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Travel insurance for the United States

Adventure from sea to shining sea

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The USA is a vast continent of mountains, deserts, lakes and forests, all edged by a spectacular and diverse coastline. Each state is different from the next with unique food, music, people and landscapes to discover. 

Whether you plan to eat your way across the USA, hit the hiking or ski trails, or catch big waves, things can always go wrong. It might be a bad case of gastro, a fall on a ski slope or losing your luggage at a huge US airport; but if you consider adding travel insurance when you pack your suitcase, we can help you turn these wrongs into rights.

Times Square, New York City
Times Square, New York City. Photo credit: Getty images / Zsolt Hlinka

What’s covered

Traveling can be complicated, but travel insurance shouldn’t be. We keep it simple at World Nomads with just two policies to choose between: Standard and Explorer. Depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you have selected, you may be covered for:

  • Coverage for extended stays: if you decide to stay a little longer than planned, no problem; with World Nomads you can easily log in and extend your insurance coverage. 
  • Buy insurance while traveling: already in the USA and have skipped getting travel insurance? With World Nomads, you can get a quote and purchase insurance while you’re on the road. However, your policy won’t be fully active until 72 hours later. For more information on waiting periods, read the PDS.
  • Sports and activities coverage: from rafting through the Grand Canyon, to windsurfing in Maui, World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 sports, activities, and experiences for your next. 
  • Family plans: add your children and grandchildren to our policies at no extra cost. Our cover includes two adults and up to eight dependents on the one policy.

Why should I consider travel insurance for a trip to the USA?

Treatment at an American hospital is very expensive. Traveling without insurance cover could be a very costly oversight.

If you’re planning to hike in the mountains and want to be covered by World Nomads, make sure you speak to us first. Some adventure activities require upgrades to your policy, and some activities are not covered at all.

If your luggage is damaged or stolen while traveling, World Nomads may cover the cost of repair or replacement (within policy limits).

Traveler tip: you can speak to us about our optional upgrades for high-value items you plan to take to the USA.

What to plan for when traveling in the USA?

Car insurance: taking a road trip across some of the USA’s 50 states? If you’re hiring a car, World Nomads can offer cover for rental vehicle excess damage coverage in case your vehicle is stolen, or you are involved in an accident.

Losing your luggage: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world's busiest airport – which means things can get lost. If you land at any airport and your luggage does not, we can help. If your baggage is delayed by the carrier for more than 12 hours after your scheduled arrival, we can pay for the cost of your essential items (up to policy limits), and subject to the policy terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions.

Coronavirus: unfortunately, COVID-19 is still with us, however World Nomads offers Coronavirus cover which varies depending on your Country of Residence. Coronavirus can be a headache (literally), but if you (or an immediate family member) get sick with Coronavirus, our Standard Plan can offer coverage for medical assistance, repatriation, and hospitalization. Plus, our Explorer Plan offers cover for other related events, such as trip interruption (or cancellation). Looking for more information on our Coronavirus cover? We have more details here.

Overseas emergency medical: if you’ve had an injury or need urgent medical attention and require a medical center or hospital, you must contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team in the first instance. It will confirm if the treatment is medically necessary and advise you on what to do, help locate suitable medical facilities (particularly in remote areas where access to medical care can be tricky) and monitor your medical treatments if needed to make sure you’re given proper care.

Trip cancellation: one of the biggest questions with any international travel currently is related to cancellations. Depending on your Country of Residence and which plan you’ve selected you may be covered for your non-refundable, pre-paid transport and accommodation expenses. Always make sure you read the details of your policy wording carefully, so you know what you are covered for. If in doubt about coverage and our plans, contact us.

Times Square, New York City
Golden Gate Bridge. Photo credit: Getty images / Michael Lawenko Dela Paz

What’s not covered?

World Nomads doesn’t offer a one-size-covers-all policy. Some incidents we won’t cover include:

  • Breaking the law: not only will this dampen the holiday spirit, but it could also be costly, and we won’t cover you. Not sure of the legal drinking age in the USA? It’s 21. You can read more about it here.
  • Reckless behavior: while we want you to have fun, we also encourage you to know your limits.
  • Existing medical conditions as explained in your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

Be sure to read the PDS and General Exclusions for other scenarios and expenses we don't cover so there'll be no surprises if you need to make a claim.

Travel tips

  • Hiking in Yellowstone National Park? You may not run into famous Yogi Bear, but there’s a chance you could run into a real-life bear, and they're nowhere near as friendly as the cartoon character. Be prepared – we’ve compiled a list of bear safety tips for USA travellers here. 
  • The USA’s a big place. Plan your trip well, so you don’t miss the opportunity to discover a really cool destination. Also, with World Nomads, although we cover 150+ activities, you can’t upgrade your plan when you’re already in the USA and decide you want to participate in an activity that requires a higher level of coverage.

Still on the fence about traveling in the USA? Want some more inspiration before you book your ticket? Download our free guide - USA: Where Nomads Go.

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Protection

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation before you leave home.

  • Explorer Plan: USD $10,000
  • Standard Plan: USD $5,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Overseas Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical costs while traveling overseas.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited, up to 12 months
  • Standard Plan: USD $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

We'll get you to hospital quickly.

  • Explorer Plan: USD $500,000
  • Standard Plan: USD $500,000
Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: USD $3,500
  • Standard Plan: USD $2,500
Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • 24 hour Emergency Assistance
  • Emergency Medical Transport
  • Repatriation & Travel Expenses
  • Pre-Trip Cancellation
  • Trip Interruption
  • Resumption of Trip
  • Travel Delay
  • Missed connection (Explorer)
  • Hijacking (Explorer)
  • Baggage & Personal Items
  • Passport & Travel Documents
  • Personal Liability
  • Rental vehicle insurance excess (Explorer)
  • Personal accident (Explorer)
*This is a general summary for all residents except from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Brazil, China and Philippines. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Phone:+353 21 237 8008 or +353 21 237 8003 (calls are not toll free. You can claim your itemised call costs)

Contact the team