Travel insurance for the United States
Adventure from sea to shining sea
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New Zealanders are known for their love of the outdoors, so it’s not surprising kiwis love the USA for its hiking, scuba diving, surfing, camping and so much more. From the Rocky Mountains to the beaches of California, Oregon and Florida, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure.
Whether you plan to eat your way across the USA, hit the hiking or ski trails, or catch big waves, things can always go wrong. It might be a bad case of gastro, a fall on a ski slope or losing your luggage at a huge US airport; but travel insurance could help you turn these wrongs into rights.
- What’s covered
- Why should I consider travel insurance for a trip to USA?
- What to plan for when traveling the USA?
- What’s not covered?
- Travel Tips
What’s covered
Travelling can be complicated, but travel insurance shouldn’t be. We keep it simple at World Nomads with just two policies to choose between: Standard and Explorer. Our policies offer cover (up to the policy limits) for:
- Coverage for extended stays: if you decide to stay a little longer than planned, no problem; with World Nomads you can easily log in and extend your insurance coverage.
- Buy insurance while travelling: already in the USA and have skipped getting travel insurance? With World Nomads, you can get a quote and purchase insurance while you’re on the road. However, your policy won’t be fully active until 72 hours later. For more information on waiting periods, read the PDS.
- Sports and activities coverage: from rafting through the Grand Canyon, to windsurfing in Maui, World Nomads can offer cover should something go wrong. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 sports, activities, and experiences for your next holiday.
- Family plans: add your children and grandchildren to our policies at no extra cost. Our cover includes two adults and up to eight dependents on the one policy.
Why should I consider travel insurance for a trip to the USA?
Treatment at a US hospital is very expensive. Travelling there without insurance cover could be a very costly oversight.
The USA is the perfect destination for outdoor adventures.
If you’re planning to hike in the mountains and want to be covered by World Nomads, make sure you speak to us first. Some adventure activities require upgrades to your policy, and some activities are not covered at all.
If your luggage is damaged or stolen while travelling, World Nomads may cover the cost of repair or replacement (within policy limits).
Traveller tip: you can speak to us about our optional upgrades for high-value items you plan to take to the USA.
What to plan for when traveling in the USA?
Car insurance: taking a road trip across some of the USA’s 50 states? If you’re hiring a car, World Nomads can offer cover for rental vehicle excess damage coverage in case your vehicle is stolen, or you are involved in an accident.
Losing your luggage: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world's busiest airport – which means things can get lost. If you land at any airport and your luggage does not, we can help. If your baggage is delayed by the carrier for more than 12 hours after your scheduled arrival, we can pay for the cost of your essential items (up to policy limits), and subject to the policy terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions.
Coronavirus: unfortunately, COVID-19 is still with us, however World Nomads offers Coronavirus cover which varies depending on your Country of Residence. Coronavirus can be a headache (literally), but if you (or an immediate family member) get sick with Coronavirus, our Standard Plan can offer coverage for medical assistance, repatriation, and hospitalisation. Plus, our Explorer Plan offers cover for other related events, such as trip interruption (or cancellation). Looking for more information on our Coronavirus cover? We have more details here.
Accessing our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team: it’s good to know with World Nomads travel insurance, you can call our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team if you suddenly find yourself in a crisis overseas. The EA 24/7 team can help get you to the nearest medical facility, provide help navigating language barriers, or assist with evacuation for medical reasons.
For injuries where treatment costs are not expected to exceed NZD$2,000, you can submit your receipts for reimbursement. If you are hospitalised or if your treatment expenses as an outpatient are likely to go above NZD$2,000, you must call our Emergency Assistance Team who will work with us to confirm cover and they will liaise with the hospital on your behalf to arrange payments.
Traveller tip 2: if you’ve suffered a theft, get a Property Irregularity Report or other incident report from the carrier so you can submit it with your claim, as well as a police report. You should also have copies of the original receipts for your valuables and any luggage tickets.
What’s not covered?
World Nomads doesn’t offer a one-size-covers-all policy. Some incidents we won’t cover include:
- Breaking the law: not only will this dampen the holiday spirit, but it could also be costly, and we won’t cover you. Not sure of the legal drinking age in the USA? It’s 21. You can read more about it here.
- Reckless behaviour: while we want you to have fun, we also encourage you to know your limits.
- Existing medical conditions as explained in your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
Be sure to read the PDS and General Exclusions for other scenarios and expenses we don't cover so there'll be no surprises if you need to make a claim.
Travel tips
- Hiking in Yellowstone National Park? You may not run into famous Yogi Bear, but there’s a chance you could run into a real-life bear, and they're nowhere near as friendly as the cartoon character. Be prepared – we’ve compiled a list of bear safety tips for USA travellers here.
- The USA’s a big place. Plan your trip well, so you don’t miss the opportunity to discover a really cool destination. Also, with World Nomads, although we cover 150+ activities, you can’t upgrade your plan when you’re already in the USA and decide you want to participate in an activity that requires a higher level of coverage.
Still on the fence about travelling to the USA? Want some more inspiration before you book your ticket? Download our free guide - USA: Where Nomads Go.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Document in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
The information provided is of a general nature and is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice in any form and should not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining professional advice that is specific to your circumstances. You should seek advice from a financial advice provider if you would like further information about whether a particular product is appropriate for you and your circumstances.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.
- Explorer Plan: Unlimited
- Standard Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Overseas
Take the pain out of medical costs.
- Explorer Plan: Unlimited
- Standard Plan: $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transport
We'll get you to hospital in a flash
- Explorer Plan: Unlimited
- Standard Plan: $500,000
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.
- Explorer Plan: $10,000
- Standard Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Overseas Medical Expenses
- Emergency dental treatment
- 24 hour assistance
- Emergency medical transport & repatriation
- Cancellation costs
- Trip interruption costs
- Compassionate emergency visit home
- Resumption of trip
- Theft or accidental damage to baggage and personal items
- Baggage delay over 12 hours
- Funeral expenses overseas or repatriation of remains
- Personal liability
24/7 emergency assistance
If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
From New Zealand & Overseas:
+61 2 8263 0470 or
+61 2 8292 1470
(reverse charges via an operator from anywhere in the world)
Within Australia (Free call): 1800 611 210
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.