Do I need travel insurance for the USA?
Yes. Travel insurance for the USA is essential and should be arranged as soon as you book your trip.
The USA does not offer reciprocal healthcare to UK visitors. All medical treatment is private, and even a minor illness or injury can result in very high medical bills. Without adequate insurance, you would be responsible for paying these costs yourself.
USA travel insurance can help cover:
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Emergency medical treatment and hospital stays
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Ambulance fees and medical evacuation
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Emergency repatriation to the UK
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Trip cancellation or curtailment
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Lost, stolen or damaged luggage
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Travel delays and missed departures
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Personal liability
Cover limits, terms and exclusions apply. Always read the Policy Wording carefully.
Healthcare in the USA and why insurance is essential
Healthcare in the United States is among the most expensive in the world. There is no equivalent to the GHIC or EHIC for travel to the USA.
Typical medical costs can include:
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Emergency room visit: £1,000+
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Hospital stay: £5,000+ per night
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Surgery or specialist treatment: tens of thousands of pounds
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Medical repatriation to the UK: £50,000 or more
USA travel insurance helps protect you from these potentially life-changing expenses. Covered2Go provides up to £10 million in emergency medical cover, depending on your chosen policy level.
What type of travel insurance do I need for the USA?
Most travellers will need Worldwide travel insurance including the USA.
Covered2Go offers several policy options to suit different travel plans:
Ideal for a one-off holiday or business trip to the USA.
Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
Often more cost-effective if you plan to take two or more trips within a 12-month period. Worldwide policies can include or exclude the USA, so ensure the USA is included when selecting your cover.
Suitable for extended stays in the USA, backpacking trips or longer-term travel across multiple destinations.
Optional add-ons are available, including:
Travel Insurance for Different Types of USA Trips
The USA offers something for every type of traveller, from family holidays and city breaks to business trips and once-in-a-lifetime road trips. Choosing the right travel insurance can help ensure you’re protected throughout your journey, wherever your American adventure takes you.
- Travel Insurance for Florida Holidays
Florida remains one of the most popular destinations for UK travellers, thanks to its world-famous theme parks, beautiful beaches and year-round sunshine. Whether you’re visiting Orlando, Miami or the Gulf Coast, travel insurance can help protect against unexpected medical expenses, cancellations and travel disruption during your holiday.
- Travel Insurance for New York City Breaks
From Times Square and Central Park to Broadway and the Statue of Liberty, New York is one of the world’s most visited cities. Whether you’re travelling for a long weekend or an extended stay, travel insurance can help provide peace of mind from the moment you book until you return home.
- Travel Insurance for Family Holidays in the USA
The USA is a popular destination for family holidays, offering everything from theme parks and beaches to national parks and unforgettable attractions. Travel insurance can help protect your family against unexpected events before and during your trip, allowing you to focus on making memories together.
Related: Family Travel Insurance
- Travel Insurance for Business Travel to the USA
If you’re travelling to the USA for work, conferences or business meetings, travel insurance can help provide protection against delays, cancellations and unexpected medical expenses while you’re away. Business travellers should also consider whether additional business travel cover may be appropriate for their trip.
Related: Business Travel Insurance
- Travel Insurance for USA Road Trips
Road trips are one of the best ways to experience America. Whether you’re exploring California’s Pacific Coast Highway, travelling through the Deep South or driving across multiple states, travel insurance can help provide protection throughout your journey and provide valuable support if unexpected issues arise whilst travelling.
What should my USA travel insurance include?
When choosing travel insurance for the USA, high medical limits are essential.
A good policy should include:
- Emergency medical expenses
Covered2Go offers up to £10 million for emergency medical treatment in the USA.
- Cancellation and curtailment cover
Protection if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to unforeseen insured reasons. Platinum policies offer up to £10,000 per person.
- Emergency repatriation
Cover for medical evacuation or return to the UK following serious illness or injury.
- Personal belongings and baggage
Cover if your luggage, valuables or personal items are lost, stolen or damaged.
Covered2Go offers Silver, Gold and Platinum levels of cover, with different limits and excess options, including £0 excess on Platinum policies.
What isn’t covered by USA travel insurance?
All travel insurance policies include exclusions. Common exclusions include:
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Pre-existing medical conditions that have not been declared
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Certain sports and activities unless additional cover is selected
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Alcohol or drug-related incidents
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War, terrorism or civil unrest, subject to policy terms
Full details are outlined in the Policy Wording, which should be reviewed before purchasing.
