Travel Insurance for the Caribbean

Do I need travel insurance for the Caribbean?

Yes, and it is worth getting the right kind. Healthcare varies a lot from island to island. Some have good private hospitals, while on smaller islands serious cases are often flown to Miami, Puerto Rico or a larger neighbour for treatment. An air ambulance in the region can cost tens of thousands of pounds. Travel insurance can cover that, as well as cancellation, baggage and emergency assistance.

Which area covers the Caribbean?

This catches a lot of people out. The Caribbean is usually grouped with the USA, so you need worldwide including the USA. A policy that is worldwide excluding the USA, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico will not cover you in Barbados or Antigua, even though neither is anywhere near America. There is a practical reason too: if you need specialist treatment, you may be flown to Florida for it.

Our guide to geographical areas explains how destinations are grouped, and our worldwide travel insurance page sets out the two worldwide options.

Hurricane season and travel insurance

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November, peaking from August to October. Many people travel then because prices drop, and most trips go ahead without a problem. But it is worth knowing how cover works:

1. Buy your policy as soon as you book. Once a storm has been named or a warning issued, cover for that event may no longer be available.
2. Policies differ in what they pay if a hurricane disrupts your trip. Some include travel disruption cover, and others offer natural disaster cover as an option.
3. If the FCDO travel advice advises against travel to your island, read our FAQ on what happens if the FCDO advises against travel.

Caribbean cruises

A Caribbean cruise usually starts in Florida or Barbados and calls at several islands. You will need cruise cover added to your policy for things like missed departures, cabin confinement and being taken off the ship for treatment. Make sure your area includes the USA if the cruise starts or ends there.

Activities and excursions

Snorkelling, catamaran trips, zip-lining and swimming with turtles are all popular. Many are covered as standard on a Direct Travel policy, but some activities have conditions or need adding. Check our list of sports and activities, and read our FAQ on scuba diving if you plan to dive.

Single trip, annual or honeymoon cover

For one holiday, a single trip policy is usually best. If you go long-haul more than once a year, an annual worldwide policy including the USA might cost less in total. Caribbean honeymoons and weddings are popular too. Make sure your cancellation cover is high enough for the full cost of the trip, and check whether wedding attire and rings are covered under baggage.

Medical conditions

If you have pre-existing medical conditions, declare them in our online medical screening when you get a quote. The Caribbean is grouped with the USA for pricing, so covering a condition can cost more than for Europe, but you will see the full price before you buy.

Travelling via the USA

If you are connecting through the USA, you will usually need an ESTA, even if you never leave the airport. Our USA travel insurance page has more on this. For island-specific information, see our country guides for Barbados, Jamaica, St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, the Dominican Republic and Cuba. Heading to Cancun or the Riviera Maya? See Mexico travel insurance.