†
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Our medical screening provides an option for travellers to apply to include cover for many pre-existing medical conditions before they travel to the US.^
sub-limits:
Whether you’re holidaying in Hawaii, road tripping through the desert or star gazing in Hollywood, Fast Cover’s USA travel insurance offers different levels of cover to suit many types of travel plans to the USA.
What Does Fast Cover’s USA Travel Insurance Cover?
Fast Cover’s USA travel insurance policies can provide you with certain cover for a range of benefits for your trip to the US. Every traveller has unique needs, so it is important to consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) prior to deciding which policy is right for you and your individual needs.
Below is a brief summary of some of the benefits and options available to customers travelling to the USA at Fast Cover, however, each policy and benefit includes specific terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits and not all policies will include all of the benefits mentioned below, therefore, it is important that you understand the PDS before making your decision.
Any advice or content on this page, including frequently asked questions and answers, is general advice only and has not taken into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs.
24 Hour Emergency Medical Assistance
Fast Cover’s Australian-based emergency assistance hotline provides 24/7 support for unforeseen overseas medical emergencies with access to experienced medical support services arranged by our Emergency Assistance team, who you can call wherever you are in the USA, at any time. ^
Overseas Emergency Medical and Hospital Expenses in the USA
Healthcare and treatment for unexpected illness or injuries in the USA could be extremely expensive. This benefit includes certain protection against the financial burden of unexpected overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses associated with unexpected illness or injuries, incurred by you during your trip to the USA. ^
Overseas Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Expenses in the USA
In case you are seriously injured or sick whilst in the US, this benefit can provide certain cover for costs for the flight home or to get to the nearest hospital.^
Trip Cancellation Expenses
You can take out a USA travel insurance policy with cancellation cover up to 12 months before you travel. This can come in handy if you want to take measures to help protect the non-refundable bookings you’ve already paid, like flights, accommodation, cruises and tours, if you’re not able to travel to the US due to an unexpected emergency that is covered under the policy.^
Travel Delay Expenses
Bad weather or airline operational issues can throw a spanner in the works on your US holiday. This benefit can provide certain cover for reimbursement of reasonable additional meals and accommodation expenses up to $200 for each traveller (excluding dependants) for each 24 hour period if your scheduled transport is delayed for at least 6 hours from the time your transport was scheduled to depart. ^
Luggage and Personal Effects
Fast Cover offers certain protection for loss, theft or damage to your luggage and personal belongings such as phones, cameras and laptops while you travel around the USA. Conditions including maximum cover limits, sub-limits on how much you can claim for each type of item and the situations in which we would provide cover apply. ^
Special Event Transport Expenses
Planned to go to a special event in the US, but your flight has been cancelled, delayed, shortened or diverted, and you may not get there on time? This benefit can provide certain cover for you to book, for example, an alternative flight or other transport to help you make it to your special event on time. ^
Sports and Leisure Activities in the USA
From surfing in Hawaii to fishing in Colorado, cover for many sports and activities are automatically included in your USA travel insurance policy so you can make the most of the activities the US has to offer on your holiday. ^
Optional Extras for your USA Travel Insurance
Fast Cover’s optional add-ons allow you to customise your travel insurance policy - that way you can get certain cover for a range of activities and adventures in the USA.
Adventure Pack
Travellers aged 74 and under at the date of policy issue embarking on adventures throughout the USA’s unique landscapes and locations can add on the Adventure Pack for an additional premium to cover an extra list of adrenaline-pumping activities such as rafting, kayaking, quad biking, hiking above 3000m and more. ^
Motorcycle Pack
Travellers aged 74 and under at the date of policy issue and want to ride or be a passenger on a scooter, moped or motorcycle, you’ll need to add the Motorcycle Pack to your USA travel insurance policy. ^
Cruise Cover
If you’re embarking on a cruise holiday in US waters for 4 nights or more, add our cruise cover to your USA travel insurance policy for additional cover in case of unexpected emergencies on-board the cruise ship and during onshore excursions. ^
Ski and Snow Sports Cover
Travellers aged 69 and under at the date of policy issue planning to ski or snowboard in the US can apply for Fast Covers ski and snow travel insurance, called the “Snow Sports Plus Policy”, which can provide certain cover for costs associated with ski and snow sports. ^
Bicycle Pack
If you’re cycling across the scenic US with your bike, you can choose to add the Bike Pack to include certain cover for the costs to help protect their personal bicycles against loss, theft or damage. ^
Reduced Standard Excess
We hope you have a holiday without having to make a claim! However, if something does happen on your trip to the US, you’ll need to pay an excess for every claim you make. You can reduce the standard excess on your policy to $100 or $0 by paying an additional premium. ^
Specified High Value Items
If you would like to cover your valuable items for more than what they’re currently covered for, you can specify the item and we won’t apply depreciation to it. ^
Rental Vehicle Insurance Excess
If your rental vehicle is in an accident, damaged or stolen during your trip to the US, Fast Cover can, depending on the policy chosen, provide additional cover of up to $8,000 for the rental vehicle insurance excess component of your rental vehicle insurance with your car hire company. ^
Insurance Cover Options for your Trip to the USA
At Fast Cover, we have a range of coverage options available for your trip to the USA.
