- The best travel insurance plans for USA
- Is it currently safe to travel to the USA?
- Is Travel Insurance Required by Law to Enter the USA?
- Why take out travel insurance for the USA?
- What should travel insurance for USA cover?
- The cost of travel insurance for USA
- How to Pay Less for Travel Insurance to USA
- Will your current insurance cover you in USA?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for USA: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for the USA covers medical emergencies, repatriation, and other unexpected travel-related incidents.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but is essential due to extremely high US healthcare costs.
3. Healthcare cost: US healthcare is very expensive; a hospital night can easily exceed €5,000 for visitors.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for the USA typically costs between €30 and €60.
5. Good to know: Ensure your policy has high medical coverage, ideally at least €5 million for the USA.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Ireland, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for the USA.
The best travel insurance plans for USA
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.0M € | Our guideline for reliable protection in the USA. - very high medical limits - clear repatriation cover - guarantees flexible for all travel durations |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.0M € | Robust option for USA visits focussing on emergencies. - 24/7 medical hotline - direct hospital payment - repatriation included |
| Tourist Card | 0.5M € | Practical and suitable for city breaks or tourism. - adequate medical ceiling - essential emergency and baggage cover - competitive for mid-range trips |
| Travel Pass Monde | 0.7M € | Balanced plan covering major US risks. - repatriation included - high medical ceiling - legal and liability support |
| Globe Partner | 0.3M € | Main essentials for short trips at a moderate ceiling. - covers emergency medical costs - includes personal liability - simple claims process |
| Globe Traveller | 0.5M € | Suitable for short and reasonably low-risk stays in the USA. - focus on medical expenses - repatriation support - basic guarantees for lower budget |
- very high medical limits
- clear repatriation cover
- guarantees flexible for all travel durations
- 24/7 medical hotline
- direct hospital payment
- repatriation included
- adequate medical ceiling
- essential emergency and baggage cover
- competitive for mid-range trips
- repatriation included
- high medical ceiling
- legal and liability support
- covers emergency medical costs
- includes personal liability
- simple claims process
- focus on medical expenses
- repatriation support
- basic guarantees for lower budget
Is it currently safe to travel to the USA?
As of June 2025, the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland advises travellers that the overall safety level in USA is normal precautions, with no widespread restrictions on Irish citizens. Standard vigilance is nonetheless essential due to localised risks in major urban areas.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, remains common in crowded places like Times Square in New York or public transport systems in large cities. Violent crime can also occur in certain city districts, especially after dark.
- Health risks: healthcare in USA is extremely expensive for visitors. Even a short hospital stay for a minor emergency, such as a sprained ankle in Los Angeles, can result in bills exceeding several thousand euros.
- Legal requirements: all travellers must secure an ESTA authorisation before arrival, and overstaying visas may result in detention or future entry bans. Specific prescription drugs, such as some codeine-based medications, may be restricted or require supporting documents.
- Cultural and practical differences: tipping is expected in most service industries, typically around 15–20 percent; failure to do so can be considered disrespectful. Traffic rules and pedestrian priorities may differ from Ireland, notably in US cities.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in USA.
Is Travel Insurance Required by Law to Enter the USA?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for Irish citizens to enter USA.
However, purchasing travel insurance is strongly recommended, as healthcare costs in USA are extremely high and neither public nor private health insurance from Ireland provides sufficient cover. A solid policy should always include high medical cover and emergency repatriation for the entire trip.
According to our data, 80% of travellers obtain travel insurance before travelling to USA, as the American health system is costly and even minor incidents can lead to very high bills.
Why take out travel insurance for the USA?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to USA.
Healthcare costs in USA are among the highest in the world, whether at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in New York, Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, or Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Even a basic emergency room visit can cost several thousand dollars, and admission for surgery or serious illness can quickly exceed tens of thousands. Foreign nationals, including those from Ireland, must pay full price at both private and public hospitals.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transportation and repatriation to Ireland in case of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in USA.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Cedars-Sinai | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | $10,000 (approx. €9,250) | up to €500,000 or 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | $7,200 (approx. €6,660) | up to €500,000 or 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | $30,000 (approx. €27,700) | up to €500,000 or 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | $18,000 (approx. €16,600) | up to €500,000 or 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What should travel insurance for USA cover?
