If you’re heading to the United States, travel insurance is one of the most important things to get right. Medical costs there can be far higher than in the UK or Europe, so the wrong policy can leave you with a very large bill. Here’s what to check.
Why the USA is different
The UK has no reciprocal healthcare agreement with the USA, and the GHIC isn’t valid there. Without insurance, you’d pay for emergency treatment, hospital stays and any repatriation yourself. Hospitals can ask for payment details or proof of cover, and treatment costs can run into tens of thousands of pounds, or more, for serious illness or injury.
What to look for in USA travel insurance
- A high emergency medical limit. This is the most important figure. Don’t pick a policy with a limit set for Europe if you’re going to the USA. Check the exact amount in the policy documents.
- The USA must be included. Many policies offer a Europe zone and a worldwide zone, and some exclude the USA, Canada and the Caribbean from a cheaper worldwide option. Choose the right region when you get a quote.
- Repatriation and medical evacuation. Check that cover is included and what the limit is.
- A sensible excess. A higher excess can lower the price, but it also means you pay more on a claim.
- Cancellation and curtailment cover. Make sure the limit covers your prepaid flights, hotels and tickets.
- Baggage, delay and missed departure. Useful for long-haul trips and tight connections.
- Hurricane and weather disruption. If you travel in hurricane season, check how disruption claims work and when you need to buy cover.
- Car hire excess. If you’re hiring a car, check whether excess cover is included or optional.
Optional extras that matter in the USA
- Winter sports cover for skiing or snowboarding in resorts such as Colorado or Utah.
- Cruise cover if your trip includes a cruise.
- Gadget cover for phones and laptops, if standard single-item limits are too low.
- Hazardous activities such as theme-park thrill rides are usually fine, but check the list of excluded activities.
Single trip or annual cover for the USA?
If you only visit the USA once, single trip cover is usually the simplest choice. If you travel often, annual worldwide cover that includes the USA can be good value, but check the per-trip day limit and whether the USA is included. Our annual vs single trip guide explains how to compare the two.
Medical conditions and the USA
US medical costs can push up premiums for travellers with pre-existing conditions. You must declare them, and some insurers exclude them for the USA. See our guide to travel insurance with pre-existing conditions for how to find suitable cover.
Check your bank account first
Some packaged bank accounts include travel insurance, but the medical limit and USA cover vary and may not be high enough. Read the terms in our bank account travel insurance guide.
Travel insurance for the USA FAQs
Do I need travel insurance for the USA?
It isn’t a legal requirement for UK visitors, but it is strongly advisable. The UK has no reciprocal healthcare arrangement with the USA, and medical treatment there can be extremely expensive.
Does a GHIC work in the USA?
No. The GHIC is not valid in the USA, so you would be responsible for medical costs without travel insurance.
Is travel insurance more expensive for the USA?
Usually yes. Many insurers price the USA, Canada and the Caribbean in a separate worldwide zone because medical costs there are higher, so a policy covering the USA costs more than a Europe-only one.
How much medical cover do I need for the USA?
There is no single right figure, but because treatment can run into tens of thousands of pounds or more, choose a policy with a high emergency medical limit and check the exact amount in the policy documents.
Does travel insurance cover car hire excess in the USA?
Some policies offer car hire excess cover as an optional extra, but it is not standard. Check whether it is included before you rely on it.
The bottom line
For the USA, the medical limit and the policy region matter more than the headline price. Choose a policy that clearly includes the USA, compare a few quotes and read the exclusions before you buy.
This article is general information, not financial or insurance advice. Always check the policy documents before you buy.
