United States
Health in United States: vaccines, water, medical care and insurance
No routine vaccinations are required to enter the United States, but the CDC recommends routine shots (measles, flu, COVID-19) and, for most travellers, hepatitis A and B. Tap water is safe nationwide. Medical care is excellent but costly; travel insurance is strongly advised.
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Key facts
- Required vaccines
- None for entry
- Recommended
- Routine: measles, flu, COVID-19; consider hepatitis A and B
- Tap water
- Safe to drink nationwide
- Medical care
- Excellent but expensive; no public health system for visitors
- Emergency number
- 911
Quick answer
No vaccines are required to enter the United States; the CDC advises travelers to be up‑to‑date on routine shots (MMR, flu, COVID‑19) and consider hepatitis A and B. Tap water is safe everywhere. Medical care is excellent but costly, so buy travel insurance with at least US$100 000 medical coverage.
Vaccines
The United States has no entry‑vaccination requirement. The CDC recommends all visitors be current on routine immunisations: measles‑mumps‑rubella (MMR), diphtheria‑tetanus‑pertussis (DTP), polio, seasonal influenza and COVID‑19. Measles outbreaks still occur, so verify your MMR status.
For most travellers, hepatitis A (food‑ and water‑borne) and hepatitis B (blood‑borne) are advised. Those planning extended stays in rural areas, outdoor activities, or close contact with animals may discuss rabies or other risk‑based vaccines with a health professional.
Schedule a travel‑health consultation 4–6 weeks before departure to allow time for multi‑dose series.
| Vaccine | Who needs it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Routine (MMR, DTP, polio, flu, COVID‑19) | All travellers | Check you are up‑to‑date; measles outbreaks persist |
| Hepatitis A | Most travellers | Food‑ and water‑borne risk |
| Hepatitis B | Most travellers | Blood‑borne risk; recommended for any sexual contact |
| Rabies | Hikers, animal handlers, rural visitors | Discuss with doctor if exposure possible |
Water safety and medical care
Tap water meets US EPA standards and is safe to drink nationwide, including in cities and most towns. In remote wilderness areas, treat or boil water from streams or lakes before consumption.
The US health system provides high‑quality care but charges can exceed US$1 000 per day for emergency treatment. Visitors are not covered by public health insurance, so travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and evacuation is strongly recommended.
- Carry a basic first‑aid kit and any personal medications.
- Know the nearest hospital or urgent‑care centre in the area you are staying.
- If you have a chronic condition, bring a doctor’s letter and sufficient medication supply.
Questions people ask
What vaccines do I need for United States?
No vaccines are required for entry. The CDC recommends routine vaccines (measles, flu, COVID-19) and suggests hepatitis A and B for most travellers. Check your MMR status, as measles outbreaks occur.
Is tap water safe to drink in United States?
Yes, tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. In remote wilderness, treat or boil water from streams and lakes.
Do I need travel insurance for United States?
Not required, but strongly advised. Medical care is excellent but very expensive; a serious emergency can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Buy a policy with at least US$100,000 in medical coverage and evacuation.
What is the emergency number in the United States?
911 for police, fire and ambulance. It is free from any phone, including mobiles without a SIM.
Can I use my home health insurance in the United States?
Usually not. Most foreign policies do not cover US medical costs. Check your policy and consider buying travel insurance with adequate coverage.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
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