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses and hospitalisation | Covers emergency care, treatment and hospital stays in the USA. We strongly recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of €500,000. |
| ✈️ Repatriation | Pays for your medical evacuation or return to Ireland in case of serious illness or accident. The recommended minimum is €100,000. |
| 💊 Medication | Reimburses prescribed medicines after an incident or illness abroad. Minimum recommended cover is €10,000. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or theft | Compensates for lost, stolen or damaged luggage during your trip. Ensure at least €2,000 of cover. |
| ☎️ Emergency assistance | Provides a helpline 24 hours a day, in English, for emergencies or support. This should be included with no excess. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance | Pays for legal costs if you encounter legal problems abroad. We recommend cover from €10,000. |
| ❌ Trip cancellation | Reimburses non-refundable expenses if you cancel due to covered reasons. Limit should be at least €5,000. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Early return | Pays the cost to return to Ireland in case of a family or personal emergency. Consider a minimum coverage of €10,000. |
We strongly recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of €500,000.
The recommended minimum is €100,000.
Minimum recommended cover is €10,000.
Ensure at least €2,000 of cover.
This should be included with no excess.
We recommend cover from €10,000.
Limit should be at least €5,000.
Consider a minimum coverage of €10,000.
Travel insurance included with bank cards or offered by local providers often has low limits, narrow scope, and many exclusions. To be safe, compare comprehensive plans with trusted insurers on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for USA
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | €35 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | €80 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | €120 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | €250 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of your travel insurance policy is influenced by several key factors: your age, the length of your stay, your destination, the level of cover you need, and any optional extras like cancellation cover. Considering these will help you find the right policy for your trip to the States and avoid any nasty surprises.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
How to Pay Less for Travel Insurance to USA
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to USA while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| travel duration | Longer trips result in higher insurance prices, especially for the USA, where health costs are extremely high even for short hospital stays. | Limit your coverage to only the days you are actually travelling in the USA. |
| level of coverage | Higher medical coverage is crucial in the USA due to expensive healthcare, but excess guarantees may raise the price. | Choose a plan with strong medical and repatriation cover, but adjust extras based on your needs. |
| traveller’s age | Age affects pricing, especially for those over 60, as risks and costs are higher in the USA. | Select providers like Heymondo, which do not increase prices for people over 62, for better rates. |
| activities covered | Adventure sports or professional activities in the USA often require additional premiums not relevant for standard tourism trips. | Exclude unnecessary sports or risky activities unless you plan to do them. |
| family or group policy | Buying separate policies is often more expensive than group travel plans, especially for families heading to the USA together. | Look for group or family policies, as they generally offer a better overall rate per person. |
| deductible/excess | A higher deductible lowers your premium, but increases out-of-pocket costs, which is significant for medical care in the USA. | Consider a reasonable deductible if you have funds for minor issues, to keep your premium lower. |
| time of purchase | Last-minute insurance can be pricier and limit your options in the USA. Early booking can secure better deals. | Compare prices and purchase your insurance as soon as you book your flights to secure low rates. |
Will your current insurance cover you in USA?
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage, such as your credit card insurance or the Irish public health system, can protect you during a trip to USA. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient, especially for high medical expenses or repatriation. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in USA? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (HSE) | Never | Only routine care in Ireland, never covers medical abroad. No repatriation, baggage, or legal assistance included. | Travel insurance covers up to €700,000, including repatriation, baggage, and legal support. |
| European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) | Never | Not valid outside the EU or in USA. No medical claims, no repatriation, no flight or baggage delay covered. | Travel insurance reimburses high medical bills, delays, and emergencies not covered elsewhere. |
| Private health insurance (VHI, Laya Healthcare) | Almost never | Emergency abroad, up to €50,000-€65,000. No full repatriation, large hospital bills or extended legal help. | Travel insurance often covers up to €700,000 and emergencies like legal aid or trip cancellation. |
| Classic credit card (Bank of Ireland Classic, AIB Classic) | Never | No included cover for international medical, baggage or repatriation. No emergency assistance or medical benefits. | Travel insurance offers high limits and worldwide medical, repatriation, or emergency coverage. |
| Premium credit card (BOI Platinum, AIB Platinum) | Limited coverage | Accident and some baggage up to €1,000. No high medical, no repatriation, no comprehensive policy for USA. | Travel insurance covers up to €700,000 medical and all key travel-related emergencies. |
No repatriation, baggage, or legal assistance included.