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 medical and hospital expenses, overseas emergency medical assistance, accidental death and loss of income.^
Standard Saver Travel Insurance
The Standard Saver Travel Insurance policy provides many benefits similar to our comprehensive policy but usually lower limits, such as trip cancellation and trip disruption, as well as certain cover relating to your health and luggage 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. You can also apply to customise your policy and include cover under the luggage and personal effects benefit up to $2000.^
Multi-Trip Insurance for Frequent Travellers
If you travel to the USA frequently, you can get a quote for a Frequent Traveller Saver Policy when you take out travel insurance for the USA. We can provide cover for an unlimited number of trips in a 12 month period up to a specified number of days each trip.^
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 Travel Insurance Awards we've received recognising our efforts.
Canstar Outstanding Value
2024 Canstar Outstanding Value Winner for International and Seniors Travel Insurance †
Winner Travel Insurance Award
2024 ProductReview.com.au Awards †
2024 Finder Customer Service Satisfaction Awards
2024 Finder Customer Service Satisfaction Awards †
The Benefits of Travel Insurance for the USA
Depending on the level of cover you take out with our USA travel insurance policy, Fast Cover can provide you with different benefits to suit your travel plans, helping you to better prepare for and deal with unexpected medical and financial circumstances.
Medical Benefits |
Basics | Domestic Plus | Standard Saver | Comprehensive | Snow Sports Plus | Frequent Traveller Saver |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Overseas 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance^ |
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 up to $2,000 |
$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 up to $8,000 |
Optional up to $8,000 |
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.
What is Not Covered in our USA Travel Insurance?
As with all insurance policies, it is important to be aware of what your travel insurance covers but also what it doesn’t cover, to ensure that you are choosing the best policy for you and your individual circumstances. There are also conditions that you are required to comply with for many situations and activities, as well as limits and sub limits that apply.
Below, we have provided some situations where cover may not be available under Fast Cover policies, so it is important to think about your individual needs and what policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits may apply to you and your trip. These are only a summary of the situations that our policies may not cover, therefore, it is important to consider the PDS and TMD at fastcover.com.au to ensure that you understand the policy and choose the right policy for you and your individual needs.
If you become injured while breaking the law
If you become injured while breaking the law, there are various conditions and exclusions that may apply which means you may not be covered. This could include riding a motorcycle without the required helmet, or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Remember that possession of certain drugs are illegal in the USA. Using drugs or selling them can land you in trouble with the law in the US.
If you are intoxicated or have taken illicit drugs
It’s not illegal to have a drink while in the USA, but if you’ve drunk alcohol excessively, there are certain exclusions that will likely apply. That means if you’re under the influence of alcohol and you stumble and hurt yourself, you may not have cover under your policy.
Certain drugs are illegal in the USA and you may not be covered by your USA travel insurance policy when you’ve taken drugs. Keep in mind that the legal drinking age in the US is 21.
If you do an activity that isn’t covered by your policy
If you’re injured in an accident while for example, riding a moped and you didn’t add the Motorcycle Pack to your USA travel insurance policy, you’ll likely be responsible for paying your medical and hospital expenses because you did not choose to include cover for that under your policy.
It is important to think about what activities you will be participating in so that you have the right cover for the activities you plan to do in the USA.
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
There are exclusions that apply for regular or routine 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 US holiday before you leave Australia.
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, there may be exclusions that will apply such as if you do not follow advice in the mass media where a travel advisory risk rating of Do Not Travel was issued after policy purchase.
Known Events
Known events are serious situations, from natural disasters like the USA cyclones, to disease outbreaks, which can affect your holiday plans and also the cover on your travel insurance policy for the USA.
If you buy your USA 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 the USA so you know where you stand with regards to the cover that you will have on your USA travel insurance policy.
