What are the best travel insurances for USA in 2025?
- The best travel insurance for the USA
- Is it currently safe to travel to the USA?
- Is travel insurance required for your visa to the USA?
- Why take out travel insurance for the USA?
- What coverage is included in travel insurance for the USA?
- What is the cost of travel insurance for the USA?
- How can you pay less for your travel insurance to the USA?
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in the USA?
- FAQ
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in the UK, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for the USA.
Travel insurance for the USA: key takeaways
1. Travel insurance for the USA covers emergency medical expenses, repatriation, cancellations, lost luggage, and travel assistance.
2. Travel insurance is not mandatory for UK citizens visiting the USA, but it is strongly recommended due to medical costs.
3. Healthcare in the USA is very expensive; a hospital night can cost between £1,000 and £2,500 for foreigners.
4. A one-week travel insurance policy for the USA typically costs between £25 and £50 per person.
5. Read all policy exclusions carefully, as some pre-existing conditions and adventure activities may not be covered.
The best travel insurance for the USA
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit (£) | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 2,150,000 £ | This policy offers one of the highest reimbursement limits suitable for the USA, where medical costs can be very high. It also provides strong emergency and repatriation cover. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 2,010,000 £ | We recommend this contract for comprehensive protection, including high medical limits, 24/7 support, and clear terms which are important when visiting the USA. |
| Tourist Card | 1,290,000 £ | This plan is appropriate for UK travellers on holiday to the USA, offering good medical expenses coverage and basic support for medical emergencies. |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1,720,000 £ | High coverage for medical expenses, this contract is a strong choice for single trips or extended visits, with useful benefits such as hospitalisation and repatriation. |
| Globe Partner | 1,720,000 £ | Designed for international travel, this plan suits UK travellers to the USA with reliable support for unforeseen medical and travel needs. |
| Globe Traveller | 505,000 £ | An option suitable for shorter trips with less exposure, providing basic medical cover and efficient claims handling for USA visits. |
Is it currently safe to travel to the USA?
As of June 2025, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) does not advise against travel to the USA, but it highlights several key points for British nationals to consider before departure.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: the USA experiences a higher rate of violent crime than the UK, particularly in large cities such as Chicago and New Orleans. Petty theft and gun-related incidents can occur in urban areas and tourist hotspots.
- Health risks: healthcare in the USA is of high quality but is extremely expensive without insurance. For example, emergency treatment following an accident or sudden illness in cities like New York or Los Angeles can result in significant bills.
- Legal constraints: laws in the USA vary greatly between states. For instance, the legal drinking age is 21 across all states, and possession of certain prescription medications without correct documentation can lead to prosecution.
- Environmental and weather risks: the USA is prone to extreme weather events. Hurricanes can impact the southeastern states such as Florida and Louisiana from June to November, and wildfires may affect areas like California throughout the summer.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in USA.
Is travel insurance required for your visa to the USA?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for UK travellers visiting the USA for a short stay of less than 90 days, including those entering under the ESTA visa waiver programme.
It is, however, strongly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance when visiting the USA. The United States has an expensive private healthcare system and medical costs can be extremely high, even for minor treatments. Travel insurance helps ensure you are protected against unexpected medical expenses, cancellations, loss of luggage, or repatriation needs during your stay.
Key information
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to USA. This high percentage is due to the costly healthcare system and potential financial risks faced by visitors without coverage.
Why take out travel insurance for the USA?
Travel insurance is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to USA. Healthcare costs in the USA are among the highest in the world. Foreign travellers, including those from the UK, typically have access only to private medical facilities such as NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in New York or Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where bills can be extremely high even for basic care.
Travel insurance covers important expenses such as medical fees, hospitalisation, prescribed medications, ambulance services and emergency repatriation to the UK if needed.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in USA.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Mayo Clinic (USD) | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | $12,000 (about £9,500) | Up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | $8,500 (about £6,700) | Up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | $80,000 (about £63,500) | Up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | $30,000 (about £24,000) | Up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions. It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What coverage is included in travel insurance for the USA?
