What actually happens to travelers here.
An uninsured ER visit can run $5,000-50,000+. Travel insurance with adequate medical coverage ($250K minimum) is essential for all visitors.
Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies only. For non-emergencies, an Uber to an urgent care is 1/10th the cost.
The system.
System: Private insurance-based system. No universal coverage for visitors — all care is out-of-pocket without insurance.
Quality: ★★★★☆ Very Good
World-class hospitals and specialists, but extremely expensive without insurance. Quality varies significantly by location and facility. Rural areas may have limited access.
The US is a destination for advanced medical procedures, particularly cancer treatment, cardiology, and orthopedic surgery. Major medical centers include Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and MD Anderson.
Where to actually go.
Top-ranked hospital with full emergency department. Interpreters available for many languages.
Harvard-affiliated, consistently ranked among the best hospitals in the US.
Major hospital near LA tourist areas. Full emergency and specialty services.
Top-ranked hospital in the Chicago area with comprehensive emergency services.
Finding what you need.
Access: Easy
Hours: Major chains open 8am-10pm daily; many 24/7 locations in cities
Prescription rules: Prescription medications require a valid US prescription from a licensed US provider. Foreign prescriptions are not honored. Urgent care clinics and telemedicine services can issue prescriptions quickly.
Large pharmacy chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid are ubiquitous. Pharmacists speak English and can recommend OTC products. Prescription drugs require a US prescription — foreign prescriptions are not accepted.
Available over the counter
- Tylenol (acetaminophen/paracetamol)
- Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen)
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine — allergy/sleep)
- Pepto-Bismol (stomach relief)
- Imodium (loperamide — anti-diarrheal)
- DayQuil/NyQuil (cold and flu)
Useful pharmacy phrases
- I need medicine for a headache
- I have a stomachache
- I'm allergic to...
- Where is the nearest pharmacy?
- I need a doctor
Chains you'll see
- CVS Pharmacy — Red and white storefront with CVS logo (Nationwide — over 9,000 locations, many inside Target stores)
- Walgreens — Blue and white storefront with 'W' logo (Nationwide — over 8,000 locations, many with 24/7 hours)
- Rite Aid — Blue and red signage (Primarily East Coast and West Coast cities)
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Tylenol
Known as acetaminophen in the US (not paracetamol). Tylenol is the dominant brand. - ibuprofen → Advil or Motrin
Both brands widely available. Generic ibuprofen also sold everywhere. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Imodium
Available OTC at all pharmacies and most convenience stores.
What you can't bring in.
Carry a doctor's letter listing all medications with generic names. Keep medications in original labeled containers. Controlled substances (opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants) should be accompanied by a prescription copy. No special import certificate required for personal-use quantities (90-day supply or less).
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: Sudafed · Codeine · CBD
Codeine is a controlled substance (Schedule II-V depending on formulation). Available only with a US prescription.
Available behind the pharmacy counter (not banned). Must show ID and sign a logbook due to methamphetamine precursor laws.
Legal status varies by state. Remains illegal under federal law. Do not carry across state lines or into federal property.
If something breaks.
Availability: Excellent dental care widely available. Emergency dental clinics in most cities.
Cost range: $100-300 for a basic consultation; $200-600 for fillings; $150-400 for extractions
Dental care is expensive and typically not covered by basic travel insurance. Emergency rooms can provide pain relief but rarely perform dental procedures.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Recommended
Average cost: $50-100/week
US healthcare is among the most expensive in the world. A simple ER visit can cost $2,000-5,000+. Travel insurance with high medical coverage ($100,000+) is essential. Verify your policy covers the US specifically, as some exclude it due to high costs.
Filing a claim
US hospitals typically bill insurance directly if you provide policy details at admission. Without insurance, you'll pay upfront or receive a bill. Keep all receipts, discharge summaries, and itemized bills. File claims with your travel insurer within 30-90 days. Many hospitals have financial assistance programs for uninsured patients.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $150-400 |
| ER visit | $1,500-5,000 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $2,000-5,000 |
| Ambulance | $500-3,000 |
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs without insurance. US healthcare is among the most expensive in the world. Costs vary dramatically by state, facility, and procedure.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Domestic transfer to specialized facility
Secondary destination: Canada or home country
Typical cost band: $25,000-100,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Domestic air ambulance transfers between US cities are common and expensive. International evacuation to home country may be preferred for extended treatment to reduce costs.
What to get done before you fly.
Recommended
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, Tdap, flu, COVID-19)
- Hepatitis A and B
No mandatory vaccinations for entry. Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Safe to drink — Tap water is safe to drink throughout the US. Some travelers prefer bottled water for taste. Avoid drinking untreated water from streams or lakes.
Food safety
Food safety standards are high and enforced by the FDA. Street food and restaurants are generally safe. Be cautious with raw shellfish. Food allergies are taken seriously — most restaurants can accommodate dietary restrictions.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
English-speaking therapists: Widely available. Telemedicine platforms (BetterHelp, Talkspace) offer quick access. Expect $100-250 per session without insurance.
Mental health services are widely available but can be expensive without insurance. The 988 Lifeline provides free 24/7 crisis support in English and Spanish.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
The US has strong disability rights laws (ADA). Most public buildings, transport, and facilities are wheelchair accessible.
Hospital accessibility: All hospitals are fully ADA-compliant with wheelchair access, accessible restrooms, and accommodations for various disabilities.
Accessible transport: Public transit is largely accessible. Airports have extensive accessibility services. Rideshare apps offer wheelchair-accessible vehicle options.
Request ADA-accessible hotel rooms when booking. National parks have accessible trails and facilities. Service animals are legally permitted in all public spaces.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements for entry as of 2026.
Mask policy: No mask mandates. Individual healthcare facilities may require masks.
Testing availability: COVID tests available at pharmacies (rapid home tests ~$10-15) and clinics. PCR tests at urgent care or labs typically $50-150.
All federal COVID entry requirements were lifted in 2023.
United States travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- CDC Travelers' Health
- WHO International Travel and Health
- US Department of Health and Human Services
- Medicare.gov