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Travel Insurance for the USA
Travel Insurance for the USA
Written by
Rachel Gregg
Edited by
Ellie Garran
Reviewed by
Adrian BennettEasily compare Travel Insurance
Save time and effort by comparing a range of travel insurance policies with iSelect
Do I need travel insurance for the USA?
Long story short
Travel insurance is highly recommended for the USA
The USA isn’t just home to wild weather, sports games, and iconic landmarks. It also has a healthcare system known for its high costs.
Travel insurance might cost a little more than usual
A week-long comprehensive policy for your trip to the USA could cost an average of $158. The USA’s pricey healthcare can drive higher premiums.
Your policy will come with some exclusions
Your travel insurance may not cover things like missing valuables due to neglect, illegal activities, or undeclared pre-existing conditions.
Do I need travel insurance for the USA?
If you’re looking to visit the States, you aren’t legally required to have travel insurance. Then again, you aren’t legally required to spread the myth about drop bears either, but plenty of Aussies happily do so. In fact, the Australian Government even recommends it – getting travel insurance, that is.
And America’s infamous healthcare system makes a pretty good case all on its own. While the quality of American healthcare might be on par with Australia’s, it doesn’t function quite the same. There’s no Medicare equivalent or a reciprocal health care agreement between Australia and the US. As a result, their medical costs are quite a bit higher than ours – and if you become unwell or injured on your holiday, you could find yourself with a seriously big bill for your medical care.
For example, if you fracture your lower leg in Australia, you could opt to go through the public system with bulk billing for no out-of-pocket costs or use your private health insurance to claim back some of the costs. But, in America, you could be paying as much as $7,500 (which is about $11,500 AUD) for the same treatment.1HealthCare.gov – Why health insurance is important And there are definitely better ways to spend that money on your trip.
What activities in the USA could my travel insurance cover?
Depending on your travel insurance policy and your itinerary, you could look for cover that applies to a range of popular tourist activities and attractions in the USA.
Trekking America’s wild side
Whether you’re a casual stroller or a serious hiker, America has more than 59 National Parks spanning 85 million acres to explore, with stunning sights to make any hill worth it. From Yosemite’s granite cliffs to the smoky valleys of Montana, you’ve got endless trails to explore, but also a few wild residents roaming around. And it’s not just bears and mountain lions to watch out for. Insects, including mosquitoes and ticks, could leave you worse for wear. You could find yourself walking away with Lyme disease, West Nile virus, or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Thankfully, your travel insurance could help cover the costs of getting you well again.
Catching some of America’s favourite sports
Baseball, basketball, football – Americans will turn anything with a ball into a national spectacle. The energy of a live game is unbeatable, whether you’re loyal to a single team or just there for the chili dogs. At any of these events, you’ll get to enjoy being swept up in and lost in the roar of the crowd. But crowded stadiums also mean pickpockets, accidental bag swaps, or the classic ‘my passport was in that jacket I lost’ crisis. But travel insurance may help you replace lost cash or important travel documents, like passports.
Hitting the snowy slopes
America is home to plenty of quality ski resorts, including possibly the most famous: Aspen. Whether you’re an experienced skier or you’re still battling with bunny slopes, the USA could give you a winter wonderland holiday.
Of course, we all know someone who’s taken a tumble on the ski slopes and needed to visit the emergency department. However, you may be able to get winter sport coverage on your travel insurance so you can enjoy your snow holiday without stressing about what happens if you get a little too enthusiastic on a black diamond run.
Time travelling through America’s history
From participating in Civil War battle re-enactments to taking a midnight ghost tour in New Orleans, the USA’s history doesn’t need to stay bound up in books. But what if you need to cancel or delay your trip to the past? Depending on your reasons, your travel insurance may cover you if the vendor won’t provide a refund or alternate date.
The great American road trip
Whether you want to skip the packed tour buses or you’ve always dreamed of travelling Route 66 from start to finish, nothing says ‘USA holiday’ like a road trip. Create your ultimate road trip playlist, stock up on snacks, and hire a car to start your adventure. But before you hit the road, check whether your travel insurance includes rental vehicle excess. If you were to get in an accident or damage your rental car, your travel insurance could soak up the excess you’d otherwise have to pay.
‘Tourists flock to famous spots like New York and LA – and rightly so, they’re great – but if you have the time, consider somewhere a bit further off the beaten path. The cultural and geographic diversity of the USA is truly astonishing, so whatever your niche interest, there’ll be something for you. I loved the combo of cheesiness and natural grandeur at Niagara Falls, the old industrial vibes and incredible pie in Duluth, and the gardens and cherry blossoms in Portland, just to name a few.’
Ellie Garran
Digital Editor, iSelect
What does travel insurance for the USA typically cover?
Medical cover
If there’s a medical emergency on your trip, your policy will save you from sky-high American medical fees or medical evacuation costs.