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for USA.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers emergency medical care and hospitalisation costs in case of unexpected illness or injury during your trip. In the USA, healthcare is particularly expensive, and some procedures can cost tens of thousands of pounds. We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of £1,000,000. |
| 🚑 Emergency medical evacuation | Pays for transport to the nearest suitable medical facility if appropriate treatment is not available locally. This also includes repatriation to the UK if deemed medically necessary. We recommend a limit of £500,000. |
| 🧳 Luggage and personal belongings | Covers loss, theft, or damage to your baggage and personal effects during your trip. Particular attention should be paid to single article limits and exclusions for valuables. We recommend a minimum cover of £1,500. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation/interruption | Reimburses non-refundable costs if you have to cancel or cut short your trip due to covered reasons, such as illness, injury, or bereavement. We recommend cover up to £3,000 per insured person. |
| 🔑 Personal liability | Covers legal expenses or compensation if you are found legally responsible for causing injury to someone else or damaging third-party property. A minimum recommended limit is £1,000,000. |
| 🚗 Rental car excess | Pays for the excess applicable if your rental car is damaged or stolen. This can save significant costs, especially with high excess levels in the USA. A minimum of £1,000 excess cover is recommended. |
| 😷 Covid-19 coverage | Includes coverage for medical expenses, cancellation, or curtailment due to Covid-19 related issues such as a positive test before departure or while abroad. Check for a minimum cover in line with medical coverage, ideally £1,000,000. |
| 📞 24/7 emergency assistance | Offers access to a helpline for help with medical emergencies, travel issues, or guidance at any time during your trip. This service should be included without financial limit. |
We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of £1,000,000.
We recommend a limit of £500,000.
We recommend a minimum cover of £1,500.
We recommend cover up to £3,000 per insured person.
A minimum recommended limit is £1,000,000.
A minimum of £1,000 excess cover is recommended.
Check for a minimum cover in line with medical coverage, ideally £1,000,000.
This service should be included without financial limit.
Travel insurance offered by certain local providers or included with bank cards often provides only limited coverage (low reimbursement limits, numerous exclusions, etc.). It is always better to choose a reputable insurer offering comprehensive travel insurance. You can compare the best options directly on HelloSafe, and subscribe online to instantly receive your insurance certificate.
What is the cost of travel insurance for the USA?
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | £35 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | £60 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | £100 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | £180 |
Good to know
The price of travel insurance for the USA depends on several factors including the traveller’s age, length of stay, coverage chosen, inclusion of cancellation protection, and any pre-existing medical conditions. Always consider these elements when comparing options.
It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow can you pay less for your travel insurance to the USA?
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to USA while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical coverage | Healthcare in the USA is expensive so adequate medical limits are essential | Choose a policy with sufficient medical cover but do not over-insure, compare limits versus average medical costs |
| 👀 Level of coverage | USA-specific risks (accident, medical repatriation) demand good coverage | Select essentials and avoid add-ons that do not apply to your trip |
| 👵 Traveller's age | Premiums often rise with age, especially for seniors visiting USA | Some insurers like Heymondo do not increase their prices for people over 62 |
| 🧳 Duration of the trip | Longer stays in the USA raise insurance costs | Buy a policy just for the trip dates, not for extra days |
| 👨👩👧👦 Number of travellers | More people covered increases costs but some providers offer group deals | Check for family or group discounts and compare with buying separate policies |
| 🏔️ Activity type | High-risk activities like hiking can increase rates | Only include such activities if you will actually participate in them |
| 📅 Purchase time | Buying early could mean extra days paid, buying late could limit options | Purchase insurance after finalising travel plans but before departure to avoid unnecessary extra coverage days |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in the USA?
It is normal to wonder if your existing coverage such as your NHS healthcare, private health insurance or credit card insurance can protect you for your trip to the USA, but unfortunately, these are often insufficient. Only travel insurance can provide the full level of cover usually sought by travellers or embassies when required. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Covered in USA? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (NHS) | No, never | Covers healthcare in the UK, not abroad. No emergency medical coverage, no repatriation, no baggage or travel delay cover. | Travel insurance covers emergency medical expenses, hospitalisation and repatriation up to £2,000,000 or more. Also covers delays, lost baggage and legal assistance. |
| Private health insurance | Yes, partly | Some policies may cover emergency medical abroad, but often with strict limits and exclusions. No cover for non-medical events. | Travel insurance can reimburse medical costs up to £10,000,000, plus extras like personal liability, holiday cancellation and more. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard, Barclaycard Basic) | No, never | Basic travel inconvenience cover if any, little or no medical cover. Rarely covers repatriation or trip cancellation. | Dedicated policies offer high medical limits, trip cancellation up to £5,000, legal expenses, and cover for lost or stolen belongings. |
| Premium credit card (Visa Premier, Mastercard Gold, American Express Platinum) | Yes, partly | May include travel insurance, but often with restrictions, lower limits, and only for trips paid with the card. | Full travel insurance provides higher limits, pre-existing conditions cover, and does not require you to have bought the trip with a specific card. |
A traveller in the USA needing emergency surgery and a five-day hospital stay could face a bill of over £60,000. A UK-issued premium credit card may only cover up to £5,000 for medical emergencies, and most standard or private insurance plans will not come close to meeting the actual costs.
