Travel medical insurance USA: Top 5 coverage options for visitors
Explore the top 5 travel medical insurance options for your trip to the US. Compare coverage, limits, prices, and pros to pick the best plan.
Looking for the best eSIM for USA travel?
An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that's already inside your phone, so you can activate a US data plan without needing to insert a physical SIM card. It'll keep you connected if you're attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup, visiting friends, or just exploring the US for fun.
If you have a USA trip coming up, you probably have questions about how eSIMs work, which provider offers the best coverage, and how much data you'll need.
Here are the most important things to know.
We'll also introduce Wise — your international money transfer alternative. Use Wise to send stress-free transfers to over 140 countries - all at the standard mid-market exchange rate.
| Table of contents |
|---|
Having a USA travel eSIM means that you'll be able to use maps, book rideshares, message friends and family, look up restaurant recommendations, and check your social media without hunting for WiFi.
International roaming charges from your home carrier can be very expensive, and they'll add up fast even on a short trip. An eSIM gives you a local US data plan at a fraction of the cost!
Unlike physical SIM cards that you need to buy at the airport or a store, eSIMs activate instantly on your phone. You just buy the plan online, scan a QR code, and you're connected.
When choosing an eSIM plan, look for these features:
- Coverage across the US, especially in the states where you'll be traveling
- Enough data for your needs
- Flexible validity periods that match your trip length
- Easy installation process
- Responsive customer support
- Reasonable pricing
| Most eSIM providers offer plans ranging from 1GB for short trips to unlimited data for longer stays. Some also let you add more data if you run out. |
|---|
Saily offers data plans ranging from 1GB to unlimited for the US, with validity periods of 7 or 30 days, depending on the plan you choose. Plans start at 3.59 USD for 1GB, valid for 7 days, going up to 39.19 USD for unlimited data valid for 15 days.
Your plan activates automatically when you arrive in the US, as long as you've turned on the eSIM in your settings and enabled roaming. Setup is pretty simple. You'll just need to choose your data plan, download the Saily app, scan the QR code you receive by email, and follow the instructions on screen.
Saily uses 3G/4G/LTE/5G networks, depending on local providers, and offers unlimited hotspot access with no restrictions. The service also includes 24/7 chat support and sends you a notification when you've used 80% of your data, so you don't run out unexpectedly.
| But keep in mind that traditional SMS and voice calls aren't available—you'll need to use an app like WhatsApp for calls. |
|---|
Jetpac provides US eSIM plans with coverage on AT&T, Verizon Wireless, and T-Mobile USA networks. It's a solid option with plans ranging from 1GB for 4 days at 1 USD to unlimited data for 10 days at 33.99 USD, with many different packages available.
The service is data-only, meaning you get mobile data for browsing, maps, and apps like WhatsApp or Messenger, but traditional voice calls and SMS aren't included.
To set up your eSIM USA, you'll just need to buy your data plan, download the Jetpac Global app, log in with your purchase account, and activate the eSIM when you reach your destination. Everything else will activate automatically, and your eSIM will connect to the strongest local network.
| Free access to WhatsApp, Uber, Grab, and Google Maps continues even when your data runs out, which can be very helpful. |
|---|
Holafly offers unlimited data plans for the US starting at 3.90 USD per day. The service uses AT&T's network and provides fast 4G LTE and 5G coverage where available.
To get started, you'll need to customize your plan by selecting how many days of unlimited internet you need, install the eSIM using either their app or email guide, and turn on your eSIM when you arrive in the US.
The unlimited data plan means you can use apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, and Facebook Messenger without worrying about running out, and you can share 1GB of data per day with family or friends through a WiFi hotspot (total shareable data depends on your plan length).
| If your plans change, you have up to 6 months to request a refund. |
|---|
Nomad offers many eSIM data plans for the US, ranging from 1GB for 7 days at 5 USD to 100GB for 365 days at 120 USD. There are many options to choose from, and you'll get high-speed 4G/5G connectivity.
You'll scan the QR code provided to install your eSIM (you'll need an internet connection to complete installation), start your eSIM plan, and it will connect automatically once you reach your destination.
You can buy and install the eSIM right away, but you should only activate or start it when you need it. Make sure to activate your plan within 60 days of purchase, or it will automatically activate and start expiring!
| There are also flexible add-on data plans if you need more, and you can buy custom data packages tailored to your trip length. |
|---|
AloSIM gives you US eSIM plans on T-Mobile's network with LTE/5G speeds. Their most popular plan is for 2GB, valid for 15 days at 8 USD, but there are also quite a few other options to choose from.
The service installs in seconds and is easy to set up before travel.
AloSIM offers fully unthrottled data with no speed limits, and data top-ups are available if you need more during your trip. Hotspot and tethering are included, so you can share your connection with other devices. You don't need any ID or documentation, and a US phone number is included with your plan.
Getting an eSIM for your US trip means you won't have to deal with expensive roaming charges or have to buy a physical local SIM card at the airport. ESIM cards come in very handy when you're visiting the US for a big event like the 2026 FIFA World Cup!
Some eSIM providers have interactive calculators on their websites where you can enter your travel dates and see how much your plan will cost and what features are included.
It's worth comparing different options, and you should also read reviews on websites like Trustpilot to see what other travelers have to say.
Another thing to prepare for is spending money in the US. Using your regular debit or credit card abroad or buying USD through your bank typically comes with poor exchange rates and hidden fees. These can cost you a lot of money.
Make sure to investigate different payment options before your trip so you're not caught off guard by expensive conversion costs.
One helpful solution is Wise.
| Wise can help you get a better deal on currency conversion. You can convert over 40 currencies at the standard mid-market exchange rate, and we'll show you the fees upfront so you know exactly how much you're paying. |
|---|
Sources
Sources checked 03/04/2026
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
Explore the top 5 travel medical insurance options for your trip to the US. Compare coverage, limits, prices, and pros to pick the best plan.
B1/B2 visa requirements explained: eligibility, required documents, fees, and interview tips to help you apply confidently and avoid delays.
Find the best places to exchange currency in New York.
This guide will explain American currency, where to get money, and how to spend it in the US. Read on to make sure you have the essential facts about money in...
Americans love ATMs; and they have loads of them - 173 per 100,000 adults at the last count. They’re a common sight even in places where you wouldn’t expect...
Whether you like to marvel at stunning architecture, lie in sun on the lakefront all day or enjoy Michelin-starred meals and craft beer, Chicago will...