Top 5 US Travel Insurance Policies:
When one travels across the United States, it can be quite an adventure either travelling through vibrant cities, breathtaking national parks or cultural landmarks. Even so, there are risks that come with traveling such as unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage and many more. This is where travel insurance for US comes in.
A good travel insurance policy ensures that you don’t have to worry about this by giving you a peace of mind knowing that you are covered financially for any unforeseen circumstances that may take place. However, there are several options available which makes it difficult to choose the best one. In this guide, we will help you understand US travel insurance basics outlining top five policies you should think of before your next trip.
What Does US Travel Insurance Mean?
US Travel Insurance refers to an exclusive type of insurance coverage designed specifically for covering different risks associated with traveling into and within America. These plans usually provide coverage for medical emergencies, trip interruptions or cancellations, delays due to flights and even lost baggages as well as car rental accidents sometimes.
Travelers who do not have access to healthcare services in America should especially consider getting travel insurance. Therefore since medical care in America is highly expensive without any cover even minor injury or sicknesses can be costly.
Key Aspects of Travel Insurance
Medical Coverage: For treatment of illnesses and injuries during your trips, medical coverage takes care of all bills such as hospital stays fees and medications often accompanied by emergency medical evacuation at times.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage: In case something unpredictable happens before or after your journey starts off, this coverage will give you your money back for non-refundable costs involving accommodations, flights and scheduled tours.
Baggage Coverage: It guarantees you in case your luggage is lost, damaged while travelling or stolen.
Travel Delay Coverage: When a trip is delayed which can lead to extra expenses such as accommodation, meals and transport among others the travel delay cover usually takes care of those.
Emergency Evacuation Coverage: In case there is need for emergency transportation to the nearest medical facility or even back to your home country if necessary.
Why Do You Need US Travel Insurance?
Most people don’t see it necessary to have travel insurance but when something goes wrong it can save their lives. Before leaving on a trip abroad, take into account why you should purchase US travel insurance:
High Medical Costs in the US
The USA health system is known for its costly care. Without medical coverage from a policy during travel, one would have had to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket. These will cushion you against unexpected high costs through medical insurances that provide treatment without financial stress.
Unpredictable Travel Plans
Sometimes plans for travelling can be very uncertain. There are instances where flights get delayed, weather conditions change and in some cases emergencies come up forcing you to either cancel or cut short your trip. Such incidences require that a person has a financial cover that can help him/her manage these surprises by paying off nonrefundable fees thus subsidizing them.
Protection Against Loss or Theft
Many people carry valuables such as cameras, laptops, and jewelry when they travel. However, these items can be misplaced or stolen. If you have baggage coverage, you can get compensated for your lost or stolen personal effects so that you would easily replace them and continue with your journey without much interruption.
Peace of Mind
Perhaps the greatest benefit of all is peace of mind. Knowing you are covered in case of emergencies lets you focus on enjoying your holiday rather than worrying about what might go wrong.
Top 5 US Travel Insurance Policies
There are many options when it comes to choosing travel insurance for an American visit. Here are five best policies that provide extensive cover and great value for money:
Allianz Global Assistance
Overview: Allianz Global Assistance has a good reputation when it comes to traveling policies. They offer a variety of plans ranging from basic to premium ones with all kinds of benefits.
Key Features:
Emergency medical coverage up to $1 million dollars
Trip cancellation/interruption coverage
Travel assistance hotline available anytime
Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions (limited)
Why Choose Allianz: Allianz have highly rated customer service and flexibility in terms of customizable plans. Their products are especially suitable for those who want comprehensive cover with the option to add certain enhancements like rental car excess insurance.
World Nomads
Overview: World Nomads is popular with adventure travelers. They have plans that cater specifically for a large number activities making them the right choice if you plan on participating in sports or outdoor activities while away from home.
