The United States is one of the most popular long-haul destinations for Australian travellers, but it is also the most expensive country in the world for medical care. With no reciprocal healthcare agreement, a single hospital visit can cost tens of thousands of dollars. An ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is required before departure. Compare travel insurance options below.
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The United States is a bucket-list destination for many Australians - from the bright lights of New York City and the beaches of Hawaii to the national parks of the West and the theme parks of Florida. However, the USA is also the single most important destination to have travel insurance for, primarily because of the staggering cost of American healthcare.
There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and the United States. If you fall ill or are injured in America, you are personally liable for the full cost of treatment. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average cost of a hospital stay in the US exceeds US$2,500 per day, with intensive care beds costing US$5,000 or more per day. An ambulance ride alone can cost US$1,000 - US$5,000. Surgical procedures routinely run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Medical debt is the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, and foreign visitors have no safety net.
Beyond medical costs, travel insurance for the USA covers trip cancellation (important given the cost of long-haul flights), lost or delayed luggage, rental vehicle excess (driving is essential in most American cities), personal liability, and disruptions from natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires. The US also experiences occasional civil unrest and has higher rates of gun violence than Australia.
All major Australian travel insurance providers offer cover for the United States, though premiums are higher than for closer destinations due to the extreme medical cost risk. Comprehensive cover with high medical limits is strongly worth considering for any US trip. See our full Australian travel insurance comparison for provider details.
Understanding destination-specific risks helps you choose the right level of travel insurance cover.
| Risk | Level | Details | Insurance Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extreme Medical Costs | Very High | The US has the most expensive healthcare system in the world. A broken leg treated in an emergency room can cost US$20,000 - US$50,000. A heart attack requiring hospitalisation can exceed US$150,000. Ambulance transport averages US$1,200 - US$5,000. Even a simple GP visit costs US$200 - US$500. There is no government healthcare safety net for visitors, and hospitals actively pursue debt collection against foreign patients. | This is the number one reason Australians need travel insurance for the USA. Comprehensive policies typically provide A$1 million or more in medical cover - the minimum worth considering for a US trip. Some providers offer unlimited medical cover, which may suit travellers who want maximum protection. |
| Natural Disasters | High (seasonal/regional) | The US experiences a wide range of natural disasters. Hurricane season (June - November) affects the Atlantic and Gulf coasts from Florida to Texas. Tornado season (March - June) impacts the central states. Wildfires are increasingly common in California, Oregon, and other western states. Earthquakes affect California and the Pacific Northwest. Winter storms can shut down airports across the Northeast and Midwest. | Travel insurance covers trip disruption, additional accommodation, and rebooking costs due to natural disasters, provided the event occurs after policy purchase. Some policies exclude travel to areas with active warnings. Check whether your policy covers natural disaster-related cancellations. |
| Gun Violence & Personal Safety | Moderate | The US has significantly higher rates of gun violence than Australia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, firearm-related incidents are a leading cause of death. Mass shooting events, while statistically rare for any individual, occur with regularity. Petty crime and vehicle break-ins are common in certain urban areas, particularly in tourist zones like San Francisco. | Travel insurance covers medical treatment for injuries sustained during violent incidents. Personal effects and luggage cover protects against theft. Some policies may exclude claims arising from travel to areas with active safety warnings. |
| Road Travel & Vast Distances | Moderate | Driving is essential in most of the US, and Australians must adjust to driving on the right side of the road. Distances between cities are enormous - Los Angeles to San Francisco is a 6-hour drive, and cross-country trips can span 4,000+ kilometres. Speed limits on interstate highways typically range from 65-80 mph (105-130 km/h). Road fatigue, unfamiliar driving rules, and aggressive drivers are common hazards. | Rental vehicle excess cover is particularly important in the US, where rental excess amounts can be US$2,000 - US$5,000. Comprehensive travel insurance may include this cover. Check whether your policy covers driving in all US states and territories. |
| Flight Disruptions & Delays | Moderate | US airports experience frequent delays and cancellations due to weather, air traffic control issues, and airline operational problems. Connecting through major hubs like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Dallas increases delay risk. Bureau of Transportation Statistics data shows approximately 20% of US flights experience delays. International rebooking can be complex and costly. | Travel insurance covers additional accommodation and meal costs during covered delays (typically after 6-12 hours). Trip cancellation cover reimburses non-refundable costs if you need to cancel for a covered reason. Cover for missed connections is particularly valuable for multi-stop US itineraries. |
| Extreme Weather & Climate Variation | Moderate | The US has extreme climate variation. Summer temperatures in the Southwest regularly exceed 45C (Death Valley reaches 50C+). Winter in the Northeast and Midwest can drop below -20C with dangerous wind chill. Heat-related illness is a genuine risk in states like Arizona, Nevada, and Texas. Blizzards can strand travellers for days in northern and mountain states. | Medical treatment for heat stroke, hypothermia, and weather-related injuries is covered under travel insurance. Trip disruption due to severe weather events is typically covered provided the event occurs after policy purchase. |
Disclaimer: Risk levels shown are general assessments based on publicly available data from the Smartraveller advisory service, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Weather Service. Conditions change frequently - always check current advisories before travel.
All major Australian travel insurance providers cover the United States. Compare options and find the right policy for your trip.
Australia's most recognised travel insurance brand. Offers comprehensive single-trip and annual multi-trip policies with strong medical cover - particularly important for the US where medical costs are extreme. 24/7 emergency assistance and straightforward online claims.
