The Best Travel Insurance for the USA in 2026: Complete Guide

If there’s one destination where travel insurance goes from “recommended” to absolutely essential, it’s the United States. We’re not saying this to scare you: we’re saying it because we’ve seen it up close. We’re an Argentine digital nomad couple who have been traveling the world for more than eight years, and when we head to the US, travel insurance for the USA is the first thing we buy, without a second thought.

Why so much emphasis? Because the US healthcare system is, without exaggeration, one of the most expensive in the world. An emergency room visit can cost several thousand dollars. A week in hospital can leave you with a six-figure debt. Without coverage, you pay that out of your own pocket. With good insurance, you pay nothing (or almost nothing).

In this guide we tell you everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for the United States: which coverage is essential, how much it costs, what to ask before buying, and why we always travel with IATI insurance.

Quick Summary: Travel Insurance for the United States

Why Is Travel Insurance So Important for the United States?

The United States doesn’t have a universal public healthcare system. This means that any medical care, from a simple consultation to emergency surgery, comes at a direct cost to the patient. And those costs are, comparatively speaking, astronomical.

To give you a concrete idea:

• An emergency room visit: between USD 500 and USD 3,000
• A 3-day hospital stay: between USD 15,000 and USD 60,000
• Appendix surgery: up to USD 30,000
• A traffic accident with multiple injuries: easily more than USD 100,000

Faced with this, buying travel insurance for a trip to the United States isn’t a luxury: it’s the only way to travel with real peace of mind. Good insurance covers these costs (within the policy limits) and lets you enjoy your trip without that weight on your mind.

What’s more, according to 2026 data, the United States is the number 1 destination for which Spanish travelers buy international travel insurance, accounting for 18% of all international policies. That says a lot.

What Coverage Should Good Insurance for the USA Have?

Not all insurance is the same. When you compare policies for traveling to the United States, some coverage is negotiable and some is completely non-negotiable. These are the ones that absolutely have to be there:

Medical Expenses and Hospitalization

This is the most important coverage. For the USA, we recommend looking for policies with minimum coverage of USD 150,000, although ideally go for USD 250,000 or more. Yes, it may sound excessive until you see what a week in a US ICU costs. Coverage should include doctors’ fees, tests, medication and hospital stays.

Dental Emergencies

A toothache or a broken tooth in the United States can cost you several hundred dollars just for the consultation. Make sure the insurance covers dental emergencies, not just medical ones.

Medical Evacuation and Repatriation

If your situation requires a transfer to another hospital or repatriation to your home country, the cost of a medical flight is enormous. This coverage is essential and many travelers overlook it.

Flight Cancellations and Delays

Although it isn’t the most critical coverage, it’s very useful. Cancellations in the US are common, especially in winter, and the resulting costs (hotel, meals, transport) add up fast.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

An airline losing or damaging your luggage isn’t unusual. Insurance that covers these cases saves you unnecessary headaches.

Personal Liability

In a country with a litigious culture like the US, this coverage matters more than in many other destinations. If you accidentally cause damage to a third party (a person or property), you could face lawsuits worth millions. Personal liability coverage protects you in those situations.

Also:

• 24-hour assistance: so you’re never alone in an emergency.

• Covid-19 coverage: still relevant in 2026 for long trips.

• Sports and adventure activities: if you’re planning hiking, skiing or water sports, check that they’re included.

• If you’re planning road trips along the US West Coast, we also recommend checking whether the insurance covers accidents in a rental vehicle, something common on routes like Route 66 or the Pacific Coast Highway.

IATI: Our Choice for Traveling to the United States

After years of travel and trying different options, we stuck with IATI as our go-to company. It’s not chance or empty advertising: it’s the option that gives us the most real peace of mind when we travel to high-cost destinations like the United States.

What convinces us about IATI?

