When Danes plan their visits to the United States, one of the most commonly asked questions is whether travel insurance is mandatory for entry. With the COVID-19 pandemic also in consideration, travelers have started to wonder if having travel insurance is a requirement.
However, the truth is that travel insurance is not mandatory. To put it simply, tourists traveling on an ESTA or a B1/B2 visa do not need to provide proof of travel insurance. Therefore, currently, there are no specific travel insurance requirements imposed on tourists visiting the US.
This stands as a notable contrast to the requirements in Schengen countries, where visitors are indeed mandated to have travel insurance upon entering Europe.
Nevertheless, despite not being obligatory, having travel insurance is highly recommended for your trip to the US. It should be one of the primary aspects to consider when planning your visit. The reason behind this is straightforward: healthcare in the United States is predominantly privately operated. Public healthcare facilities that provide free treatment are rare to come across. Even for US citizens and residents, health insurance is crucial and must be maintained throughout the year.
For this reason, having a comprehensive travel insurance package is essential for visitors to the US. Your home insurance is unlikely to cover any expenses incurred in the US, and as a tourist, you won’t receive free healthcare from the US government. Therefore, selecting the right travel insurance as a Danish traveler becomes crucial.
Furthermore, acquiring travel insurance is strongly advised due to the exorbitant costs of healthcare in America. Even routine visits to the emergency room can exceed $2000. It is wise to acknowledge that during an international trip, unexpected situations can arise, and not having insurance coverage could have a significant impact on your finances.
What does travel insurance to the US typically cover?
When it comes to travel insurance for trips to the US, the coverage provided should be similar to that of a European or worldwide policy, with the exception of the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean.
It is advisable to seek out policies that offer comprehensive coverage due to the potentially higher costs involved in case you require medical treatment or need to cancel your trip.
Here are the types of protection you should be aware of:
- Cancellation and curtailment coverage: This protects you in the event that you need to cancel your trip or cut it short due to illness or injury.
- Medical treatment: This coverage includes emergency medical care while you are abroad and repatriation back to your home country if necessary.
- Coverage for flight disruptions and delays: If your flight is canceled or delayed, this coverage will provide compensation and assistance.
- Replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged baggage: You can receive reimbursement for the cost of replacing your belongings. However, keep in mind that additional coverage might be needed for more valuable items.
- Personal and legal liability coverage: This protects you against any legal expenses that may arise from an incident during your stay in the USA.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that your travel insurance covers the specific activities you plan to engage in, such as skiing, hiking, or scuba diving.
What is typically excluded from travel insurance coverage in the USA?
Similar to other types of travel insurance, policies that cover trips to the USA will not provide coverage if your foreign affairs office has issued a travel warning for the country.
It is also unlikely that you will be able to make a claim for incidents related to civil unrest, terrorist acts, or instances involving drunkenness.
Furthermore, insurance policies generally do not cover claims resulting from illegal activities in the destination area. It is important to familiarize yourself with the specific laws and regulations of the different regions you plan to visit within the USA.
Laws can vary significantly from one state to another, so it is crucial to understand what activities are permitted and what is prohibited in each location.
If you intend to embark on a road trip, it is likely that you will need separate insurance coverage. This additional coverage will typically address road accidents and vehicle damage specifically.
How much does travel insurance in the USA typically cost?
Travel insurance tends to be expensive in the USA. However, it is still possible to save money by comparing different policies and providers.
Similar to other forms of travel insurance, the cost of coverage for the USA is influenced by various factors, including:
- Age: Generally, the older you are, the higher the cost of travel insurance.
- Medical history: If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it may lead to increased coverage costs, particularly for trips to the USA.
- Planned activities: Additional coverage will be required for engaging in activities like snowboarding or other sports with higher risks.
- Trip duration: If you opt for a single-trip policy, typically trips up to 31 days are covered. For longer durations, an annual policy might be more suitable.
ESTA for visiting the United States
Once you have obtained your travel insurance, you will also need to pay the fee for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). The ESTA functions as an electronic visa that can be applied for online, with a typical processing time of up to 72 hours.