When planning a trip to the United States, securing travel insurance is a smart move especially given the high cost of medical care in the US. This article helps you navigate travel insurance for USA visitors, focusing on affordability, coverage, and reliability. You’ll learn how to pick the right policy so you don’t get stuck with big bills abroad.
Why Travel Insurance Matters in the USA
Visiting the USA often means paying much higher costs for medical care than you might expect in other countries. If you travel without insurance and something goes wrong an accident or a sudden illness, you could face major bills. A suitable travel insurance policy gives you a safety net.
According to Investopedia, travel insurance typically costs between 4 % and 10 % of your prepaid, non refundable trip cost. For example, if your trip costs $2,000 and your travel insurance costs $80, you’re paying 4 % of the trip cost. If something goes wrong, you’ll feel the benefit.
What Makes a “Cheap and Best” Policy?
Cheap doesn’t automatically mean poor quality. The goal is to balance cost with coverage. Here are key factors to look at:
Coverage Limits
- Emergency medical care : In the USA you’ll want high medical limits because hospital visits can be very expensive.
- Medical evacuation and repatriation : If you need to be flown home or transported to another facility, this matters.
- Trip cancellation/interruption : If your trip is cancelled or cut short for a covered reason, will you be reimbursed?
- Baggage loss or delay, rental car damage : Optional but helpful, depending on your travel style.
Price/Premium
- Affordable plans exist: For US visitors, e.g., some plans start around $75 or less for a short trip.
- Basic cover may be cheaper but with lower limits or fewer benefits.
Pre‑Existing Conditions & Age
- Many visitors have pre existing conditions or are older; these factors raise premiums or reduce coverage.
- Some plans offer “acute onset” coverage of pre existing conditions.
Reliability & Claims Experience
- A cheap policy means little if you cannot trust the insurer to honour claims.
- Read reviews; make sure the insurer has good ratings and a strong network of providers.
Price/Premium
- Affordable plans exist: For US visitors, e.g., some plans start around $75 or less for a short trip.
- Basic cover may be cheaper but with lower limits or fewer benefits.
Pre‑Existing Conditions & Age
- Many visitors have pre‑existing conditions or are older; these factors raise premiums or reduce coverage.
- Some plans offer “acute onset” coverage of pre‑existing conditions.
Reliability & Claims Experience
- A cheap policy means little if you cannot trust the insurer to honour claims.
- Read reviews; make sure the insurer has good ratings and a strong network of providers.
Top Affordable Travel Insurance Options for Visiting the USA
Here are some specific plans that stand out:
1. NerdWallet’s List of Low Cost Plans
Their list includes:
- AXA Assistance USA Silver Plan around $70, includes up to $25,000 medical costs.
- Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection Exact Care Value Plan about $56, offering strong basic benefits.
These highlight that you can find reasonably priced plans if you shop smart.
2. Visitor/Medical‑Visitor Plans
- VISOA lists budget travel medical plans for non US residents visiting the USA. Coverage from $50 K to $1 M medical limits, deductibles from $0 to $5,000.
- Trawick International Safe Travels USA Cost Saver for US residents travelling domestically, low cost and essential coverage.
3. Cheap Doesn’t Mean Minimal
- Prices vary: On Squaremouth’s data, average premiums for affordable plans ranged around $139–$178.
- That’s still manageable for many travelers and vastly better than paying out of pocket for a US health emergency.
How to Choose the Right Plan – Step by Step
Here’s a process you can follow before your trip to the USA:
Step 1: Estimate Your Risk
- How long will you stay?
- What activities will you do (adventure sports may require special cover)?
- Do you have health issues or are you older?
- What is the cost of your trip (to determine %‑based premium)?
Step 2: Set Your Coverage Minimums
For USA travel, a decent baseline might include:
- $100,000+ emergency medical coverage
- $50,000+ evacuation/repatriation
- Coverage for trip cancellation/interruption if you pre pay airfare/accommodation.
Step 3: Compare Quotes & Insurers
- Use comparison tools (like Squaremouth, VisitorsCoverage) to compare price vs coverage.
- Check reviews: How quickly do they pay claims? Are there complaints?
Step 4: Read Policy Details Carefully
- What is the deductible (you pay part of cost)?
- Are pre‑existing conditions covered or only “acute onset”?
- Are adventure sports or rental cars included?
- What network of hospitals/providers do they partner with?
Last Step 5: Buy Early
- Many policies must be purchased before you travel.
- Lock in coverage while trip cost is still refundable if you cancel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing the cheapest premium without checking coverage limits. You may save money now but get stuck with massive bills later.
- Assuming your home health insurance will cover you in the USA many times it won’t cover non residents or travel abroad.
- Ignoring the provider network. If the insurer does not have a hospital network in the US access area you’ll face delays and extra payment issues.
- Failing to buy early waiting can reduce benefits such as pre existing condition coverage or trip cancellation.
Realistic Price Examples
The actual premium you’ll pay depends on several variables. Here are some ballpark numbers:
- For a month long U.S. trip by a younger healthy traveler: Reports show $75 or so for basic medical only coverage.
- Premiums tend toward 4–10% of trip cost on average.
- Extra benefits (pre existing conditions, high medical limits, CFAR – “Cancel For Any Reason”) will add to cost.
Why Reliability Matters as Much as Price
You might find a policy for under $50, but if the insurer is difficult when you actually claim, the cost savings vanish. Reliable insurers:
- Process claims promptly
- Have strong financial ratings
- Partner with major hospital networks in the US
- Provide clear policy terms
For instance, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection is noted for speedy claims and strong benefits in budget plans.
Before you travel to the USA, check for any consumer reviews or complaint history of the insurer. A policy that pays out will give you peace of mind cheaper in the long term.
Final Thoughts by Expertshout
If you will visit the USA, you don’t need the most expensive travel insurance plan, but you do need a good one. Here’s what I recommend:
- Choose a policy with at least $100,000+ medical coverage and decent evacuation benefits.
- Compare quotes from multiple providers; aim for somewhere in the $70‑$200 range depending on your trip and profile.
- Check that the insurer has a strong U.S. provider network and a good claims track record.
- Buy your policy as early as possible, review the policy document carefully, and ensure you know how to access help if needed while abroad.
Travel insurance for USA visitors doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right approach, you can find a policy that is affordable, high value, and truly protective. That way you enjoy your trip with one less worry