Travel insurance is one of those purchases most people make quickly and think about only when something goes wrong. That is a mistake, because policies vary enormously in what they cover and what they leave out. This guide explains the main types of cover in plain terms. It is general information, not financial or legal advice; the only thing that tells you what your own policy covers is the policy wording itself.
Why it matters for a US trip
Medical care in the United States can be very expensive, and visitors are generally expected to pay for treatment. Many people's home health coverage does not apply abroad, or applies only in limited ways. For international visitors to San Francisco, Boston or anywhere else in the US, medical cover is the most important part of any policy. Domestic travelers should also check what their own health plan covers when they are away from home.
The main types of cover
Emergency medical and evacuation
This pays for treatment if you fall ill or are injured during your trip, and in many policies for getting you home if that becomes medically necessary. Look at the coverage limit and whether the insurer has an assistance line you can call at any hour, which can help you find a hospital and arrange payment.
Cancellation and interruption
Cancellation cover reimburses prepaid, non-refundable costs if you have to cancel before you leave for a reason the policy lists, such as illness or a family emergency. Interruption cover does something similar if you have to cut the trip short. The list of covered reasons is the key detail: changing your mind is not usually one of them.
Delay and missed connections
Some policies pay for meals and a hotel if your flight is badly delayed, or help with costs if you miss a connection. There is normally a minimum delay before cover starts.
Baggage and belongings
This covers lost, stolen or damaged luggage and personal items, usually with a limit per item. Expensive cameras, laptops and jewelry may need to be listed separately or may be excluded. Check whether you also have cover through your home insurance.
Exclusions to look for
The exclusions section is where a policy's real shape becomes clear. Common ones include:
- Pre-existing medical conditions that you did not declare, or that the policy does not cover at all.
- Risky activities, which may range from scuba diving to riding a scooter.
- Alcohol or drug-related incidents.
- Unattended belongings, including items left in a parked car.
- Known events, such as a storm that had already been named before you bought the policy.
Be honest when you declare medical conditions. An undeclared condition can give an insurer grounds to refuse a claim, even one that seems unrelated.
Cover you may already have
Some credit cards include travel cover when you pay for the trip with the card, and some bank accounts or employer benefits include it too. This cover can be useful but is often narrower than a standalone policy, particularly for medical costs. Find the actual terms and read them; do not assume. If you plan to drive, check how insurance works for rental cars, which is covered in renting a car in the US.
When to buy
Buy cover soon after you book anything non-refundable. Cancellation cover only protects you from the date the policy starts, so a policy bought the week before departure cannot help with something that happened a month earlier.
Making a claim
- Call the assistance line first for any serious medical problem, where possible before treatment.
- Get paperwork: medical reports, receipts, police reports for theft, and written confirmation of delays from the airline.
- Report theft to the police promptly; most insurers require a report. Our guide to staying safe in big cities covers how to avoid it in the first place.
- Claim within the deadline the policy sets.
Keep a digital copy of your policy and the assistance number somewhere you can reach without data, along with your passport details. If you are flying in from abroad, our guide to entering the US covers the documents side.
Frequently asked questions
Is travel insurance required to enter the US?
It is not generally a requirement for visitors, but going without medical cover is a serious financial risk given the cost of care.
Does a single-trip or annual policy make more sense?
If you travel several times a year, an annual policy can be simpler. Compare the trip length limits and cover levels before deciding.
What should I read first in a policy?
The medical limit, the list of covered cancellation reasons, and the exclusions. Then read the rest of the policy wording.