A stay in the United States is plenty to make you dream. Between the skyscrapers of New Yorkthe beaches of California, breathtaking national parks and the possibility of unforgettable road trips such as on the legendary Route 66, travelers have the choice to discover American culture. But before packing your bags, one reality must never be overlooked: the staggering cost of the American health system. In the United States, a simple consultation can cost several hundred dollars, and a hospitalization quickly costs tens of thousands. Without suitable travel insurance, your stay can become complicated and put a strain on your budget.
Why travel insurance is essential in the United States
Unlike Europe where the European health insurance card works and allows you to be reimbursed for health costs, the United States has no coverage agreement for French travelers. Without specific insurance, all your health expenses will be your responsibility. And the costs can be considerable:
- Between $90 and $350 per consultation with a general practitioner;
- Between $1,000 and $3,000 for an emergency room consultation;
- Between $30,000 to $50,000 for surgery;
- Sometimes more than $100,000 in the event of a long hospitalization after an accident.
This is why taking out travel insurance before flying to the USA is an absolute necessity. It is even as essential as applying for an ESTA (for example the website us-esta.org) to enter the territory! It covers not only your medical expenses, but also other unforeseen events such as loss of luggage, flight cancellation or even the need for repatriation.
Medical guarantees not to be neglected
When choosing travel insurance for the USA, one of the first things to look at is the reimbursement limit for medical expenses.
Concerning medical and hospitalization costs, a good contract must offer coverage of at least €200,000 for the United States. Below that, you risk not being protected in the event of a serious problem. You must also always ensure that you benefit from repatriation assistance. Indeed, if your state of health requires an early return to France, the costs can be enormous if you have to charter a medical plane or arrange medical support, etc. Insurance must at all costs include this coverage, with no ceiling limit.
The ideal is also to benefit from civil liability abroad. In the event of a car accident or material damage to your accommodation, the compensation requested by third parties can be colossal.
In addition, access to a 24-hour medical telephone platform is also a real plus for guidance in the event of a problem. Benefiting from these guarantees is essential when you want to prepare your trip to the United States well.
Practical guarantees not to forget when traveling to the USA
Beyond health, travel insurance should protect you in other situations that can spoil your stay. Make sure your contract includes the following guarantees to leave relaxed:
- Cancellation of trip: if you have to cancel before departure (illness, accident, serious event), you can be reimbursed for costs already incurred;
- Interruption of stay: in the event of early return, certain insurance policies reimburse unused days;
- Lost or stolen baggage: insurance can compensate your personal effects in the event of loss, theft or damage;
- Legal assistance: useful if you have a dispute on site.
These additional guarantees should not be neglected, especially for a trip as far away and expensive as the United States.
Which insurance to choose? The example of Chapka Direct
Choosing your travel insurance for the USA is not always easy, with strong competition in the field. Among the market offers, the Cap Assistance 24/24 insurance offered by Chapka Direct is particularly suitable for travel to the United States. Let’s take a look at its strengths:
- Medical expenses covered up to €1,000,000, which perfectly corresponds to the requirements of the American health system;
- Unlimited repatriation assistance, essential in the event of a serious problem;
- Civil liability abroad up to €4,500,000, a level of coverage largely sufficient to travel with complete peace of mind;
- Search and rescue costs included, useful if you decide to go hiking in national parks;
- Coverage in the event of loss or theft of baggage with appropriate compensation.
- Assistance available 24/7, with French-speaking advisors.
Chapka is a recognized player in travel insurance. The quality/price ratio of this blanket makes it a safe bet for a stay in the United States.
Some tips for choosing your travel insurance
We always recommend that travelers not rush when choosing travel insurance, especially for the United States, where the costs incurred in the event of a problem can cost an arm and a leg! Take the time to compare several insurance policies and always check the details of the contract.
Additionally, don’t just rely on your credit card insurance. The ceilings are often insufficient for the USA. Read the warranty exclusions. Some contracts do not cover high-risk sports, pre-existing illnesses or stays that exceed 90 days. Adapt the duration and the formula. If you are leaving for a trip lasting more than 3 months, you absolutely must take out specific insurance. When on site, keep emergency contacts with you. Write down the insurer’s helpline number in your phone and on paper.
We can easily say in conclusion that traveling to the USA without insurance is an unnecessary risk. The American healthcare system is renowned for its quality, of course, but it is also one of the most expensive in the world, and the slightest carelessness can put you in major financial difficulty.
To be truly protected, choose solid coverage, with a high medical ceiling, substantial civil liability and an assistance service available at any time. Your trip will be even more pleasant and you will be able to fully enjoy the iconic cities, the grandiose landscapes of the American West or the beaches of Miami.