USA Travel Insurance vs European Travel Insurance
Travelling to the USA can be different from travelling within Europe, particularly when it comes to healthcare arrangements, entry requirements and potential medical costs. While travel insurance is important for any trip abroad, travellers visiting the USA should be aware that healthcare is private and treatment costs can be significantly higher than they may expect.
| Feature | Travel to the USA | Travel within Europe |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare System | Private Healthcare | Varies by Destination |
| GHIC/EHIC Acceptance | Not Accepted | May Provide Access to State Healthcare in Participating Countries |
| Medical Treatment Costs | Can Be Expensive | Can Vary by Destination |
| Travel Authorisation Requirements | ESTA May Be Required | Requirements Vary by Country |
| Travel Insurance | Recommended | Recommended |
Whether you’re travelling to New York, Florida, Las Vegas or California, travel insurance can help provide protection against unexpected events before and during your trip. If you’re planning a European holiday instead, you may wish to explore our Europe Travel Insurance options.
Popular USA Destinations
The United States is one of the world’s most diverse travel destinations, offering everything from iconic cities and theme parks to breathtaking national parks and legendary road trips. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, city break or once-in-a-lifetime adventure, travel insurance can help provide peace of mind before and during your trip.
Florida Holidays
Florida remains one of the most popular destinations for UK travellers, thanks to its world-famous theme parks, beautiful beaches and year-round sunshine.
New York City Breaks
From Times Square and Central Park to Broadway and the Statue of Liberty, New York offers an unforgettable city break experience for visitors from around the world.
Las Vegas Holidays
Known for its entertainment, nightlife and world-class resorts, Las Vegas continues to attract millions of visitors each year.
California Adventures
Whether you’re exploring Los Angeles, San Francisco or the Pacific Coast Highway, California offers something for families, couples and road trip enthusiasts alike.
Orlando Theme Park Holidays
Home to some of the world’s most famous theme parks and attractions, Orlando remains a favourite destination for families visiting the USA.
USA Road Trips
From Route 66 and the Pacific Coast Highway to journeys through America’s national parks, road trips are one of the best ways to experience the diverse landscapes and culture of the United States.
When should my USA travel insurance start?
Your USA travel insurance should start from the date you book your trip, not the date you travel. This ensures you are covered for cancellation if an unexpected event occurs before departure.
Visa and entry requirements for the USA
UK passport holders do not usually need a visa for short visits to the USA, but must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation).
An ESTA:
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Allows travel to the USA for up to 90 days
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Costs around $40
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Must be approved before departure
You should ensure your travel insurance covers the full duration of your stay.
Why Choose Covered2Go?
Choosing the right travel insurance for the USA is important, particularly when medical treatment costs can be significantly higher than many other destinations. At Covered2Go, we offer flexible travel insurance options designed to help protect you before and during your trip.
- Up to £10 Million Emergency Medical Cover
- Silver, Gold and Platinum Cover Levels Available
- Single Trip, Annual Multi Trip and Longstay Policies Available
- Cover Available for a Wide Range of Declared Medical Conditions Following Medical Screening
- Which? Best Buy Recognised Policies
- Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
- FCA Regulated UK Travel Insurance Provider
Whether you’re planning a family holiday to Florida, a city break in New York, a road trip through California or a business trip to the USA, Covered2Go can help you travel with confidence.
Compare Our USA Travel Insurance Cover Levels
Whether you’re planning a short city break, a family holiday or an extended trip to America, Covered2Go offers three levels of travel insurance cover to help you choose the protection that’s right for your trip. Compare some of the key benefits available across our Silver, Gold and Platinum cover levels below.
| Cover Benefit | Silver | Gold | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Expenses | £5 Million | £10 Million | £10 Million |
| Cancellation Cover | £2,000 | £5,500 | £10,000 |
| Baggage & Personal Belongings | £1,500 | £3,000 | £5,000 |
| Personal Liability | £2 Million | £2 Million | £2 Million |
| Policy Excess | £75 | £50 | Nil |
All cover limits shown are a summary of selected benefits only and are subject to policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions. Please refer to the Policy Wording and Insurance Product Information Document (IPID) for full details of cover.
Ready to Visit America?
Whether you’re planning a family holiday to Florida, a city break in New York, a road trip through California or a business trip to the USA, having the right travel insurance in place can help provide valuable peace of mind before and during your trip.
Covered2Go offers flexible USA Travel Insurance with Silver, Gold and Platinum cover levels, allowing you to choose the level of protection that best suits your travel plans and budget.
Get a personalised quote in minutes. Simply tell us:
- Where you’re travelling
- How long you’ll be away
- Who’s travelling
- Any optional cover you may need
Get a Quote for USA Travel Insurance
Whether you’re travelling to Florida, New York, Las Vegas, California or beyond, Covered2Go can help provide protection before and during your trip.
Start your quote today and choose from Single Trip, Annual Multi Trip or Longstay Travel Insurance options designed to help protect your American adventure.
Cover limits, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Policy Wording carefully to ensure the cover meets your needs.
Last reviewed: July 2026
Reviewed by the Covered2Go Travel Insurance Team
