Travel Insurance for the USA
Up to three kids go free when you buy travel insurance for the USA with Asda Money – awarded the 4x Gold for the Best Travel Insurance Provider by Moneynet.
The information contained in this guide was correct at the time of publish. For the most up to date guidance, please check the official gov.uk and ESTA website.
Planning a trip to the USA? Protect yourself with comprehensive travel insurance that covers everything from unexpected medical emergencies to trip cancellations.
Do I need travel insurance for the USA?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for the USA. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that healthcare in America is private and amongst some of the most expensive in the world[1]. Therefore, if you need medical care when you’re in the States, you could be faced with costly fees. If you have travel health insurance for America, those costs can be covered by your policy.
Getting travel insurance for the USA will also cover you for other unexpected events, such as flight delays and cancellations, lost luggage and theft.
Can I enter the US without travel insurance?
Yes, UK travellers can legally enter the USA without travel insurance.
It’s also important to note that although you don’t need travel insurance to enter the US, you must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) waiver. This will allow you to visit the country for 90 days without a visa[2].
ESTA is an automated system that screens your eligibility to travel to the US under the visa waiver program.
It costs $21 and you’ll need to apply through the official ESTA website. When you apply, make sure you have your passport details and travel information to hand. You’ll need to answer some eligibility questions too. You can read more about the ESTA application process further down this page.
How much is travel insurance to the USA?
Quotes for single trip travel insurance for USA through Asda Money start from £93.47, and annual multi-trip quotes from £66.50. For a family of four, quotes start from £138.61*.
*prices accurate as of 23rd May 2025. Single trip quote based on travel to USA for 3 weeks Value level of cover, 1 adult aged 30 years, no medical conditions. Annual multi-trip quote based on travel to USA for 3 weeks, Value level of cover, 1 adult aged 30 years, no medical conditions. Family of four quote based on single trip travel insurance to USA for 3 weeks, Value level of cover, 4 adults aged 30, 27, 5, and 3 years, no medical conditions.
Plus, up to 3 kids go free* when you buy USA family travel insurance direct through us.
The amount you’ll pay for your travel insurance will also depend on various factors, such as:
- Your age
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- The length of your stay in the USA
- Any activities you plan on doing
- The level of cover you need, as well as any add-ons, like winter sports
- Whether you need gadget cover or business travel insurance
You can compare travel insurance options to the USA with us to make sure you get the level of cover that’s right for you.
How much insurance do I need for the USA?
With single-trip policies, we’ll offer you a quote just for the USA. If you want an annual multi-trip policy, you’ll need to choose worldwide insurance that includes the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Each type of insurance policy will provide varying levels of cover for unexpected medical costs, delays and cancellations, and lost luggage and other property.
Our Levels of Cover
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Get value cover
Value
• Medical expenses up to £20m
• Missing bags up to £1,000
• Personal Money £300
• Cancellation £1,000 -
Get premium cover
Premium
• Medical expenses up to £25m
• Missing bags up to £1,300
• Personal Money £400
• Cancellation £2,000 -
Get superior cover
Superior
• Medical expenses - unlimited cover
• Missing bags up to £2000
• Personal Money £500
• Cancellation £5,000
You can compare cover levels here to see which is best for you.
What will USA travel insurance cover?
Most standard travel insurance policies for the USA will provide coverage for:
Medical expenses
- Medical care in the USA is expensive—our superior cover includes unlimited medical expenses cover.
Trip protection
- Cancelling your trip for any valid reason that is specified in your insurance policy
- Repatriation – the cost of bringing you back to the UK
- Personal accident cover
- Delayed or cancelled flights
- Cancelled accommodation
- Lost passport
Lost belongings
- If you lose your belongings and it wasn’t your fault, or your bags were stolen, damaged or delayed, you can claim on your travel insurance
Legal cover
- Personal liability cover – this provides protection for you in case you cause injury or damage to another person or their possessions
- Legal expenses
All insurance policies will be different, so make sure you read your policy documents thoroughly.