Key Features:
Over 200 adventure activities covered
Emergency medical & dental expenses covered
Trip cancellation/ delay/interruption coverage provided
Baggage/personal effects covered
Why Choose World Nomads: With specialized skiing, hiking or scuba diving covers which most other companies don’t give out during their US trips, World Nomads provides a clear niche. They also offer travel cover to people of all nationalities hence a flexible option.
Travelex Insurance Services
Overview: Travelex Insurance Services has well-rounded travel insurance plans that are reasonably priced and provide extensive cover. They have different types of plans for families, individuals and business travelers.
Key Features:
Emergency medical coverage up to a maximum of $500,000
Coverage for trip cancellation/interruption
Family oriented policies with free cover for children under 18 years
Adventure sports optional upgrades available
Why Choose Travelex: For those traveling with their family to America, Travelex is an excellent choice. Their family plans are priced competitively and allow parents to save money since they don’t charge extra premiums for kids.
AXA Assistance USA
Overview: AXA Assistance USA’s customer service is known for being very good; moreover, their coverage is comprehensive. These products include significant medical coverage as well as numerous other features.
Key Features:
Emergency medical coverage that goes up to $250,000
Trip cancellation/ delay/ interruption provisions
Coverage for pre-existing conditions (limited)
Travel assistance services including legal referrals
Why Choose AXA: Best suited for individuals who desire excellent customer service and strong medical coverage while traveling. Their travel assistance services can be especially helpful in navigating the American healthcare system.
Seven Corners
Overview: Seven Corners offers tailor-made travel insurance policies that cater to various categories of travelers such as international visitors coming into the United States. This enables you to choose the specific type of policy you want since they are flexible.
Key Features:
Medical maximums of up to $5,000,000
Coverage for trip interruption and cancellation
Emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage
Optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage
Why Choose Seven Corners: It offers customizable policies that are aimed at meeting the individual requirements of different types of travelers. Their high medical maximums and optional CFAR coverage stand out.
How to Choose the Best US Travel Insurance Policy
It can be daunting to choose a suitable travel insurance policy but it is vital that you have adequate coverage for your visit to USA. Here are some tips on how to choose the best insurance cover:
- Look at Your Needs
Consider what you need in term of protection. Do you worry about medical emergencies or anxiety over lost luggage? The type of policy that suits your needs will vary depending on these considerations. If you are doing dangerous activities, make sure these are covered by your insurer.
- Find Out About Medical Coverage Limits
One of the most important aspects of travel insurance is health protection especially in America where healthcare costs are very high. Check if the policy provides enough coverage for emergency evacuation expenses among others.
- Understand Exclusions
Exclusions refer to those circumstances under which an insurer cannot compensate you under certain conditions. Normally these include pre-existing medical conditions, risky sports, drug abuse related incidents or alcoholism cases which should be learned before buying one.
- Compare Policies
Do not go for the first policy that comes your way; do a comparison between several policies provided by different providers in order to get value for money spent on premiums. Take into consideration limits offered as well as deductibles from customer reviews so as to determine which company’s plan is reliable.
- Go Through the Terms and Conditions Carefully
You must read through all instructions before acquiring a policy like understanding filing a claim procedure as well as time limit within which this must be done.
FAQs
Is US travel insurance mandatory for international visitors?
US Travel Insurance is not compulsory for foreign visitors. However, it is highly advised because of high healthcare costs in the country and other issues relating to travels.
Can I get travel insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?
Many travel insurance companies offer policies that cover pre-existing conditions although there may be some requirements like buying within a specified duration after booking your trip. Always confirm such details in the policy document.
What is meant by “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage?
CFAR is an optional add-on that you can choose which allows you to cancel your trip for any reason so long as you can recover some part of the prepaid non – refundable cost of your rental. This offers more flexibility but at a higher cost than standard cancellation protection.
How much does U.S. travel insurance usually cost?
How much it will cost you to obtain this type of plan depends with factors such as age, length of time one intends to stay abroad among many other things while on average it falls between 4% and 10% roughly of the entire journey’s total expenses.
Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?
Several travel insurance providers