Is Travel Insurance Mandatory For the USA?

As per the World Population Review, the United States of America is one of the most visited countries in the world. Indeed, the vast expanse of the USA offers a wide range of travel experiences for every kind of traveller. Whether it is the varied multicultural cuisines, diverse landscapes, state-of-the-art architectural marvels, or the world’s best cities, the USA has it all. If you are planning to travel to the USA, then it is highly likely the visit is going to be a long one. Hence, you must have a travel insurance plan to help you through any unfortunate circumstances on the long journey. Travel insurance is not mandatory if you are travelling to the USA. It is completely optional. But, travel insurance is compulsory mostly for Schengen countries. Even though it may not be mandatory, a travel insurance plan for the USA is highly recommended.

Why should you buy travel insurance when travelling to the USA?

Unforeseen situations can crop up anytime and anywhere, whether you are exploring the Grand Canyon, craning your neck to see the Statue of Liberty, or getting awed by Niagara Falls. An international travel insurance plan can help you in the following ways, no matter where you are:

1. Takes care of medical emergencies 

Healthcare in America is expensive. The charges for the treatment of medical conditions are high and so are the costs of important health aids and medicines. For instance, the average cost of an MRI scan can go up to $1,119. If you are required to undergo an MRI during a health emergency when travelling in the USA, it can strain your budget immensely. A travel insurance policy for the USA can be a great lifesaver in such a situation by taking care of the medical costs to a considerable limit. If you select a network hospital for the treatment, then you do not have to pay cash either. The bills would be directly settled by the insurer. *

2. Covers loss of baggage or delay in check-in baggage 

When you are travelling internationally, the baggage is almost like your second wardrobe. It holds clothes, vital documents, medicines, toiletries, and so much more. If lost, it can create havoc and dampen the mood of your trip. Aside from having to deal with the loss, there would also be financial pressure to buy everything anew. However, if you have purchased travel insurance online for the USA, you can receive compensation for a delay in obtaining checked-in baggage and even its loss. This compensation helps you recover the cost of the lost essential items. *

3. Covers trip cancellation/ curtailment/ flight delay 

When travelling to the USA, any number of things can crop up that may put a temporary or permanent stop to the trip, such as flight delay or cancellation, or unavailable hotel bookings. While many factors behind such events may not be in your control, what you can indeed do is lessen the financial costs you can incur during such situations. Buying travel insurance for the USA when travelling from India can help immensely in this regard. Such a plan can offer financial assistance during difficult situations so that your journey continues as planned. *

4. Covers personal liability 

Personal liability coverage helps travellers deal with the financial consequences of actions they may have mistakenly committed when travelling abroad. For instance, your elderly father may drop an expensive souvenir when exploring an antique shop at a museum. This may leave you in a financial conundrum, since paying for the souvenir could mean cutting back on a day or two of the trip. If you have travel insurance for senior citizens, then these costs could be taken care of by the insurer. Depending on the insurance company and the plan you choose, you may get additional coverage as well, such as:

1. Hijacking of flight coverage
2. Loss of personal belongings
3. Loss of credit card
4. Loss of passport
5. Burglary at home (while you are away)

*Standard T&C Apply

How to make the most of your USA trip?

1. Choose an appropriate time to visit. Ideally, the months of March-May and September-October are the best time to visit. The weather during these months is pleasant and you can enjoy the USA at its best.
2. Ensure you have the address and contact details of the Indian embassy before embarking on the trip.
3. Keep your passport, wallet, and other important belongings safe.
4. Choose a travel insurance plan for the USA that meets your needs and budget and covers all members, including senior citizens.

  Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.