What Travel Insurance Should I Take Out for the U.S.?

Is travel insurance required to be allowed into the United States?

When you decide to travel to the United States, it is important to determine the length of your stay. If you are going for less than 90 days, you will need to register for the visa waiver programme called Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). You will then have to fill out an online questionnaire containing various personal details: identity, medical status, criminal background check, etc.

If you plan to spend more than 90 days on U.S. soil, you will need to apply for a visa. To obtain it, you will have to provide several supporting documents: proof of income, travel itinerary, letter from an employer, criminal background check, etc. You will then have to go through an interview with a consular officer and show your credentials.

In both cases, having travel insurance is not mandatory. However, especially in the case of a visa application, it is strongly advised that you have an insurance certificate covering the duration of your stay. This will help you prove to the customs officer that you do not wish to remain in the United States for a longer period of time in order to stay illegally. It’ll make your entry into the country that much easier.

Is travel insurance useful when travelling to the U.S.?

While travel insurance is not mandatory for either short or long stays, it is, however, strongly recommended that travellers not leave for the USA without having cover. In fact, in Uncle Sam's country, medical expenses can quickly become exorbitant, being 7 to 10 times higher than in France. If you get sick and need treatment, the bill might be a bit of a shock!

·   GP consultation: between $70 and $300

·   Dental consultation: $350 for checkup and scaling

·   Specialist consultation: at least $300

·   Blood test: $80-$150

What cover is essential to take out when travelling to the United States?

The simplest and most effective way is to have travel insurance covering your health expenses up to €80,000 minimum. To avoid paying fees if you need to return to France urgently, consider taking out repatriation insurance. This way, you will be covered against the most common risks.

In the case of a long trip, remember to ask your insurance company about the different benefits available: car insurance, legal assistance, individual accident cover, etc. You can never be too careful!

Your APRIL U.S. travel insurance

For all your trips to the United States, short or long term, APRIL can support you with its travel assistance. Get the cover that best suits the way you travel. Healthcare expenses, repatriation, lost luggage, flight cancellation, etc. With us, your travels are worry-free.

Request an online quote now!