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Travel Insurance for the USA

Find out all you need to know about buying Travel Insurance for the USA

A trip to the United States of America is on a lot of people’s bucket lists. This is largely because there are so many activities and adventures to embark on. As the world’s third largest country in size, experiences are different across the 50 states.

With such a unique geographical and cultural makeup, when visiting the US, it’s important to expect the unexpected. One way to prepare for this is by making international travel insurance a priority.

The American experience is different in every state you visit. The scenery, the weather, the people and the experiences will be unique in their own way when you visit places like California, New York, Boston, Washington and Hawaii.

With each day different from the next, travelling to America is a transformative experience that allows you to visit iconic locations, all while experiencing first hand the history and the different cuisines in this melting pot of cultures.

American guy holding USA flag
USA monument icons

Do you need Travel Insurance for a trip to the USA?

The USA is a hub of activity. People move in all sorts of directions on a daily, hourly and even minute by minute basis. With this in mind, as a traveller in the US, it’s easy to fall into the rush.

This could mean taking a myriad of different flights on one day to get to the other side of the country. It could mean grabbing a surfboard and running into the ocean. It could even mean putting on hiking boots and traversing the Pacific Crest Trail.

All of these different activities can result in a range of different scenarios. You might lose your luggage during the first leg of the trip or suffer a medical emergency.

While different outcomes, each has the ability to impact your trip. With travel insurance, you can be better placed to deal with the unexpected. A travel insurance policy can help with the medical and hospital emergency costs associated with an unexpected medical issue whilst you are overseas or even some of the cost of a lost luggage item. It is, however, important to read the Product Disclosure Statement of the travel insurance provider as terms, conditions, exclusions and limits will apply to each policy.

Choose the policy that covers your needs

When looking into travel insurance policies, it’s important to note that at Fast Cover, we have a range of different options available. Policies range from comprehensive travel insurance and standard saver to basics, multi-trip and one way.

Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Comprehensive Travel Insurance is Fast Cover's most popular policy option. It provides the highest level of cover for the widest range of unexpected situations like accidental death or loss of income.

Standard Saver Travel Insurance

The Standard Saver Travel Insurance policy provides benefits relating to your health and personal belongings when you travel.

Basic (Medical Only) Travel Insurance

Our Basic Travel Insurance policy type is a simple way of ensuring there is coverage for what's most important in life, such as your health.

Multi Award Winning Insurance

The Fast Cover team always strives to deliver the best Travel insurance we can for all our travellers. We're very thankful for the Best Travel Insurance Awards we've received recognising our efforts.

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Product Review Awards

Winner Travel Insurance Award 2022 & 2023

WeMoney Awards 2023 winner
WeMoney Awards

Winner Travel Insurance of the Year 2022 & 2023

Winner Outstanding Customer Service 2023

Winner Travel Insurance Innovation 2023

Finder Awards 2023 winner
Finder Awards

Winner Best Travel Insurance - Value 2023

The Benefits of Travel Insurance in the USA

When travelling, as in life, there are a variety of things that could go wrong, or instances that may arise. From cancelled flights and a broken leg, to an emergency at home or a lost bag, while travelling should be a wonderful time in life, it’s not exempt from bumps in the road. 

When abroad, these bumps in the road can feel like major roadblocks. Rather than having a ruined trip or activity with no recourse, having travel insurance provides you with options. 

Depending on the policy, travel insurance can provide you with options. Helping you to better prepare for and deal with instances that are unexpected- whether they be large or small in nature.

Medical Benefits

 Basics Domestic Plus Standard Saver Comprehensive Snow Sports Plus Frequent Traveller Saver

Overseas 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance^

sub-limits:

 Unlimited ––– Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited

Funeral/cremation Overseas and/or bringing your remains home (per person)

 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000

Overseas Emergency Medical & Hospital Expenses^

 Unlimited ––– Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited

Overseas Emergency Dental

 $500 ––– $750 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000

Overseas Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation

 Unlimited ––– Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited

Overseas Hospital Cash Payment^

sub-limits:

 ––– ––– ––– $5,000 $5,000 $5,000

Daily Limit (per person)

