How much is holiday insurance for usa?

Why USA travel insurance costs more

The primary reason holiday insurance for the USA is more expensive than other destinations is the cost of medical treatment. Unlike the UK, where the NHS provides care at the point of use, the American healthcare system is private and highly commercialised. A single night in a US hospital can cost several thousand pounds, and a medical repatriation back to the UK can easily exceed £50,000. Insurers must price their premiums to reflect these high potential claims. Furthermore, there are no reciprocal healthcare agreements between the UK and the USA, meaning you are responsible for 100 per cent of your medical bills if you are uninsured.

• No reciprocal health agreements (GHIC is not valid)
• Extremely high costs for emergency room visits
• Expensive prescription medication prices
• High costs for air ambulance and repatriation
• Private hospital room and board charges

What is typically covered in a USA policy

A standard policy for the United States focuses heavily on medical expenses, often providing at least £5 million to £10 million in cover. This ensures that even the most complex surgeries or long-term intensive care stays are accounted for. Beyond health, your policy should protect your financial investment in the trip. Given that flights and accommodation in America are often expensive, cancellation cover is a vital component. Most policies will also include personal liability, which is particularly important in the USA due to the litigious nature of the legal system and the high costs associated with legal defence.

• Emergency medical and surgical expenses
• Repatriation to the United Kingdom
• Cancellation or curtailment of your trip
• Loss, theft, or damage to personal possessions
• Personal liability cover up to £2 million
• Legal expenses and advice

Common exclusions to look out for

While USA policies are comprehensive, they do not cover everything. Most insurers will exclude claims arising from alcohol or drug abuse, which is a common reason for claim rejection. If you plan on taking part in adventure sports like skiing in Colorado or surfing in Hawaii, you must check if these activities are covered as standard or require an additional premium. Crucially, any pre-existing medical conditions that have not been declared at the time of purchase will almost certainly invalidate a medical claim. Always read the policy document to understand the specific 'excess' you must pay toward each claim.

Factors that influence your premium

Several factors dictate how much you will pay for your North American cover. Age is the most significant variable; as you get older, the statistical likelihood of a medical claim increases, causing premiums to rise sharply for those over 65. The duration of your stay also matters, as longer trips represent a longer window of risk for the insurer. Finally, the level of excess you choose can lower your upfront cost, but it means you will pay more out of pocket if you need to make a claim. Choosing a higher excess can be a way to reduce the initial premium for budget-conscious travellers.

• Age of the oldest traveller on the policy
• Total duration of the stay in the USA
• Presence of pre-existing medical conditions
• Selected level of cancellation cover
• Choice of policy excess amount
• Inclusion of extra activities like winter sports

Declaring pre-existing medical conditions

Honesty is essential when applying for USA travel insurance. You must disclose any condition for which you have taken medication, seen a doctor, or had surgery in the last few years. Because US medical costs are so high, failing to declare a condition like high blood pressure or diabetes could leave you with a bill for tens of thousands of pounds that the insurer will refuse to pay. Many specialist providers cater to those with serious health issues, so it is always possible to find cover, even if the premium is higher than a standard policy.

How to make a claim from the USA

If you require medical treatment while in America, you must contact your insurer's 24-hour emergency assistance line as soon as possible. Many US hospitals will want to see proof of insurance before they begin non-emergency treatment. Your insurer can often settle bills directly with the hospital, which prevents you from having to pay large sums upfront. Keep every receipt and document provided by the medical facility, as these will be required as evidence. For non-medical claims like theft, a police report obtained within 24 hours is usually a mandatory requirement for a successful claim.

FCDO advice and regulatory context

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides essential safety and security advice for the USA. It is a condition of almost all insurance policies that you follow this advice; if you travel to an area against FCDO warnings, your insurance will likely be void. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) notes that the USA is the most expensive country for travel insurance claims globally. Regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) ensures that UK insurers treat customers fairly, providing a route to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) if a dispute over a claim arises.

Practical checklist for USA travellers

Before you depart for the states, ensure your insurance paperwork is easily accessible. Do not rely solely on a digital copy on your phone; print a physical version of your policy summary and the emergency contact numbers. Check that your policy covers the entire duration of your trip, including the days you spend travelling. If you are visiting multiple states or crossing into Canada or Mexico, ensure your policy covers those regions as well. Finally, double-check that your cancellation limit is high enough to cover the total cost of your flights, hotels, and pre-booked tours.