida, water sports are popular in the USA. Make sure your policy covers activities on and in the water, as these can sometimes be excluded from standard policies.
- Winter sports – if you’re heading to the ski resorts of Colorado or the snowboarding slopes of Utah, you’ll need winter sports cover. This will protect you against injuries and equipment loss or damage.
- Golf – planning to play golf at one of the USA’s many prestigious courses? Golf travel insurance can cover your clubs and equipment, as well as any prepaid green fees if your game is cancelled due to bad weather or illness.
USA visa requirements
If you have a British passport and are travelling as a tourist, you won’t need a visa, although there are exceptions if you’ve previously visited certain countries. See more on Gov.uk.
Under the US Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) you can stay in the States for up to 90 days without a visa, but you need to gain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) scheme before you travel. It costs USD21 (reduced to USD4 if your application is rejected).
Does the GHIC cover me for the USA?
No: while the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) was introduced as a replacement for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), it doesn’t offer the worldwide cover its name would suggest. The GHIC actually only covers EU countries plus Montenegro, Switzerland and Australia.
Healthcare
While the NHS provides free healthcare at the point of use, the American healthcare system is largely privatised and can be extremely costly. This makes travel insurance essential for UK travellers to the USA, as it can cover the high costs of medical treatment in case of illness or injury and even repatriation to the UK if necessary.
Dial 911, which is the emergency number in the USA, in a medical emergency. It's also advisable to tell your travel insurance provider what’s happened as soon as possible. It can help coordinate your care, guide you through the next steps and manage the costs involved.
Remember to carry your travel insurance details with you at all times, including the emergency contact number for your insurance provider. This means you can quickly access the support you need in case of an emergency.
Risks of travelling in the USA
While the USA is a popular travel destination, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip:
- Crime – some areas in major cities have higher crime rates. Gov.uk advises British travellers to stay in well-lit, populated areas and avoid walking alone at night. Always keep your belongings secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places. America also has a history of gun violence, with guns being more accessible to the public. While you’re unlikely to be affected, it’s important to remain vigilant.
- Natural disasters – some areas of the USA are prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires – for example, 2024’s Hurricane Milton and Californian wildfires, which have been increasingly severe in recent years. Stay informed about the weather conditions and follow local advice during your stay.
- Terrorism – Gov.uk warns that attempted terrorist attacks are likely in the USA. It advises British travellers to be aware of their surroundings and stay up to date with local media reports, especially in major cities and public places. Always stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Nightlife
The USA offers a vibrant nightlife scene with something for everyone. Las Vegas offers world-class casinos, nightclubs, and shows; Miami is renowned for its beach parties and Latin music scene, while New Orleans is famous for its jazz clubs and lively bars on Bourbon Street.
The legal drinking age in the USA is 21. Bars and clubs often check IDs, so be sure to carry a valid form of identification. It’s also important to know that individual states within the USA each have their own laws regarding alcohol consumption, so it’s worth checking the rules for where you’re going before you travel.
Keep in mind that travel insurance policies don’t usually cover incidents that occur while you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Driving
Driving in America can be a unique experience for British travellers. Here are some key points to consider:
- Driving side – in the USA, vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, which can take a bit of getting used to if you’re visiting from the UK. Be particularly cautious at intersections and roundabouts.
- Drink driving – the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers in America is 0.08%. Penalties for drink driving are severe and can include hefty fines, imprisonment, and a ban from driving. It's best to avoid alcohol if you plan to drive.
- Turning on red – in many states it's legal to turn right at a red traffic light as long as you’ve come to a complete stop, there are no obstructions and there’s no sign telling you otherwise. This is different from the UK, where turning on red is not allowed.
- Toll roads – many highways in the USA are toll roads. Some toll booths don’t accept cards, so it’s worth carrying cash, though others only accept online payment.
Other travel tips
- Paying – some shops and restaurants might give you the chance to pay in sterling, but it’s usually better to pay in dollars to avoid uncompetitive conversion rates and fees. Consider taking out a specialist overseas spending card if you want a better rate and to avoid the charges some cards impose on overseas transactions.
- Tipping – America’s tipping culture can be a minefield. Here’s a rough idea of how much you’re expected to tip:
- Airport and hotel porters: USD2 per bag or USD5 per trolley
- Bar staff: between 15 and 20% per round, or a minimum of USD1 per drink
- Hotel maid service: between USD2 and USD4 per night
- Waiting staff at restaurants: 15 to 20%, unless a service charge has already been added to the bill
- Taxi drivers: between 10 and 15%
- Parking attendants: a minimum of USD2
- Vaccines – check the latest vaccine recommendations for the USA at least eight weeks before your trip
Frequently asked questions
Where can I compare travel insurance?
We can help you search for the right US travel insurance at the right price. Whether you’re looking to cover a once-in-a-lifetime road trip or a city break, we’ll help you compare a range of competitive quotes to get the peace of mind you need.
Why is travel insurance to the USA so expensive?
Cheap travel insurance to the USA can be harder to find because worldwide cover is generally more expensive compared to other destinations. Here are some reasons why:
- High cost of healthcare – the American healthcare system is one of the most expensive in the world. A visit to the emergency room can cost upwards of USD1,000, and more serious medical treatment can run into the tens or even hundreds of thousands. Travel insurance needs to cover these potential costs, which is one of the factors driving up premiums.
- Natural disasters – some areas of the USA are prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes and wildfires. Insurance providers take this into account when pricing their policies.
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Rachel Lacey - Insurance and money expert
Rachel’s a self-confessed money nerd who’s been writing about personal finance for more than 20 years. She spent 17 years writing for Moneywise, including a few years as Editor, and likes making complicated subjects like insurance, pensions, investing and tax, easy for people to understand.
This article is written by a Compare the Market expert, backed by data and enhanced by AI. Find out how we ensure accuracy and quality in our Editorial Guidelines.