Travel Insurance in the USA

The USA is a favourite travel destination for Australians. Between shopping in New York, skiing in the Rockies, theme parks in California or a long cruise down Route 66, America has something for everyone.

But America’s health system is very complex. Without American health insurance, you will often have to pay up-front for even basic medical.

Complex medical care in the USA can become extremely expensive: the Australian government’s Smart Traveller website says "… the cost of medical evacuations from the United States regularly range from $75,000 to $95,000 and sometimes up to $300,000." The Insurance Industry Ombudsman warns that "medical costs … can be extremely high in some countries, such as the USA and Japan."

Travel insurance is essential in the USA

Because the cost of health care alone is so high, we feel travel insurance is essential if you plan to visit the USA.

Travel Insurance Direct's products have therefore been developed with travellers to the USA in mind and offers benefits like:

  • Unlimited medical coverage to protect you against high US healthcare costs
  • Replacement sporting equipment costs for skiing and golfing gear
  • Luggage and personal effects replacement (US airlines lose a lot of luggage)
  • Insurance if ski slopes are closed

To learn more about our travel insurance for tips to the USA, read our Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement (including Policy Wording) or call us on 1300 843 843.


Reciprocal healthcare agreements

Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with nine nations: New Zealand, The Netherlands, The United Kingdom, The Republic of Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Italy, Malta and Norway.

In each of these nations, you will be able to use the local public health system as if you were a citizen of that country. Just bring your passport and valid Medicare card.

Reciprocal Health Care Agreements are no substitute for travel insurance as they can leave you out of pocket for health care. Not all the reciprocal healthcare countries have the same level of benefits as Australia. They also omit the many other benefits that travel insurance offers and do not cover repatriation back home if you need it.

Australia has no reciprocal arrangements with the USA. If you need healthcare, you will be asked to pay.

Travel Insurance Guide

Get your quote

North America including Hawaii, South America, Central America, Middle East, Arctic & Antarctic Circles.
Europe and the African continent (North Africa, Southern Africa and Egypt)
United Kingdom and Asia (UK, Ireland, Asia, Japan and the Indian sub-continent).
Tonga, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Tahiti, Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands
New Zealand, Fiji, Norfolk Island and Bali
for travel within Australia only

Not sure which region to choose?

Covers you and your dependent children or grandchildren under the age of 21 at the date of policy issue who are travelling with you.

Covers you and your travel partner named in the Certificate of Insurance and your dependent children or grandchildren under the age of 21 at the date of policy issue who are travelling with you.

Image of Visa credit card, MasterCard and American Express credit card

If you are not a citizen of Australia or a permanent resident, click here

Select your travel region

Hints & Tips:

When making the region selection, choose the region where you will spend the majority of your trip and this will also cover you for all other areas you travel to.

For example, if you are spending 3 days in Singapore, 2 weeks in the UK and 4 weeks in Europe, select 'Europe' as your destination and you will be covered in Singapore and the UK also.