Woman hailing a yellow taxi on a busy street by Grand Central Terminal with American flags in the background.

USA travel insurance

American travel insurance tips and touring in the US

Published - 28 Aug 2024 | Updated - 30 Jun 2025

If you’re looking for adventure, America has a vast array of natural wonders and unique experiences to offer. Whether you’re planning an extended family outing to a Florida theme park, sightseeing in New York City or trekking in Yellowstone, you’ll want to be covered for a variety of activities.

Although travel insurance may not be compulsory for America, it is highly advisable you have cover in place before you go.

Why does travel insurance cost so much in the US?

The cost of healthcare is much higher than other countries, so it’s seen as a high-risk holiday destination. Overall, Stateside holidays tend not to be on the cheap side once you’ve totted up the cost of long-haul flights, accommodation and getting around.

What travel insurance is needed for the USA?

The cover you will need is for Worldwide travel including America, it should include the following:

Travel disruption, cancellation and abandonment cover
Holiday cancellation including accommodation cover
Baggage cover for loss or delay of your belongings
Cover for medical facilities and emergencies
Cover for excursions, sports and activities
Cancellation or delays for internal flights, or stopovers.

What can I do about US flight delays?

Waiting around in airports is no fun, especially if you’ve a long journey ahead of you. Thankfully, Saga Standard and Plus travel insurance come with Delayed Flight Assistance.

Register your flight 24 hours before departure and we’ll find you an airport lounge to relax in should you be delayed by more than 2 hours (1 hour for Saga Plus customers). This benefit can be used for delays to domestic flights as well as transatlantic services to the US, providing the airport has a relevant lounge to go to.

Does the NHS cover medical care in America?

Our National Health Service is revered around the world but it cannot stretch to providing services for when you are overseas. Most American clinics and hospitals are private and you’ll usually pay a per treatment upfront charge.

Check with your insurance company to see if they will cover you. Bear in mind it’s a long way should you fall ill and need to fly home, so a travel insurance policy that covers you for repatriation is highly recommended. Allow between £5 and £10 million for medical care for routine treatment, accidents and emergencies.

Does the GHIC card cover me for travel in the USA?

Not at present but there are plans to extend its reach. Despite its name, the GHIC like the EHIC, covers destinations within the European Economic Area and a selection of other countries including Switzerland and Australia.

USA travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions

It’s important to declare any health issues when arranging your travel policy. Saga accepts most pre-existing conditions and there’s no upper age limit. Some prescription medications may be restricted in the US. Check you are safe to carry them and make sure you have an ample supply for your trip.

Single trip travel insurance to the USA

If you’re planning a single trip to America, pay attention to the level of cancellation, theft and medical cover available. Are any destinations within the States excluded?

Make sure you’re covered for the dates of your stay and for transit to and from the country. If you’re planning a stop-over on the way to your destination or you may fancy a road trip when you get there, you’ll need a multi-trip policy.

Do I need insurance to travel to the USA?

It’s not compulsory but given the expense of flights, accommodation and any tours or excursions you may have booked, USA travel insurance is highly recommended.

Do I need a visa for US travel?

You can stay for 90 days without a visa but you’ll need to be authorised by the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation ESTA scheme prior to travel.

Fill out the application carefully. It should take around 30 minutes and you should know within 72 hours if you’ve been approved. If your application is rejected, you’ll need to apply for a visa from the United States embassy.

ESTAs are valid for 2 years or until your passport expires. You should be prepared for a lot of waiting around in immigration, so book travel assistance in advance for anyone who may have difficulty standing in queues.

What else might I need to consider for American travel?

Be aware that individual American States have their own laws. Pay particular attention to restrictions regarding smoking in public places and drinking.

Big cities mean crowds and that draws in opportunist thieves especially around stations or in busy shopping malls. Keep your valuables out of sight to deter pickpockets. A cross-body bag with zipped sections is a sound investment for travelling in America.

For extra care, make sure your insurance covers you for loss or theft of electronic devices and personal items such as watches and cameras.

What exclusions are there for USA travel insurance?

You won’t be able to claim under the following circumstances and situations:

Existing conditions you failed to mention when you took out your policy.
Accidents or injuries caused by alcohol, substance abuse or extreme sports activities.

Touring and transport in the US

Car travel

America undoubtedly epitomises car culture and you’ll find car travel is the most convenient and cheap mode of transport for short or medium distances. Maximum speed limits can be lower than the UK and in some states a minimum speed limit may apply. In America you drive on the right and all passengers must wear a seatbelt. Traffic lights can be overhead as well as kerbside.

Hiring a car in America

Not every state requires you to have an International Driving Permit for hiring a car in the US if you hold a valid UK driving license but check first as you will need to buy one before you travel. Check your travel insurance to see if it covers you for third party injury or damage to property, personal accident and liability. You may wish to take out car rental insurance for anything not covered in your policy.

American air travel

Transatlantic flights leave from Heathrow and Gatwick. Several regional UK airports run direct charter services. There are more than 5,000 domestic airports within the US, which are a good option for long distances and cross-country travel. Internal flights may also be a cheaper alternative for couples than hiring a car.

American trains

The Amtrak rail system includes world-famous routes through America’s national parks and coastal landscapes. If you have the time and budget, it’s the most stress-free and expansive way to explore the USA.

Subways and streetcars

Metro or subway services are by far the easiest way to get around busy cities such as Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia or Washington. For memorable rides take the cable car in San Francisco or the trolley bus in Seattle, board the streetcar in New Orleans or the beach trolley in St Pete-Clearwater, Florida. Given all this scope, we think you’ll agree that one trip to America is never enough, so consider if you’ll need single trip or annual cover for your adventure.

Who underwrites Saga Travel Insurance?

Saga Travel Insurance is designed for people over 50 and is underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited, with claims administered on their behalf by Collinson Insurance Services Limited.