Travel Insurance for USA

In order to have a stress-free and memorable trip to the USA, you must ensure that adequate planning and advanced bookings are in place, including a viable travel insurance plan for the USA. However, irrespective of the level of planning you engage in, there may be unforeseen circumstances that can derail your plans. The recent Covid-19 pandemic, for instance, has brought the entire world and international travel to an indefinite standstill, with most countries having limited inbound flights and stringent entry restrictions.

It is, therefore, critical to purchase suitable travel insurance for USA visitors and ensure that you are financially protected against any unanticipated events during your visit to the USA. Your travel insurance USA plan will serve as a protective shield and enable you to enjoy your vacation sans worry. You can compare travel insurance plans to pick the one that suits you the most, in terms of coverage amount & premium.

Since life has no dearth of uncertainties, it is important to be as prepared as possible for any eventualities. Therefore, if you are planning to travel to the USA, you should consider buying travel insurance for your USA trip. A travel insurance USA policy will assist you if you are faced with any adverse circumstances during your stay in the USA. For instance, if you fall sick before or during the trip or lose your baggage at any of the airports you pass through your journey, a travel health insurance policy for the USA would be handy. Therefore, it is recommended to invest in an online Travel Insurance policy for the USA and financially safeguard your trip against any untoward incidents that can potentially ruin your trip. With our wide range of plans for visitor insurance in the USA, you can plan for a hassle-free trip to the USA.

Some of the benefits included in the Tata AIG travel insurance USA plan have been discussed below.

Journey Cover
Cover for flight delays and cancellations, hotel booking cancellations, and loss of passport

Baggage Cover
Compensation on the loss or delay of check-in baggage

Medical Coverage
1.Covid-19 cover to cover the costs associated with testing Covid positive during the trip
2.Travel medical insurance to the USA to provide you financial support if you fall sick or meet with an accident during the trip

Other benefits of travel insurance USA policies
1.The option to pay in Indian Rupees and get coverage in United States Dollars
2.Affordable travel insurance USA policies with a premium as low as ₹60.32 per day
3.Instant purchase of online travel insurance for the USA without extensive health check-ups

For Additional Information
If you are a Student Traveling to the USA for your Studies, check our Student Travel Insurance
If you are traveling for a Leisure or Business Trip, check our International Travel Insurance

• Non-immigrant Visas: Indian nationals travelling to the USA can apply for various types of visas under the umbrella of a non-immigrant visa. Here are some of the major types of non-immigrant US visas Indian citizens can apply for.

• B1/B2 Visa: If you are visiting the USA for a temporary stay with a business-related objective, you ought to apply for a B1 visa. If, however, the reason behind your temporary visit to the United States of America is personal, a B2 visa is the right category of visa for you. The aforementioned visa is for travel objectives such as tourism, medical treatment, visit with family or friends, etc.

• F1 and M1 Student Visa: Applicants who have been accepted to educational institutions in the United States of America are eligible to apply for a student visa for their academic programme. The aforementioned visa can, in certain cases, also be granted for practical training in specific fields.

• H-1 B Work Visa: The H1-B visa is granted to foreigners employed in the USA. Sponsored by the employers, the aforementioned visa is usually valid for a three-year term that can be extended for a further three years. Non-US citizens are permitted to bring their families to the USA under the aforementioned visa but the process of visa approval is extremely stringent.

• H-2 B Work Visa: Unskilled non-US workers hired to work in the USA are eligible to apply for an H2-B visa that is required to be sponsored by their US-based employer.

• J-1 and Q-1 Exchange Visitor Visas: A J-1 visa accommodates individuals travelling to the USA for pre-approved exchange programmes. The aforementioned category of visitors includes students, business trainees, research scholars, and government-assigned visitors.

• Immigrant Visas: Individuals who wish to immigrate to the USA on a permanent basis can apply for an immigrant visa to the country. The aforementioned visa usually needs to be sponsored by an employer or a permanent resident of the USA who is a relative of the applicant. However, persons with exceptional abilities and skills, including investors and some specific categories of immigrants, can apply for this visa themselves.

Covid Guidelines: In the wake of the ongoing global pandemic, most non-immigrant travel to the USA has been suspended. Only student visas are still being granted on a limited basis.

According to the US embassy in India, students with an I-20 programme beginning after August 1st, 2021 can apply for a student visa to the USA and travel there 30 days prior to the beginning of their respective programmes without requiring a national interest exception.

The aforementioned rule also applies to students who wish to travel to the USA to continue their ongoing academic enrolments at US institutions. It is advisable to have medical insurance for visitors to the USA.

You can apply for a visa to the USA by following the steps mentioned below.

1. Determine the type of visa you wish to apply for. For non-immigrant visas, you can refer to the 'Common Non-Immigrant Visas' guidelines.

2. Fill the electronic application form (Form DS-160) to apply for a non-immigrant visa to the USA.

3. Make the payment of your visa application fee.

4. Create a profile and retain your receipt number to schedule your visa appointment.

5. Schedule an appointment with the US Embassy or consulates in India within 48 hours of submitting your DS-160 form online.

6. Be on time for your appointment and carry the relevant identification documents and credentials.

7. After the second visa interview, your application shall either be accepted or declined by the immigration authorities.

US Embassy and consulates in India: The US Embassy in India is located in New Delhi and the consulates are located in Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad.

