Travel insurance for the USA

Do I need travel insurance for the USA?

Yes. Medical care in the USA is notoriously expensive, and you can’t use your GHIC there. With the right travel insurance policy, you should be covered if you have an accident or fall ill. 

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.

But travel insurance isn’t just there for medical emergencies – it can also include cover for cancellation, delays, and lost or damaged baggage.

Can I get travel insurance for the USA with a pre-existing medical condition?

Yes, but you'll need to declare it. If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive.

Whatever happens, tell your insurance provider the truth. If you give false information or miss something out, your claim could be rejected.

When you declare any medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers that will cover them with no exclusions.

For example, say you have type 2 diabetes and you’re planning your first road trip across the States. You’d need to declare this when you get a quote.

That way, if you need treatment linked to it while you’re away, your policy should cover it. If you don’t declare it, you could be left to pay those medical bills yourself. 

If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers who may be able to provide quotes over the phone. You can call MoneyHelper on 0800 138 7777.

How much does travel insurance for the USA cost?

If you’re buying travel insurance for the USA you’ll need worldwide travel cover that includes the USA, which can cost from £16 for a one-week trip^[1].

Some worldwide policies exclude the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, so check yours covers where you're going. To find out how much it will cost you, start comparing travel insurance quotes now.

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Bear in mind that the cost of travel insurance for 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 October 2026.

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 get back some of your holiday costs if 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.

Planning something more adventurous? Get a quote and check the cover for your activities before you buy. 

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Do I need a visa to travel to the USA?

If you have a British passport and are travelling as a tourist, you won’t usually need a visa, but you’ll need an ESTA (see below).

You might need a visa instead if you’ve been arrested, have a criminal record or have been to certain countries, such as Cuba or Iran. Your passport also needs to be valid for the whole of your stay. 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 get approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) scheme before you travel.

An ESTA currently costs $40.62, or $10.62 if your application is refused. The fee changes every year, so check the latest price on the official ESTA website and only apply directly – unofficial sites can charge extra. An approved ESTA usually lasts two years, or until your passport expires. 

Find out more in our guide to ESTA visa waivers for travelling to America. 

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.

You can only use it for state healthcare in EU countries and a small number of other places – it isn’t valid in the USA. 

What should I do if I need medical treatment in the USA? 

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, 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.

What are the 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 of major cities have higher crime rates. The UK government advises taking care in unfamiliar areas and not walking through quieter areas alone, especially at night.

• Theft – keep your belongings secure and watch out for pickpockets in crowded places. Don’t leave your passport in a hire car.

• Gun crime – guns are easier to get hold of in the USA than in the UK. Violent crime and gun crime rarely affect tourists, but it’s still worth staying alert. 

• Natural disasters – some parts of the USA are prone to hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires and tornadoes. The Atlantic hurricane season usually runs from June to November. Keep an eye on the weather, follow local advice and check what your policy covers if your trip is disrupted. 

• Terrorism – GOV.UK warns that terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in the USA. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local news and report anything suspicious to the authorities. 

What’s the legal drinking age in the USA? 

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.

What do I need to know about driving in the USA? 

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 most of America is 0.08%, but in Utah it’s 0.05%. 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.

What else should I know before I go? 

• 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:

• Vaccines – check the latest vaccine recommendations for the USA at least eight weeks before your trip.

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