 $50 $50 $50

Accidental Death

Travellers Aged 80 to 89:
 ––– $25,000
$20,000		 ––– $25,000
$20,000		 $25,000
$20,000		 $25,000
$20,000

Accidental Death for travellers up to age 79

 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000

Accidental Death for travellers aged 80 - 89

 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000

Accidental Death of a Dependant (per Dependant)

 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000

Permanent Disability^

Travellers Aged 80 to 89:
 ––– ––– ––– $50,000
$20,000		 $50,000
$20,000		 $25,000
$20,000

Permanent Disability for travellers up to age 79

 $50,000 $50,000 $25,000

Permanent Disability for travellers aged 80 - 89

 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000

Permanent Disability of a Dependant (per Dependant)

 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000

Loss of Income^

sub-limits:

 ––– ––– ––– $10,400 $10,400 $10,400

Weekly Limit (per person) - up to 26 weeks

 $400 $400 $400

Financial Benefits

 Basics Domestic Plus Standard Saver Comprehensive Snow Sports Plus Frequent Traveller Saver

Trip Cancellation Expenses

sub-limits:

 ––– Unlimited $25,000 Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited

Travel Agents Cancellation Fees

 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500

Close Relatives that do not meet Close relative conditions

 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000

Personal Liability

 $1,000,000 $5,000,000 $2,500,000 $5,000,000 $5,000,000 $5,000,000

Trip Disruption Expenses

sub-limits:

 ––– $50,000 $30,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000

Close Relatives with a Pre-existing Medical Condition

 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000

Trip Resumption Expenses

 ––– $3,000 $2,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000

Luggage & Personal Effects

sub-limits:

 Optional $7,500 $5,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000

Personal computers,video recorders or cameras (per item)

 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000

Mobile phones (per item)

 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500

Tablets (per item)

 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000

All other unspecified items (per item)

 $750 $750 $750 $750 $750 $750

Luggage and Personal Effects stolen from a Locked Storage Compartment of an unattended vehicle during daylight hours. We will pay up to $200 for each item and $2,000 in total for all stolen items.

$2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000

Passports, Credit Cards & Credit Card Fraud^

 ––– ––– $2,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000

Special Event Transport Expenses

 ––– $5,000 ––– $5,000 $5,000 $5,000

Rental Vehicle Excess

sub-limits:

 ––– $5,000 Optional Optional Optional Optional

Return of Rental Vehicle

 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500

Travel Delay Expenses

sub-limits:

 ––– $2,000 ––– $2,000 $2,000 $2,000

Daily Limit (per person)

(we will pay up to $200 for each full 24 hours beyond the initial 6 hour delay)

 $200 $200 $200 $200

Delay of Luggage and Personal Effects^

 ––– ––– ––– $750 $750 $750

Theft of Cash^

 ––– ––– ––– $250 $250 $250

Snow Sports Benefits

 Basics Domestic Plus Standard Saver Comprehensive Snow Sports Plus Frequent Traveller Saver

Snow Sport Equipment

 ––– $1,500 ––– ––– $1,500 –––

Snow Equipment Replacement Hire

 ––– $1,500 ––– ––– $1,500 –––

Snow Prepaid Expenses

 ––– $750 ––– ––– $750 –––

Snow Resort Closure

sub-limits:

 ––– $1,000 ––– ––– $1,000 –––

Daily Limit (per person)

 $100 $100

COVID-19 Benefits

 Basics Domestic Plus Standard Saver Comprehensive Snow Sports Plus Frequent Traveller Saver

COVID-19 Overseas Emergency Medical, Hospital & Medical Evacuation Expenses

 Unlimited ––– Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited

Funeral/cremation Overseas and/or bringing your remains home (per person)

 $20,000 ––– $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000

COVID-19 Trip Cancellation & Disruption

––– $3,500 $3,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000

Please note: This is only a summary of benefits. Policy terms, conditions, limits, sub limits and exclusions apply to each cover type. Benefit limits shown are for Single and Duo (per person) policies. Pooled Benefits mean that Family policy benefit limits apply for the whole family and are double the corresponding benefit limit under a Single policy, except for certain benefits - please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for full details. ^Cover under these Benefits are excluded while travelling within Australia.

