It is always a good option to travel with insurance. If you’re planning to travel South, this list of the best travel insurance for South America can be handy.
Traveling is all fun and games until you, unfortunately, have to cancel your plans due to weather or any other unforeseen reason, or you find yourself stuck in a medical emergency in a foreign land.
Getting travel insurance for South America or any other part of the country is crucial. Travel insurance helps save you money if your trip is canceled due to illness, weather, or political conditions in your destination country.
Some insurance policies also cover medical services and lost luggage. Since you might be busy assembling the essentials and accessories for your trip, I’ve taken care of the insurance legwork. Find the best travel insurance for South America below.
Best Travel Insurance Providers for South America
If you’re looking for insurance for traveling to South America, here are some highly reviewed and reliable options.
1. SafetyWing
SafetyWing is our go-to insurance provider for international trips since it combines the best affordability, health insurance, and travel coverage out there. It’s our top insurance option for digital nomads since it also offers coverage for remote work.
The comprehensive medical and travel insurance is reliable, affordable, and provides short-term coverage that fits almost any budget. With SafetyWing, you can rest assured that you’ll be cared for no matter where you are.
One thing I appreciate about SafetyWing is supporting a company that reinforces a community with values similar to mine, the world traveler. The community and customer service are top-notch. I couldn’t image going with anyone else for travel and health insurance coverage in South America.
Read our full SafetyWing review to see if it’s right for you. Otherwise, search for insurance plans that fit your budget and make the most of your trip.
2. VisitorsCoverage
VisitorsCoverage is an aggregator of various insurance plans for trip insurance, international health insurance, and digital nomad insurance. It’s a great option because no matter what, you’ll find an option bound to suit your needs.
Plus, VisitorsCoverage specializes in coverage for visitors to international destinations like South America. If the country you are visiting requires health insurance, this is a great option for any travelers, young or old. You can also compare different plans and see which one best suits your budget and the coverage you need.
And, since they are authorized to sell visitor medical insurance in many countries, you can trust their services. Their free quote pricing tool makes it easy to find the most optimal plan for you.
Go ahead and check out VisitorsCoverage for all your international travel insurance needs. Read our full VisitorsCoverage review if you’d like to learn more about the options offered.
3. TravelInsurance.com
When searching for travel insurance for South America, you might want to consider a few options before settling for one. TravelInsurance.com lets you do this.
Let’s say you’re planning a month-long vacation to a South American country and want to find the best travel insurance for the region. On TravelInsurance.com, you merely have to enter your trip details and get quotes from some of the best companies in the country.
Then, you can compare their plans and prices, choosing the one that fits your needs and budget. Since the website offers unbiased comparisons, you can usually find the best prices.
Additionally, you get coverage emails instantly from the insurance providers and travel without worry. Like what you are hearing? Read our full TravelInsurance.com review.
4. Travelex
Travelex is a reliable travel insurance company based out of Nebraska. Berkshire Hathaway Speciality Insurance company underwrites the policies by Travelex, boasting an A++ rating on AM Best and Standard & Poors.
Their plans start at as low as $28 and go higher depending on the services you include. Most of their policies cover medical emergencies, evacuations, and trip interruptions. You can also upgrade your plan or customize it according to your needs.
In the Travel Select plan, you get the following features:
- $500,000 for medical evacuation in emergencies
- $50,000 for dental and medical coverage
- $1000 for stolen, lost, or damaged baggage
While most travelers choose their Travel Select plan, the company also has a Travel Basic Plan. It’s preferable for domestic vacations and short trips since the limits are lower in this plan. One of the best things about Travelex is the coverage of kids under 17 at no additional cost.’ Read our full Travelex insurance review to see if this is your right insurance provider.
5. AIG Travel Guard
Another South American travel insurance company, AIG Travel Guard, offers three plans. If you’re an avid traveler, get their Annual Plan that covers all trips you take in a year. Meanwhile, the Pack N’ Go plan is for the last-minute trip you planned for your birthday or one-time vacation.
You can further ensure your one-time trip with Deluxe, Preferred, or Essential coverage per your trip’s duration and cost. New York state residents can choose from a Platinum, Gold, or Silver plan, according to their needs.
