- The best travel insurance plans for United States
- Is it currently safe to travel to</b> the United States?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter the United States?
- Why take out travel insurance for the United States?
- What Should Travel Insurance for the United States Cover?
- The cost of travel insurance for the United States
- How to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to the United States
- Your Current Insurance Coverage in United States
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for United States: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for the USA covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and personal liability.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but vital due to extremely high US healthcare costs.
3. Healthcare cost: A single night in a US hospital can easily cost over AUD $10,000.
4. Price: A one-week policy for the USA typically costs between AUD $80 and $150.
5. Good to know: Australia has no reciprocal healthcare agreement with the United States; you pay all costs.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 42 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for the United States.
The best travel insurance plans for United States
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.6M AUD | Our top choice for trips to United States. - very high medical cover - flexible terms - emergency repatriation |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.6M AUD | Strong option for both short and long stays. - 24/7 helpline - travel assistance - high hospital limit |
| Tourist Card | 800k AUD | A practical plan for tourism and family visits. - robust core benefits - easy claims - emergency support |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.1M AUD | Good fit for extended travel. - strong outpatient cover - hospital care - support for chronic illness |
| Globe Partner | 480k AUD | Flexible, economical solution. - essential medical cover - civil liability - repatriation included |
| Globe Traveller | 800k AUD | Simple, effective policy for short trips. - essential protection - fast claims - sufficient for most needs |
- very high medical cover
- flexible terms
- emergency repatriation
- 24/7 helpline
- travel assistance
- high hospital limit
- robust core benefits
- easy claims
- emergency support
- strong outpatient cover
- hospital care
- support for chronic illness
- essential medical cover
- civil liability
- repatriation included
- essential protection
- fast claims
- sufficient for most needs
Is it currently safe to travel to the United States?
As of June 2025, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) advises travellers from Australia to exercise normal safety precautions when visiting the United States. No nationwide travel ban is in place, but certain risks require careful attention.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: civil unrest and mass shootings remain real concerns. Demonstrations in cities such as Portland or Los Angeles have at times turned violent, and random mass casualty events have occurred in public venues.
- Health risks: medical care is of a high standard, but costs are extremely high and there is no reciprocal healthcare agreement for Australians. Treatment for a simple emergency room visit in New York or Los Angeles can exceed $2,000 AUD, not including ambulance fees.
- Severe weather and natural disasters: natural events such as hurricanes in Florida, wildfires in California or Hawaii, and tornadoes in the Midwest can cause sudden disruption, property damage, and evacuation orders.
- Legal and entry requirements: United States authorities have broad discretionary powers at the border and throughout your stay. Australians must comply with all ESTA or visa rules and are subject to strict customs regulations, including on prescription medicine.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in United States.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter the United States?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Australian citizens to enter the United States.
While there is no legal requirement to hold travel insurance for entry, it is strongly recommended by both Australian and US authorities. This is due to the extremely high cost of medical care in the United States and the absence of a reciprocal healthcare agreement between AU and US. Comprehensive travel insurance can protect against unforeseen medical expenses, accidents, and emergencies.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to the United States. This high percentage reflects the expensive health system and the risk of high out-of-pocket expenses for medical treatment.
Why take out travel insurance for the United States?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to United States.
In the United States, healthcare costs can be exceptionally high. Even basic hospital stays at top facilities such as NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital or Cedars-Sinai Medical Center often result in substantial bills. Australians cannot access any public or subsidized care, so all services are fully chargeable, regardless of severity.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalization costs, medications, ambulance transport, and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of serious illness or accident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in United States.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | $9,500 (about AUD 14,350) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | $14,000 (about AUD 21,150) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | $180,000 (about AUD 272,000) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | $28,000 (about AUD 42,400) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What Should Travel Insurance for the United States Cover?
