Travel Insurance for the USA

The United States of America offers endless travel possibilities, from the iconic cities to natural wonders. However, the variety of travel destinations can pose different kinds of risk. Learn more about Medibank Travel Insurance cover options and some helpful tips on travelling to USA from Australia.

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Travelling to America from Australia

From the soaring scenery and skyscrapers, to the super-sized power of its celebrity culture, America will have you in awe of its scale and variety. Being a vast and expansive holiday destination with some of the largest cities in the world, America is a popular place for Aussie travellers. With so much to do and see, getting travel insurance for your trip to the USA can help protect your trip and offer you extra peace of mind.

When travelling to America from Australia, travel insurance can help support you in unforeseeable situations like costly overseas medical expenses, disruptions to the long flights, loss of luggage in transit, rental car insurance excess for those long road trips and more. Also if you plan to participate in certain activities like snow sports or going on a cruise, you can add relevant cover to your policy. 

Medibank USA travel insurance options

Getting travel insurance for the USA with Medibank is a simple process. Just select "United States of America" or "All of North America" when quoting. All Medibank International Travel Insurance include an $Unlimited overeas medical expenses* benefit.

International Comprehensive Travel Insurance

International Comprehensive Plan

Travel cover for overseas medical and dental emergencies, plus inclusions for unforeseen cancellations and valuables like laptops and cameras.

  • 24-hour emergency assistance
  • 21 day cooling off period1
  • Overseas medical/dental expenses
  • COVID-19 benefits
  • Up to $15k luggage cover2
  • Rental car insurance excess
  • Cancellation & amendment fees3
  • Cover for missed connections4
International Annual Multi-Trip

International Annual Multi-Trip

Annual Multi Trip Plan includes the same benefits as International Comprehensive Plan for multiple trips (up to the duration specified) within 12 months.5

  • 24-hour emergency assistance
  • 21 day cooling off period1
  • Overseas medical/dental expenses
  • COVID-19 benefits
  • Up to $15k luggage cover2
  • Rental car insurance excess
  • Cancellation & amendment fees3
  • Cover for missed connections4
Medical only plan travel insurance

International Medical Only Plan

Our basic international travel insurance provides cover for Overseas Medical and Hospital Expenses that occur whilst you're travelling. 

  • 24-hour emergency assistance
  • 21 day cooling off period1
  • Overseas medical/dental expenses
  • COVID-19 benefits
  • Cover for luggage
  • Rental car insurance excess
  • Cancellation & amendment fees
  • Cover for missed connections

Why choose Medibank Travel Insurance for the USA?

Our USA travel insurance gives you an $unlimited overseas medical expenses* benefit (COVID-19 cover included as standard) and depending on which plan you choose you could also have cover for trip cancellation and amendment fees, lost or damaged luggage, rental car insurance excess and more.

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$Unlimited overseas medical expenses

Medical costs in the US can be extremely high and may need to be paid up-front for medical assistance. Get support for medical emergencies whilst you're overseas. Cover is provided for the cost of hospital treatment and medical evacuation.1

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$Unlimited cancellation costs

What happens if you have to cancel your America adventure due to certain unforeseen circumstances like a family emergency? With Medibank's Comprehensive Travel Insurance plans, you'll have cover for the unused portion of accommodation and other prepaid costs.3

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Rental car insurance excess

A fan of road trips? No worries. If your rental vehicle is in an accident, damaged or stolen during your US trip, Medbank Comprehensive Travel Insurance will provide cover up to $6,000 to help you pay for the rental car insurance excess.

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24/7 Emergency assistance

If there's an emergency, our dedicated team of doctors, nurses, travel consultants and case managers are ready to help you 24/7. We can help find appropriate medical treatment, organise medical evacuation, replace lost travel documents, change travel plans, and more. 

Canstar Award

Multi-award winning travel insurance

We're proud to be winners of Mozo's Experts Choice Awards in 2022 & 2023 and Mozo's People's Choice Award in 2024.

We're proud winners of Mozo's Experts Choice awards in 2022 and 2023.

Travel tips for America

Do I need a visa to travel to the USA?

Entry requirements for the US are strict. As an Australian, you could be eligible to apply for an ESTA (this allows you to travel by plane or ship) under the Visa Waiver Program, if you're visiting the US for less than 90 days. If travelling for more than 90 days in the US, you'll need to apply for a visa, check the US Customs and Border Protection for more information. 

 

Do I need travel insurance?

According to Smartraveller, comprehensive travel insurance is recommended when travelling to the US because there's no reciprocal health care agreement between Australia and the USA, overseas medical costs can be extremely expensive and may be required to be paid upfront. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please ensure you advise us during the quote process.
 
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More helpful tips for your USA trip.

  • Tap water is safe to drink in the United States, so you don't need to buy bottled water at every stop. 
  • Drive on the opposite side: You drive a vehicle on the right hand side of the road (so the opposite to Australia) and pass others on the left. If you do attempt it, just remember this phrase: ‘righty tighty, left loosey'.
  • A different way to measure: When you’re in the USA get ready for oven temperatures measured in Fahrenheit, driving distances expressed in miles and items weighed in pounds.
  • Get ready to tip: If the tip hasn't been added to your bill already, for restaurants, bars and nightclubs, usually 15-20% of the bill for service staff and bartenders is great.
  • Stay up-to-date with any changes and alerts relating to natural disasters or other significant incidents that may impact your safety in the US. You can stay informed by monitoring government websites like Smartraveller, before and during your trip. 

Going on a cruise?

If your USA trip includes travel on a multi-night sea or ocean cruise, then you'll need to add Cruise Cover to be insured for claims relating to a cancelled curise, cruise travel, or certain claims that arise while on a cruise. A summary of additional cruise benefits including any COVID-19 related exclusions can be found in the PDS

USA travel insurance FAQs

Things you should know

* Medical cover will not exceed 12 months from the onset of the illness or injury. Medical evacuation cover subject to claim approval.

1 21 day cooling off period applies if you cancel your policy within 21 days of purchase provided you have not made a claim or travelled on the policy.

2 Item limits and sub-limits apply. See the Combined FSG/PDS for terms, conditions and more information.

3 Conditions apply to cancellation cover. Doesn't apply to Medical Only plans. Sub-limits apply.

4 Limits apply. See the Combined FSG/PDS for terms, conditions and more information.

5 Cover is limited to a maximum duration of up to 30, 45 or 60 days for international trips depending on the duration choice you make. International policies include trips within Australia too.

Limits, sub-limits, exclusions and conditions apply. This is general advice only. Medibank Private Limited, ABN 47 080 890 259, an Authorised Representative, AR 286089, of Travel Insurance Partners Pty Limited, ABN 73 144 049 230 AFSL 360138 arranges the insurance on behalf of the insurer. The insurer is Zurich Australian Insurance Limited ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507. Please consider your own needs and the Combined FSG/PDS to decide if this product is right for you. For information on the Target Market and Target Market Determinations, visit medibank.com.au/travel-insurance/help/