During the winter months, certain regions of the US are affected by severe weather conditions, bringing a blizzard of health concerns that travelers should be aware of. The severe weather can take a physical toll on seniors and elderly parents traveling to the US, especially if visiting from warmer climates where snow and ice seldom occur.
The unfamiliar climate change can be harmful to their health, which is why it is important to take the preventive and precautionary health measures necessary to stay safe and healthy during a visit to the US. Before your trip, make sure you’ve covered all the bases for a healthy journey. This includes securing the right travel insurance, knowing the visa or entry requirements for the US, and understanding how to maintain your health during your visit.
Keep your holiday to the US illness and accident-free by following these ten essential health tips.
1. Pack and Dress Accordingly
The weather in the US can vary drastically. Be sure to do your research and find out what the expected weather conditions will be for the region of your destination. For many US regions, wearing only one jacket or sweater will not suffice during the winter months. Plan to dress in layers, and bring outerwear such as down jackets, wool coats, or windbreakers. When walking in snowy conditions, be sure to wear bright clothing so you are visible to approaching cars. And don’t forget essential cold-weather accessories, like a warm hat, earmuffs, scarf, and mittens, which will keep body heat from escaping.
2. Stay Dry
Wet clothing chills the body, making you more susceptible to catching frostbite or hypothermia. If it’s raining, sleeting, or snowing, be sure to cover up with waterproof outerwear that prevents snow and ice from dampening your clothing.
3. Step Carefully
In cold weather, it is common for roads and sidewalks to become icy and slippery, creating treacherous hazards for visitors unfamiliar with such conditions. To avoid a serious fall or injury, walk slowly and carefully to acclimate yourself to the icy ground. Wear slip-resistant footwear with rubber treads when walking on snow and ice-covered walkways. Also, look out for black ice, or a transparent thin layer of ice covering the ground – it’s virtually invisible, but very dangerous.
4. Stay Inside During Severe Weather Conditions
In cold regions of the US, extreme weather conditions like snowstorms and blizzards can occur. Heavy snowfall and high wind speeds are common aspects of winter storms and blizzards, which can result in life-threatening conditions among visitors who do not take the necessary precautions. Pay attention to the local news stations and weather forecasts during your visit, and avoid outdoor activities if severe weather conditions are expected.
5. Avoid Catching the Flu
Sicknesses such as the common cold and flu are more prevalent during the winter, and can develop into more serious illnesses among at-risk individuals. To decrease your chances of catching a cold or the flu during your trip, avoid contact with those showing signs of illness, such as sneezing or coughing. Additionally, cold and flu-carrying pathogens cover many surfaces such as desks, door handles, and phones. Keep yourself protected by washing your hands with soap and water often or carrying a hand sanitizer with you at all times.
6. Protect Eyes and Skin
Just because the weather is cold does not mean that you are safe from UV rays. In fact, UV rays can be even stronger during winter, reflecting off of snow and ice. Prevent sun damage by wearing a good pair of sunglasses and a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher – even if it’s snowing.
7. Monitor Your Heart
Cold weather can affect the heart. Increases in blood pressure and cardiovascular problems like heart attacks and strokes are especially common during the colder winter months, and seniors and elderly parents are particularly susceptible. Take preventative measures such as staying warm and avoiding strenuous activity that is hard on your heart.
8. Be Prepared for an Asthmatic Episode
The cold weather is also harder on individuals with asthma. Visitors traveling from warm or humid climates may be especially sensitive to the temperature changes and experience heart or lung problems. For these concerns, it is important to monitor your physical activity, take extra precautions when outside, and always carry your asthma inhaler.
Additionally, while traveling to the US with a pre-existing condition like asthma, you can get coverage for your medical condition through a travel insurance plan in case you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to a medical flare-up.
9. Understand Wind Chill
Be sure to take into consideration wind chill. Although a certain temperature may be forecasted, the wind chill – or the temperature the body feels – will always be lower. For this reason, it is essential that you check your area’s wind chill and dress appropriately for that temperature.
10. Stay Hydrated
Your body is just as likely to become dehydrated in the winter as it is in the summer. Although you may not feel thirsty in the cold weather, your body still perspires; therefore, you must drink just as much water as you would in warmer weather. Make sure that you consume plenty of water during your stay in the US. Cold water and hot tea are both great options.
Is Travel Insurance Worth It for a Trip to the US?
