Welcome
to the United States!
The United States is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. And it's not hard to see why. Imagine walking around in exciting cities like New York or seeing the Grand Canyon's gigantic cliffs.But before you travel to the United States, it's important to keep your safety in mind.
If you are traveling to the United States, it is important to consider travel medical insurance, or visitors insurance, to protect you against costly expenses in the event of a medical emergency.
What Is United States Travel Insurance?
United States travel insurance is temporary, short-term health insurance coverage that can protect you during your travels to the US from abroad.
Travel insurance for the United States can provide coverage for medical emergencies such as a sickness or accident that occurs in the US.
Considering the extremely high costs of medical care in the United States, US travel insurance is an important safeguard that every traveler should consider.
What Does US Travel Health Insurance Cover?
US travel health insurance can offer medical coverage for treatment for new and unexpected illnesses or injuries that occur during your stay in the United States.
US travel insurance coverage can include:
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Medication/prescriptions
- Urgent care
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Repatriation of remains
This type of coverage can protect you if you find yourself having a medical emergency while in the United States where your home country's health insurance likely won't cover you.
Does US Travel Medical Insurance Cover Pre-existing Conditions?
Due to the short-term nature of US travel medical insurance plans, they typically do not provide coverage for pre-existing conditions.
However, there are select visitors insurance plans that offer limited coverage for pre-existing conditions or coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About United States Travel Insurance
Q: Does US require travel insurance?
The US does not require travel insurance for visitors to enter the country. However, it is highly recommended due to the very high costs of medical care.
Q: How does travel insurance work in the US?
Travel insurance can provide a vital safeguard for travelers in the US when they need to receive medical care for emergency illnesses or injuries. Depending on your plan, you will find a healthcare provider either in your plan's network or best suited to care for you and will present your travel insurance during your visit. You may be required to pay upfront, or the facility may bill the travel insurance directly, depending on the type of policy you have. Learn more about how receiving medical care in the US works with travel insurance.
Q: Can new US immigrants buy travel insurance?
Yes, new immigrants can purchase travel insurance to secure healthcare coverage while they wait for a more permanent healthcare insurance solution to take effect such as employer-sponsored insurance or healthcare through the US insurance marketplace.
Q: Do I need travel insurance for US?
Travel insurance is highly recommended for visitors to the United States to protect foreigners from extreme medical bills in the event of an unexpected illness or injury. Medical costs in the US are very expensive without insurance. A hospital visit can quickly exceed thousands of dollars, and a travel insurance plan can provide coverage for eligible hospital visits, surgery, and more related to emergencies.
Q: Do I need travel insurance for US visa?
Most US visas do not require travel insurance. However, some visas may require health insurance, such as a J1 visa. It's important to check your visa requirements to verify whether or not travel insurance is required for your visit.
Q: Which insurance is best for visitors to the USA?
Comprehensive visitors insurance, such as the CoverAmerica-Gold plan, are best suited for visitors to the USA as they provide adequate medical coverage for travelers.
Q: How much is travelers insurance in the US?
Travel insurance in the US can vary in price depending on the plan you choose and other factors such as your age and length of your trip. Typically, visitors insurance can range between $200 to $300 for good coverage. Compare visitors insurance options to find a plan that fits your budget.
Q: Where can I buy travel insurance in the USA?
Travel insurance can be purchased online through trusted sources such as VisitorsCoverage in just minutes.
US Travel Insurance Requirements
The United States does not require visitors to have travel insurance, with the exception of certain types of visas such as the J1 visa.
While travel insurance isn't technically required by the United States government for visitors, it is still highly recommended to prevent being uninsured for healthcare while traveling abroad.
What Is the Best Travel Insurance for the United States?
When looking for travel insurance for the United States, it is important to consider a few factors when trying to decide on the best travel insurance plan that fits your individual needs.
Things to consider when choosing a US travel insurance plan include:
- Comprehensive vs limited plans: Do you want to pay a slightly higher premium for better coverage and lower out-of-pocket costs? Then opt for a comprehensive travel medical insurance plan.
- Age: How old are you or the traveler you are purchasing travel insurance for? Older travelers should opt for plans with higher policy maximums for adequate coverage.
- Benefits: What key benefits are you looking for in a plan? Do you need coverage for pre-existing conditions? Each plan may offer different benefits to consider.
- Budget: What is your budget for travel insurance? Travel insurance costs can vary based on a number of factors, including the policy maximum and deductible you choose. While it can be tempting to opt for the cheapest plan, it is important to consider overall value and coverage as well.