No medical claims, no repatriation, no flight or baggage delay covered.
No full repatriation, large hospital bills or extended legal help.
No emergency assistance or medical benefits.
No high medical, no repatriation, no comprehensive policy for USA.
Example
While on holiday in New York, Aoife developed acute appendicitis. Emergency surgery and a short hospital stay resulted in a bill of €40,000. Her AIB Platinum card offered no medical cover for sickness, and her Irish health plan only covered a fraction, leaving her with a massive, unexpected debt.
Expert advice
Your bank card or Irish health plan often excludes key situations like trip interruption for a family emergency. Always check the policy's small print to avoid costly surprises abroad. In any case, buying dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip is safer and more reassuring.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to USA?
Irish citizens do not need a visa for short visits of up to 90 days to the USA for tourism or business. However, you must obtain an ESTA travel authorisation online before departure. For longer stays, work, or study, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa in advance.
How do I purchase travel insurance for USA?
Start by comparing travel insurance options using the HelloSafe comparison tool to find the best fit for your trip. Carefully review the cover and exclusions, paying close attention to medical and repatriation guarantees specific to the USA. After selecting your plan, buy it online and you will receive your certificate by email.
What is the recommended minimum medical cover for visiting the USA?
Healthcare in the USA is very expensive, so it is recommended to have travel insurance with a minimum medical coverage of €500,000. This amount will help protect you from unexpected costs such as hospitalisation or emergency surgery, which can otherwise run into thousands of euro.
Is my credit card travel insurance enough for the USA?
For most Irish travellers, credit card insurance either does not apply or offers cover far below what is needed for the USA. Typical policies only provide €10,000–€15,000 for medical expenses, which is not sufficient for even a short hospital stay. Always check your card terms before relying on this cover.
Does travel insurance cover Covid-19 treatment in the USA?
Many travel insurance plans now include cover for Covid-19 related medical expenses, quarantine costs, or trip interruptions in the USA. However, coverage limits vary. Carefully check your policy to ensure Covid-19 is included, and that medical cover meets the high costs typical in the USA.
How much does travel insurance for the USA cost on average?
Travel insurance prices vary by age and length of stay. For a two-week trip, expect to pay about €45–€90 for adults under 50, and up to €140 for older travellers. Family plans for two adults and two children usually cost between €150 and €220 for a fortnight.
Do I need a visa to travel to USA?
Irish citizens do not need a visa for short visits of up to 90 days to the USA for tourism or business. However, you must obtain an ESTA travel authorisation online before departure. For longer stays, work, or study, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa in advance.
How do I purchase travel insurance for USA?
Start by comparing travel insurance options using the HelloSafe comparison tool to find the best fit for your trip. Carefully review the cover and exclusions, paying close attention to medical and repatriation guarantees specific to the USA. After selecting your plan, buy it online and you will receive your certificate by email.
What is the recommended minimum medical cover for visiting the USA?
Healthcare in the USA is very expensive, so it is recommended to have travel insurance with a minimum medical coverage of €500,000. This amount will help protect you from unexpected costs such as hospitalisation or emergency surgery, which can otherwise run into thousands of euro.
Is my credit card travel insurance enough for the USA?
For most Irish travellers, credit card insurance either does not apply or offers cover far below what is needed for the USA. Typical policies only provide €10,000–€15,000 for medical expenses, which is not sufficient for even a short hospital stay. Always check your card terms before relying on this cover.
Does travel insurance cover Covid-19 treatment in the USA?
Many travel insurance plans now include cover for Covid-19 related medical expenses, quarantine costs, or trip interruptions in the USA. However, coverage limits vary. Carefully check your policy to ensure Covid-19 is included, and that medical cover meets the high costs typical in the USA.
How much does travel insurance for the USA cost on average?
Travel insurance prices vary by age and length of stay. For a two-week trip, expect to pay about €45–€90 for adults under 50, and up to €140 for older travellers. Family plans for two adults and two children usually cost between €150 and €220 for a fortnight.
On the same topic
