Travel insurance for the USA
The USA is not a member of the EU or the EEA, so the European Health Insurance Card is not valid there. Medical costs in the USA are among the highest in the world, and repatriation to Lithuania costs tens of thousands of euros.
Why is it worth having travel insurance when traveling to the USA?
The US healthcare system is private, and prices are unregulated. Without insurance, you have to pay the entire bill yourself, and the hospital may require a payment guarantee before treatment even begins.
What to expect in the USA
- The EHIC is not valid — Lietuvos valstybinis draudimas does not cover the costs.
- A visit to the emergency room can cost several thousand dollars.
- Hospital treatment costs run into the tens of thousands.
- A payment guarantee is often requested before treatment.
- Medical repatriation with an escort is one of the most expensive scenarios.
What insurance does
- Covers essential medical aid up to the selected limit.
- The assistance service contacts the medical facility and provides a guarantee.
- Organizes and pays for transportation and repatriation.
- Covers medications prescribed by a doctor during the trip.
- Operates 24/7 in Lithuanian or English.
What kind of protection is worth choosing for a trip to the USA?
For a trip to the USA, the limit on medical expenses is the primary consideration—it should be higher than for travel within Europe. Repatriation is the second most important factor.
Essential
- Medical expenses — choose the highest available limit.
- Repatriation and medical evacuation
- Assistance service — so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.
- Accident insurance
It is worth considering.
- Trip cancellation or curtailment — flights and hotels in the USA are expensive and must be paid for in advance.
- Baggage — especially if you are flying with layovers
- Civil liability
- Active pursuits — hiking, skiing, water activities
Important things to know before traveling to the USA
Five things worth checking before buying travel insurance for a trip to the USA.
- The EHIC is not valid. The European Health Insurance Card is valid only in EU and EEA countries, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
- An ESTA or a visa is not insurance. The travel permit does not provide any medical coverage.
- Credit card insurance. It often has a low limit or does not cover the US at all—check the bank’s terms rather than relying on assumptions.
- Territory. Check whether the coverage extends to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands if you plan to travel there.
- Age. For older travelers heading to the US, prices are rising more than for other destinations.
Cities and nature — different risks
A classic trip to the USA often combines two completely different stages: a few days in a big city and a week in nature. The risk profiles for these stages differ.
New York, Chicago, Washington
- A lot of walking and use of public transport — frequent injuries, falls, and mishaps.
- Dense crowds and tourist spots — thefts and lost items
- Domestic flight connections — lost or delayed baggage
- Medical services in major cities are the most expensive in the entire country.
For city trips, a high medical coverage limit, baggage protection, and civil liability are the most important factors.
The Grand Canyon, Utah parks, Yellowstone
- Remote areas and long distances to the hospital
- Heat, dehydration, and altitude changes during hikes
- Limited mobile network coverage in national parks
- Hiking, horseback riding, and rafting are often considered active pursuits.
For nature-based routes, medical evacuation and coverage for active pursuits are paramount—yet these may not be included as standard.
If your itinerary includes both cities and parks, opt for a high medical coverage limit combined with protection for active pursuits. A standard basic package covers city travel but may not cover an injury sustained while hiking in a remote area where evacuation is required.
What determines the cost of insurance for the USA?
There is no single fixed price; it is calculated separately for each trip. Destinations in the USA are priced higher than those in Europe, specifically due to the cost of medical treatment.
- Duration of the trip. Every day increases the risk and the cost.
- The age of Travelers. The most important factor after duration.
- Number of travelers. Multiple people can be insured under a single policy.
- Medical expense limit. For travel to the US, it is worth choosing a larger one.
- Additional protections selected. Baggage, cancellation, civil liability.
- Planned activities. Hiking, skiing, or water activities are assessed separately.
- Insurer’s rate. The price of the same trip can vary several times with different insurers.
How do I purchase travel insurance for a trip to the USA?
1
Enter trip details
Dates, traveler ages, and number of travelers. The destination “USA” has already been selected.
2
Compare offers
You will see the prices and coverage details of several insurers operating in Lithuania in one place.
3
Select guards
Add coverage for baggage, civil liability, or active pursuits if needed.
4
Pay and receive the policy
You will receive the insurance certificate via email immediately after payment.
Important. The insurance policy must be purchased while still in Lithuania—we recommend doing so at least 24 hours before departure. Insurance cannot be purchased once you have already left.
What should you do during an incident in the US?
US hospitals often request a payment guarantee before treatment begins, so it is advisable to call the assistance service as early as possible—whenever the situation permits, even before visiting the medical facility.
1
Call emergency services.
The number is listed on your insurance certificate. The service operates 24 hours a day and speaks Lithuanian or English.
2
Follow the instructions.
The assistance service will specify which medical facility to contact and will often communicate with it directly.
3
Keep all documents safe.
Bills, prescriptions, doctor’s reports, receipts. Without them, it will not be possible to reimburse the costs.
4
Notify the insurer
Upon your return, submit the documents to the insurer. If you need assistance, contact “Man ramu”.
Important to the USA. If you visit a private clinic or emergency department on your own and pay for the services yourself, it may be more difficult to recover the full amount. The assistance service is often able to make arrangements directly with the facility, thereby avoiding the need for upfront payment.
Insurance Terms and Documents
Before purchasing insurance, familiarize yourself with the chosen insurer’s terms and conditions—they specify the exact scope of coverage and the events that are excluded from coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EHIC valid in the USA?
What medical expense limit should I choose for a trip to the USA?
Is my credit card insurance sufficient?
Is the insurance valid in Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico?
Are active pursuits in national parks covered?
Can I insure the whole family under a single policy?
Can I purchase insurance while already in the US?
What should you do if your luggage goes missing while flying through the US?
Calculate insurance in the USA
Compare offers from several insurers in a minute and purchase a policy immediately.