United States Travel Insurance Requirements

Last updated: 03/07/2024

Do You Need Travel Insurance in the United States?

Traveling within the United States as a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident does not require travel insurance. With that said, the United States remains the destination for travel insurance among Squaremouth customers.

The main reason why so many travelers purchase travel insurance for domestic trips is to protect against the unexpected. The best travel insurance plans will provide reimbursement if you encounter delays, cancellations, medical emergencies, or luggage issues throughout your USA trip.

There are currently no travel insurance requirements for non-U.S. citizens visiting America. However, a tourist visa may be required depending on the country of origin.

How Much Does United States Travel Insurance Cost?

The cost of a trip insurance policy is determined by five key factors; the cost of your trip, your trip’s length, the age of the travelers on your policy, the type of policy you choose, and the amount of coverage the policy offers.

The cost of domestic travel insurance coverage is often cheaper than international plans.

On average, domestic travelers can expect to pay between $200-$250 for a single trip travel insurance policy.

The Best Travel Insurance Benefits for United States Travel

Whether you’re planning on exploring the concrete jungle of New York City or cruising the Pacific Coast Highway in California, trip protection can offer you peace of mind before and during your American adventure.

If you have an upcoming trip planned, we recommend comparing comprehensive travel insurance options that include the following benefits:

  • Trip Cancellation: Reimburses up to 100% of your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs in the event you are forced to cancel for a covered reason.
  • Trip Interruption: Reimburses up to 150% of your unused prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you need to end your trip early and return home for a covered reason.
  • Emergency Medical: Covers the cost of unforeseen medical expenses, such as hospital bills, x-rays, ambulance rides, and emergency dental services.
  • Medical Evacuation & Repatriation: Covers the cost of emergency medical evacuations in the event a treating physician deems it necessary for more adequate treatment.
  • Travel Delay: Can reimburse the cost of food, accommodations, and transportation if a flight is significantly delayed.
  • Baggage & Personal Item Loss: Provides reimbursement for luggage and personal items that go missing, get damaged, or are stolen at any point during your trip.
  • Baggage Delay: Provides reimbursement if you need to purchase toiletries, clothes, and other necessities if your luggage is delayed during transit.
  • Sports & Activities: Extends valuable travel health insurance benefits to travelers participating in extreme or inherently dangerous activities during their trip.
  • 24 Hour Assistance Service: Most travel insurance providers offer 24/7 support to policyholders before, during, and after their trip in the event they have questions about their coverage.

Click here to get a quote for domestic travel insurance.

Understanding U.S. Travel Health Insurance Plans

Since most primary healthcare plans aren’t accepted overseas, travel medical benefits are extremely popular among international travelers. However, having travel health insurance for a domestic trip be equally as beneficial.

If you currently don’t have health insurance, travel medical coverage can cover the cost any unforeseen medical emergencies that occur while traveling.

A travel medical insurance plan can also be a smart option for travelers with limited health insurance or a plan with high deductibles. In this case, we recommend a policy with “primary” Emergency Medical coverage, as it pays out medical bills first.

Given the potential for high costs of healthcare in America, we recommend at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and at least $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage.

Travel Tips for U.S. Vacations

Regardless of where you’re heading or how you’re getting there, it’s important to be prepared for whatever comes your way. Below are some general travel tips to consider when traveling within the USA.

Allow Time for the Unexpected

Even for frequent flyers, it’s hard to predict how early you should arrive at the airport the day of your departure. Checking road closures before you set off is advised.

TSA recommends allowing more than enough time for parking/shuttle transportation, checking a bag, going through security, and navigating to your gate. You can download the MyTSA app to check how busy your airport is expected to be on your day of travel.

Stay Organized

Travel plans are often made over extended periods of time. Keeping important documentation saved and easily accessible can reduce headaches down the road.

  • Below are a few examples of documents you should hold on to throughout your trip:
  • Booking confirmations
  • Any communication with an airline or travel supplier
  • Important contact information, such as your travel insurance company’s support line
  • Receipts, especially those that may be used in a claim
  • Physician notes and other documentation relating to medical care received before or during a trip

Do Your Research

Spend time researching your destination prior to your arrival. This can help you pinpoint the best restaurants, safest areas, and which parts of town to avoid.

The climate and weather conditions can also vary dramatically from one state to the next. Check online for any severe weather alerts so that you can alter your itinerary accordingly.

United States Travel FAQs

What Are Some “Must Visit” Cities in the United States?

From coast to coast and beyond, the United States is home to some of the world’s most iconic cities. Below, in no particular order, is a list of some of the most popular destinations for travelers within the U.S.:

  • New York City, NY
  • Honolulu, HI
  • San Diego, CA
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Chicago, IL
  • Miami, FL
  • Boston, MA
  • Seattle, WA
  • Austin, TX
  • Charleston, S.C.

What is the Best National Park in the United States?

Condé Nast Traveler recently released a list of The 25 Best National Parks in the US. Below are there findings for the top 10:

  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Denali National Park and Preserve
  • Great Sand Dunes National Park
  • North Cascades National Park
  • Yosemite National Park
  • Zion National Park
  • Grand Teton National Park
  • Canyonlands National Park
  • Crater Lake National Park
  • Acadia National Park

What is the Best Way to Travel Around America?

There are three primary options when it comes to traveling across the United States:

Flying: A common way to travel the U.S. is to book a flight. It is the fastest way to travel from point A to point B, but delays and cancellations are possible.

Driving: Offers the most flexibility and is the most cost-effective method of transportation. However, if time is constrained, there’s a limit to how much you can see and do.

Amtrak: The Amtrak is a train service that connects through major cities across the country. It can be a great way to see multiple cities, but can be expensive and has limited options.

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Steven Benna, Lead Data Analyst: sbenna@squaremouth.com

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