Optional extras we cover for your USA trip

Having a range of different policies means that you are more likely to find a policy with coverage that meets the nature of your trip.

In terms of travel insurance, it's worth mentioning that the type of cover offered, along with the associated premiums will differ on a person-to-person basis in order to properly account for things such as pre-existing medical conditions.

Cruise

A cruise holiday at sea or in the ocean whether in Australian and/or International waters.

Adventure Pack

For those more adventurous activities such as Abseiling, Quad Biking, Hiking Above 3000m, Scuba Diving & more.

Motorcycle Pack

Cover for riding or being a passenger on a Motorcycle, Moped or Scooter. Rider must have valid license.

Rental Vehicle Excess

Cover for the Excess payable if your Rented Vehicle is in an accident.

What is not covered in our USA Travel Insurance

If you are breaking the law
If you are breaking the law

If you become injured while breaking the law, you may not be covered for your hospital and medical expenses. This includes riding a motorcycle without the required helmet, or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Remember that possession of drugs including marijuana, are illegal in Bali. Using drugs or selling them can land you with a long prison term or the death penalty.

If you are intoxicated or have taken illicit drugs
If you are intoxicated or have taken illicit drugs

It’s not illegal to have a drink while in Bali, but if you’ve drunk alcohol excessively, your travel insurance will be void. That means if you’re under the influence of alcohol and you stumble and hurt yourself, you may not have cover for medical expenses. Drugs are illegal in Bali and you may not be covered by your Bali travel insurance policy when you’ve taken drugs.

If you do an activity that isn’t covered by your policy
If you do an activity that isn’t covered by your policy

If you’re injured in an accident while riding a moped and you didn’t add the Motorcycle Pack to your Bali travel insurance policy, you’ll be responsible for paying your medical and hospital expenses because it wouldn’t be covered by your policy. Ensure you have cover for the activities you plan to do in Bali.

Unsupervised belongings
Unsupervised belongings

If something of yours is stolen while unattended or unsupervised, you may not be able to claim for the stolen item. For example: If you leave your bag with your wallet and passport inside it on the beach while you go for a swim, this will be considered leaving your belongings unattended, in which case you may not be covered. Make sure you keep your belongings with you at all times or keep them in a secure location.

Regular medical or dental check-ups
Regular medical or dental check-ups

Cover is not provided for regular check-ups or filling regular prescriptions as they are not considered medical emergencies. If you require regular medication, bring enough of what you’ll need for your Bali holiday before you leave Australia.

Ignoring official warnings
Ignoring official warnings

Should the Australian Government release a warning on Smartraveller that certain areas are no longer safe to travel to and you still choose to travel there anyway, your Bali trip insurance policy may be void.

Known Events
Known Events

Known events are serious situations, from natural disasters like the Bali volcano, to disease outbreaks, which can affect your Bali holiday plans and also the cover on your travel insurance policy for Bali.

If you buy your Bali insurance after an event is deemed a “Known event”, the cover on your policy may be affected. You should check for any Travel Alerts that may have been issued for Bali so you know where you stand with regards to the cover that you will have on your Bali travel insurance policy.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s)
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s)

Medical expenses related to Sexually Transmitted Infections or diseases is excluded from cover for all of our travel insurance policies.

Disappointing holidays
Disappointing holidays

Perhaps the weather was bad or your accommodation didn’t live up to the pictures online. Whatever the reason you’re unhappy with how your holiday has shaped up, your travel insurance policy for Bali won’t compensate you because you didn’t enjoy your time there.

Health and safety when travelling to America

Research into health and safety in the US will tell you that tourists typically have nothing to worry about. However, steps should be taken to research and exercise caution when it comes to weather events and criminal activity.  

In terms of criminal activity, like anywhere in the world, the USA has certain neighbourhoods that have higher crime rates when it comes to theft and burglary. 

Additionally, the US is also known for extreme weather events ranging from hurricanes and cyclones to heat waves and flash flooding. 

Whether confronted by a petty thief or a swirling hurricane, each has the potential to impact your trip, albeit in different ways. 