As the insurance costs differ based on the travel details, you must get a quote from the company’s website. If you choose the Preferred Plan, you can qualify for 100% of the trip cancellation coverage and 150% of the trip’s cost.
Like what you are hearing? Check out our full AIG Travel Guard review.
6. IMG Travel Insurance
If you’re a retiree planning to travel the world with your partner, IMG Travel Insurance is an excellent option since they have a particular package for travelers over 65.
Apart from the GlobeHopper Senior Plan aimed at retired travelers, the company also has plans for students, government workers, business travelers, and ex-pats. Their primary focus is international health insurance, travel, and medical insurance.
Their travel plans include iTravelInsured Travel LX, iTravelInsured Travel Lite, and iTravelInsured Travel SE. If you’re traveling with family, choose the iTravelInsured Travel SE plan, which is suited for international and domestic vacations. Here are some benefits of this plan:
- 150% of the trip’s cost for interruption coverage
- $50,000 per person for trip cancellation coverage
- $500 for travel delay coverage
- $500,000 for emergency medical evacuation
IMG Travel Insurance is flexible because you can buy a plan a day before your flight. Moreover, the delay coverage policies cover things other insurers overlook, such as kennel charges for furry friends. If you plan on renting a car, add auto damage protection to your plan with $40,000 in coverage.
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7. InsureMyTrip
InsureMyTrip lets you find plans from reputable insurance companies in the US. All you have to do is enter your trip details, and the website will churn out the best travel insurance for traveling to South America.
You can also filter the results to customize them for your needs. For instance, you might want higher medical coverage or a plan covering activities like adventure sports. Some basic features of all plans include travel delay, luggage coverage, and medical care.
All insurers listed on InsureMyTrip have high ratings from reputed authorities. Moreover, these companies are financially stable, freeing you of any worries.
However, before buying the plan, reading the policy details on the insurer’s official website is still a good idea. Showing you results from over 20 travel insurance companies, InsureMyTrip is a one-stop for all your travel insurance needs.
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8. Seven Corners
Seven Corners exclusively offers insurance plans to people living or coming to the US. The company offers travel insurance plans for students, groups, and frequent travelers.
If you’re a US resident and only plan to take one trip a year, the Round Trip Cancellation Insurance policy will be a good option. Depending on your travel needs, it’s available in Elite, Choice, and Economy. Here are some features of this plan:
- $750 in dental coverage
- $20,000 in trip cancellation coverage
- 150% of the trip’s cost for trip interruption coverage
- $600 in trip delay coverage
- $100,000 in medical coverage
- $1000 in missed connection coverage
- $1500 for stolen, lost, or damaged luggage
- Repatriation and evacuation coverage of $500,000
If you meet certain conditions, you’ll also qualify for coverage on your existing conditions. Additionally, you can customize your travel insurance plans by adding car rental coverage and cancellations, etc.
Read more about the policies in our Seven Corners Travel Insurance review.
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9. Allianz Travel Insurance
If you frequently travel to South America for business or any other purpose, Allianz Travel Insurance must have a suitable plan. Apart from annual plans, the company also offers packages for one-time trips tailored to your requirements.
The OneTrip Prime is their most commonly bought plan as it comes with plenty of features, such as:
- $150,000 trip interruption coverage
- $100,000 trip cancellation coverage
- $25,000 emergency medical coverage
- $500,000 emergency medical transportation coverage
In addition, you get perks such as luggage loss and delay coverage. If you’re a US citizen, Allianz Travel Insurance will also cover your existing conditions, provided you meet certain conditions.
10. AXA Assistance
AXA Assistance has many plans covering South American travel insurance, such as Platinum, Gold, and Silver. The Gold Plan, being the mid-tiered offering, is suitable for families, students, and business travelers.
It comes with the following features:
- 100% trip cancellation coverage
- 150% trip interruption coverage
- $200 per day in case of delays with up to $1000 maximum
- Missed connection coverage for up to a $1000
- Emergency medical evacuation coverage up to $500,000
- $100,000 for sickness coverage
- Baggage delays of up to $300
If you want to increase the benefits, opt for the Platinum Plan, which also covers adventure sports, such as skiing, and equipment rentals for different sports, including golf.