Trip cancellation costs
If you have to cancel your trip, or just part of it, due to reasons out of your control, your policy could help cover the costs.
Rental vehicle excess
If you plan on driving down Route 66 or crossing state lines by hire car, your policy could help cover excess costs if you have an accident and damage your hire car.
Baggage protection
If your bags don’t make it to your hotel, or if something is damaged in transit, your policy could help cover the reimbursement or repair costs.
Stolen passports and travel documents
If you lose your passport on your way from A to B or have your travel documents stolen, your policy could help cover replacement costs.
Personal liability
If you injure someone or damage property, your policy could include any related legal costs.
Bags left unattended
If you leave your bags and belongings unattended in a public space and they’re stolen, you likely won’t be compensated by your policy.
Breaking the law
If you try to claim related to an event with illegal activities (even those you might not think are a big deal, like drinking if you’re under 21), you won’t be covered.
Activities that need extra cover
If you’re skiing, on a cruise, or doing a risky activity, you’ll likely need extra cover to be able to claim; without it, your policy won’t cover you.
Being under the influence
If you try to claim for an incident where you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, your claim will likely be rejected.
Undeclared pre-existing conditions
If you have a pre-existing medical condition you didn’t mention or include on your policy, any related claims or hospital expenses might not be accepted.
Adventure add-ons
If you’ve got some adrenaline-filled fun packed into your itinerary, make sure to check whether your adventure activities are included in your policy, or whether you’ll need some extra cover to stay protected no matter what.
Snow sports cover
Hitting the slopes? You’ll need to make sure you’ve got snow-specific coverage to protect your expensive snowboarding or skiing gear – and you – if something goes amiss while edging your way up to that black run.
Cruise cover
Plan on hitting the high seas to explore America and some popular nearby destinations like the Caribbean? For cruises, you’ll need to take out extra cover to claim if anything starts slipping sideways.
Medical cover
If there’s a medical emergency on your trip, your policy will save you from sky-high American medical fees or medical evacuation costs.
Trip cancellation costs
If you have to cancel your trip, or just part of it, due to reasons out of your control, your policy could help cover the costs.
Rental vehicle excess
If you plan on driving down Route 66 or crossing state lines by hire car, your policy could help cover excess costs if you have an accident and damage your hire car.
Baggage protection
If your bags don’t make it to your hotel, or if something is damaged in transit, your policy could help cover the reimbursement or repair costs.
Stolen passports and travel documents
If you lose your passport on your way from A to B or have your travel documents stolen, your policy could help cover replacement costs.
Personal liability
If you injure someone or damage property, your policy could include any related legal costs.
Bags left unattended
If you leave your bags and belongings unattended in a public space and they’re stolen, you likely won’t be compensated by your policy.
Breaking the law
If you try to claim related to an event with illegal activities (even those you might not think are a big deal, like drinking if you’re under 21), you won’t be covered.
Activities that need extra cover
If you’re skiing, on a cruise, or doing a risky activity, you’ll likely need extra cover to be able to claim; without it, your policy won’t cover you.
Being under the influence
If you try to claim for an incident where you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, your claim will likely be rejected.
Undeclared pre-existing conditions
If you have a pre-existing medical condition you didn’t mention or include on your policy, any related claims or hospital expenses might not be accepted.
Adventure add-ons
If you’ve got some adrenaline-filled fun packed into your itinerary, make sure to check whether your adventure activities are included in your policy, or whether you’ll need some extra cover to stay protected no matter what.
Snow sports cover
Hitting the slopes? You’ll need to make sure you’ve got snow-specific coverage to protect your expensive snowboarding or skiing gear – and you – if something goes amiss while edging your way up to that black run.
Cruise cover
Plan on hitting the high seas to explore America and some popular nearby destinations like the Caribbean? For cruises, you’ll need to take out extra cover to claim if anything starts slipping sideways.
How much does travel insurance cost for the USA?
Travel policy prices differ between travel providers, but comparing policies from iSelect’s range as of December 2025, a typically comprehensive policy for a week-long trip averages at about $158.2Indicative pricing based on a 30-year-old solo traveller with no extra coverage needed. Comparison conducted via the iSelect website, December 2025. Just keep in mind that the actual price of your policy can change slightly depending on your age, health, insurance excess amount, and any extra coverage needed.
Even though America isn’t considered high risk when it comes to the government’s travel advice (Smartraveller), its hectic healthcare system can push premiums up more than in other destinations. If you do happen to need to make a medical claim on your USA travel insurance policy, it could cost your insurer a lot. So, to balance it out, your premiums are likely to be a bit higher.
Travel tips for the USA
Natural disasters
The USA is a big country, and so is its range of weather events. Depending on where you go, you could experience earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and more. America’s weather is as wild and varied as you could imagine. The East Coast might be battling smoke from wildfires while the Midwest is dealing with severe snowstorms. Make sure to get familiar with the areas you’re visiting and what possible weather events you could see. These weather events could also affect your flights and other types of travel, so make sure to stay alert, check conditions and any travel alerts, and be ready for possible delays.