How to request expedited visa appointments

If you qualify to travel to the USA under the ‘national interest exception’, you can request an expedition of your visa appointment here.

It is advisable to buy health insurance for visitors to the USA. There are also several other essential travel documents that are required for travelling to the USA from India. The aforementioned documents have been listed below.

• A valid Indian passport (valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arriving in the USA)
• A pre-approved visa
• A letter detailing the reason for your visit to the USA
• Confirmed travel tickets
• Prescription for specific medications, if necessary
• USA travel health insurance, including Covid-19 coverage.
• The particulars of the people with whom you will stay in the USA along with their addresses
• The applicable financial documents
• The proof of the funds you are carrying to the USA

• Keep your passport safe at all times.
• Protect your belongings, especially when you are in crowded places and tourist hotspots.
• Use official commercial means of transport and avoid seeking private help.
• Respect the country’s laws and regulations.
• Avoid travelling to unfamiliar or remote areas, particularly during the night.
• Do not participate in any unlawful activities.
• Do not violate public decorum through your words, actions, or a combination of the two.
• Choose from the best travel insurance for the USA to financially secure yourself against any unanticipated events.

Covid-19 specific guidelines:

1. Wear a mask over your nose and mouth, particularly while using public transport.
2. Practise social distancing.
3. Monitor yourself for Covid-19 symptoms and self-isolate and get tested if you develop any of the symptoms.

The Indian Embassy in the United States of America is located at the following address.

Chancery-I, 2107 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C., United States of America.

Present Ambassador: Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:30 AM - 06:00 PM EST

Consular Services Timings: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Contact details of the embassy:

Website: Embassy of India, Washington D.C., United States of America

Telephone number: (202) 939-7000

Fax number: (202) 265-4351

For Visa-related queries: Telephone: (202) 939 9888

Email: visa.washington@mea.gov.in

For queries regarding passport and miscellaneous services: Telephone: (202) 939 9864

Email: cons1.washington@mea.gov.in

There are several major international airports in the United States of America, some of which are as follows.

1. John F Kennedy International Airport, New York City (JFK)
2. Washington Dulles International Airport, Washington D.C. (IAD)
3. San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco (SFO)
4. ‘OHare International Airport, Chicago (ORD)
5. Salt Lake City International Airport, Utah (SLC)

The currency of the United States of America is the United States Dollar (USD), which is commonly referred to as the US Dollar and represented by the $ sign. It is advisable to carry a sufficient amount of USD before embarking on your trip to the USA.

The exchange rate of the United States Dollar ($) with respect to the Indian National Rupee (₹) fluctuates on a daily basis. Therefore, it is important to monitor the applicable exchange rate before travelling to the USA.

The USA has no dearth of tourist attractions, ranging from beaches to mountains, museums to amusement parks, movie studios to art galleries. Whether you are a scholar or an adventure seeker, the country has a lot to offer you. Here are some of the destinations you must not miss whilst visiting the USA.

• New York City: No visit to the USA is complete without visiting New York City. Considered to be amongst the centres of modern civilisation and innovation, the big apple is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world, including the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Broadway, the Rockefeller Plaza, and the world-renowned Times Square. The city also houses Wall Street and 5th avenue, thereby simultaneously being the financial and fashion capital of the world.

• Washington D.C.: The national capital of the United States of America is a cultural and financial epicentre and home to the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, and the Smithsonian. Adorned with museums and historic universities alike, the city has roots in history, branches in the present workings of the international power structure, and forces that play a significant part in shaping the future of the world.

• The Grand Canyon: The Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world and a tourist hotspot. Averaging ten miles across and a mile in-depth, the canyon has vast and seemingly endless expanses that unequivocally capture nature’s might and engender awe and reverence amongst visitors. The Grand Canyon is a day’s trip away from Las Vegas and Phoenix.

• Los Angeles: Home to Beverly Hills and Hollywood, the city of angels is a cultural and cinematic force to be reckoned with. Los Angeles is regarded as the heart of California and the US movie industry. The city is adorned with picturesque beaches and incredible vistas. While in LA, you must also visit La Brea Tar Pits which contains fossils of prehistoric animals.

• Las Vegas: Las Vegas is widely considered more of an experience than a tangible point on the global map. With its world-famous casinos, sound and light shows, musical theatre performances, and diverse entertainment options, Vegas has been a tourist favourite for decades. And, as popularly quoted, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!”

And, to enjoy all these places completely and explore the US with peace of mind, it is crucial to get a travel insurance USA plan from Tata AIG. To know more, check our guide on the places to visit in USA

The best time to visit the United States of America is either March to May (spring) or late September to late October (autumn). During spring, most parts of the country have mild and pleasant temperatures, thereby making it the ideal time to visit the nation. Since the summer months of May to September usually witness the highest footfalls from international tourists to the USA, it is advisable to plan your trip to this diverse country during spring or fall.

Visit the USA today and safeguard your international journey with online travel insurance for the USA from TATA AIG Insurance. With our wide range of travel insurance plans, you can select the best travel insurance for the USA for yourself. We also offer insurance for parents visiting the USA. Visit our website to know more about USA travel insurance costs and benefits.

Information last updated June 20. While this information is sourced reliably, visa requirements can change. For the most current visa details, visit the official Consulate/Embassy website.