From iconic cities to diverse landscapes, the USA is a destination that promises something for every kind of traveller. Whilst we hope you get to live the American dream, things don't always go to plan - which is why having the right travel insurance is essential.
Holiday Extras travel insurance policies come with protection for things like emergency medical care, cancellations and lost baggage. Our bronze, silver and gold cover levels give you the flexibility to choose the protection that suits your trip, so you can travel with confidence.
Do I need travel insurance for the USA?
It is recommended that you take out reliable travel insurance for any trip abroad, especially when visiting the USA. While it's not a legal requirement to enter the country, the USA is known for having some of the highest medical costs in the world. If something unexpected were to happen, you wouldn't want the trip of a lifetime ruined by a medical bill bigger than Texas.
Medical costs aside, knowing you're covered for things like lost baggage, unexpected illness and flight delays means you can relax and focus on all the fun stuff.
Why can USA travel insurance be more expensive?
Whilst the USA has a healthcare system in place, hospitals are largely private and have costly upfront charges. Unlike the NHS in the UK, if you had an accident or became unwell and needed medical treatment, you'd be expected to cover the costs yourself. In the case of an emergency repatriation back to the UK, the bill could run into the hundreds of thousands. That's why travel insurance for the USA is so important.
If you are travelling with a medical condition, insurers may see this as a higher 'risk', potentially making your policy cost more. For more information on this, take a look at our page dedicated to Holiday Insurance with Pre-Existing Medical Conditions.
Will my GHIC card cover medical costs in the USA?
A GHIC card won't cover you in the USA, as this is part of a reciprocal healthcare agreement the UK holds only with certain European countries. Take a look at our page on Global Health Insurance Card for more detail on what this covers.
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Compare travel insurance cover levels
Choose from three different levels of cover, each with its own cover limits. Ranging from a simpler 'Bronze' plan to a higher level 'Gold' plan, you can tailor your policy to suit your needs. Browse the key benefits below, or see the full breakdown in our cover-level table and Policy Documents.
Bronze
| £15,000,000 | Emergency medical and repatriation expenses |
| £1,000 | Cancellation & Cutting your trip short |
| £2,000 | Personal belongings |
| £500 | Personal money |
| £500 | Gadget Cover |
Silver
| £20,000,000 | Emergency medical and repatriation expenses |
| £2,500 | Cancellation & Cutting your trip short |
| £3,000 | Personal belongings |
| £750 | Personal money |
| £500 | Gadget Cover |
Gold
| Unlimited | Emergency medical and repatriation expenses |
| £5,000* | Cancellation & Cutting your trip short |
| £5,000 | Personal belongings |
| £1,000 | Personal money |
| £750 | Gadget Cover |
*Or as specified on your schedule
Does USA travel insurance include activities?
America offers a huge range of exciting activities, from hiking in Yosemite to surfing along California's coast. With so much on offer, it's important to make sure your travel insurance covers the adventures you've got planned. Some activities are covered as standard, but others, especially those considered higher risk, might need an add-on or approval from the underwriter.
Winter Sports
Heading off on a snowy adventure to Aspen or the mountains of Colorado? If you're planning to take part in winter sports, you'll likely need our Winter Sports add-on - designed to help you stay safe on the slopes.
Water sports
Snorkelling the Florida Keys or kayaking the Everglades? Some water sports may be covered as a standard. If you're taking it up a notch and trying something like white water rafting, then you may need the Extended Risk add-on.
Extended Risk add-on
Turning it up a notch? If you are taking part in any high-risk sports or activities, they may fall under our Extended Risk add-on. The extended risk add-on provides cover for higher-risk activities and can be selected at the 'add-on stage' before payment.
Use our handy activity checker to see whether your chosen activity or sport is covered as standard, or if you'll need to add extra cover.
Do you need a visa to enter the United States?
To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa.
A British passport, valid for the duration of your trip and an ESTA will cover you if you are staying 90 days or less. If you are planning on staying longer, then you will need to apply for a visa via the US Gov website.
