United States Healthcare
USA has excellent healthcare quality but the highest costs in the world. Travel insurance is CRITICAL — an ER visit + hospital stay for a broken leg can be USD 30,000-60,000. Uninsured travellers have been bankrupted.
Medical tourism: Basic onlyEmergency care: ExcellentTravel insurance critical
Emergency: 911
Get travel insurance before you go — an ER visit here can cost more than your entire trip.
1 English-speaking hospitals
Any hospital
All major cities · international private
Foreign insuranceEnglish-speaking
Specialties: All
Federal law requires ER stabilisation regardless of ability to pay — but you'll be billed.
Common health risks in United States
- Traffic accidents (US has 2-3x European death rate)
- Heat exhaustion (Southwest summer)
- Altitude sickness (Colorado, Utah)
- Prescription drug prices — refill your meds BEFORE traveling
Tap water
Safe to drink
Pharmacies
CVS, Walgreens, Walmart pharmacies. Prescriptions required strictly.
Brands: CVS · Walgreens · Rite Aid
Vaccines recommended
Ensure COVID-19 + flu current
Insurance direct billing
Contact insurer BEFORE going to ER (if not life-threatening) — they may require pre-authorisation.
Embassy medical assistance
Contact your embassy for cost-negotiation help.