Travel alert
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination, as this may affect policy coverage.
Travel Insurance for the USA
Whether you’re driving the historic Route 66, seeing a Broadway show in New York, or skiing in Colorado, the USA offers unforgettable experiences. But even a minor illness or accident can cost tens of thousands.
We’re here to guide you through the travel insurance maze and help you make the most informed choice when considering travel insurance for you and your loved ones for your next adventure.
What’s covered by nib travel insurance
Depending on the plan you choose, we can offer cover up to policy limits for benefits including:
✓ Overseas emergency medical expenses, and medical evacuation and repatriation
✓ Cover for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal items
✓ Trip cancellation, delay, or interruption
✓ buy nib travel insurance while already travelling (terms and conditions apply).
✓ Additional cover for skiing and snowboarding (when added to your policy). Not available on the Essentials Plan.
✓ Cover for rental car excess
The features and beenfits described are a summary of cover only. Cover is subject to the full terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions outlined in the combined Financial Services Guide (FSG)/Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)
Why travel insurance for the USA matters
Travel insurance may help protect against astronomical medical costs. There, a broken leg may cost $7,000, while something more serious, like a heart attack, can require hospitalisation and add up to tens of thousands. Australian Medicare won't cover you in the USA.
nib travel insurance may help cover emergency medical treatment, ambulance costs, medical evacuation and repatriation back to Australia, trip cancellation or disruption, and you have access to our 24/7 emergency assistance team.
Read the combined FSG/PDS to ensure you understand the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of your policy.
What Australians need to know before travelling to the USA
Healthcare costs - No public health system exists for visitors to the USA, and emergency room visits alone can cost thousands.
Entry requirements - Visitors need a valid passport (at least 6-months validity) plus an approved ESTA or visa before travel.
Insurance expectations - Some hospitals in the USA may ask for proof of travel insurance before treatment.
US Visa and ESTA requirements for Australians going to the USA
Most Australians can apply for ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program for tourism, business meetings, or transit, which allows stays up to 90 days.
ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires. The US Government has introduced stricter screening requirements in recent years, so apply well before departure as approval is not guaranteed.
When you need a visa instead: Work, receiving payment, studying, or stays longer than 90 days require a specific US visa through the US Embassy. Always check the Australian government’s latest travel requirements and our travel alerts before you travel.
Travel tips for the USA
Carry proof of travel insurance: Keep your nib travel insurance policy details and our emergency assistance contact details handy.
Back up documents digitally: Store copies of your ESTA, passport, and insurance documents.
Declare medications and food: US customs have strict rules about what you can bring into the country.
Expect tipping culture: Factor in 15-20% tipping at restaurants, taxis, hotels, and tours.
Research state differences: Laws and weather can vary significantly across states.
America all year: Top destinations worth the trip
From iconic cities to epic road trips and national parks, there’s never been a better time to plan your next USA adventure.
California
Nature at its best, from a stunning coastline with the Pacific Coast Highway to soak it all up to world-renowned Yosemite National Park.
New York City
Rooftop bars, round-the-clock restaurants, shopping, Central Park.. Summer brings Manhattan to life.
Alaska
Cruise past towering glaciers in Glacier Bay, explore dramatic landscapes in Denali and Kenai Fjords, and spot incredible wildlife along the way. Perfect for outdoor adventures away from big crowds and for those looking for a digital detox.
Florida
Soak up the winter sun on sandy beaches, explore Miami and Orlando, and enjoy world-class theme parks without the summer crowds.
Colorado
Hit the slopes in Aspen or Vail, explore snowy mountain towns, and enjoy crisp winter hikes or scenic drives through the Rockies.
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Frequently asked questions for a trip to the USA
Need to know more?
If you still have questions we’re here to help. Contact us.
In case of a medical emergency, the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team are always on hand to help.
The above features and benefits are a summary of cover only. Cover is subject to the full terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions outlined in the combined PDS/FSG.
nib Travel Insurance Distribution Pty Limited, ABN 40 129 262 175, AR 336467 is an authorised representative of nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461 and act as nib's agent and not as your agent. This is general advice only. Before you buy, you should consider your needs, the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determination (TMD) available from us. This insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193.
We are a signatory to the General Insurance Code of Practice developed by the Insurance Council of Australia and enforced by the Code Governance Committee, an independent body whose purpose is to drive better Code compliance and help the insurance industry improve its service to consumers. The Code is designed to promote good relations and insurance practice between insurers, authorised representatives and consumers. The Code sets out what we must do when dealing with you. You can obtain a copy of the Code from codeofpractice.com.au.
*The discount applies to the total nib travel insurance premium and is for customers that currently hold an Australian health insurance product, or an Overseas Student Health Cover product with nib. The discount is not available to customers who hold an Overseas Visitors Health Cover product. Discounts do not apply to the rate of GST and stamp duty or any changes you make to the policy. nib has the discretion to withdraw or amend this discount offer at any time. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer or discount.