What Does Travel Insurance for the United States Cover? A Guide for Dominicans
By Equipo Baraglo
Learn about all the coverages: medical expenses, evacuation, luggage, cancellations, and more.
## What your ARS doesn't tell you before traveling
Every year, more than 1.2 million Dominicans travel to the United States. Most assume — mistakenly — that their ARS or private insurance covers them there. **It does not.** A 2-night hospitalization in Miami can leave you with a bill of USD 18,000+ that comes entirely out of your pocket if you don't have international travel insurance. This guide explains exactly what travel insurance for the USA purchased from the Dominican Republic covers (and what it doesn't).
## The central problem: territorial coverage
92% of health plans in the DR (ARS Humano, ARS Universal, MAPFRE Salud, Senasa) have **strictly national** coverage. The few plans with "international coverage" use sub-limits of USD 5,000–10,000 which don't even cover an emergency room visit in the USA, where a single night of hospitalization already exceeds USD 2,500. Without specific travel insurance, you are your own insurer on American soil.
## Critical coverages explained
A serious travel insurance policy for the USA must include, at a minimum, these 9 coverages:
1. **Medical expenses for accident and illness** — the main coverage, up to USD 100,000 in the Premium plan.
2. **Emergency medical evacuation** — ground or air ambulance transfer to the nearest appropriate hospital.
3. **Medical repatriation** — return to the DR if your condition requires it, with medical personnel on board.
4. **Funeral repatriation** — coverage up to USD 15,000 for the transfer of remains in case of death.
5. **Emergency dental care** — between USD 300 and USD 1,000 depending on the plan.
6. **COVID-19** — included as any other illness (medical expenses + quarantine).
7. **Lost or delayed luggage** — compensation between USD 250 and USD 1,500.
8. **Trip cancellation and interruption** — reimbursement if you must cancel for covered reasons.
9. **24/7 legal assistance and Spanish translator** — essential when you're in a hospital in Orlando or NY.
## Baraglo plan comparison for USA
| Plan | Medical Coverage | Daily Price | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | USD 20,000 | {{basic_price}} | Short trips, young travelers without pre-existing conditions |
| Standard | USD 35,000 | {{standard_price}} | Families with traditional itineraries |
| **Essential Plus** | **USD 50,000** | **{{essential_plus_price}}** | **Best seller — sweet spot price/coverage** |
| Premium | USD 100,000 | {{premium_price}} | Seniors, long trips, theme parks, sports |
> For travelers over 75 years old, a 50% surcharge applies. Premiums are calculated per day and per traveler.
**[Get a quote for your USA insurance in 60 seconds →](/seguro-viaje-usa?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=blog-relinked-v2)**
## Real cases (anonymized)
**Case 1 — Dominican family at Disney (Orlando).** 8-year-old son breaks arm at Magic Kingdom. Ambulance + ER + minor surgery + cast: USD 14,800. Baraglo Standard Plan covered 100% with no out-of-pocket expense. Insurance cost for 7 days: ~USD 35.
**Case 2 — Senior (78) in New York.** Cardiac episode in Manhattan hotel. 4 nights at NY-Presbyterian + catheterization: USD 87,400. Premium Plan with senior surcharge covered USD 87,400 (up to USD 100,000). Insurance cost: ~USD 94 for 7 days.
**Case 3 — Young person in Miami without insurance.** Acute appendicitis, laparoscopic surgery + 2 nights: USD 42,000 bill. Without insurance, ended up negotiating a 36-month payment plan with Jackson Memorial.
## Selection guide by profile
- **Family with children (5–12 years old)**: Standard or Essential Plus. Children in theme parks tend to have more minor emergencies (bumps, fevers, dehydration).
- **Young couple (25–40, no pre-existing conditions)**: Basic or Standard is sufficient for 7–10 days.
- **Seniors 75+**: **Premium mandatory**. Cardiac and orthopedic costs can easily exceed USD 80,000.
- **Solo traveler (business or tourism)**: Essential Plus. Without a family support network, higher-intermediate coverage is advisable.
- **Student or exchange**: Premium if the stay exceeds 30 days.
## What to do in an emergency in the USA
1. **Call 911** if life is at risk. Do not wait for insurance authorization.
2. **Contact Baraglo's 24/7 assistance** (number printed on your digital policy) **before** accepting non-urgent treatment. They will coordinate with network hospitals for direct payment.
3. **Keep all documentation**: invoices, medical reports, prescriptions, pharmacy receipts, modified airline tickets.
4. **Do not sign payment agreements** without consulting the assistance operator.
5. **If you are discharged**, ask for the "discharge summary" in English — you will need it for reimbursement if you paid anything out of pocket.
## Frequently Asked Questions
### Does my Dominican ARS cover anything in the United States?
Most do not. Some premium ARS Humano or MAPFRE plans include sub-limits of USD 5,000–10,000, which are totally insufficient for the USA.
### Does travel insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
It covers the **acute stabilization** of a pre-existing condition (e.g., a hypertensive crisis in someone with known hypertension). It does not cover scheduled treatment.
### Does it cover COVID-19?
Yes. All Baraglo plans treat COVID-19 as any other illness: medical expenses, hospitalization, and, in some plans, extra hotel days for medical quarantine.
### What deductible do I have to pay?
Baraglo plans for the USA are **deductible-free** for medical expenses. A deductible only applies to some accessory coverages (lost luggage, flight delay).
### Does it cover air medical evacuation from USA to DR?
Yes, in all 4 plans. Evacuation is coordinated only when medically necessary and authorized by the treating physician.
### Can I buy insurance on the same day of my flight?
Yes. The digital policy is issued in less than 2 minutes and becomes effective from the time you choose.
### What happens if I lose luggage at JFK or MIA?
After 6 hours of confirmed delay by the airline, you receive immediate compensation for essential expenses (USD 100–250 depending on the plan).
### Does it cover adventure sports like skiing or diving?
Recreational sports are covered. Extreme sports (skydiving, off-piste skiing, technical climbing) require a specific extension.
### Can I extend the policy if I decide to stay longer?
Yes, before the original expiration date, without the need for a new medical examination.
### What happens if I travel with a minor without their parents?
It is issued with a notarized authorization from the guardian. Coverage is identical.
### Do I pay in pesos or dollars?
You can pay in RD$ or USD via card. Coverage is always in USD.
### Do I need to print the policy?
It is not mandatory. The digital version in your email and in the app is valid in any US hospital.
## Related readings
- [How much does a medical emergency cost in the U.S.?](/seguro-viaje-usa?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=blog-relinked-v2)
- [The 5 best travel insurance for the USA from DR in 2026](/seguro-viaje-usa?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=blog-relinked-v2)
- [Travel insurance to Miami for Dominicans](/seguro-viaje-usa?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=blog-relinked-v2)
- [Travel insurance to New York for Dominicans](/seguro-viaje-usa?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=blog-relinked-v2)
- [Complete guide to travel insurance for Dominicans](/seguro-viaje-usa?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=blog-relinked-v2)
- [How much does hospitalization cost in the U.S. for tourists?](/seguro-viaje-usa?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=blog-relinked-v2)
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**Do not travel to the USA without protection.** A single night in an American hospital can cost more than your flight, hotel, and entire tour. **[Get a quote for your USA travel insurance in 60 seconds →](/seguro-viaje-usa?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=blog-relinked-v2)** or learn about our [plans for the Dominican diaspora](/diaspora-dominicana?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=blog-relinked-v2) if you reside in the United States.
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