Travel Insurance for the USA: 15 Questions

The travel insurance market for the USA has more options than ever—and more confusion too. These 15 answers eliminate the doubts that cost money when things go wrong.

Do I need travel insurance for the USA?

The USA doesn't require travel insurance as an entry requirement. The tourist visa (ESTA or B1/B2) doesn't require proof of insurance. But the American healthcare system is private, expensive, and doesn't cover foreign tourists. A visit to the emergency room without insurance can result in a USD 5,000 to USD 40,000 bill you'll pay out of pocket.

How much does travel insurance for the USA cost?

For a 7-day trip, expect to pay between USD 15 and USD 50 depending on coverage chosen. Basic plans with USD 100,000 coverage cost around USD 2-3/day. Plans with USD 250,000—the intelligent minimum—cost USD 3-5/day. The difference between them in case of a serious emergency can be hundreds of thousands of dollars.

What's the minimum recommended coverage for the USA?

USD 250,000. No less.

Does my Brazilian health plan work in the USA?

No. National plans—Amil, Hapvida, Unimed, SulAmerica, Bradesco Health—are regulated by ANS for exclusive operation in Brazil. They have no agreements with American hospitals, don't issue international payment guarantees, and don't recognize dollar charges as contractual obligation. Some premium plans offer partial reimbursement for small expenses, but never for serious emergencies. Consider yourself traveling without coverage.

What happens if I need a medical emergency in the USA?

American hospitals are required by law (EMTALA) to treat emergencies regardless of payment ability. But after stabilization, the hospital can request payment guarantee—and charge you in full afterward. If you have travel insurance with direct payment, your insurer (like Asteroid via MDabroad) contacts the hospital, issues the guarantee, and manages the case. Without insurance, you receive the full bill at your registered address.

How much does an emergency room visit cost in the USA?

Between USD 1,500 and USD 4,000 for really simple presentations—but that number scales quickly. American ERs follow standardized clinical protocols (Interqual Guidelines): chest pain requires serial troponin + EKG + X-ray; falls require head CT; shortness of breath requires CT pulmonary angiography. A CT scan alone can cost USD 3,000–USD 18,000. A "simple" visit with complete diagnostic workup easily reaches USD 8,000–USD 20,000. With more serious diagnosis: USD 15,000-60,000 depending on procedure. Costs vary by hospital and location—New York and Los Angeles tend to be more expensive than smaller cities. Miami (Jackson Memorial), New York (NYU Langone), and Los Angeles (Cedars-Sinai) are among the most expensive.

Does travel insurance cover COVID in the USA?

Most travel insurances cover COVID as a disease if you contract it during the trip and need medical care. What's typically not covered is trip cancellation due to a positive test before boarding (depends on the plan—check your cancellation coverage). Asteroid covers COVID-related medical emergencies under the same conditions as any other acute illness during travel.

Which travel insurance is best for the USA?

The best plan for the USA has: (1) USD 250,000 or more medical coverage, (2) direct payment to hospital—not reimbursement, (3) TPA specialized with experience in American hospitals, (4) 24/7 Portuguese support. Asteroid meets all these criteria via MDabroad, which has operated with American hospitals for years.

Does travel insurance cover flight cancellation in the USA?

Depends on the coverage purchased. Most plans cover cancellation due to documented illness, family death, or force majeure. For delays, Asteroid offers automatic parametric payment: delay >2 hours → automatic payment in your account, no forms.

What are sub-limits and why do they matter?

Sub-limits are the limits per procedure within a larger total coverage. Example: plan with "USD 300,000 medical coverage" may have: surgery limited to USD 20,000, ICU USD 5,000/day, evacuation USD 30,000. In a serious USA emergency, you'll exceed these sub-limits quickly—and cover the rest yourself. Always read the sub-limits, not just the total.

Does travel insurance cover pregnancy in the USA?

It covers emergency obstetric complications (premature labor, pre-eclampsia, hemorrhage) within the gestational week limit declared in the policy—typically 24-28 weeks, some up to 34. It doesn't cover routine prenatal care or planned childbirth abroad. A premature birth with NICU in the USA can cost USD 150,000-300,000.

Can I buy travel insurance after boarding?

Depends on the insurer. Some allow purchase during travel, but with waiting periods for pre-existing conditions or coverage limitations. It's ideal to buy before boarding—preferably before any non-refundable expense. After an emergency, that condition isn't covered by new insurance.

Does travel insurance cover sports in Orlando?

Low-risk activities like theme parks, swimming, and tours are covered by default. Extreme sports (skydiving, bungee jumping, motorized sports) usually require a specific rider. For Disney World specifically: the park has internal medical units (First Aid) but transfers to external hospitals are charged and can be expensive.

How does emergency medical payment in the USA work with Asteroid?

When you have an emergency: (1) call 911 if serious, (2) contact MDabroad 24/7 as soon as possible, (3) our team contacts the hospital, (4) we issue the payment guarantee directly, (5) you focus on recovery—not paperwork. Don't sign financial documents at the hospital before talking to insurance.

Why does Asteroid recommend USD 250,000 for the USA?

Because the data shows that serious emergencies in the USA cost more than most plans cover. Heart attack: USD 150,000-300,000. Serious car accident: USD 100,000-500,000+. Extended hospitalization: USD 10,000/day ICU. With USD 100,000 coverage, you're unprotected before discharge in serious cases. The cost difference between plans of USD 100K and USD 250K for a week is USD 7-20. It's not a rational economy.

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