• High medical coverage: its plans for North America include medical coverage limits that match the reality of US costs.
• 24/7 assistance: when you’re in a New York hospital at 3 in the morning, being able to talk to someone right away is invaluable.
• No excess on the higher plans: you don’t have to pay anything out of your own pocket before the insurance kicks in.
• Adventure activity coverage: if you’re planning hiking, skiing or other activities, you can add specific coverage.
• Exclusive discount for Recalculando Viajes readers: using our link, you get an extra 5% discount, which can be combined with current promotions.

You can get a quote and buy your policy directly here: IATI insurance with a 5% discount.

Comparison of the Best IATI Plans for Traveling to the United States

IATI has different plans depending on the type of traveler. Here are the most relevant ones for a trip to the USA, with their main features:

Our direct recommendation: for traveling to the United States, the IATI Estrella plan is the one we’d choose without hesitation. Unlimited medical coverage isn’t a luxury in this destination: it’s a necessity. The savings from choosing a lower plan don’t make up for the real financial risk you’re exposed to.

The Best Travel Insurance for the United States by Traveler Profile

There’s no single ideal insurance for everyone. Here’s a quick guide:

• Couples or solo travelers: IATI Estándar or IATI Estrella, depending on your budget and the length of your trip.

• Families with children: IATI Familia, designed specifically to cover every member with tailored coverage.

• Backpackers or adventure travelers: IATI Mochilero, which includes coverage for sports and activities that other plans exclude.

• Frequent travelers or long stays: IATI Grandes Viajeros, the smartest option if you travel several times a year or your stay is longer than a month.

• West Coast road trippers: IATI Estrella or IATI Estándar, making sure they include rental vehicle coverage.

How Much Does Travel Insurance for the United States Cost?

The price of travel insurance for the United States depends on several factors:

• Length of the trip: logically, more days = higher cost.
• Traveler’s age: people over 60 or 70 pay higher premiums.
• Type of coverage: a basic plan is cheaper, but it may fall short for the USA.
• Activities included: adventure sports, diving, skiing, etc. increase the price.
• Number of travelers: family or couple plans usually offer better value for the coverage.

As a rough guide, for an adult traveler aged 30 to 45, a plan with good medical coverage for two weeks in the USA can cost between USD 60 / €50 and USD 140 / €110, depending on the insurer and the coverage chosen. Given the financial risk of traveling to the United States without insurance, it’s a more than reasonable investment.

Example prices for 1 week of travel insurance for the United States with a 5% Discount (CLICK HERE):

Example costs for 2 weeks of travel insurance for the United States with a 5% Discount (CLICK HERE):

Example of the best travel insurance for the USA for 3 weeks with a 5% Discount (CLICK HERE):

Do I Need Travel Insurance If I Travel to the USA with a Credit Card?

Many credit cards offer travel coverage as an extra benefit. It’s a fair point, but you need to read the fine print. In most cases:

• Medical coverage limits are very low by US standards (sometimes USD 10,000 or USD 20,000, which isn’t even enough for a short hospital stay).
• Activating the coverage usually requires having paid for the flight with that card.
• There are significant excesses and exclusions that aren’t always clearly communicated.
• Emergency assistance and claims handling at your destination tend to be slower and more bureaucratic.

Our recommendation: use your card’s coverage as a complement, never as your only protection for traveling to the United States. Dedicated travel insurance for the USA will always give you far better, real and working coverage.

Tips for Buying the Best Insurance for the USA

With years of experience buying insurance for long trips and expensive destinations, these are the tips we’d give any traveler:

1. Prioritize the medical coverage limit

For the USA, USD 150,000 in medical expenses is the reasonable minimum. If you can go for USD 250,000 or more, even better. The price difference is small; the difference in peace of mind is huge.

2. Read the exclusions carefully

Pre-existing conditions, risky activities, alcohol consumption: many policies exclude coverage in these situations. Know exactly what you’re buying.

3. Check the COVID-19 coverage

Some insurers still have exclusions or limitations related to COVID. If you’re traveling with older or at-risk people, this point matters.