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers doctor’s fees, hospital stays, emergency treatments, and surgery. Recommended reimbursement limit: AUD 2,000,000 due to very high healthcare costs. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation & repatriation | Covers transport to Australia or the nearest suitable hospital in a medical emergency. Recommended reimbursement limit: AUD 500,000 minimum due to high costs. |
| 💊 Medications | Covers prescription drugs required after illness or injury during the trip. Recommended reimbursement limit: AUD 5,000. |
| 📱 Personal liability | Covers damages to others if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property. Recommended reimbursement limit: AUD 1,000,000. |
| ✈️ Trip interruption & delays | Compensation for additional expenses or lost deposits due to delayed or interrupted travel. Recommended reimbursement limit: AUD 5,000. |
| 🛄 Lost/stolen luggage | Covers baggage that is lost, stolen, or damaged by the carrier. Recommended reimbursement limit: AUD 3,000. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Emergency assistance | 24/7 multilingual support for medical, legal, or travel emergencies. Recommended reimbursement: included as standard service. |
| 🚗 Rental car excess | Covers the insurance excess charged by car rental companies after an accident or theft. Recommended reimbursement limit: AUD 4,000. |
Recommended reimbursement limit: AUD 2,000,000 due to very high healthcare costs.
Recommended reimbursement limit: AUD 500,000 minimum due to high costs.
Recommended reimbursement limit: AUD 5,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: AUD 1,000,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: AUD 5,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: AUD 3,000.
Recommended reimbursement: included as standard service.
Recommended reimbursement limit: AUD 4,000.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards usually includes low maximum limits, numerous exclusions, and little to no cover for serious health costs. It is safer to choose a trusted insurer with full cover. Compare top options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for the United States
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AUD 48 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AUD 87 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AUD 142 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AUD 340 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
When getting travel insurance for the States, the cost depends on your age, trip duration, the level of cover you need, and any extras like cancellation. With the US having high medical costs and potential for disruptions, it's vital to consider these factors to find a policy that properly protects you without breaking the bank.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to the United States
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to United States while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🗺️ Length of stay | Insurance price increases with longer stays. The United States has high daily healthcare costs. | Choose a plan with precise trip dates, not an open-ended policy, to pay only for days you need. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Number of travelers | Family policies can be cheaper per person and make the claim process simpler. | Look for family or group insurance deals for a lower total price per traveler. |
| 📋 Level of coverage | High medical coverage is essential in the United States, where hospital costs can be substantial. | Pick a policy covering at least AUD 1 million for medical, but avoid extra options unnecessary for your trip. |
| 🏥 Medical exclusions | The United States has high costs for pre-existing conditions and advanced care. | Declare pre-existing conditions and only pay extra for relevant, needed coverage. |
| 🎒 Activities covered | Adventurous activities are common in the United States and may not be covered by basic insurance. | Avoid high-risk activities if not needed, or select tailored cover for only those specific activities. |
| 💳 Deductibles | Lower deductibles increase the premium. Moderate out-of-pocket expense can help reduce costs upfront. | Opt for a slightly higher deductible for a more affordable premium, but check it won't exceed your emergency budget. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Age over 60 often increases prices, but not always. | Consider Heymondo, which does not increase its prices for people over 62—unique for older Australians. |
Your Current Insurance Coverage in United States
It is completely reasonable to wonder if your current Australian coverage—such as Medicare, private health insurance, or credit card insurance—can protect you during a trip to the United States. Unfortunately, this is often insufficient, especially because the US does not have a health agreement with Australia.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of Insurance | Valid in United States? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | No, never | No overseas care, no medical or hospital expense cover outside Australia. | Travel insurance covers over A$1,000,000 emergency medical + repatriation. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa, Medibank, nib) | Yes, partly | Some overseas emergency, usually A$10,000–A$50,000, no evacuation or ongoing hospital costs. | Travel insurance covers up to A$5,000,000 medical and A$2,000/bag lost luggage. |
| Classic credit card (ANZ First, Westpac Low Rate, CommBank Low Fee) | Yes, partly | Medical A$10,000–A$20,000, short trips, no trip cancellation, strict conditions. | Travel insurance covers cancellation A$10,000 and higher medical and legal liabilities. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Platinum, Amex Explorer, NAB Signature) | Yes, partly | Medical up to A$50,000, some trip delay and baggage cover, limited duration. | Travel insurance increases cover to A$5,000,000 and full trip interruption services. |
Example
In California, a sudden case of appendicitis led to emergency surgery costing AU$75,000. Sarah's CommBank credit card insurance had a low limit, covering only AU$10,000. With no reciprocal healthcare agreement, she was personally liable for the remaining AU$65,000, a devastating cost for a common and unavoidable medical emergency.