One of Australasia's largest travel insurance providers, underwritten by Zurich. Offers a range of policies from basic to comprehensive, with strong medical cover and a well-established 24/7 emergency assistance network with US-based support.
Global insurance giant with a strong presence in the Australian travel insurance market. Backed by one of the world's largest financial services groups, with comprehensive cover options and an extensive assistance network across the United States.
Budget-friendly Australian travel insurance provider offering competitive pricing for long-haul destinations. Provides solid medical cover for the US market, where high limits are essential for protecting against American healthcare costs.
Popular with backpackers and adventure travellers. One of the few providers that allows you to purchase or extend cover while already overseas. Covers a wide range of adventure activities as standard, making it well-suited for active American holidays.
Australian-based travel insurance provider offering straightforward policies at competitive prices. Originally focused on student and working holiday cover, now offers comprehensive travel insurance for all trip types including long-haul US holidays.
Disclaimer: Provider information, features, and pricing are based on publicly available data as of early 2026 and may change without notice. Coverage limits, exclusions, and terms vary between policy tiers - always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before purchasing. Compare.com.au may earn referral fees from some providers listed above.
Several factors influence how much you'll pay for travel insurance covering a US trip.
Longer trips cost more to insure. A two-week New York and California trip will cost significantly more than a one-week Hawaii holiday. The US is already one of the more expensive destinations to insure due to medical costs, so trip length has a noticeable impact on premiums.
Premiums increase with age, particularly for travellers over 65. Given the extreme cost of US medical care, age-related premium increases are more pronounced for the USA than for closer destinations. Children are often covered free or at reduced rates on family policies.
Standard policies cover everyday activities like sightseeing, swimming, and hiking. Adventure activities such as skiing in Colorado, snowboarding, surfing in Hawaii, or zip-lining may require an add-on or higher-tier policy. Check your policy before booking any adventure tours.
Declaring pre-existing medical conditions may increase your premium or require a medical screening. This is especially important for US travel - failing to disclose conditions can void your entire policy, leaving you exposed to the world's most expensive healthcare system.
Basic policies cover medical expenses and trip cancellation at lower limits. Comprehensive policies add higher limits, rental vehicle excess, luggage cover, and broader cancellation reasons. For the US, comprehensive cover with high medical limits is worth serious consideration given the extreme cost of American healthcare.
Family and couple policies are typically cheaper per person than individual policies. Most providers define a family as two adults and up to four dependent children. Group discounts may apply for larger travel parties.
From iconic cities to stunning national parks and tropical islands - here's what draws Australians to the United States.
The Big Apple is a must-visit for many Australians. Combine NYC with Washington DC, Boston, and the fall foliage of New England for an iconic East Coast experience.
The Golden State offers beaches, theme parks, wine country, and some of America's most spectacular national parks including Yosemite and Joshua Tree.
A tropical paradise and the closest US destination to Australia. Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island offer beaches, volcanoes, and a more relaxed pace than the mainland.
The US National Park system includes over 400 sites. Popular parks for Australians include the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion.
Practical tips to help you get the right travel insurance and avoid common pitfalls.
The US is the most expensive country in the world for medical treatment. A single hospital stay can cost more than a house deposit in Australia. Comprehensive policies with unlimited or very high medical limits are worth serious consideration for any US trip. Basic policies with lower medical caps may leave you significantly exposed.
Australia passport holders must apply for an ESTA before travelling to the US. Applications cost US$21 and are usually approved within minutes, though some can take up to 72 hours. An ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires. Apply early to avoid last-minute issues.
Most Australian travel insurance providers require you to purchase your policy before departing Australia. Buying early also means you're covered for trip cancellation from the purchase date - important given the significant cost of long-haul flights. World Nomads is one of the few providers that allows purchase while already overseas.
Tipping is not optional in the United States - it is a core part of service worker compensation. Standard tips are 18-22% at restaurants, US$1-2 per drink at bars, US$2-5 per night for hotel housekeeping, and 15-20% for taxi and rideshare drivers. Not tipping is considered extremely rude and may result in confrontation.
Americans drive on the right side of the road - the opposite of Australia. Right turns on red are generally permitted unless signed otherwise. Speed limits are in miles per hour (not kilometres). Fuel is purchased in gallons. Rental vehicle excess cover in your travel insurance policy is worth considering, as rental excess amounts in the US can be US$2,000 - US$5,000.
Register your trip on the Australian government's SafeTravel website. You'll receive alerts about safety issues, natural disasters, and other disruptions at your destination. Registration is free and helps Australian consular staff locate you in an emergency.
If you need to make a claim, your insurer will require documentation. Keep all medical receipts, police reports (for theft), boarding passes, and booking confirmations. Take photos of damaged luggage or belongings. Contact your insurer's 24/7 assistance line as soon as possible after an incident - particularly for medical emergencies, where the assistance team can help direct you to appropriate facilities.
Common questions Australians ask about travel insurance for the United States.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, insurance, or legal advice. All pricing shown is indicative and based on publicly available data as of early 2026. Actual premiums will vary based on your age, trip duration, activities, pre-existing conditions, and chosen cover level. These figures are not quotes - always obtain a personalised quote directly from the provider. Compare.com.au may earn referral fees from some providers featured on this page. This does not affect the completeness or order of our comparisons. For personalised financial guidance, consider consulting a licensed financial adviser.
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