In the United States, there is no social security agreement with France: every cent of medical treatment is your responsibility. A GP visit costs between $150 and $250, and a single night in hospital can top $5,000. Without the right travel insurance, one medical emergency could leave you facing tens of thousands of dollars in bills.
Get my quoteIs travel insurance compulsory in the USA?
Travel insurance is not legally required to enter the United States. In practice, however, it is essential: American medical costs are among the highest in the world, and there is no reimbursement agreement between the French social security system and the US healthcare system. Yupwego recommends medical cover of at least 500 000 €.
Why take out travel insurance for the USA?
- Sky-high medical bills: A night in hospital costs between $2,000 and $5,000; a simple fracture can run from $10,000 to $35,000. Without insurance, you pay before you even receive treatment.
- Medical repatriation: A medical evacuation from the United States to France can run to tens of thousands of euros. Your insurer arranges and covers it, around the clock.
- Transatlantic flight cancellation: Return flights and pre-paid hotels can represent a significant outlay. If you have to cancel before departure due to illness or accident, trip cancellation cover reimburses your non-refundable costs.
- French-speaking assistance, 24/7: In an emergency, a round-the-clock helpline guides you through the local healthcare system and can liaise directly with the hospital on your behalf.
What your Yupwego USA travel insurance covers
For a trip to the United States, Yupwego recommends medical cover of at least 500 000 €, essential given American healthcare costs.
- Medical expenses and hospitalisation: Yupwego settles the US hospital bill directly, so you pay nothing upfront, even for a night in intensive care.
- Medical repatriation: If your condition requires it, a medically supervised return to France is arranged and funded by your insurer.
- Trip cancellation: Transatlantic flights and pre-paid hotels are refunded if you cancel for a reason covered by your policy.
- Baggage and personal belongings: Theft, loss or delayed baggage in transit is compensated in accordance with your policy terms.
Health and healthcare in the USA
The US healthcare system is entirely private for foreign visitors: there is no social security agreement between France and the United States. A GP consultation costs between $150 and $250, an emergency room visit between $1,000 and $2,000, and a single night in hospital can reach $5,000. No vaccinations are required to enter the United States, but it is advisable to bring your routine vaccinations up to date, including measles, given the rise in cases flagged by France Diplomatie. Choosing a policy with direct billing means you never have to pay the hospital before receiving care.
Entry requirements for the USA
French nationals must obtain an ESTA authorisation (valid for 2 years, stay limited to 90 days) before boarding; stays beyond 90 days require a visa. A valid biometric passport is mandatory. For longer stays in the United States, our long-stay travel insurance is better suited; students and working-holiday participants can turn to our travel insurance for young people, students and working holidays.
Car hire and road accidents in the USA
Hiring a car is the natural way to explore the United States. Most rental companies accept a French driving licence, but some may require an international driving permit, so check before you book. Take out CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) cover directly with the rental company: travel insurance does not cover damage to the hire vehicle itself. However, if you are injured in a road accident, your medical expenses and repatriation are covered by your travel insurance, subject to your policy terms.