Crime
America has varying crime rates across the country, but cities and urban areas get more than their fair share. This can include pickpocketing and purse-snatching in crowded areas or on public transport. So, while you’re looking up at Times Square or sprinting for the subway, someone could be making away with your passport or wallet. Rental vehicles can also be easier to spot, so make sure not to leave anything valuable in them, as they could be an easy target for thieves. Gun violence is also an active threat across the country, with mass shootings and active shooter situations common. Being aware of your surroundings and following local guidance can help keep you safer.
Visa requirements
To get into the USA, you’ll need to enter the Global Entry program through US Customs. This means you can hopefully breeze past border clearance quicker and get set off on your holiday sooner. In terms of actually getting into the country, you can apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) for trips under 90 days and then enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If you aren’t eligible for these, then you’ll need to apply for a visa before travelling. However, if you’re travelling for tourism reasons for less than 90 days, you could get in without a visa. But if you don’t satisfy the US Customs and Border team on entry, you could be knocked back, so just make sure you easily meet all the requirements for a visa-free trip.
Tipping culture
When you think of tipping, you’ll likely think about the USA. Tipping isn’t just a suggestion in the US; it’s part of workers’ income. And while it won’t be breaking the law if you don’t, you could get some sour looks for trying to skip out on it or tipping too little. As a general rule, it’s expected to tip about 20–25% of your bill. Even with bad service, it’s still expected to leave something (though you can leave less to get the point across). Just be prepared: tipping adds up quickly, especially over a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which companies offer travel insurance for the USA?
When it comes to finding a travel policy for your trip to the USA, there are about as many out there as stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Some insurers that iSelect can help you compare include:
- Fast Cover
- Huddle Insurance
- Insure4less
- InsureandGo
- ReadySet Travel Insurance
- Southern Cross Travel Insurance
- Tick Travel Insurance
- Travel Insurance Saver
- Travel Insuranz
- Travel Protect
- WAS Insurance
- World2Cover
- Zoom Travel Insurance
Other travel insurers in the market include:
- 1Cover
- Allianz
- Blue Insurance
- Budget Direct
- Bupa Travel Insurance
- Cover-More
- Everyday Travel Insurance
- Medibank
- Nib
- RACV Travel Insurance
- Travel Insurance Direct
Note: iSelect does not compare all travel insurance providers in the market, or all products offered by our partners in your area.
What travel insurance do I need for the USA?
The travel insurance you need for your trip to the US depends on your plans and how you like to travel. Single-trip insurance is the most common choice for one-off holidays, covering you from when you leave home to when you touch back down. Within this, you can choose different levels of cover. Medical-only is more affordable and usually more ideal for budget travellers. This will mostly cover medical expenses and any related emergency assistance. Comprehensive travel insurance is better suited for travellers splurging on tours and luxury Airbnb stays overlooking Central Park – or just those who like to be prepared for anything.
If you’re a frequent flyer, it could be more worthwhile to look at an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy. These cover multiple trips within a year (usually with a limit on trip length), saving you the hassle and cost of buying separate policies every time you’ve got a trip planned. So, if the USA is just one of many destinations on your calendar, an annual policy could be a smart move.
Will travel insurance for the USA cover COVID-19?
You’ll likely find some form of COVID-19 coverage in your travel policy. While what is and isn’t covered will vary from one provider to another, you should still find a policy that offers some sort of coverage. This could include needing to cancel your trip before you go, having it interrupted because you become unwell, or related medical treatment. Make sure you know what you’re covered by looking reading the product disclosure statement (PDS).
Get ready to hit all 50 states with travel insurance in your pocket
Before you pack your sneakers and perfect your American accent (don’t worry, we all try), it’s worth getting some travel insurance lined up so you can explore with fewer surprises – or fewer financial ones, at least. Luckily, iSelect makes it easy to compare a range of policies from different providers. You can compare insurance online and get it all done and dusted in a matter of minutes.
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iSelect does not compare all travel insurers or policies in the market. Travel insurance is only available through our website and not all policies are available at all times or in all areas. Not all policies available from our partners are compared by iSelect and due to commercial arrangements and customer circumstances not all policies compared by iSelect will be available to all customers. Click here to view iSelect’s range of providers.
iSelect General Pty Limited ABN 90 131 798 126, AFS Licence Number: 334115. Any advice provided by iSelect is of a general nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You need to consider the appropriateness of any information or general advice iSelect gives you, having regard to your personal situation, before acting on iSelect’s advice or purchasing any policy. You should consider iSelect’s Financial Services Guide which provides information about our services and your rights as a client of iSelect. iSelect receives commission for each policy sold.