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Compare Travel Insurance for the USA

Heading to the United States? Compare travel insurance policies designed for Australians travelling to the USA: the most expensive country in the world for medical claims. Get covered before you go.

The Benefits

Why Choose USA Travel Insurance

Unlimited Medical Cover Is Non-Negotiable

The USA consistently records the highest medical claim costs of any destination for Australian travellers. A single hospitalisation can run to tens of thousands of dollars, and complex cases can exceed $1 million. Unlike at home, there is no Medicare safety net in the USA – every bill is yours to pay without insurance. A comprehensive USA travel insurance policy with unlimited medical cover is the single most important thing you can do before boarding your flight.

Trip Cancellation and Travel Delays

The USA is a long and expensive trip from Australia, and the cost of pre-paid flights, accommodation, and tours can be significant. Travel insurance covers unforeseen trip cancellations and curtailments due to illness, injury, natural disasters, and other events outside your control, as well as out-of-pocket accommodation, meals, and transport expenses incurred as a result of unexpected delays.

Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation

If you require emergency medical care in a location where adequate treatment is not available, or if your condition requires specialist care not accessible locally, emergency evacuation and repatriation to Australia can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars without insurance. Most comprehensive USA travel insurance policies cover these costs in full as part of the medical benefit.

Luggage and Personal Belongings

Lost, stolen, or damaged luggage is one of the most common travel mishaps, and the USA is no exception. A comprehensive USA travel insurance policy covers the cost of replacing or repairing your personal belongings – from cameras and laptops to clothing and travel documents – so a luggage mishap doesn’t add unwelcome costs to your trip.

Personal Liability Cover

If you are found legally liable for causing injury to another person or damage to their property while in the USA, the financial consequences can be severe. The USA has a highly litigious legal environment, and liability claims can be significant. Personal liability cover is included as standard in most comprehensive USA travel insurance policies and provides essential protection.

No Hidden Fees

Our USA travel insurance comparison is completely free to use. You’ll be directed straight to the insurer’s website to complete your purchase at their direct price – no markups, no surprises.

Key Considerations

How to Choose USA Travel Insurance

Prioritise Unlimited Medical Cover

More than any other destination, the USA demands the highest level of medical cover available. Some insurers offer policies with capped medical benefits; for example $500,00 – which may seem substantial but can fall short in the event of a serious medical emergency in the USA. Given that Australian travellers to the USA regularly incur six and seven-figure medical bills, a policy with unlimited medical cover is strongly recommended over a capped alternative. Always check the medical benefit limit before purchasing.

Understand the ESTA and Entry Requirements

Most Australians travelling to the USA for tourism or business for up to 90 days do not need a traditional visa, but they do need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure. An ESTA must be approved before you board your flight – it is not issued at the border. If your ESTA is denied, you will need to apply for a B-1/B-2 tourist visa instead, which involves an embassy interview and longer processing time. Always apply for your ESTA well in advance and ensure the name on your application exactly matches your passport.

Check Government Travel Advisories

It’s worth checking the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website before and during your trip for the latest travel advisories for the USA. US border entry requirements are strict, and even travellers with a valid ESTA can be denied entry at the border if US authorities determine they do not meet entry requirements. Staying informed about any changes to entry conditions before you travel is strongly recommended.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Pre-existing medical conditions must be declared when purchasing USA travel insurance, and this is especially critical for travel to the USA given the extreme cost of medical treatment. Some conditions may be covered automatically, while others require a medical assessment or attract an additional premium. Never travel to the USA without declaring all relevant conditions, as an undisclosed condition that contributes to a claim could result in that claim being rejected.

Adventure Activities and Add-Ons

The USA offers a wide range of adventure activities – from skiing in Colorado and Utah to surfing in Hawaii, white water rafting in the Grand Canyon, and skydiving over the Nevada desert. But not all activities are automatically covered under standard travel insurance policies. If your trip includes any higher-risk activities, check the specific activity inclusions of your chosen policy and add any necessary optional extras before you travel.

Some US Hospitals May Ask for Proof of Insurance

Some hospitals in the USA may ask for proof of travel insurance coverage before providing treatment. This makes it especially important to carry your travel insurance policy details and your insurer’s 24-hour emergency assistance number with you at all times while travelling in the USA. If you do need medical treatment, contact your insurer’s emergency line as early as possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need travel insurance for the USA?

Travel insurance is not a legal requirement for entry to the USA. However, it is one of the most strongly recommended destinations in the world for comprehensive cover. The USA has no reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia, meaning you have no Medicare safety net and every medical cost is your responsibility. Australian travellers to the USA collectively incur millions of dollars in medical claims each year, with individual claims regularly running into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Even a straightforward appendicitis requiring two nights in hospital has been reported to cost around $75,000 in the USA. A comprehensive policy with unlimited medical cover is not optional, it is essential.

Do I need a visa to travel to the USA?

Most Australians travelling to the USA for tourism or business for up to 90 days do not need a traditional visa. Instead, they must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) through the official US Customs and Border Protection website before departure. An ESTA must be approved prior to boarding – it is not available on arrival. If your stay exceeds 90 days, if you plan to work or study, or if your ESTA is denied, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa. Always check current entry requirements with the US Embassy or Smartraveller before your trip, as requirements can change.

What happens if I need medical treatment in the USA?

Contact your insurer’s 24-hour emergency assistance line as soon as possible – ideally before or as soon as you seek treatment. Your insurer can help coordinate care, provide a guarantee of payment to the hospital, and arrange evacuation if necessary. Some US hospitals may ask for proof of insurance before treating you, so having your policy details and emergency contact number readily accessible is important. Keep all receipts, invoices, and medical documentation as these will be required to support any claim.

Is the USA covered under standard Australian travel insurance policies?

Yes, the USA is covered under most standard Australian travel insurance policies. However, because of the high cost of medical care in the USA, many insurers price USA policies at a higher premium than other destinations. Some insurers also apply specific conditions or lower benefit limits for the USA, so always read the policy terms carefully. If you are also travelling to Canada as part of the same trip, confirm that Canada is included in your policy as well, as it is a separate destination from the USA.

Are adventure activities covered under USA travel insurance?

This depends on the activity and the policy. Recreational activities such as hiking, snorkelling, and surfing are typically covered under standard comprehensive policies. Higher-risk activities – including skiing, skydiving, motorbiking, and competitive sports – may require an optional add-on or may be excluded from certain policies entirely. Always check the specific activity inclusions of your chosen policy before travelling and add any necessary cover before you depart.

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