Traveling to the United States promises memorable adventures, from discovering Los Angeles to driving along Route 66, marveling at the Statue of Liberty, exploring national parks, or relaxing on California’s beaches. However, this destination comes with some of the highest medical costs in the world: a simple consultation can cost several hundred dollars, while hospitalization can run into tens of thousands. Other risks—such as trip cancellation or interruption, lost luggage, or unexpected logistical issues—mean that taking out travel insurance for the United States is not just an option. It is a true guarantee of peace of mind.
Whether you are traveling for a holiday, a road trip, a language stay, studies, or a business trip, this guide helps you understand the specifics of travel insurance for the USA, compare essential coverage options, and choose protection that truly matches your profile and your trip.
Why take out travel insurance for the United States?
Exceptionally high medical costs
The American healthcare system operates mainly on a private model, very different from European social security. A simple consultation with a general practitioner can easily cost more than 80 USD (and even more in a hospital), tests can reach or exceed 1 000 USD, and a day of hospitalization amounts to several thousand dollars, depending on the state. In the event of emergency surgery, the bill can even exceed 100 000 USD, which should not be taken lightly.
Your Belgian health insurance fund will generally not cover you, or only partially, in the event of medical costs in the US. Moreover, the European Health Insurance Card EHIC is only valid within the European Union and a few associated countries, but not on U.S. territory.
Protection beyond medical expenses
Beyond health coverage, comprehensive US travel insurance protects you against many unforeseen events:
Medical repatriation: in the event of a serious issue, organization and coverage of medically assisted transport back to Belgium, the cost of which can exceed 100,000 EUR;
24/7 assistance: immediate support in case of emergency, health problems, or unexpected situations on site;
Loss or theft of luggage or documents: compensation in case your personal belongings are lost or damaged;
Trip cancellation or interruption: reimbursement of incurred costs in the event of a covered incident or early return.
This combination of guarantees allows you to travel to the United States with an enhanced level of security, whether facing logistical, medical, or organizational uncertainties specific to long stays abroad.
Which travel insurance should you choose for the United States?
Comparison of what is included in our plans
All Europ Assistance travel insurance plans for the United States include:
Reimbursement of medical expenses according to the limit of the selected plan (but at least up to €250,000);
Organization and coverage of your repatriation if your health condition requires it;
Early return, notably in the event of hospitalization or death of a relative in Belgium;
24/7 assistance in English, to support you at any time;
Assistance and reimbursement of administrative costs in case of loss or theft of documents (passport, bank card, plane tickets).
Optional add-ons and additional coverage
Depending on your needs, you can enhance your protection with:
Cancellation cover: reimbursement of your trip if you need to cancel for medical, professional, or family reasons covered by the contract
Sports and activities extension: if you plan to go skiing, diving, or practice other high-risk sports under the supervision of a professional guide
Electronic devices coverage: protection for your laptop, camera, or smartphone
Good to know: Some premium bank cards offer travel insurance, but reimbursement limits are often insufficient for the United States. Check the terms and conditions carefully before you travel.
Temporary or annual travel insurance for the United States? Comparison
Whether for a one-off trip (holiday, a business trip of a few weeks) or for frequent travel (several trips throughout the year), annual insurance is recommended, as it offers enhanced coverage and allows you to subscribe to additional options such as baggage insurance and cancellation insurance. As a bonus, you are automatically covered for all your trips during the year, giving you greater peace of mind when you travel.
Take out an annual travel insurance Smart
Take out a Long Trip insurance
Long stays: expatriation, studies, or working holiday
Are you traveling to the United States for more than 3 months? Long Trip travel insurance is specifically designed for students, digital nomads, expatriates, or world travelers. This extended plan addresses the specific needs of long stays with medical expense coverage up to €1 250 000.
Take out a Long Trip insurance
Price of travel insurance for the United States: how much does it cost?
The price of US travel insurance varies depending on several factors:
The number of travelers covered, as more people means a higher likelihood of medical issues abroad or reasons preventing departure
The travelers’ age, as seniors generally pay more than younger travelers
The level of coverage, depending on the medical expense limits and the optional guarantees selected
Annual travel insurance plans suitable for a stay in the United States start from €151 per person (Smart travel insurance) with Europ Assistance.
Our advice: do not choose your insurance based solely on price. A cheap US travel insurance policy with low limits may not cover you properly in the event of a serious issue. Aim for the right balance between price and real protection, for a completely stress-free trip!
ESTA, visa, and entry requirements for the United States
ESTA, the mandatory authorization to enter the United States
To enter the United States without a visa, Belgian citizens must obtain an ESTA authorization (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). This electronic authorization is obtained online via the official Homeland Security website.
