One should travel nowhere without travel insurance. Travel insurance covers health - cover varies so read the benefits and terms & conditions. Are you in VHI or Quinnhealth (Bupa)? If so, it is of benefit when looking for a quote. There are many companies covering travel insurance, getcover.com, justcover.com, 123.ie ebookers, AIB, etc etc. Make sure you (1) get worldwide to cover USA (2) read what is covered. As I said they vary. There are several threads on this site covering travel insurance. It would be worthwhile doing a search and reading the various comments.