Australia and the USA have something important in common: neither has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the other. That means your Australian Medicare card is worthless in a US hospital. If you need medical care — a broken leg, a heart attack, even a severe allergic reaction — you'll receive a bill in US dollars, and it won't be small. This is why visitor insurance for the USA is essential for every Australian traveler.
Important
Australian Medicare does NOT cover medical expenses in the United States. Unlike in New Zealand (covered by the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement), you have zero coverage in the USA. Travel insurance isn't optional — it's essential.
How Expensive Is Healthcare in the USA?
The USA has some of the highest healthcare costs in the world. To give you a sense of the financial exposure:
| Medical Service | Low End (USD) | High End (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| ER visit (minor injury) | $1,200 | $5,000 |
| ER visit (cardiac event) | $15,000 | $80,000 |
| Ambulance (10 miles) | $1,800 | $3,500 |
| Hospital stay (per day) | $4,000 | $12,000 |
| Emergency surgery | $25,000 | $150,000 |
| Medical evacuation to Australia | $80,000 | $200,000+ |
Costs converted to approximate USD. Actual bills vary significantly by state, hospital, and complexity of treatment.
Best Visitor Insurance Plans for Australians
We offer three carrier partners — WorldTrips, IMG, and Trawick International — each suited to different traveler profiles. Here's a direct comparison:
WorldTrips
Atlas America
from ~$1.50/day
Medical
Up to $2,000,000
Evacuation
$1,000,000
Max Age
79
- ✓Best price for travelers under 65
- ✓Large US provider network
- ✓Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions (some tiers)
IMG
Patriot America Plus
from ~$2/day
Medical
Up to $1,000,000
Evacuation
$500,000
Max Age
99
- ✓Covers travelers up to age 99
- ✓24/7 global assistance hotline
- ✓Strong hospital network in major US cities
Trawick International
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive
from ~$2.50/day
Medical
Up to $1,000,000
Evacuation
$500,000
Max Age
89
- ✓Strong acute onset pre-existing condition benefit
- ✓Telemedicine included
- ✓Good for families and groups
Compare Plans for Your Trip
Enter your dates, compare WorldTrips, IMG, and Trawick, and get covered in minutes.
Tips for Australian Travelers in the USA
Check if your credit card includes travel insurance
Some Australian premium Visa/Mastercard cards include overseas travel insurance. However, these policies often have low medical limits ($250K–$500K), and may require you to have paid for your trip on that card. Check the PDS carefully — US-specific coverage and emergency evacuation are the key benefits to verify.
Consider your US state destination
Healthcare costs vary by state. California, New York, and Massachusetts have some of the most expensive hospitals in the world. If you're visiting major cities, higher coverage limits ($1M+) are worth the modest extra premium.
Pre-existing conditions matter more than you think
Even if you're generally healthy, a condition you were diagnosed with before your trip (including well-managed diabetes or high blood pressure) may not be covered under standard plans. Trawick and some IMG tiers include acute onset coverage — crucial for travelers 50+. See our full guide on travel insurance with pre-existing conditions for more detail.
Don't wait until you're sick to look for a provider
WorldTrips and IMG both have large US hospital and clinic networks. Download the member app before you travel so you can find in-network providers quickly in an emergency.
Top US Destinations for Australian Tourists — State-by-State Tips
The USA's most-visited states by Australians each have different healthcare cost profiles. Here's what to know for the most popular destinations:
| Destination | Hospital Cost Tier | Recommended Coverage | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii 🌺 | Very High | $500K–$2M medical + evacuation | State guide → |
| California 🌁 | Very High | $1M+ medical (LA & SF hospitals are expensive) | State guide → |
| New York 🗽 | Highest | $1M+ medical — NYC hospitals among most expensive in the world | State guide → |
| Florida 🌴 | High | $500K–$1M medical — large senior population, strong hospital network | State guide → |
| Nevada (Las Vegas) 🎲 | High | $500K+ medical — private hospitals serve the Strip | State guide → |
| Texas 🤠 | High | $500K–$1M medical — Houston & Dallas are major medical hubs | State guide → |
Note: Healthcare cost tiers reflect the average cost of emergency hospital treatment at private facilities in that state. Hawaii has the added complexity that serious medical emergencies often require evacuation to the mainland — ensuring your plan includes robust evacuation coverage (at least $500K) is essential if you're island-hopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover Australians traveling in the USA?
No. Australian Medicare only covers medical services in Australia and New Zealand (under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement). It does not cover any medical expenses in the United States. Without travel insurance, Australians visiting the USA are responsible for 100% of any medical costs — which can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Do Australians need a visa for the USA and does it include insurance?
Most Australians visit the USA under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA), which does not require travel insurance. However, ESTA also does not provide any medical coverage. Despite not being mandatory, travel insurance is essential because a single emergency room visit in the USA can cost $5,000–$50,000 or more, and a hospital stay can exceed $500,000.
How much does travel insurance cost for Australians visiting the USA?
Visitor insurance for Australians typically costs $1.50–$4 per day for travelers under 50. A 2-week trip for a healthy 35-year-old costs approximately $20–$35 total. Seniors 65+ pay more — around $40–$90 for two weeks. The exact price depends on your age, how long you're staying, and the coverage level you choose.
Does Australian travel insurance from companies like Cover-More or Allianz cover USA medical?
Some Australian domestic travel insurance providers like Cover-More and Allianz do sell international plans that include the USA. However, plans purchased through a US-based specialist like Tower Hill are often less expensive and specifically underwritten for US medical costs. Compare both options — your best choice depends on your trip type, age, and any pre-existing conditions.
What if I have a pre-existing condition — can I still get covered?
Yes. Plans like Trawick Safe Travels International and IMG Patriot International include acute onset coverage for pre-existing conditions. This means if a pre-existing condition (like heart disease, asthma, or diabetes) causes a sudden, unexpected emergency during your trip, the plan covers it. This coverage is critical for Australian seniors visiting family in the USA.
Can I extend my coverage if I decide to stay longer in the USA?
Yes — all three plans (WorldTrips Atlas, IMG Patriot, and Trawick Safe Travels) allow you to extend coverage as long as you request the extension before your current policy expires. Contact Tower Hill at support@towerhillcorp.com or call (832) 856-1704 to arrange an extension.
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Get Covered Before You Fly to the USA
Plans from $1.50/day. Compare WorldTrips, IMG, and Trawick side-by-side. Coverage starts the day after purchase — no waiting period.
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