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Best Travel Insurance for USA Trips

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Written By:
Emma Lam
| Updated July 16, 2026
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7 Mins Read
Part 19 of 24 from article series: Travel Insurance Destination →
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Part of the SeriesTravel Insurance by Destinations

Planning for a trip to the USA soon? From exploring the iconic streets of New York City to marvelling at the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon, driving along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, or enjoying the vibrant culture of New Orleans, the USA offers endless adventures for every traveller. However, it’s crucial to be prepared for unexpected situations by securing comprehensive travel insurance. Whether it’s protecting yourself against earthquakes, tsunamis, or flight accidents, having the right travel insurance coverage ensures a worry-free experience in the land of opportunity.

Travel Requirements to Enter the USA

To travel to the USA as a tourist, you’ll need to apply for a visa unless you’re from one of the countries which are on visa exemption agreements under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), with the USA. At the moment, Singaporean passport holders can travel to the USA for tourism or a visit for 90 days or less, i.e. for family or transit or medical treatments, without a visa under the VWP.

Before you apply for a visa, you may wish to utilise the Visa Wizard by the U.S. Department of State, to find out which type of visa is appropriate for you. Thereafter, you may apply for the visa either online or in person, about 3 months or more in advance, before your expected travel date.

Do note that travel to the United States under the VWP still requires ESTA approval, which means you still have to submit your ESTA application on the US Department of Homeland Security website. You may submit your ESTA application any time prior to your travel date, although it is recommended to apply as soon as you book your accommodations, or buy flight tickets. Here are the common types of visa which you can apply for:

  • Transit

  • Tourism & Visit

  • Study & Exchange

  • Business

  • Employment


How to Choose Travel Insurance for Your USA Trip?

When choosing a travel insurance plan for your trip to the USA, there are many factors to consider to ensure you have sufficient coverage. If you haven't already secured a plan with COVID-19 coverage, you may want to look into adding this benefit to an existing policy or purchasing it as a standalone feature. Here are 5 steps to help you get started:

1. Check if your plan provides adequate coverage

While the cost of your travel insurance is important, it's crucial to focus on the level of coverage it offers. Make sure the policy covers essential areas such as overseas medical expenses, trip cancellations, flight delays, and loss or damage to baggage. The reimbursement limits should also align with your travel needs, especially in case of unexpected events.

2. Get insured for any pre-existing conditions

If you or any family members have pre-existing medical conditions, ensure you get coverage for them. Some insurers offer this, including coverage for conditions like pregnancy, injuries, or illnesses that arise during your trip, particularly if you contract COVID-19. Additionally, getting a policy with COVID-19 coverage will help cover in-patient hospital expenses overseas, medical evacuation, and repatriation costs.

3. Do a comparison of policy premiums

The total premium for your travel insurance will depend on factors such as your destination and length of stay. Most insurers offer multiple tiers of plans at varying price points, each providing different levels of comprehensiveness and reimbursement limits. Be sure to compare these options to find one that best fits your budget and needs.

4. Consider coverage of sporting activities

If your USA trip involves sports or outdoor activities like water sports or extreme adventures, make sure your adventure travel insurance covers them. For example, if you're planning to skydive or paraglide in California, choose a policy that includes coverage for aerial sports and other adventure activities.

5. Ensure coverage for trip disruptions and baggage loss/damage.

Given that the USA is prone to many natural disasters such as typhoons, snowstorms and earthquakes, it’s wise to choose a policy that covers trip cancellations, delays, and damage or loss of your baggage due to such events. This added protection will provide peace of mind in case your travel plans are disrupted.


Compare Travel Insurance Plans for Your USA Trip On MoneySmart

Starr logo

Total Premium

S$26.77

60% OffTotal PremiumS$66.92
MoneySmart Exclusive
Incl. hiking cover | Optional: Post-trip medical*
Med. Coverage (Overseas)
S$200,000
Trip Cancellation
S$5,000
Loss/Damage of Baggage
S$3,000
Total Premium
Total PremiumS$66.9260% Off
S$26.77
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Travel with the LATEST TECH 🛍️
Enjoy up to 70% off & choose your rewards:
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• OR up to S$60 Cash via PayNow
• AND a S$30 Revolut cash reward
and many more when with eligible premiums spent.
T&Cs apply.

Valid until 30 Nov 2026
Reward Image
Singlife logo

Total Premium

S$36.48

50% OffTotal PremiumS$72.95
MoneySmart Exclusive
15% off MINDEF/MHA/POGIS | CFAR add-on available
Med. Coverage (Overseas)
S$250,000
Trip Cancellation
S$5,000
Loss/Damage of Baggage
S$3,000
Total Premium
Total PremiumS$72.9550% Off
S$36.48
MoneySmart Exclusive:

Get CASH or REWARDS:
• Up to $60 GrabGift vouchers
• OR up to $50 Cash via PayNow
• AND $30 Revolut cash reward
with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.