Some key things about buying an ESTA:
- Apply at least 72 hours before travel, although we recommend earlier.
- The ESTA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires
- The cost of the ESTA: $21 (as of 2025)
- You can apply online at the official ESTA website
Find more information on our Visa and Passports page or take a look at the offical advice for travel to USA on the UK Gov website.
Top tips for travelling to the USA
Travel InsuranceHealthcare in the USA is very expensive, and a minor injury could end up costing thousands. With protection for things like cancellation, lost baggage and flight delays too, getting a good travel insurance policy is a must.
Travelling with medicationIf you are travelling with medication, it's a good idea to check you are allowed to take it into the US. If you are allowed to bring your medication into the country, bring it in its original packaging and pack extra in your hand luggage.
TippingTipping is customary in the US, and service staff rely on it to boost their wage. Tipping is expected for restaurants, bars and taxis and is also common for hotels too. Some restaurants may add gratuity to the bill, so bear that in mind too.
Be ready for airport securitySecurity checks in the USA are thorough, so make sure you arrive in good time. Phones and laptops will need to be removed from your bags and liquid will need to be accessible too.
Staying connectedThe USA uses type A/B plugs so don't forget your adaptor! For more detail on USA travel adaptors check out this useful guide by Electrical Safety First on USA adaptors.
Stay aware of the local lawsLaws vary from state to state and what may be legal in one place may be illegal in another. It's always a good idea to be aware of the laws in the state you are in.
Are you going on a cruise to the USA?
If you are setting off on a sea-going cruise to the United States, our cruise policy covers for cruise-specific situations that standard travel insurance often doesn't.
For more information on cruise policies check out our page dedicated to cruise travel insurance.
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Let us answer your questions
Is travel insurance required to visit the USA?
While it's not a legal requirement to enter the country, the USA is known for having some of the highest medical costs in the world. If something unexpected were to happen, and you weren't covered, you would be responsible for paying the medical costs yourself. That's why it's really important to get good quality travel insurance before you go.
Why is travel insurance to the USA so expensive?
Travel insurance for the USA is often more expensive than for other destinations. This is because the USA is considered a higher-risk country, due to its higher medical costs compared to the rest of the world. The greater distance from the UK also plays a role, as repatriation from the USA would cost considerably more than from somewhere closer, like Europe.
Why choose Holiday Extra travel insurances for your USA trip?
With 40 years experience selling holiday insurance and over half a million policies sold in a single year*, it's safe to say we know a thing or two about travel insurance. That's why we've won Globe's Best Insurance Provider 16 years running.
Our team of insurance experts are here to help you through the booking process and assist with any queries you may have. Whilst you're away, you'll have access to 24/7 medical assistance, 365 days a year.
What type of insurance do I need to travel to the USA?
The type of travel insurance you need depends on the kind of holiday you're taking. When booking online, it's important to answer all questions accurately—this helps ensure you get the right level of cover for your trip. For travel to the USA, you'll need to choose the 'Worldwide Including' option, which covers the USA, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, don't forget to declare them. This will help avoid any issues if you need to make a claim.
Planning to take part in sports or adventurous activities while you're away? Make sure to add on Winter Sports or Extended Risk Activities cover if needed.
Do I need vaccinations for the USA?
Whilst there are no specific vaccination requirements to enter the USA, you should be up-to -date with routine UK vaccinations and boosters. For example the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine.
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*This figure reflects policies sold between 1st January and 31st December 2023.
Holiday Extras Travel Insurance is sold and administered by Holiday Extras Cover Limited, registered office address: Ashford Road, Newingreen, Hythe, Kent CT21 4JF.
Holiday Extras Cover Limited is an insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration number 828848. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting: http://register.fca.org.uk
Holiday Extras™ is a Trading Name of Holiday Extras Cover Limited. The insurance is underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is a company incorporated in England and Wales with company number 13436330 and whose registered office address is 1 Fen Court, London, United Kingdom, EC3M 5BN.
Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Reference Number 955859. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting: http://register.fca.org.uk