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A medical consultation in the USA can cost more than your entire trip! Check out the best insurance options and avoid this mistake.
Travel Insurance for the USA is an essential item for any traveler who wants to avoid unpleasant surprises during their stay in the country. With one of the most expensive healthcare systems in the world, the United States does not offer free medical care, and any emergency can result in an exorbitant bill.
Whether you are visiting New York’s iconic tourist attractions, enjoying Orlando’s theme parks, or even shopping in Miami, a medical emergency can turn a dream trip into a financial nightmare. A simple emergency consultation can cost hundreds of dollars.
Given this scenario, purchasing adequate travel insurance is not a luxury but a necessity. In addition to medical assistance, insurance also protects against baggage loss, trip cancellations, and even legal issues.
In this guide, we will explore the best travel insurance options for the USA, detail what a good plan should cover, explain how to choose the ideal provider, and show how to activate the insurance in case of need. Follow along and learn everything you need to know to travel with peace of mind and security.
How Does Travel Insurance Work?
Travel insurance is a service purchased before departure that provides coverage for a range of unexpected events that may occur during your stay abroad. It functions as a temporary health plan, ensuring medical and hospital care if needed.
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In addition to medical assistance, many insurance plans include additional coverages such as:
- Lost baggage insurance: Compensation in case of loss or delayed return of luggage by the airline.
- Trip cancellation or interruption: Partial or full reimbursement of expenses if the traveler needs to cancel the trip for reasons covered by the policy.
- Legal assistance: Support in case of legal issues in the destination country.
- Medical or funeral repatriation: Transportation back to the country of origin in case of a severe medical condition or death.
When purchasing travel insurance, the traveler receives a policy detailing all coverages and the insurer’s customer service contact, which should be reached in case of need.
Why Is Travel Insurance Essential in the USA?
In the United States, the healthcare system is private, meaning that any medical care must be paid for entirely by the patient.
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Additionally, medical costs are extremely high. Here are some average prices for medical services in the country:
- Emergency medical consultation: between $300 and $1,500
- Hospitalization per day: between $10,000 and $20,000
- Imaging exams (such as an MRI): between $1,000 and $5,000
- Emergency surgery: can exceed $100,000
Without travel insurance, any health issue can result in an unpayable debt. Moreover, insurance also protects against other unforeseen events, such as theft of belongings, flight cancellations, and even civil liability in cases of accidents involving third parties.
What Should Travel Insurance for the USA Cover?
When choosing travel insurance, it is essential to verify that it includes the necessary coverages to ensure a safe and worry-free stay in the USA.
Medical and Hospital Coverage
Medical coverage is the most important aspect of travel insurance.
A minimum coverage of $50,000 is recommended, but it is ideal to opt for a plan with $100,000 or more, especially for those planning to stay in the USA for extended periods or engage in high-risk activities.
Covid-19 Coverage
Some insurers offer specific plans that cover medical and hospital expenses related to Covid-19, including hospitalization and tests.
Lost Baggage Insurance
Baggage loss is a common issue on international flights. Some insurance plans reimburse emergency expenses for clothing and essential items until the baggage is recovered.
Trip Cancellation Insurance
If an unexpected event prevents the traveler from boarding, this coverage can reimburse part or all of the non-refundable expenses, such as airline tickets and hotel reservations.
Legal Assistance and Civil Liability
If the traveler requires legal support in the USA, some insurers offer legal assistance and coverage for expenses related to lawsuits.
How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance for the USA?
To select the ideal insurance, it is important to consider some essential factors:
- Medical coverage amount: It should be at least $50,000, but $100,000 or more is recommended for better protection.
- Insurer’s reputation: Read customer reviews and check the response time in emergency situations.
- Additional services: Some insurers offer special benefits such as customer support in Portuguese, fast reimbursement, and telemedicine services.
- Cost-benefit ratio: Compare prices and coverage options to choose a plan that provides adequate protection at an affordable price.
Best Travel Insurance for the USA
We have selected three reputable and reliable insurance providers for those planning a trip to the United States:
Assist Card
- Medical coverage ranging from $60,000 to $1,000,000
- 24/7 customer support in Portuguese
- Telemedicine consultation option
Allianz Travel
- Coverage for medical expenses, baggage, and trip cancellation
- Strong international reputation
- Flexible plans for different traveler profiles
SulAmérica
- Specific plans for seniors and pregnant travelers
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions
- Emergency assistance and fast reimbursement
The price of travel insurance varies depending on the duration of the trip and the traveler’s age, but on average, it costs between R$10 and R$50 per day.
How to Activate Travel Insurance in the United States?
If a traveler needs medical assistance or any other service covered by travel insurance, they must follow a few steps to ensure proper care and avoid unexpected costs.
- Contact the insurance provider: The 24-hour customer service phone number is listed on the policy. Some insurers also offer support via WhatsApp or their own apps.
- Explain the situation: Clearly describe what happened and any symptoms you are experiencing in case of a medical emergency.
- Follow the insurer’s instructions: The service may be provided at affiliated clinics or hospitals, or in some cases, through telemedicine consultations.
- Keep all documents: If reimbursement is required, it is essential to keep receipts, invoices, and medical reports.
Conclusion: Is it Worth Buying Travel Insurance for the USA?
Traveling to the United States without travel insurance is an unnecessary risk. Considering the high costs of the health system in the country and the various unforeseen events that can occur, adequate insurance is essential to ensure peace of mind and security.
With several options available on the market, all you need to do is choose a plan that meets your needs and travel with the certainty that you will be protected in any situation. Before you travel, compare different insurance companies and choose insurance that offers full coverage at the best price.
Protecting yourself against unforeseen events is not an expense, but rather an investment in your safety and well-being during your trip.
Now that you know how to choose the best travel insurance, how about also ensuring the best accommodation for your stay in the USA? We have selected the best websites to find hotels, apartments and accommodations with great prices and reliable reviews. Check out the article below.
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