Seniors or elderly travelers should take special precautions during winter while they are visiting the United States. Since the medical costs in America are extremely high, and you cannot deny the fact that mishaps can happen anywhere, anytime, it is highly recommended to protect yourself with a travel medical insurance plan.
Our best travel insurance plan, CoverAmerica-Gold, can cover the following:
- Medical expenses while in the U.S.
- Medical evacuation and repatriation coverage
- Acute onset of a pre-existing condition
- US border entry protection
- Trip interruption
- Trip delay
- Lost or Stolen Passport
- And many more…
Since your domestic health insurance may not cover you while you are in the United States, it is important to make sure that you have a backup plan through travel insurance to ensure you are protected medically if something were to happen.
What are the Visa Requirements For the United States?
Unless you live in one of the 40 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), most tourists traveling to the United States need to get a B2 visa, or a US tourist visa. The visa application process typically includes the following:
- Completing the online DS-160 form
- Paying the application fee (currently $185, though subject to change in 2026)
- Scheduling an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate
- Attending the interview with required documentation
- Waiting for visa processing
Upon approval, the duration of a US tourist visa is granted for a duration ranging from two to six months. An extension may be possible, allowing for an additional six months’ stay. It’s essential to adhere to the specified duration to avoid overstaying the visa, which can have serious consequences for future travel to the US.
Stay Healthy and Prepared For Your US Trip
While applying for a US visa does not require you to have travel medical insurance, it may be worth it to get it to safeguard your stay in the US. Since the cost of medical treatment is notoriously high in the United States, you want to ensure that you have the right amount of coverage to protect you both financially and medically in case of an incident that ends up in the emergency room.
To effectively protect yourself during your journey to the United States, we recommend considering a comprehensive travel insurance plan when planning your trip. Have questions about travel insurance? Our Customer Success Team is welcome to guide you for further assistance.
Is travel insurance worth it if I’m healthy?
Absolutely. Even for a traveler with a good health record, the U.S. healthcare system presents significant financial risk. A minor accident requiring emergency room treatment can cost thousands of dollars without insurance. Beyond medical coverage, a solid, comprehensive travel insurance plan also protects against trip disruptions, lost luggage, and other unexpected events that can affect your trip.
If I am currently in the United States without travel medical insurance and become ill or injured, is it possible to purchase and use insurance coverage at that time?
No. In general, travel insurance plans are there to protect you from unexpected scenarios, meaning you have to acquire insurance before an incident happens. Therefore, if a medical incident happens during your trip and then you buy insurance after the fact, you are most of the time not covered.
Does travel insurance cover winter illnesses like the flu or pneumonia?
Yes, if you get the flu while traveling and need to go to a hospital in the US, your travel insurance can cover your medical expenses and even some trip-related expenses that you weren’t able to use. Make sure you have a comprehensive travel plan to make sure both you and your trip are covered.
If I need prescriptions, can travel insurance cover the cost?
Yes, if you get unexpectedly sick or have an injury during your trip, travel insurance generally covers the cost of necessary prescription medications. Oftentimes, you may have to pay for the medication initially, and then seek reimbursement through your travel insurance provider. However, some insurance policies have negotiated rates with certain hospitals to potentially give you a better deal for medication than someone who travels without insurance.
Does travel insurance cover emergency medical evacuation within the U.S.?
Yes, if you experience a medical emergency in a remote area with limited medical facilities, travel insurance can help with the expenses of an airlift and other transportation to get you to the nearest suitable hospital. If necessary, travel insurance may also provide coverage for an emergency evacuation if you need to return home for medical treatment.
Do visitors have to pay medical bills upfront in the U.S. and get reimbursed?
It typically depends on the care you receive. For emergency hospitalizations, direct billing may be available, but it is best to contact the 24/7 assistance services to explain your situation and they may direct you to a hospital that can provide direct billing. With non-emergency care, you typically pay upfront at a clinic or urgent care and then file a claim for reimbursement.
What documents are needed to file a travel insurance claim in the U.S.?
The necessary documents you will need to file a trip insurance claim can be various items such as copies of your passport and/or US visa/entry stamp, itemized medical bills, and receipts. However, each provider may have slightly different steps. Typically, your insurance company will let you know which type of documents they expect, but if they don’t specify, check your policy or reach out to their customer service team for guidance. The more information or documentation you provide, the better. Keeping clear records and acting promptly can help the process go more smoothly.