4. Buy it before you leave the country

You can’t buy travel insurance once you’ve already left your country of residence (or are already at your destination). Make sure you do it before you board the plane.

5. Keep all the documents handy

Download the policy and the insurer’s contact details to your phone. In an emergency, you don’t want to be searching through emails.

How to Buy the Best Travel Insurance for the United States, Step by Step

If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed after so much information, let’s get practical, step by step, the way we’d do it. In the end, choosing good insurance doesn’t have to be complicated if you follow a simple method.

We use this same process every time we change destination or type of trip, and it works the same for the United States as for any other country outside your usual healthcare system. The important thing is to adapt the limits to what you’re really going to do on your trip.

Simple steps to buy travel insurance

1. Set your travel dates: the insurance should cover you from the day you leave home until you get back.
2. Count the number of travelers: adults, minors, ages.
3. Choose the right type of policy, for example Estándar, Mochilero or Estrella (the best coverage and the best seller if you don’t want to compare the details). Use the table above as a quick reference.
4. Compare coverage for medical expenses, repatriation, personal liability and luggage.
5. If you want, add trip cancellation to cover cancellation costs (note that it has coverage restrictions and doesn’t cover cruises).
6. Buy it before leaving your country, and save the policy number and assistance phone numbers.

A practical tip we always give: keep your policy both on your phone and printed. In an emergency, having your insurance details at hand can save hours of stress.

Advantages of IATI for a trip to the United States

• 24/7 assistance and direct billing with partner clinics.
• Coverage designed for international travel, including non-European countries.
• Specific plans such as IATI Mochilero or IATI Familia, very useful depending on your travel style.
• Prices of less than about €4 a day on products like IATI Básico for 1 week, or less than €3 a day if you travel for close to 1 month.

Common Mistakes When Buying Travel Insurance for the United States

Over the years we’ve seen travelers “save” on insurance and then regret it, and we’ve identified the most frequent mistakes. Take note:

• Buying insufficient medical coverage: plans with €30,000 or €50,000 of medical coverage are completely insufficient for the USA. You need at least USD 150,000; ideally USD 250,000 or more.

• Not reading the exclusions: some insurers don’t cover adventure sports, pre-existing conditions or certain destinations within the USA.

• Buying too late: if you buy the insurance after a reason for cancellation arises, you won’t be able to claim it. Buy it at the same time as your flight.

• Forgetting repatriation: many travelers only look at medical assistance and don’t check whether the insurance covers the trip back home.

• Using credit card insurance as your only backup: it usually has very limited coverage that isn’t enough for the United States.

Having the best travel insurance isn’t a whim or an unnecessary expense: it’s the smartest decision you can make before you travel.

Suitcase damaged by the airline: the airline only covered a tiny part of the amount, and IATI travel insurance reimbursed us the rest of the total cost.

How to use travel medical insurance in the United States, step by step

If during your trip you need medical care or any kind of assistance, the first thing you have to do is contact the 24-hour Assistance Center of the company you bought your insurance from.
All these details also appear on your policy certificate or voucher, which we recommend always keeping on your phone.

If you’re traveling with IATI insurance and have a medical emergency in the United States, the protocol is simple:

1. As soon as something happens: contact the emergency number on your policy FIRST

WhatsApp, phone or email. They always reply quickly (available 24/7).

IATI / ARAG assistance contact details (check the up-to-date details on your voucher)

• 24/7 phone assistance: +34 934 857 735
• Assistance WhatsApp: +34 673 885 576
• Email for medical assistance: iatimedicos@arag.es
• Email for reimbursements (medical expenses and luggage): iati@arag.es

These are the contact details that appear on policies bought through IATI’s Spanish site; if you bought yours on the international site, use the ones on your own voucher.

2. The IATI team advises you on what to do

If needed, they coordinate directly with the medical center.