[Singlife's Online Promos]
• Get 50% off with code TRAVEL50 on Single Trip Singlife Travel Insurance plans. Valid from 14 to 16 Nov 2026.
• Enjoy a FREE 1GB Global eSIM from Singlife with purchase of a Singlife Travel Insurance plan. T&Cs apply. 

Valid until 30 Nov 2026
Reward Image
Hong Leong Assurance logo

Total Premium

S$26.80

60% OffTotal PremiumS$67
MoneySmart Exclusive
Incld. hiking ≤3000m | Add-on: ≥3 hour delay
Med. Coverage (Overseas)
S$150,000
Trip Cancellation
S$5,000
Loss/Damage of Baggage
S$3,000
Total Premium
Total PremiumS$6760% Off
S$26.80
MoneySmart Exclusive:

[An Apple a Day 🍎]
Score the latest Apple Gadgets DAILY, such as Apple iPhone 18 Pro OR Apple Watch SE 3 OR Apple AirPods Pro 3  when you're the first to submit a MoneySmart Claim Form at 20:00 SGT and follow, like and comment on MoneySmart's Instagram. T&Cs apply.


Choose CASH or REWARDS:
• S$50 GrabGift vouchers
• OR up to S$40 Cash via PayNow
• AND S$30 Revolut cash reward
with eligible premiums spent.
T&Cs apply.


Plus, enjoy 60% off on Single Trip and 50% off on Annual Plan Travel Insurance plans.

Valid until 30 Nov 2026
Reward Image
MSIG logo

Total Premium

S$42.50

50% OffTotal PremiumS$85
MoneySmart Exclusive
Free eSIM & Lounge Access*
Med. Coverage (Overseas)
S$250,000
Trip Cancellation
S$5,000
Loss/Damage of Baggage
S$3,000
Total Premium
Total PremiumS$8550% Off
S$42.50
MoneySmart Exclusive:

[An Apple a Day 🍎]
Score the latest Apple Gadgets DAILY, such as Apple iPhone 18 Pro OR Apple Watch SE 3 OR Apple AirPods Pro 3  when you're the first to submit a MoneySmart Claim Form at 20:00 SGT and follow, like and comment on MoneySmart's Instagram. T&Cs apply.


Travel with REWARDS:
• S$50 GrabGift vouchers
• OR up to S$40 Cash via PayNow
• AND S$30 Revolut cash reward
and many more rewards with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.



[Exclusive MSIG Promos]
• Get 65% off (Single Trip) and 25% off (Annual Plan) with code DOUBLE11 on TravelEasy policy premiums. Valid from 11 to 15 Nov 2026.
• Enjoy a complimentary MSIG Lounge Pass at the Airport for flights delayed more than 90 minutes. (Per policy purchased).
• PLUS, receive up to 1GB worth of eSIM from MSIG.
T&Cs apply.

Valid until 30 Nov 2026
Reward Image
Tiq by Etiqa logo

Total Premium

S$25.42

55% OffTotal PremiumS$56.50
MoneySmart Exclusive
Incl. hiking ≤3000m | Auto-pay for ≥3hr delays
Med. Coverage (Overseas)
S$200,000
Travel Cancelation
S$5,000
Loss/Damage of Baggage
S$2,000
Total Premium
Total PremiumS$56.5055% Off
S$25.42
MoneySmart Exclusive:

[An Apple a Day 🍎]
Score the latest Apple Gadgets DAILY, such as Apple iPhone 18 Pro OR Apple Watch SE 3 OR Apple AirPods Pro 3  when you're the first to submit a MoneySmart Claim Form at 20:00 SGT and follow, like and comment on MoneySmart's Instagram. T&Cs apply.



Grab your REWARDS:
• Up to S$20 GrabGift vouchers
• OR up to S$10 Cash via PayNow
• AND S$30 Revolut cash reward
and many more on top of existing discounts with eligible premiums spent.
T&Cs apply.



[Tiq's Online Promos]
• Enjoy 55% off (Single Trip) and 30% off (Annual Plans) with code TIQMS on Tiq Travel Insurance plans. Valid till 30 Nov 2026. T&Cs apply.
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[Tiq Travel Pass Rewards]
Enjoy free eSIMs up to 5GB, up to $60 transport vouchers, no claim cashback & more with Travel Pass, the first-in-market travel insurance rewards programme.

