7 Insurance Policies You May Not Know About in the U.S.

Discover 7 specific insurance policies

When we think about insurance in the United States, the first ones that come to mind are almost always the same: health insurance, car insurance, homeowners insurance, etc. But the American market is much broader and more diverse, and often includes lesser-known coverages that can be extremely useful depending on your lifestyle, profession, or personal needs.

If you live in the U.S. or are planning to move there, knowing these options can help you avoid headaches and protect your assets in ways you might not have imagined.

Below, discover seven types of insurance that most people overlook, but that can make a real difference.

1. Pet Insurance

Having a pet in the U.S. can mean high veterinary expenses. Consultations, surgeries, and exams are significantly more expensive than in many other countries, and emergency situations can cost thousands of dollars.

Pet Insurance works like a health plan for pets, covering everything from accidents to chronic illnesses depending on the policy.

Some insurers also include vaccines, check-ups, and dental treatments. For pet owners seeking more financial security, this insurance is practically essential.

2. Renters Insurance

Many people think that only homeowners need home insurance, but in the U.S., there’s a specific product for those who rent: Renters Insurance. It covers the tenant’s personal belongings, protects against fires, theft, and damage caused by natural disasters.

Another lesser-known benefit: this insurance usually includes liability coverage, which covers damages caused by the tenant to other people inside the residence.

Best of all, it’s often very affordable, sometimes between US$ 10 and US$ 25 per month.

3. Umbrella Insurance

This is one of the most interesting and least publicized types of insurance. Umbrella Insurance adds an extra layer of liability protection on top of the limits of other policies, such as auto or home insurance.

For example: if you get into a car accident and cause damages beyond your auto insurance limit, the umbrella policy covers the remainder. It also offers protection against:

• Lawsuits;
• Defamation;
• Third-party damages;
• Accidents on your property.

It’s a complementary coverage for those who want to avoid major financial risks.

4. Travel Medical Insurance

Many residents believe their regular health plan covers them anywhere in the country, but that’s not always true.

Some plans do not include out-of-state networks, which can result in enormous medical bills during leisure or business trips.

Travel Medical Insurance provides temporary coverage for medical expenses when traveling outside your plan’s service area.

It’s especially useful for frequent travelers, road-trippers, or professionals who work across different states.

5. Identity Theft Insurance

Identity theft is a serious problem in the U.S., where thousands of people have their personal information misused in fraud, bank account openings, and credit applications.

Identity Theft Insurance covers:

• Identity recovery services;
• Legal costs;
• Financial losses related to fraud;
• Expert support for document restoration.

As digital scams continue to rise, this type of protection has become increasingly important.

6. Long-Term Care Insurance

This is a type of insurance few people know about until they need it, and by then, it may be too late.

Long-Term Care Insurance covers costs of extended care that are not included in traditional health insurance or Medicare, such as:

• Nursing homes;
• In-home assistance;
• Rehabilitation;
• Help with daily activities (bathing, eating, mobility).

With the aging U.S. population, this insurance has become highly relevant, especially for families planning long-term financial stability.

7. Flood Insurance

Even those who live far from high-risk areas can experience flooding, but traditional homeowners insurance does not cover water damage.

That’s why there’s Flood Insurance, usually offered through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It covers structural damage, loss of furniture, appliances, and other flood related expenses.

For many families, this protection can mean the difference between rebuilding their home or facing a total loss.

Conclusion

The United States has an extremely broad insurance market, and knowing these options can bring financial security, prevent unexpected expenses, and offer protection beyond traditional policies.

Even if some of these coverages seem specific, they might be exactly what you need to face unpredictable situations, from a pet emergency to a lawsuit or a trip outside your health plan’s coverage area.

Exploring these alternatives and comparing policies is always the best way to ensure peace of mind at any stage of life.

Written by

Juliana Raquel