Even better, you can enjoy the ‘cancel for any reason’ feature in this plan, allowing you to get 75% of the trip’s cost back in case you cancel your trip. However, you have to meet a few requirements for this.
Moreover, the company gives a 10-day money-back guarantee for all its plans. Therefore, if you change your mind, you can always get your money back if the trip hasn’t begun.
11. World Nomads
World Nomads aims to help travelers ‘explore their boundaries’ while providing travel insurance for over 130 countries. No matter where you are, you can file a claim for lost baggage, overseas dental, natural disasters, travel health, and much more.
More importantly, the company’s insurance plans cover various travel activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, bungee jumping, scuba diving, and surfing. If you’re an adventurer at heart, you’d love the security and liberty that comes with World Nomads.
The company offers various insurance plans depending on your country of residence. Fortunately, Americans can opt for plans covering medical care, baggage damage, trip cancellation, medical repatriation, terrorism acts, baggage loss, gear loss, and much more.
The company’s trustworthiness is also proved by its affiliation with the A+-rated Nationwide Insurance. As for the prices, they depend on your plan. For instance, if you select emergency medical insurance plans, they may offer coverage as high as $300,000.
Typically, you must select between the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan. While the former is suitable for shorter travels, the latter offers premium features, such as $10,000 in trip protection and $100,000 in medical emergencies. Sound interesting? Read our full World Nomads travel insurance review to determine if this is the best service for you.
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12. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers plans covering travel insurance for South America, giving you a free quote for your selected package. Their plans are listed in tiers – ExactCare Extra, ExactCare, and ExactCare Value.
Besides standard features, such as baggage and interruption coverage, the company has specialized cruises, road trips, and adventure sports plans. If you’re traveling with your friends or family, the ExactCare plan should be an optimal option since it offers:
- $500 in coverage for missed connections
- $500,000 for emergency medical evacuation
- $25,000 for medical coverage
- $1000 for trip delay
- 100% in trip cancellation coverage
- 150% for trip interruption coverage
All plans from the company come with 24/7 travel assistance all over the world. It’s beneficial when you’re in a different time zone and lose your wallet or need emergency medical help.
While you’re in South America, you can easily file a claim on the company’s online portal and view your plan’s details. You can also read safety tips for traveling from industry experts on Berkshire Hathaway’s website.
More importantly, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection is known for paying claims five times more quickly than other companies. Most travelers have positive experiences with the company. Thus, if you’re looking for the best travel insurance for South America, you might want to get a free quote.
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13. HTH Travel Insurance
HTH Travel Insurance has served travelers since 1997 and focuses on medical coverage. Thus, if you’re a senior, check out the company’s plans, as one offers up to a million dollars in medical coverage.
Moreover, if you already have primary insurance, you get 100% coverage for hospital fees, such as tests, inpatient stays, prescriptions, surgery, etc. Although the company’s medical plans are incomparable, its travel insurance coverage isn’t as great as other insurers.
The coverage for baggage damage and trip interruption is relatively lighter, making this plan suitable for older – even aged 95 or above – travelers.
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FAQs
Is Travel Insurance Required in South America?
Previously, travelers needed insurance for visiting South America, especially Brazil. The country’s laws require travelers to have a valid proof of health insurance. However, this is no longer a requirement.
Regarding travel insurance, the decision is entirely up to you. Rest assured that South American countries have no regulations that would restrict your entry into the region without insurance. Purchasing travel insurance is a must for seniors or frequent travelers, as insurance coverage will undoubtedly transform your trips into seamless experiences.
Does travel insurance cover family members?
Travel insurance typically covers family members, including spouses, children, and sometimes parents or grandparents. The specific coverage and terms of the policy can vary depending on the insurance provider and the type of policy purchased.
What is covered by travel insurance?
Travel insurance offers financial protection for unexpected events during travel. Coverage can include trip cancellation or interruption, medical expenses, and lost baggage. It is crucial to carefully review the policy’s terms and conditions, including exclusions.
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