Valid until 30 Nov 2026
Reward Image
FWD logo

Total Premium

S$29.76

30% OffTotal PremiumS$42.52
MoneySmart Exclusive
Incl. hiking ≤3000m | CFAR add-on available
Med. Coverage (Overseas)
S$200,000
Trip Cancellation
S$7,500
Loss/Damage of Baggage
S$3,000
Total Premium
Total PremiumS$42.5230% Off
S$29.76
MoneySmart Exclusive:

[An Apple a Day 🍎]
Score the latest Apple Gadgets DAILY, such as Apple iPhone 18 Pro OR Apple Watch SE 3 OR Apple AirPods Pro 3  when you're the first to submit a MoneySmart Claim Form at 20:00 SGT and follow, like and comment on MoneySmart's Instagram. T&Cs apply.


Travel with REWARDS:
• Up to S$50 Grab Voucher
• OR up to S$40 Cash via PayNow
• AND S$30 Revolut cash reward
with eligible FWD Travel Plans purchased.
T&Cs apply.



Plus, enjoy 30% off (Single) and 25% off (Annual Travel) with code FWDHOLIDAY and get up to S$60 eCapitaVoucher on FWD Travel Insurance plans. Valid from 14 to 15 Nov 2026. T&Cs apply

Valid until 30 Nov 2026
Reward Image
Allianz Travel logo

Total Premium

S$25.90

63% OffTotal PremiumS$70
MoneySmart Exclusive
Incl. hiking ≤4,500m | best value w family plans
Med. Coverage (Overseas)
S$200,000
Trip Cancellation
S$1,500
Loss/Damage of Baggage
S$1,000
Total Premium
Total PremiumS$7063% Off
S$25.90
MoneySmart Exclusive:

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• S$60 GrabGift vouchers
• OR up to S$45 Cash via PayNow
• AND S$30 Revolut cash reward
with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.


Plus, enjoy exclusive 63% off Allianz Travel Insurance with MSAZ


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Enjoy a free 1GB Global eSIM from Allianz provided by Travelgoogoo in over 123 countries! T&Cs apply.

Valid until 30 Nov 2026
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💡 MoneySmart Tip

Use trusted online comparison tools like MoneySmart's travel insurance comparison to explore coverage limits, premiums, and policy features across leading insurers in Singapore—helping you find the right insurance plan for your trip, quickly.


How Will Travel Insurance Cover Me in the Event of Natural Disasters or Unexpected Events?

Baggage & personal belongings coverage

When traveling to the USA, protecting your baggage and personal belongings is essential, especially in cases of natural disasters or adverse weather conditions. Coverage typically includes compensation for loss due to unforeseen events, but limits apply per item or category, so it's crucial to review the policy details for maximum protection.

Trip curtailment, cancellation or travel delay coverage

For travellers facing unexpected cancellations or delays before or during their USA trip, certain travel insurance plans provide reimbursement for irrecoverable pre-paid transport and accommodation expenses. These reimbursements cover costs if your trip is disrupted due to unforeseen events such as natural disasters or extreme weather, with claims typically processed for cancellations made within 30 days prior to departure.

Medical costs coverage

Accidents or injuries during your USA trip, especially those resulting from natural disasters, may be covered by insurers like Singlife and FWD. Some of their travel insurance plans include the “Cancel for any reason” benefit, and even include overseas medical expenses and even post-trip medical treatment back in Singapore. Coverage depends on your policy's terms, so ensure that any medical treatment is administered within the specified time frame and that reimbursement limits align with your plan's conditions. Always check with your insurance provider for specific details on medical coverage.

FAQ

How much should travel insurance cost to the USA?

Travel insurance for a Singaporean visiting the USA typically costs between S$50 and S$200 per person for a one to three week trip. Basic single-trip plans start from around S$50–S$80 for a week, while premium or comprehensive plans with higher medical and trip disruption limits can go up to S$200+. Add-ons like winter sports cover or “cancel for any reason” increase the price.

What’s the minimum coverage recommended for USA travel insurance?

A minimum of S$250,000 in overseas medical coverage is advisable for USA trips, as American healthcare expenses are extremely high. Policies should also include benefits for evacuation and repatriation. Lower limits may not be enough if you require hospitalisation or surgery in the USA, so insurers typically recommend higher sums insured for American travel.

Can I travel to the USA without travel insurance?

Yes, travel insurance is not a legal or visa requirement for Singaporeans travelling to the USA, and immigration will not request proof of coverage. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends purchasing a plan due to extremely high US medical costs. Travelling uninsured means full exposure to hospital fees, trip disruptions, and no access to 24/7 assistance benefits.

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Part of the SeriesTravel Insurance by Destinations

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Written By:Emma LamContent Strategist
As a personal finance content strategist for over 3 years, Emma understands the struggle of juggling savings, credit cards, and everything in between all too well; she aims to simplify money matters one jargon at a time.