3. You go, you get treated, and usually without paying

In many cases, IATI pays the hospital directly without you having to pay upfront. They’ll tell you.

4. If you paid for anything extra, ask for an invoice or receipts

Always ask for diagnoses/medical reports, invoices or receipts for expenses (pharmacy, etc.).

Then you can calmly request reimbursement from your hotel or after you get back from your trip, by sending the invoices and the medical report.

IMPORTANT: It’s essential NOT to handle the situation yourself without notifying the insurer first: if you seek medical care without notifying them, you could lose your right to coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Insurance for the United States

Is travel insurance mandatory to enter the United States?

It isn’t a legal requirement to enter with a tourist visa or ESTA (ESTA is the electronic authorization system for Visa Waiver Program countries). However, given the cost of the US healthcare system, it’s highly recommended for any traveler. Some visa types may require it.

Does the best travel insurance for the United States in 2026 cover unlimited medical expenses?

The IATI Estrella plan offers unlimited medical expenses coverage, which is exactly what experts recommend for a destination like the USA given the very high cost of healthcare. It’s the option we always suggest for this particular destination.

How much does travel insurance for the United States cost?

The price depends on the length of the trip, the traveler’s age and the plan chosen. For a 15-day trip, IATI plans for the USA start at approximately €40-€60 per person for basic options, going up depending on the coverage. You can get a no-obligation quote on the IATI page.

Do I need special travel insurance for the United States or will a generic one do?

You need one with very high medical coverage (ideally unlimited) that specifically includes the USA as a covered destination. Many generic policies have insufficient coverage for the US healthcare system, so always check the limits before buying.

Does travel insurance for the United States cover pre-existing conditions?

It depends on the plan and the insurer. With IATI, some pre-existing conditions may be covered under certain plans, but it’s essential to declare them when buying and to read your policy conditions. If you have a chronic medical condition, ask before buying.

What’s the best travel insurance for a long stay in the United States (more than a month)?

For long stays or if you travel several times a year, IATI Grandes Viajeros is the best option, as it’s an annual policy that covers every trip for 12 months with high-level coverage. It works out cheaper than buying individual policies for each trip.

Does travel insurance for the United States include medical repatriation?

Yes, all the main IATI plans include medical repatriation. This point is critical for traveling to the USA, as an air ambulance transfer from North America can be very expensive. Without this coverage, you simply aren’t fully protected.

What minimum medical coverage do we recommend for the USA?

For traveling to the United States we recommend a minimum of USD 150,000 in medical expenses coverage. Ideally look for policies with USD 250,000 or more, given the real cost of medical care in that country.

Is travel insurance valid in every US state, including Hawaii and Alaska?

In general yes, IATI covers the whole territory of the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska. Even so, if your trip includes remote destinations or specific activities in these states, confirm the adventure and sports coverage when you buy.

Does insurance cover theft in the USA?

It depends on the plan. Many policies cover theft of luggage and personal belongings, and some include coverage for stolen cash (with low limits). Check your policy’s specific conditions before buying.

Can I buy insurance if I’m already in the United States?

No. The general rule is that travel insurance must be bought before leaving your country of residence. Once you’re already at your destination, you can’t activate coverage, or there will be a waiting period if you’re already traveling; check with the insurer beforehand.

Conclusion: Don’t Travel to the USA Without Travel Insurance

We’ll say it again because it’s worth it: travel insurance for the United States isn’t an unnecessary expense. It’s probably the smartest investment you can make before heading to that country. An unexpected medical problem without coverage can financially ruin any traveler, whatever their income.

After years of traveling and having been close to situations where insurance made the difference, our position is clear: we always travel with IATI insurance, we prioritize high medical coverage, and we never underestimate the value of sleeping soundly knowing we’re protected.

If you’re planning your trip to the USA, you can also check all our travel discounts, and if you’re visiting New York, our guide to New York at Christmas.

Travel without fear, travel well protected! Have a great trip!

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