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Whenever you plan a trip, it’s important to have the right level of travel insurance cover. Although we all hope our holidays run seamlessly, if something does go wrong, the last thing you need is to discover you’re not protected.
Here’s everything you need to know about travel insurance for the Caribbean.
Here are some of the key factors to look for when you’re choosing an insurance policy for your next trip to the Caribbean:
Is the policy valid in the Caribbean? When you request a quote, make sure the insurance policy covers the Caribbean islands. Although most major travel insurance companies cover this part of the world, there are usually two types of worldwide policy available – with Caribbean or without Caribbean.
If you suffer from a serious illness or injury during your stay in the Caribbean, it’s likely that you will be evacuated by air ambulance. This means that your medical bills can quickly reach a significant amount. Make sure you have an adequate level of medical cover and that air evacuation is included.
If you have to return to the UK for medical reasons, the policy should cover the cost of the emergency repatriation.
If you’re visiting more than one island during your stay, there’s a greater risk of losing or damaging your luggage, so make sure you’ve got a suitable level of cover.
Some areas of the Caribbean also have high instances of theft, robbery and pickpocketing, so take precautions while you’re out and about. Ensure that any gadgets, jewellery and other high value items are covered by your travel insurance policy.
A comprehensive policy will cover your costs if you have to cancel or shorten your Caribbean holiday, including any travel and accommodation costs you’ve already paid and are unable to use or claim back.
The Caribbean is the perfect place to try unique and exhilarating activities. If you’re planning on going scuba diving, jet-skiing or trying any other water sports, make sure they’re covered in your policy.
Hurricanes are relatively common in the Caribbean, especially at certain times of year. Make sure your policy covers you for any natural disasters, including delays caused by natural disasters or having to cancel your holiday altogether.
Insurance policies that cover the Caribbean, usually cover the following islands:
Of course, you should always check with your insurance provider whether your destination is covered.
Although you can buy your travel insurance at any point in the run up to your holiday, it’s always advisable to purchase it at the same time as booking your Caribbean holiday and your flights. Why? A good, comprehensive travel insurance policy will cover any changes or cancellations that could potentially occur in between booking your holiday and your destination date.
While most travel insurance policy documents are now easily accessible online, it’s always worth taking physical copies with you in case of an emergency, particularly if you’re travelling somewhere with unreliable mobile phone or Wi-Fi cover.
Most policies will offer emergency medical expenses and repatriation if you catch COVID-19 during your trip. So, if you develop COVID-19 symptoms on holiday and need assistance, you will be covered, as long as you declared any pre-existing medical conditions. However, it’s important to note that most policies won’t cover you in the event that your holiday is cancelled due to coronavirus.
Even when travel returns to normal, it’s likely that COVID-19 will continue to impact our lives, travel plans and insurance policies for the foreseeable future. Always check with your provider what is covered in terms of coronavirus.
For all Covid-19 related updates from Elite Island Resorts, please see here.
The cost of your Caribbean travel insurance policy will depend on a range of factors, including your age, the activities you’re planning while you’re away, the level of cover, the duration of your holiday and whether you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
As a general rule of thumb, the average premium for a holiday covered by worldwide travel insurance, including the Caribbean, is £49.