The USA is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world for UK residents, drawing some 3.5 million British travelers each year. The common language, large volume of flights, and classic tourist attractions like Hollywood, New York City, and Las Vegas make the US an irresistible option for your next holiday.
However, every UK visitor to the US needs to keep their health in mind. What would happen if you were to get sick or injured? The US healthcare system is very different than what you’re used to, and the resources you depend on for medical care in the UK won’t do you any good in the United States.
Getting treated for an illness or injury in the US can easily cost $10,000-$100,000 or more without insurance coverage. And since most health insurance in the US is private, it’s essential to purchase travel insurance to USA from UK.
Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for a USA Visit?
There is no law or ordinance that requires UK visitors to buy travel insurance for USA from UK in order to visit. However, you have to keep in mind that nothing like the NHS exists in the USA. If you have a medical emergency, you will need to have private health insurance coverage to help pay for treatment, or else you could end up in massive debt. Being as UK citizens cannot buy private major medical insurance in the US, the best option to protect you is visitors medical insurance.
Benefits of Travel Insurance for UK Visitors to the US
Visitors insurance is low-cost, temporary health insurance coverage for short-term visitors to the United States. But just because it is not expensive doesn’t mean it lacks benefits. Depending on the plan you choose the best travel insurance for USA from UK can include benefits such as:
Emergency Medical Coverage
Coverage for emergency medical care is the main portion of visitors medical insurance. If you get sick or hurt while visiting the US, your visitors insurance plan can provide coverage up to the plan’s policy maximum for any new medical condition that occurs after the effective date of the policy. You can visit any provider you wish to receive treatment, and the insurance will take care of the rest.
PPO Network Participation
The concept of a PPO network may be unfamiliar to UK visitors. A preferred provider organization (PPO) network is a conglomerate of healthcare providers that negotiate with health insurance companies to provide lower rates on medical services. Many of our comprehensive visitors insurance plans participate in PPO networks, allowing you to save money on care with in-network providers, though you still have the freedom to visit any provider you wish outside of the network.
Coverage for Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions
Though most visitors insurance plans will not provide outright coverage for the maintenance of a pre-existing condition, many plans can cover treatment for the acute onset of symptoms related to a pre-existing condition. The exact details of this coverage will vary by plan, so be sure to read the policy documents thoroughly before purchasing.
Emergency Medical Evacuation/Repatriation Coverage
Much of the United States is extremely rural, meaning you may not always be close to a well-equipped hospital. In the event of a major medical emergency, your visitors insurance plan can cover medically necessary emergency transport to the closest location where adequate care can be given, even if it’s back to the UK. This benefit is incredibly important, as emergency medical evacuation can easily cost in excess of $250,000.
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage
In the unfortunate event that the insured were to be killed or lose one of more members, this coverage can provide a lump sum payment to the beneficiary.
Coverage for Return of Mortal Remains
If the worst should happen and you pass away while visiting the United States, this coverage can pay for the transport of your mortal remains back to your home country.
Other Benefits
Most visitors insurance plans also include coverage for baggage loss/delay and trip interruption.
Buying from UK vs USA Based Company
While British tourists have the choice of purchasing UK visitors medical insurance either from a UK based company or a US based company, it is generally preferred to purchase it from a US-based company for several reasons:
- US based visitors medical insurance plans are generally cheaper than British tourist insurance plans for comparable coverage.
- Unless specifically mentioned in the application and not excluded by the insurance company, UK based tourist insurance plans do not cover pre-existing conditions. On the other hand, US based visitors health insurance plans can cover acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to a certain amount for persons up to a certain age.
- Many US based tourist insurance plans participate in a PPO network that have participating providers all across the US, so when you need to visit a provider you can just show your insurance ID card and they can bill the insurance company directly, instead of having to pay first and file for reimbursement later.
- US providers are simply more familiar with dealing with US based companies and it is more convenient for them to deal with the local companies. This generally makes it more convenient for travelers in case they become sick or injured in a foreign country.
- You’ll have the support of a health insurance company that’s located in the same time zone as you are, meaning you’ll have easier access to quick answers.
How Much Does a Travel Insurance Plan for UK Visitors to the US Cost?
The cost of travel insurance for UK visitors to the US will vary depending upon your age, the plan, the deductible and the policy maximum you select, as well as the length of your trip. Use our convenient quote form to instantly compare USA visitors insurance plans from multiple providers and find the best choice for you.
Travel Tips for UK Visitors to the US
- Bring adapters for your electronics. Remember that USA electric outlets are only 110 volts.
- Dress for the destination. The weather in the USA can vary drastically depending on where you’re going. Some locations are subtropical almost all year, whereas others remain cool even in the summer.
- Pack enough medication. If you have prescriptions, bring them in their original prescription bottles with your name on them. Pack more than you think you’ll need in case your return is delayed for some reason.
How to Get Travel Insurance for a US Trip with Insubuy
Getting travel insurance for a US trip from the UK is easy with Insubuy. Just visit the quote form, fill in your information, and compare a variety of plans from top providers. Once you’ve selected the best plan for your needs, you can purchase online in minutes, and coverage can begin the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions About US Travel Insurance from UK
Do I need medical insurance to travel to the USA from the UK?
While travel insurance is not required legally for UK visitors to the USA, the astronomically high cost of healthcare makes it a practical necessity. Unless you can afford to spend £100,000 or more on medical care out of your own pocket, you need visitors medical insurance.
What type of insurance do I need to travel to the USA?
The type of insurance you need to the travel to the USA is visitors medical insurance.
Which travel insurance is best for the USA?
We believe a comprehensive visitors medical insurance plan is the best travel insurance for the USA. Fill out a quote form today to find the best UK to USA travel insurance plan for your needs!
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