Conditions to benefit from ESTA:
Hold a valid biometric or electronic passport
Stay in the United States for less than 90 days
Travel for tourism, business, or transit purposes
Not have recently traveled to certain restricted countries (to be checked on the official website)
The cost of ESTA is 40 USD per person. Once approved, the authorization remains valid for 2 years or until your passport expires. We recommend applying in advance to anticipate any possible refusal.
When is a visa required instead of an ESTA?
If you have traveled to one of the countries mentioned above, if you wish to stay more than 90 days, or if you are going to work or study, you must apply for a visa at the US ambassy in Belgium.
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. U.S. authorities recommend a validity of at least 6 months beyond your planned return date to avoid any issues at entry.
Checks on arrival and practical advice
Enhanced security checks
Since the September 11, 2001 attacks, border controls in the United States have been particularly strict. Allow at least 3 hours in major airports to complete all immigration and customs procedures.
The process includes:
Verification of your passport and ESTA;
Fingerprinting;
Digital photograph;
Interview with an immigration officer;
Baggage screening and metal detectors.
Registration with the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends registering on Travellers Online before any trip to the United States (as with any other destination). In the event of a crisis, natural disaster, or attack, Belgian authorities will be able to contact you quickly and provide assistance.
What to do in case of a medical emergency in the United States?
Emergency numbers
911: universal emergency number (police, fire department, ambulance)
Belgian Consulate in New York: +1 212-586-5110
Europ Assistance: number available on your insurance contract, reachable 24/7
Steps to follow in case of a health issue
- Contact Europ Assistance immediately before any consultation if possible;
- Our team will direct you to an appropriate facility and negotiate directly with the hospital;
- Keep all medical documents and invoices;
- If you have to pay upfront, request detailed invoices for reimbursement.
Prepare your trip to the United States with appropriate coverage!
Traveling to the United States requires careful preparation. Beyond practical aspects (ESTA, passport, budget), your travel insurance is an essential safety component to cope with American medical costs and the various risks that may affect your trip. Do not hesitate to compare plans, check coverage limits, and choose protection suited to your situation, so you can enjoy your trip across the Atlantic with peace of mind.
Europ Assistance has been supporting travelers worldwide for more than 60 years, and our teams are available 24/7 to assist you wherever you are, organizing your medical care or repatriation if needed.
FAQ: your questions about US travel insurance
Why do I need travel insurance for the United States?
Medical costs in the United States are among the highest in the world, and your Belgian health insurance will not cover you or only partially in case of an incident. Travel insurance protects you against these unexpected expenses and organizes your repatriation if necessary.
What is the best travel insurance for the United States?
The best travel insurance for the United States depends on your profile and your specific needs. For a stay longer than 3 months (studies, expatriation), choose a long-stay plan such as Long Trip.
Among the essential criteria to check are high medical expense coverage suited to US costs, included repatriation, 24/7 assistance, and the possibility of advance payments to avoid having to pay immediately at the hospital.
How much does travel health insurance for the United States cost?
. Long stays (more than 3 months) require a specific plan with pricing typically ranging between €300 and €450 per month.
Does my bank card cover travel insurance for the United States?
Some premium cards offer travel insurance, but limits are often insufficient for the United States. Carefully check the terms, exclusions, and maximum reimbursement amounts before relying solely on this coverage.
What exactly does US travel medical insurance cover?
Comprehensive insurance covers hospitalization costs, medical consultations, prescribed medication, tests and examinations, as well as medical repatriation. Coverage varies depending on the plan: check limits and exclusions!
How can I take out US travel insurance online with Europ Assistance?
You can subscribe directly to your US travel insurance online on europ-assistance.be in just a few minutes. Enter your travel dates, the number of travelers, and choose the plan that suits you. You will immediately receive your certificate by email.
Get insured now !
Does travel insurance cover the cancellation of my trip to the United States?
The cancellation cover is generally offered as an option. It reimburses the costs incurred if you have to cancel for serious medical reasons, death of a relative, or other covered reasons. Subscribe to this option when taking out your policy.
Can I take out travel insurance after booking my flight?
Yes, you can subscribe until the day before your departure. However, to benefit from certain guarantees such as cancellation, it is recommended to subscribe within a few days of your booking.
What should I do in case of a medical emergency in the United States with my insurance?
Contact the Europ Assistance assistance number indicated on your contract (available 24/7), or call +32 (0)2 533 75 75 immediately.
Our teams will direct you to an appropriate medical facility, negotiate with the hospital, and organize direct payment where possible. Do not pay without contacting us first.