With travel insurance, the effects of a flight cancelled by weather can be remediated by alternative arrangements being made. Travel insurance can also provide help in terms of reimbursement of stolen goods. 

Why Fast Cover?

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48 Hour Price Guarantee

The price on your quote is 'Locked In' for 48 hours.

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25 Day Cooling-off Period

Get a full refund if you cancel for any reason within 25 days from when you buy your policy and you haven't travelled.

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Instant Cancellation Cover

As soon as you buy a policy with a cancellation benefit, your cancellation cover is activated immediately. COVID-19 Benefits have a 72 hour no cover period.

Before you go... Read these essentials

USA Travel Guide
1. USA Travel Guide

As the world's third largest country, there is a lot to see in the US. From landmarks, like the White House to the blinding lights of Las Vegas, each state is unique. With so much to do, we've compiled a guide to help you work out must-see destinations, along with some practical tips like transport options and the local laws travellers should know.

Visa Requirements for the USA

Each country has its own unique entry and exit requirements and the US is no different. To help you get your head around whether or not you need a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), we've put together a guide with everything you need to know, complete with a visa application checklist so you don't forget anything.

Read more about USA Visa Requirements For Australians

Visa Requirements for the USA

Our 10 tips for the first-time travellers to America

As a first time traveller to the US, the vast amount of cities to cover can feel overwhelming. With this in mind, our top tips for travelling to the USA include: 

  1. Make sure that you have obtained the correct USA travel visa or travel authorisation, otherwise, you might be refused entry. 
  2. Research weather conditions in each state before making plans. Understanding the climate in each region will ensure that you visit each city at the right time for maximum enjoyment. 
  3. Take note of important holidays. The US loves a great celebration so if you want to experience something unique, time your visit around the Super Bowl or Halloween. 
  4. Whether travelling as a young adult or with a young adult, every first time traveller to the US should know that the legal drinking age is 21. 
  5. Currency in the US is a little different to other parts of the world. US money includes both paper money and coins ranging from the penny to the quarter. 
  6. Speaking of money, tipping is a large part of American culture. Everyone from waiters and waitresses to taxi drivers will be expecting a tip, so carry some cash on your person.
  7. As the USA encompasses a lot of land, it can be tempting to embark on a road trip. Before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle in America, you will need an international driver’s licence and the knowledge that they drive on the right side of the road. 
  8. While it can be tempting to stroll down Rodeo Drive and indulge in a few items, save your money for the outlet shops. A lot of states have outlets where you can buy premium brands for great prices. 
  9. As the home of many landmark destinations, the US has a lot of tours that will help you hit the right spots. However, tours may sell out so it’s best to book them before leaving home. 
  10. No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you, the portions in the US really are bigger than at home. Another hint around food? Don’t ask for chips, ask for fries, otherwise, you’ll get a side of potato chips with your meal.
Man wearing USA flag hat

What our travellers are saying

Traveller case study

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FAQs

Mauritius is in the Worldwide region.

The Basics policy provides cover for unexpected medical emergencies and personal liability with the option to add on cover for your luggage and personal effects.


Read our Medical Only Travel Insurance page for more information.

Cover is subject to the policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions.in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

Christmas Island is in the Domestic region.

Australian citizens or residents travelling to the USA will need either a visa or travel authorisation. The type of document required will depend on the length of travel, the reason for travel and also, citizenship status. 

For more information visit our guide to visa requirements for the USA.

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Over the last few years, the lifestyle of a digital nomad is being increasingly adopted by professionals of all ages. With co-working spaces, fast internet access and strong appeal around city living, the USA is a great place to be a digital nomad.
Learn more about the digital nomad lifestyle, your tax obligations and travel insurance options here.

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The cost of travel insurance will vary depending on a person-to-person basis. This is because of various factors, including but not limited to the type of policy you choose, where you are travelling, the length of your trip, the time between purchase and departure, personal characteristics such as pre-existing medical conditions and age, as well as any add-ons that you choose.

To determine the cost of travel insurance for your upcoming trip, request a quote today.

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Things you need to know

^ Price as at 27/10/2024 compared to the price calculated today for this policy.

* See Product Disclosure Statement for full terms and conditions and exclusions and limits that apply.