USA travel insurance exclusions
As with most travel insurance policies, your USA travel insurance may come with some exclusions, such as:
- Some pre-existing medical conditions are unlikely to be covered by a standard travel insurance policy, so you may have to take out additional cover for this
- Any pre-existing medical conditions that you did not disclose to your insurer when you took out your policy
- Cover for unexpected incidents that may occur whilst you are abroad that impact your holiday. This includes civil unrest, war, earthquakes and/or any other natural disasters unless you’ve taken out additional cover for this
- Cover for injuries or accidents that take place whilst you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Cover for accidents or injuries that take place when taking part in any dangerous activities or extreme sports that are not covered in your policy
When organising travel insurance to the US, it’s important to read your policy documents to ensure you understand what is and isn’t covered before you travel.
Does a GHIC card cover health insurance in the USA?
No, although the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) has global in the name, the GHIC only applies to EU countries, plus Montenegro, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Australia.
Do I need a visa for the USA?
If you’re a tourist travelling with a British passport, you usually won’t need a visa to enter the States and to stay there for up to 90 days. However, you will need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver.
For trips longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa via the US Embassy.
ESTA summary
These are the key things you need to know about ESTA.
- Costs $21 per person, paid online.
- Each traveller (including children) needs their own ESTA.
- Apply at least 72 hours before your flight.
ESTA application process
You use the ESTA system by applying and paying for it online, at the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
You’ll need to enter personal information about yourself, your passport, some details about your stay in the States, and several security questions. Every person travelling must have an ESTA, including children.
Applying for an ESTA currently costs $21 per person, and can be paid by credit card, PayPal or Apple Pay.
You should apply to ESTA as early as possible before you book any flights. But in the case of emergencies, you can apply up to 72 hours before travelling.
Who can’t apply for an ESTA visa waiver?
Even if you have a British passport, you won’t be able to apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you have:
- Previously been arrested (even if that arrest didn’t result in a criminal conviction)
- A criminal record
- Ever been refused entry into, or have been deported from, the USA
- Previously overstayed the 90 day period allowed under an ESTA visa waiver
- Have been in Cuba any time on or since 1 January 2021
- Have been in any of the following countries on or since March 2011:
- Iran
- Iraq
- Libya
- North Korea
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Yemen
If you can’t apply for an ESTA visa waiver, you’ll have to apply for a US visa. Make sure you check the latest entry requirements for UK citizens visiting the US.
Tips for travelling to the USA
- Organise your travel documents
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As well as ensuring you have the right travel and health insurance for the USA, make sure your passport will be valid for the entirety of your stay in America. And apply for your ESTA visa waiver as early as possible.
- Exchange your dollars
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You can order US dollars online with Asda Money for easy home delivery or in-store collection. We also offer an Asda Travel Money Card that lets you make contactless payments anywhere Mastercard Prepaid is accepted, without any fees for spending abroad.
- Tipping
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Tipping is expected in the US. With different amounts customarily given for different services, it can be difficult for tourists to understand how much to tip. As a general guide:
- Vaccines
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While no specific vaccinations are required to go to the States, some choose to visit their GP six to eight weeks before travelling to make sure they’re up to date with all their routine vaccinations and boosters.
- Driving in the USA
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Driving laws vary by state in America, and while some states will accept a UK driving licence, others will require an International Driving Permit (IDP). You should check which is required in the state(s) you want to drive in before you leave. To be on the safe side, you can always apply for an IDP whilst still in the UK.
You should research the other driving laws of the state(s) you’ll be visiting, so you’re clear on all aspects of driving, like speed limits.
Your USA travel insurance likely won’t cover you for all aspects of hiring a car, so you’ll need to make sure you buy suitable car hire insurance from the car hire company.
[1] https://www.statista.com/chart/8658/health-spending-per-capita/
[2] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html
[3] https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/how-much-to-tip/
[4] https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/14/where-americans-should-tip-vs-where-they-actually-do.html
[5] https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/how-much-to-tip-valets
[6] https://www.ahla.com/sites/default/files/guestGratuityGuide.pdf
[7] https://www.southernliving.com/tip-hotel-housekeeping-7546511