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 the USA is not intended to compensate you because you didn’t enjoy your time there.
Why Choose Fast Cover?
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 started your trip, made or intend to make a claim or used the policy such as to obtain a visa.
Australian-Based Customer Service
Fast Cover is Australian owned and operated. When you contact us, you’ll speak with our Australian-based travel insurance specialist sales and claims team.
24/7 Emergency Assistance
Wherever you’re travelling and whenever you need us, our 24/7 worldwide expert emergency assistance team is ready and waiting to help.
Fast and Simple Claims Process
Our claims process is fast and simple. Call our Aussie claims team or use our online claims form to submit your claim for assessment.
What our travellers are saying
FAQs
United States of America is in the Worldwide region.
United States Minor Outlying Islands is in the Worldwide region.
Whilst travel insurance for the USA is not mandatory, it can help to better prepare you to deal with unexpected and unforeseen circumstances such as injury or sickness, and trip cancellation and disruption expenses. One way to prepare for this is by making international travel insurance a priority. However, it is important to read the Product Disclosure Statement of the travel insurance provider as terms, conditions, exclusions and limits will apply to each policy.
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.
The cost of travel insurance for the USA 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 to the United States of America, request a quote today.
The Overseas Emergency Medical and Hospital Expenses Benefit can provide certain protection against the financial burden of unexpected medical emergencies that can happen on your overseas trip to the USA; from food poisoning, treatment for a broken bone or emergency surgery for appendicitis. Medical expenses including hospitalisation, doctor’s consultations, and even prescription medication can be covered if your medical emergency is covered under your policy. However, it's important to keep in mind that cover isn’t available for all medical expenses, and some of these include (but is not limited to):
- medical emergencies related to your pre-existing medical conditions which aren’t listed as covered on your certificate of insurance,
- elective surgery,
- routine medical or dental check-ups, injuries sustained from your participation in some sport or leisure activities or snow sports unless you’ve purchased additional cover for them, and
- your medical expenses once you’ve returned to Australia,
so it’s essential to review your policy to understand what is and isn't covered while you're in the US and the terms and conditions that apply.
You can apply for cover for your pre-existing medical conditions and any changes in health and/or new medical conditions you may develop before you leave for the US through a medical screening. Find out more about what we consider to be a medical condition and how you can apply for cover in our Travel Insurance for Pre-existing Medical Conditions page. ^
As each individual’s circumstances are different, we will assess each claim on a case by case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms and Certificate of Insurance.
If you are only in transit through the USA, you automatically have cover for up to 48 hours. Cover is only available for the countries or region you have selected at the time of purchase and listed on your Certificate of insurance. If you change your travel plans and decide to legally enter the USA, you may not be covered under your policy if the USA was not selected at the time of purchase and listed on your Certificate of insurance. You can apply to Fast Cover to add the USA to your policy to include cover and pay an additional premium. ^
Parts of the USA are known to experience natural disasters like cyclones, hurricanes and tornadoes. So, if you’re planning a trip to the USA, consider taking out a travel insurance policy as soon as you pay for your flights or accommodation in case you are forced to cancel your trip due to a natural disaster. If you take out a travel insurance policy after the event has occurred, you likely won’t be able to claim for any trip disruption or cancellation costs because the natural disaster is a known event. The event must have begun after we issued the Certificate of insurance. ^
Our trip cancellation expenses benefit can provide certain cover for cancellation, delays or rescheduling by a bus line, airline, shipping line or rail authority due to natural disaster. ^
Our trip disruption expenses benefit also provides certain cover for when your scheduled or connecting transport is cancelled, delayed, shortened or diverted because of a natural disaster. ^
As each individual’s circumstances are different, we will assess each claim on a case by case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms and Certificate of Insurance.
To find the best travel insurance for the USA you should look for a policy that suits the type of holiday that you're taking. Before you decide on your USA travel insurance, you should read the PDS to check what the policy will and won’t cover you for, any conditions and exclusions that might apply to you and whether the policy provides the cover that you’re looking for.
USA Travel Hub
Discover travel resources, advice and tips for your next holiday to the USA.
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.
USA Visa Requirements for Australians
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 some helpful tips of things you need to know, complete with a visa application checklist so you don't forget anything.
Digital Nomad Guide for the USA
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.
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.
^ Disclaimer: Eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits apply to all policies. Make sure you consider the PDS and TMD at fastcover.com.au prior to deciding which policy is right for you and your individual needs.