The United States of America is about beauty, from blue oceans and beaches to snow-capped peaks and loving cities. This diverse land with beaming light welcomes you with open arms. Its scenic landscapes and enthralling destinations will leave you speechless.’

Wandering in and around the USA is fun; however, travelling without travel insurance may prove hazardous. Before planning the perfect trip, it is essential to have travel insurance for USA from India.

It will cover and benefit you in flight delays, passport loss, baggage loss, medical emergencies, adventure sports, political unrest, and other mishaps. It will provide financial protection during unexpected circumstances and help to recover losses for other expenses.

No, travel insurance isn’t mandatory for Indians travelling to the USA. However, to secure a hassle-free trip, you should purchase travel insurance before your trip.

A $50,000 USA Travel insurance plan from India for 4 days - 1 adult is starting from ₹665 (Excluding GST).

Indian tourists travelling to the USA are required to apply for the B-2 visa, the visa that is specified for people visiting the USA for recreational purposes, meeting family/friends, etc. It is often also clubbed with and as B1/B2 visa. The same can be applied for by filling in the DS-160 Visa application form at the US Consular Electronic Application Center.

Here are the basic steps to obtaining a Tourist visa for Indians travelling to USA:

• Visit the US Consular Electronic Application Center website and fill in the DS-160 form. Make sure you leave no required fields empty.
• After filling in the form, sign it electronically and upload your photograph and other required documents.
• Pay the visa fees within 48 hours online (₹10,880) and keep a printed copy of your confirmed DS-160 form with you.
• After the visa, you’ll need to book your two interview dates, wherein you’ll be required to take all your necessary documents and valid passport with you.
• At the end of the second interview, the immigration offer will accept/decline your visa accordingly.

• Get Compensation for Your Canceled Trip - In case of emergencies, such as severe illness or death in the family, you have no option but to bear the additional expenses of cancelling the trip with Digit’s travel insurance policy; you can avoid bearing these liabilities. The maximum sum insured for an international trip is US $10,000.
• Receive Compensation for Luggage Delays - You may experience luggage delays in transit while travelling to a foreign land. In such an event, you may need to remain without the same for a day or two. A travel insurance policy will help cover the financial losses during such times.
• Get Coverage for hospitalization - Everyone knows how expensive healthcare can be in the U.S.A. Moreover, most medicines cannot be bought over the counter, and you would need to visit a doctor, even if it's for something as minor as pink eye. Travel insurance will protect you financially in any health and medical emergencies.
• Cover for Adventure Sports-Related Injuries - We understand that one of the things that might keep you from partaking in USA adventure sports like surfing, scuba diving, etc., is the impending fear of ending up with an injury, treatment for which might cost you a fortune in the USA. With a travel insurance policy, you can avail yourself of coverage for the treatment of injuries that you might incur while partaking in single-day adventure sports.
• Avail Dental Treatment - Suppose you encounter acute pain or an accidental injury to your natural teeth on the trip. In this scenario, the treatment provided will be covered according to the policy schedule.

Disclaimer: Your policy is subject to the terms and conditions mentioned in your policy schedule and the policy wording. It is important that you thoroughly review these documents before making any decisions.

Whilst comparing travel quotes from different travel insurances for the U.S.A., make sure you are aware of the following:

• The medical benefits available and the limit of the Sum Insured for each. For example, at minimum, you could be spending up to $3000 for essential hospitalization and at least $10,000-20,000 for critical illnesses. Check if the sum insured even covers minimum medical costs or not.
• Terms of claims. The terms can often be tricky and rare, meaning that despite the benefit, you’ll never really be able to claim it.
• The claims process is done by checking the company’s previous claim records.

The Country of Dreams

At some point or the other, everyone around the world wants to visit the places of USA. Apart from being home to Hollywood and the city of dreams, the U.S makes for a great travel experience across its diverse states and cities.

From popular cities like New York, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Francisco to distinctive places such as Seattle, Hawaii, Arizona, North Carolina, and Alaska—from where you can even see the Northern Lights!

The best time to visit the USA is spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). The weather is pleasant, and you can experience the festive mood that the country goes through during this time.

Safety in American Cities

Out of all the places you’ll visit, it is usually the busiest and most tourist-heavy cities likely to face petty crimes. Here are some tips that will keep you safe while you tour around cities like NYC, Boston, LA, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Seattle, Chicago, Washington DC and Dallas, amongst many others:

• Be alert and avoid walking around lonely areas and neighbourhoods that seem fishy. That “I think this area seems fishy” vibe always holds some weightage.
• Be wary of pickpockets at subway stations and tourist areas like the Staten Island, Grand Central Station, and Times Square amongst many others.

Avoid buying tickets to the Broadway, Comedy Shows and Concerts from any random person. Purchasing from the official counters/websites or licensed ticket partners is best.

Health-Related Precautions in the USA

Some common health issues in the USA include pollen allergies in the spring, the common pink eye, and intense rashes caused by insects and bugs you may not be aware of! Here are a few tips to keep you safe:

• Seasonal pollen allergies - Seasonal pollen is expected in the States, especially in Texas, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Oklahoma. Generally, standard allergy tablets should work.
• Viral Infection - Pink Eye is a contiguous viral infection. Unfortunately, the only way to cure it is to wait until the virus runs its course. If it doesn’t improve in 3 days, you will have to consult a doctor or the emergency care available in local pharmacies and clinics.
• Intense rashes - Ticks are primarily found in humid weather conditions, especially in areas where deer may be found while kissing bugs can be found anywhere in the States and could cause intense rashes. In case of an infestation, immediately consult emergency care at a pharmacy or clinic.

Common Travel Scams in the USA

Following are the common travel scams in the USA -

• Don’t accept any random girl/guy offering a music album of theirs. Likely to happen in Las Vegas or New York City; they’re just people looking to make a few bucks.
• You will probably see a bunch of famous movie character mascots in and around Times Square, if you’re looking at taking a picture together, be prepared to pay a fee and tip or don’t encourage it at all!
• Stay away from the three-card monte scam. The game involves shuffling three cards and guessing the odd car out. Except here the dealer purposely tricks you. This usually takes place in places like Las Vegas and Times Square. Usually by a group of people, one who deals and two usually pretending to be onlookers to incite curiosity. No matter what they say, it’s impossible to win the game and it’s only a way to get some bucks out of you!
• Avoid buying Metro Cards from anyone, even if they’re “discounted”. Only the official Metro authorities can sell Metro cards and tickets. Anyone else, is probably just tricking you!
• The Staten Island Ferry is free for everyone so in case anyone approaches you to buy a ticket or pay for it, you know what to do.

Tips for Road Trips Travel in the USA

Many people ultimately decide to experience the American dream via long road trips, given the vast country, large and easy-to-navigate roads, and many scenic routes. If you’re one of them, here are a few tips that will protect you along the way.

• Please ensure you have a valid International Driving License before entering the States.
• While renting your car, your rental company is likely to try to sell you additional insurance to protect your car damages in case the need arises. However, apart from the mandatory liability insurance, if you have travel insurance, you will already be covered under Personal Liability and Bail Bond. So, all you need with the rented car is the mandatory insurance, while your travel insurance will cover you for the rest.
• Stay alert of all signs, including the STOP sign. Additionally, you will also come across signs highlighting animal crossings and schools. It is important to follow them diligently.
• As a standard rule, all vehicles usually stop when a school bus is picking up or dropping students off.

Go through some basic travel guides and road trip itineraries online to have a heads-up on what to experience.