Do you actually need a policy with US cover? Chances are — absolutely not.
I get this kind of message all the time:
- “I want the full policy. Like the one you set up for my friend. His policy covers everything: the US, dental, maternity, probably even includes shamanic therapy.”
I usually smile. And ask the most important question first:
— “When was the last time you were in the States?”
— “Oh, we go there from time to time.”
— “Lovely. Often?”
— “Well, not as often as our friends. Maybe 3-4 times a year? Each trip last a couple of weeks I guess if not less.”
Here’s the thing. Adding US cover isn’t just ticking a box. It’s the single most expensive tick on any IPMI policy.
Just for your understanding:
I'm 37 and a policy with April International is costing £345.71 a month (full cover worldwide excluding US). If I would have ticketed the box for US cover, then the price would increase to a whopping £933.24 per month.
That’s nearly three times the price for the exact same policy, same cover, same service - just with an ability to be treated in America. That’s over £7,000 a year difference!!!! Or, in other words 3-4 business class return trips to Dubai. If fact, give it a few years and you have saved enough for a studio flat somewhere in Cyprus.
And this is where I say something most brokers won’t - Don’t take US cover. You don’t need it.
So why do most brokers still push it?
Because higher premium = higher commission. You buy the “all-singing-all-dancing” version of such policy - they celebrate harder than you do. I, on the other hand, work differently. Call me stupid, but I genuinely couldn’t care less about the commission if the policy doesn’t make sense. My approach is simple - I want my clients to benefit, rather than just collect shiny extras. And this honest approach has already proven that the word of mouth works way way better and in turn I get more clients (and money) than what other brokers (who upsells “extras”) get.
When does US cover actually make sense?
In my experience only in two scenarios:
In all other cases — skip it. Just get travel insurance for the trip itself, and get any planned treatment done when you’re back home. That way, you don’t burn thousands on your main policy.
Let me answer most common question about travel insurance straight away:
The easiest (and often cheapest) way is to buy it is through your chosen airline itself. Remember the section where they try to sell you hotels, car rentals, and other extras? That’s where travel insurance usually sits. Most airlines partner with 1 insurer and sell policies in bulk — that’s how they get good prices. With travel cover you’ll also typically get extras like lost or stollen passport, luggage loss, flight delays, etc. — so it’s definitely worth having.
Just one caveat:
Check if you already have travel cover through your bank or credit card. Many do include it, HOWEVER as always - read the small print. Often such policy only works if you booked the trip using that specific card. Otherwise, you’re not covered.
Summary
A policy with US cover costs 2–3x more, and in 9 out of 10 cases, it’s completely unnecessary. So next time someone says, “Include US cover — “Top” IPMI policy should give you a true access worldwide” - just remember this post. Because the real “top” policy is not the most expensive one. It’s the one that’s right for you and tailored to your actual lifestyle, needs, and travel habits.
If you want to go through your current policy with someone who’s got zero interest in upselling you something that you don’t need, then just reach out. I’ll help you break it all down and often save a small fortune.
I get this kind of message all the time:
- “I want the full policy. Like the one you set up for my friend. His policy covers everything: the US, dental, maternity, probably even includes shamanic therapy.”
I usually smile. And ask the most important question first:
— “When was the last time you were in the States?”
— “Oh, we go there from time to time.”
— “Lovely. Often?”
— “Well, not as often as our friends. Maybe 3-4 times a year? Each trip last a couple of weeks I guess if not less.”
Here’s the thing. Adding US cover isn’t just ticking a box. It’s the single most expensive tick on any IPMI policy.
Just for your understanding:
I'm 37 and a policy with April International is costing £345.71 a month (full cover worldwide excluding US). If I would have ticketed the box for US cover, then the price would increase to a whopping £933.24 per month.
That’s nearly three times the price for the exact same policy, same cover, same service - just with an ability to be treated in America. That’s over £7,000 a year difference!!!! Or, in other words 3-4 business class return trips to Dubai. If fact, give it a few years and you have saved enough for a studio flat somewhere in Cyprus.
And this is where I say something most brokers won’t - Don’t take US cover. You don’t need it.
So why do most brokers still push it?
Because higher premium = higher commission. You buy the “all-singing-all-dancing” version of such policy - they celebrate harder than you do. I, on the other hand, work differently. Call me stupid, but I genuinely couldn’t care less about the commission if the policy doesn’t make sense. My approach is simple - I want my clients to benefit, rather than just collect shiny extras. And this honest approach has already proven that the word of mouth works way way better and in turn I get more clients (and money) than what other brokers (who upsells “extras”) get.
When does US cover actually make sense?
In my experience only in two scenarios:
- Your child is studying in the US — they’ll absolutely need cover during their time there.
- You’ve got a house/flat in Miami or NYC and spend 3–4 months at a time there to run your business or simply enjoy better weather.
In all other cases — skip it. Just get travel insurance for the trip itself, and get any planned treatment done when you’re back home. That way, you don’t burn thousands on your main policy.
Let me answer most common question about travel insurance straight away:
The easiest (and often cheapest) way is to buy it is through your chosen airline itself. Remember the section where they try to sell you hotels, car rentals, and other extras? That’s where travel insurance usually sits. Most airlines partner with 1 insurer and sell policies in bulk — that’s how they get good prices. With travel cover you’ll also typically get extras like lost or stollen passport, luggage loss, flight delays, etc. — so it’s definitely worth having.
Just one caveat:
Check if you already have travel cover through your bank or credit card. Many do include it, HOWEVER as always - read the small print. Often such policy only works if you booked the trip using that specific card. Otherwise, you’re not covered.
Summary
A policy with US cover costs 2–3x more, and in 9 out of 10 cases, it’s completely unnecessary. So next time someone says, “Include US cover — “Top” IPMI policy should give you a true access worldwide” - just remember this post. Because the real “top” policy is not the most expensive one. It’s the one that’s right for you and tailored to your actual lifestyle, needs, and travel habits.
If you want to go through your current policy with someone who’s got zero interest in upselling you something that you don’t need, then just reach out. I’ll help you break it all down and often save a small fortune.