Calling British travelers to the U.S.
 

Hi we coming over to California in August for a 3 week driving tour. I've been looking at travel insurance and cant belive the amount of difference between quotes. We've been quoted anything between £9 to £120!!!
What companys do you use? How much cover should I get for medical bills? All very confusing.
cheers, Al & Lou

My Mum said that Marks and Spencers have good travel insurance, but she can't remember which company she used last year. Who would have thought? You should have at least $1m in coverage.

There are several types of coverage, each for a specific kind of liability. If anyone just says "get 1M of coverage" but doesn't break it down into parts, it will do you no good. You need to decide what coverage you will need for catastrophic problems, i.e. accidental death, and for possible medical payments in case of an accident with injuries. Also you need to determine whether any of the coverage is applicable AFTER you get off the plane in the U.S. Some will insure you only for the flight; others will provide other types of insurance. I don't know whether you will also be looking for automobile insurance coverage; but if you are, be sure to understand the various kinds of coverage such as personal liability, uninsured motorists, and so on.

If you are asking about American insurance companies, there are many and all the well-known names are equally good. If you are planning on obtaining insurance from a British company, I can't help you.

Wayne, Allmoo asked specifically "how much cover(sic) for medical bills" My response of $1m was to that question. Of course, a travel insurance policy should cover other liabilities too, and must be read carefully so that you know what is and is not covered.

You may be able to find some advices on this thread on "Other" forum:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34547452

Thanks for the replies. just got cover from moneysupermarket.com £43 for 3 weeks for the both of us. Outstanding!
£5m worth of medical bills, lets hope i get ill.
Al

Sounds great, Allmoo. My Mum has difficulty finding affordable travel insurance now because of her age. She's now over 80, but stll likes to come over here to visit.

Maybe "medevac" insurance would be cheaper than actual medical ? In other words you'd stay in the US until stable then be flown home to the tender mercies of the NHS !
International SOS was one such company, not had anything to do with them lately.
Have a great trip.