Expert advice
Essential situations, such as a flight cancelled due to political unrest, might not be covered at all. Read all conditions carefully to avoid difficulties abroad. In any case, it is safer to have a dedicated travel insurance tailored to your journey.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to USA?
British citizens visiting the USA for tourism or business can usually travel under the Visa Waiver Program by applying for an ESTA online before departure. An ESTA allows stays of up to 90 days. For longer visits, work, or study purposes, a visa is required, and you should apply through the US Embassy or Consulate prior to travelling.
How do I purchase travel insurance for USA?
Start by comparing policies using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to find deals that suit your needs. Carefully review cover levels and exclusions, paying attention to medical cover and any specific guarantees linked to USA travel. Once you have chosen your policy, complete your purchase online. You will then receive your insurance certificate by email for your records.
What medical cover should I look for when visiting the USA?
Healthcare in the USA is very expensive, so choose a policy with high medical expense limits, ideally at least £2 million. Ensure the policy covers emergency hospital treatment, medical evacuation, and repatriation. Also, check if pre-existing conditions are covered and if there are any exclusions related to specific activities you plan to do.
Are there any exclusions I should be aware of in travel insurance for the USA?
Many policies exclude cover for risky sports, incidents linked to alcohol or drugs, and pre-existing health conditions unless declared and accepted. Always read the terms carefully for exclusions concerning COVID-19, travel in high-risk regions, or changes to government travel advisories, as these can affect your level of protection.
Can I get travel insurance for the USA if I have a pre-existing medical condition?
Yes, many insurers offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions, but you must declare your condition when applying. Failure to disclose could invalidate your cover. You may need to pay a higher premium, and some conditions might require specialist policies, so compare your options carefully before buying.
What documents do I need to show proof of travel insurance in the USA?
You will typically receive a certificate of insurance by email after purchase. It is best to carry a digital or printed copy with you while travelling. Make sure the certificate clearly shows your personal details, the duration of cover, policy number, and the insurer’s emergency contact information in case you need assistance.
Do I need a visa to travel to USA?
British citizens visiting the USA for tourism or business can usually travel under the Visa Waiver Program by applying for an ESTA online before departure. An ESTA allows stays of up to 90 days. For longer visits, work, or study purposes, a visa is required, and you should apply through the US Embassy or Consulate prior to travelling.
How do I purchase travel insurance for USA?
Start by comparing policies using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to find deals that suit your needs. Carefully review cover levels and exclusions, paying attention to medical cover and any specific guarantees linked to USA travel. Once you have chosen your policy, complete your purchase online. You will then receive your insurance certificate by email for your records.
What medical cover should I look for when visiting the USA?
Healthcare in the USA is very expensive, so choose a policy with high medical expense limits, ideally at least £2 million. Ensure the policy covers emergency hospital treatment, medical evacuation, and repatriation. Also, check if pre-existing conditions are covered and if there are any exclusions related to specific activities you plan to do.
Are there any exclusions I should be aware of in travel insurance for the USA?
Many policies exclude cover for risky sports, incidents linked to alcohol or drugs, and pre-existing health conditions unless declared and accepted. Always read the terms carefully for exclusions concerning COVID-19, travel in high-risk regions, or changes to government travel advisories, as these can affect your level of protection.
Can I get travel insurance for the USA if I have a pre-existing medical condition?
Yes, many insurers offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions, but you must declare your condition when applying. Failure to disclose could invalidate your cover. You may need to pay a higher premium, and some conditions might require specialist policies, so compare your options carefully before buying.
What documents do I need to show proof of travel insurance in the USA?
You will typically receive a certificate of insurance by email after purchase. It is best to carry a digital or printed copy with you while travelling. Make sure the certificate clearly shows your personal details, the duration of cover, policy number, and the insurer’s emergency contact information in case you need assistance.
