Traveling to the Caribbean and Central America involves unique risks that make travel insurance crucial for protecting your investment and your health.
Most U.S. health insurance plans don't cover international travel. Caribbean medical facilities often require upfront payment, making comprehensive medical coverage essential.
The Caribbean is in Hurricane Alley (June-November). Insurance covers trip cancellation and interruption due to named storms if purchased before the storm is named.
Protect your investment from unexpected cancellations due to illness, family emergencies, natural disasters, or other covered reasons. Get reimbursed for non-refundable expenses.
Medical evacuation from remote Caribbean islands can cost $50,000-$500,000. Insurance covers emergency medical transport and repatriation to your home country.
Understanding what your travel insurance should cover for Caribbean and Central America destinations.
Reimbursement for additional expenses when travel is delayed:
Typical Coverage: $1,000 - $3,000
Coverage Amount: Total trip cost
Covers non-refundable expenses if you must cancel or cut short your trip due to:
Recommended Coverage: $50,000 - $100,000 minimum
Recommended Coverage: $250,000 - $500,000
The Caribbean and Central America experience hurricane season annually. Understanding coverage limitations is critical.
You MUST purchase travel insurance BEFORE a storm is named by the National Hurricane Center.
Once a tropical storm receives a name (when sustained winds reach 39 mph), it becomes a "known event" and is no longer covered by new insurance policies. This is the single most important rule for hurricane coverage.
Book your trip early and purchase insurance immediately. This gives you the longest window of hurricane protection. Consider "Cancel For Any Reason" (CFAR) coverage for maximum flexibility.
Understanding pricing helps you budget appropriately and find the best value for your Caribbean or Central America vacation.
Typical cost is 5-7% of your total trip cost. For a $3,000 trip, expect to pay $150-$210 for comprehensive coverage.
CFAR coverage adds 40-60% to the premium but allows cancellation for any reason (typically 75% reimbursement). Must be purchased within 14-21 days of initial deposit.
Premiums increase with age, particularly for travelers over 65. Pre-existing condition waivers may require purchase within 14-21 days of initial deposit.
Recommended insurance companies with strong Caribbean and Central America coverage.
Best For: Cruise travel and comprehensive coverage
Best For: International medical coverage
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Best For: Comprehensive protection
Best For: Long-term and multi-trip coverage
Timing is crucial for maximizing your coverage benefits.
Why this matters:
If traveling June-November to the Caribbean or Central America:
Understanding policy exclusions helps avoid unpleasant surprises when filing claims.
Medical conditions that existed before purchasing insurance are typically excluded UNLESS you buy within the 14-21 day window and meet all waiver requirements.
Named hurricanes, civil unrest, pandemics, or other events that were publicly known before you purchased insurance are not covered.
Many policies exclude injuries from scuba diving below certain depths, extreme sports, or adventure activities. Purchase additional coverage if needed.
Simply changing your mind about traveling is not covered unless you purchase "Cancel For Any Reason" coverage and meet the strict requirements.
If your government issues a "Do Not Travel" advisory before you purchase insurance, destinations under advisory are typically excluded.
Injuries or incidents resulting from intoxication or illegal drug use are universally excluded from coverage.
Maximize your chances of claim approval by following these best practices.
Keep all receipts, medical records, police reports, and correspondence. Take photos of damaged baggage or property.
Notify your insurance company as soon as an incident occurs. Many policies require notification within 24-48 hours for medical emergencies.
Obtain detailed medical records, itemized bills, and doctor's statements. Keep copies of all prescriptions and treatment plans.
Save boarding passes, booking confirmations, hotel receipts, and tour vouchers. Document delays with airline statements.
Submit claims as soon as possible. Most policies have time limits (typically 20-90 days) after returning home.
Fill out all claim forms completely and honestly. Incomplete or inaccurate information can delay or deny your claim.
Use this checklist to ensure you have appropriate coverage for your tropical vacation.
Higher limits recommended for older travelers or pre-existing conditions
Essential for remote islands and areas with limited medical facilities
Include all non-refundable expenses: flights, hotels, tours, cruises
Must be purchased before any storms are named
Covers unused portion and additional costs to return home early
Minimum $1,000 for lost baggage, with delay coverage for essentials
Covers accommodation and meals during extended delays
Essential for coordinating care and claims while traveling
Purchase within 14-21 days of initial deposit
Maximum flexibility, typically 75% reimbursement
Scuba diving, zip-lining, parasailing, etc.