Travel insurance for the USA from £14.23^

Key takeaways

• If you’re travelling to the USA, we recommend taking out a good travel insurance policy with substantial medical cover

• Travel insurance can also cover the cost of lost or stolen belongings and baggage, and cancellations or delays you might face while travelling

• You’ll likely need to pay more for cover if you have a pre-existing medical condition, but it’s worth the cost when you think about the price of treatment in the USA

If you’re travelling to the USA, The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has up-to-date advice on staying safe whilst you’re there. FCDO travel advice can change: check regularly for the latest information and sign up to email alerts.

Do I need travel insurance for the USA?

No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for entering the USA on tourist visas (like ESTA), but it is highly recommended because US healthcare is expensive.

Without it, you would be responsible for potentially substantial bills from any illness or injury, making it a practical necessity for most visitors.

While not required for entry, some tour operators might insist on it, and it protects against high medical costs, lost luggage, and trip disruptions.

Travel insurance is especially important if you're travelling during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is hosted in the USA, Mexico, and Canada between 11 June to 19 July. During this time, you can expect a higher demand for medical services, travel disruptions, and cost increases.

When should I take out travel insurance for the USA?

You should take out travel insurance as soon as you book your trip, and your cover should start from the day you book rather than the day you leave.

This way you’ll be covered in case you need to cancel your trip due to illness or other eventualities or emergencies.

What type of travel insurance do I need for the USA?

Many standard worldwide travel insurance policies exclude the USA, Canada and the Caribbean, so you’ll usually need a policy that specifically includes these regions.

Depending on what you want to do abroad, there are many different types of insurance that might suit your holiday.

When you find the best travel insurance deals through MoneySuperMarket, you’ll be able to tailor your insurance to your needs. Here are some categories to look out for:

• Single-trip insurance: If you only want to cover a one-off trip to the States

• Annual multi-trip insurance: If you take two or more holidays a year, you might save money by buying an insurance policy for the entire year

• Backpackers’ insurance: If you’re visiting America as part of a backpacking holiday, you can find great deals on travel cover for longer trips or if you’ll be visiting several different countries

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

Yes, you should still be able to find travel insurance that will cover you for a trip to the USA if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

However, you should be prepared to pay higher than usual premiums to cover the extra claim risk you present to the insurance provider.

What activities can I get USA travel insurance for?

If you’re travelling to the USA to take part in activities like risky or extreme sports, you’ll likely need specialist insurance to make sure you’re adequately covered. You’ll need this for things like:

• Extreme and adventure sports like rock climbing

• Winter sports like snowboarding or skiing

• Water sports like scuba diving

• Trekking and hiking

• Golf

How much does travel insurance for the USA cost?

The price of your travel insurance will depend on a number of factors, including how long you stay and what activities you get up to.

The average cost of a travel insurance policy for those travelling to the USA when comparing with MoneySuperMarket was£47.69^{^}

What should my USA travel insurance cover?

When you’re choosing a travel insurance deal for your American holiday, watch out for these important features your cover should include:

• Medical cover, which most insurers will offer for costs up to £5m

• Cancellation cover, which pays out if you need to cancel your holiday or cut it short due to an emergency

• Repatriation, which covers the cost of bringing you back to the UK

• Baggage cover, which insures you in case your luggage is lost during your trip or your possessions are stolen. If you’re taking any particularly expensive items you might need to take out additional or specialist cover

• Gadget cover, which will help in case a possession, such as a mobile phone or a GoPro, is lost or stolen

• Passport cover, which protects you against extra expenses if your passport is lost or stolen while you’re abroad.

You should also keep an eye on your policy’s excess, as that’s the amount you’ll have to pay yourself toward any claim. A higher excess usually means your premium is cheaper, but make sure it’s an amount you’ll be able to pay.

What won’t be covered by my USA travel insurance?

Travel insurance policies, like any other, come with exclusions that you need to be aware of:

• Standard insurance won’t cover you for injuries or losses resulting from risky or dangerous activities and sports, you’ll need specialist cover

• You also won’t be able to claim for issues related to pre-existing medical conditions you don’t declare when taking out cover

• If you lose something or get injured as a result of careless or reckless behaviour, drugs or alcohol, you won’t be covered

• Any incidents related to civil unrest, war or high risk travel won’t be included

Health and vaccinations

American hospitals and healthcare facilities are excellent. However, the healthcare system in the USA can be complicated and expensive.

Without insurance, you might not be able to get the help you need if something goes wrong, and be left with an enormous bill.

Hospitals may request large upfront payments. Always contact your insurer immediately in this situation, as they usually arrange payment directly with the hospital.

In some parts of the United States, diseases spread by insects have been detected. Mosquitoes in parts of Texas and Florida might carry the Zika virus, and there have been outbreaks of dengue fever in Florida, Texas, and Hawaii.

Ticks and biting insects have been known to carry infections such as the West Nile virus and Lyme disease. The risk of transmission is low, but you should take precautions to avoid being bitten, such as by using insect repellent.

You won’t need any special shots for America, but it’s important to make sure you’re up to date with all your ordinary vaccines before you set off.

Prescription medicines

The legal status of some medicines might be different in the United States. If you’re travelling with prescription medicines, it’s best to check in advance to make sure they’re not controlled or prohibited. You should also bring a copy of your prescription with you.

Keep in mind that prescription medicines are likely to be much more expensive in America than at home. Therefore, you should make sure you leave with enough to keep you going throughout your stay.

Get our best quote on travel insurance to America

Organising a trip to the USA? Finding affordable cover for your holiday is easy when you compare travel insurance quotes with MoneySuperMarket. Just tell us about yourself and your travel plans as well as the cover you need, and we’ll search the market for deals that meet your exact needs.