Is There Cheap Travel Insurance for the United States?
Travelers to the United States may be looking for cheaper travel insurance options to stay within their trip budget but still secure some coverage.
US travel medical insurance comes in all shapes and sizes, meaning cheaper options are available. However, it is important to remember that cheaper travel insurance plans may come with some risk.
Limited or fixed benefit US travel insurance plans typically offer a lower premium. However, these plans offer limited coverage per treatment or service received, leading to more out-of-pocket costs.
While a comprehensive travel medical insurance plan may cost more, it offers much better coverage, typically up to 100% of eligible medical expenses, significantly reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
What to Know Before Your Trip to the United States
Before your embark on your journey to the United States, keep in mind the following:
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned return from the US.
- Check visa requirements for your specific stay in the US from your home country. US visa wait times can be lengthy, so plan well in advance and apply for your visa as early as possible.
- Credit cards are the most widely accepted form of payment throughout the United States. In metropolitan areas, many small businesses are cashless and only accept major credit or debit cards.
- Public transportation may be difficult to follow, especially in high traffic cities such as New York. Travelers may opt for rideshare services, such as Uber or Lyft, which are easily accessible all over the country.
Health and Safety
Before you start your adventure in the United States, make sure you know your risks and can protect your health and well-being:
- Go see a doctor to get the right shots you might need.
- Drink water and use sunscreen when you’re under the hot sun.
- Pack a little kit with bandages and medicine just in case.
- Try all the great food, just be careful if it's a cuisine you're not used to.
- Be careful when you're swimming or playing in the water.
Crime
The United States is usually safe, but it's smart to be careful. Here's how to do that:
- Hide important items, like your phone and travel insurance details, when you're not using them.
- Use ATMs where there are a lot of people around..
- Choose a place to stay in a neighborhood that feels safe.
- Remember in the U.S. the emergency number is 9-1-1.
Transportation Security
Depending on where you go, there are a lot of different ways to get around in the United States. Here's how to do it safely:
- Keep an eye on your stuff when you're on buses or trains.
- Use taxis or cars you know are reliable.
- If you're renting a car, make sure it's clean and safe to use before you drive it.
- Look at your rental car before you start driving.
- Map out your daily activities before you leave your lodging.
Road Safety
If you’re driving in the United States, here are some safety tips:
- Drive on the righthand side of the road and follow the rules.
- Wear your seatbelt and make sure your passengers do too.
- Follow the speed limits and pay attention to signs.
- Be careful on busy roads and where the roads turn or cross.
- Have extra tires and tools in case of an emergency.
Wildlife and Nature
The United States has a lot of awe-inspiring nature, but it's important to be safe around it. Here are some pointers to help you do just that:
- Watch animals from far away so you don't scare them.
- Use bug spray to keep insects away.
- Be respectful of the environment when you're outside.
- Walk on the marked paths when you're hiking so you don't hurt the plants, or yourself.
- Leave wild animals alone and don't disrupt their homes.
Natural Disasters
Sometimes, significant weather events like tornadoes do occur. Here's how to be ready:
- Know where to go if you need to evacuate.
- Watch the news and listen for information about the weather.
- Pack things like water and food, just in case.
- Do what local experts say if there's an emergency.
- Learn about weather events that might happen before you go.
What to Do if You Are Injured or Ill in the United States
If you are ill or injured during your trip to the United States, it is important to first assess your condition and how serious it is.
For serious emergencies, go to the nearest emergency room or dial 911 for emergency response services.
For less serious illnesses or injuries, you can opt to visit a local urgent care center for same-day service.
Bring your travel insurance policy ID and documentation with you when you visit any healthcare facility. Present your travel insurance to the facility when receiving care. If your plan has a PPO network, you may benefit from a cashless visit, meaning you won't be required to pay upfront for your care. However, some providers may require upfront payment, even with insurance, so be prepared for this.
If you do pay for your care upfront, just be sure to keep record of your payment receipt, itemized bill, doctor’s note or diagnosis, and any other relevant documentation. You will need these items to file a claim with your travel insurance company later on.
Travel Resources for the United States
For tips and inspiration on places to visit, hotels, and other travel concerns, head to this site for U.S. visitors. You'll find a lot of information to make your United States trip even more amazing.
As you get ready for your big adventure in the United States, remember that being safe is really important for having a fantastic time. From Hollywood to Washington D.C. and everywhere in between, the United States has so much to see. So, pack your bags, remember these safety tips, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