Expert advice
Always check the terms, exclusions, and limits of your existing insurance. Essential situations, like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness, might be excluded. Read the conditions carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to United States?
Australian citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business visits to the United States of less than 90 days. You must instead apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before your trip. For stays longer than 90 days or other purposes such as work or study, a visa is required.
How do I purchase travel insurance for United States?
Start by comparing travel insurance plans using the HelloSafe comparison tool. Check the coverage and exclusions, especially those relevant to risks and costs in the United States. Buy your preferred policy securely online. Once complete, you will receive your insurance certificate by email, which you should bring when travelling.
Why is travel insurance so important for United States?
Medical care in the United States is among the most expensive in the world, and there is no reciprocal health agreement with Australia. Even minor emergencies can cost thousands of Australian dollars. Comprehensive travel insurance helps you avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses for hospitalisation, medical evacuation, and other incidents.
What are considered high-risk activities for travel insurance purposes in United States?
Insurance providers may consider activities like skiing, snowboarding, hiking in remote locations, cycling, adventure sports, or motorbike riding as high-risk. These may not be covered automatically and could require an added premium. Always read your policy to check whether your planned activities are included and how much cover applies.
What happens if I need urgent medical evacuation while in United States?
If you have suitable travel insurance, urgent medical evacuation (air ambulance or specialised transport) is covered, typically up to the policy’s limit. Without insurance, this can cost more than A$100,000. Always contact your insurer's emergency assistance team as soon as possible if such a situation arises.
Is the cost of travel insurance for United States affected by the length or purpose of my trip?
Yes, premiums are influenced by both factors. Longer trips and travel for work, study, or adventure sports generally have higher premiums than short holidays. For a family on a two-week trip, typical insurance costs range from A$120 to A$350 depending on the level of coverage selected.
Do I need a visa to travel to United States?
Australian citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business visits to the United States of less than 90 days. You must instead apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before your trip. For stays longer than 90 days or other purposes such as work or study, a visa is required.
How do I purchase travel insurance for United States?
Start by comparing travel insurance plans using the HelloSafe comparison tool. Check the coverage and exclusions, especially those relevant to risks and costs in the United States. Buy your preferred policy securely online. Once complete, you will receive your insurance certificate by email, which you should bring when travelling.
Why is travel insurance so important for United States?
Medical care in the United States is among the most expensive in the world, and there is no reciprocal health agreement with Australia. Even minor emergencies can cost thousands of Australian dollars. Comprehensive travel insurance helps you avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses for hospitalisation, medical evacuation, and other incidents.
What are considered high-risk activities for travel insurance purposes in United States?
Insurance providers may consider activities like skiing, snowboarding, hiking in remote locations, cycling, adventure sports, or motorbike riding as high-risk. These may not be covered automatically and could require an added premium. Always read your policy to check whether your planned activities are included and how much cover applies.
What happens if I need urgent medical evacuation while in United States?
If you have suitable travel insurance, urgent medical evacuation (air ambulance or specialised transport) is covered, typically up to the policy’s limit. Without insurance, this can cost more than A$100,000. Always contact your insurer's emergency assistance team as soon as possible if such a situation arises.
Is the cost of travel insurance for United States affected by the length or purpose of my trip?
Yes, premiums are influenced by both factors. Longer trips and travel for work, study, or adventure sports generally have higher premiums than short holidays. For a family on a two-week trip, typical insurance costs range from A$120 to A$350 depending on the level of coverage selected.
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