Travel Insurance For USA

The USA is a firm favourite among Australian travellers and holidaymakers, with more than 1 million Aussies heading there in 2017. Between the hustle and bustle of New York, the beaches of Hawaii, and the views of the Grand Canyon, there’s lots to see and do while you’re there.

It’s an amazing place to visit as part of your bucket list, and it’s fairly safe, but there’s always the chance that you’ll have an accident, get sick, or have your travel plans disrupted while you’re there.

Medical care in the USA is very expensive¹, so having good medical cover as part of your travel insurance is crucial. Remember, no matter how healthy you are, accidents happen. Which is why it’s crucial to have the right level of travel insurance organise before you go.

Fun US experiences – and why you need travel insurance to enjoy them

The United States is a destination that can cover the bases for a range of different travellers and preferred holiday styles. Whether you’re planning a family trip to LA’s Disneyland, a sophisticated big city break, outdoor adventures, or the great American road trip – America has you covered.

Here’s a just a few ideas to get you started:

Skiing and snowsports:

America has some of the world’s best snow resorts with places such as Lake Tahoe, Vail, Breckenridge, and more. With guaranteed deep powder, it’s a ski bunny’s paradise. But skiing and snowboarding bring with them higher risk of injuries, so make sure that these are specific inclusions in your travel insurance policy.

Road tripping:

For many travellers, the great American road trip is up there on their travel bucket list. But road accidents are more common than in Australia¹, so travel insurance that covers injuries and repatriation is essential. Also, some travel insurance policies may cover your vehicle excess in the event of an accident. Don’t rely on the insurance that is part of your vehicle hire agreement, as this is unlikely to be adequate.

Exploring the big cities:

Some of the world’s most vibrant cities are in the US, including New York, Chicago, New Orleans, and San Francisco. Tourists are often targeted for petty crimes¹, like pick-pocketing and theft, so be sure to pay attention to your belongings.

Get your sport on:

Seeing a major sporting game, be it baseball, basketball, or football is an essential US activity for many tourists. Be sure to buy your tickets from an authorised seller – never buy tickets from scalpers outside the venue, as they are likely to be a scam.

National parks:

Whether you want to drive through Yellowstone to see Old Faithful, or hike somewhere like Glacier National Park in Montana, the US is full of spectacularly scenic national parks. Travel insurance is essential though, in case you sprain an ankle on that hike or experience some other mishap.

See the lava flow:

For visitors to Hawaii, the chance to see red-hot, molten lava on the Big Island is an opportunity not to be missed. But keep in mind that if a natural occurrence like a volcano is in action, then your insurer may not provide cover. It’s a great idea to check before you go and make an informed choice.

What does travel insurance cover for the USA?

It’s very important to get travel insurance for your trip to the States, because you’re just as likely to lose your luggage there as anywhere else! As mentioned earlier, the cost of medical treatment in America is by far the biggest reason to buy the right policy.

Here’s what most insurance policies will cover you for:

Medical problems

A good policy will cover ambulance transportation, repatriation flights, medical and hospital costs, dental treatment, and also in-hospital cash. Australia does not have a reciprocal health care agreement with the United States², so comprehensive medical cover is absolutely non-negotiable.

Personal liability

If you injure someone or damage property while you’re in America, you’ll need this inclusion to help cover costs. Also, you may be more likely to be sued for damages in the US because of the way their legal system works.

Cancellation fees and lost deposits

If you have to cancel or rearrange your trip, or part of it, then you may lose your deposits, or have to pay a cancellation fee. This cover can reimburse you.

Lost or delayed luggage

If your luggage is lost or delayed then you’ll be able to buy replacement clothes, toiletries, and other essentials.

Lost or stolen possessions

If you lose your luggage during the holiday, then you’ll be reimbursed for the costs of replacing your possessions.

Travel delays and cancellations

If your travel plans are disrupted by circumstances beyond your control, then you’ll get a payment to cover the expenses of additional meals and accommodation.

Lost or stolen travel documents

If you need to replace passports or visas during your holiday, then the costs are covered by your insurer.

Rental vehicle excess

If you get into an accident with your rental car then you’re covered against the rental company’s insurance excess payment.

Compare travel insurance policies before heading to the United States

You can compare travel insurance policies the easy way with iSelect. We can help you to determine the right policy for your needs and make applying for cover easy.

*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 made 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.
Sources
1. https://smartraveller.gov.au/countries/americas/north/pages/united_states_of_america.aspx#health
2. https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/reciprocal-health-care-agreements/australians/medical-care-when-you-travel-another-country