With temperatures rapidly dropping, wanderlust is certainly kicking in. If you’re looking for a winter-sun destination, why not travel to the Caribbean? The various islands ensure that everyone will have a great time with a smile on their face. Do you love wildlife and jungle terrain? Check out Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast! If white beaches and constant sunshine are more your speed, travel to Cuba for a rich history lesson and great weather. No matter which country you choose to visit, it’s important to pack your travel insurance along with your bathing suit. Read on to find out which coverage is best for you!
Tip: Are you Canadian? Good news – many Caribbean destinations don’t require a visa!
Your Guide to Travel Insurance for the Caribbean
Emergency Medical
Travelling is the perfect opportunity to try something new. Whether you’re eating local street food or going on a crazy adventure, it’s important to protect yourself in case a situation goes awry. Look for a solid emergency medical plan and don’t forget your provincial health plan doesn’t cover extra fees, such as:
• Return of your vehicle
• Prescriptions
• Home/private nursing
• Medical equipment rentals
• Flying family members to your bedside
• X-rays
• Doctor’s visits
• Hospitalization
• Emergency air transportation
Tip: If you end up in a hospital, let the medical team know that you have travel insurance. In most scenarios, this will get you into a private hospital because they know the bills will be covered. Not only will the facilities be better, but you’ll most likely receive better treatment – win win!
Baggage Insurance
Don’t get stuck having to buy clothing from tourist shops out of pocket. Use baggage insurance to cover the essentials you need if anything is to go missing on your trip.
TuGo’s optional baggage insurance covers Canadian residents travelling outside of their home province. Here’s what we cover:
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Sports & Activities Optional Coverages
Are scuba diving, zip lining or other fun activities on your bucket list? Make sure you’re covered with one of TuGo’s sports & activities optional coverages! Most common sports will be included under your emergency medical plan, but there are some that need extra coverage. For example, if you’re skydiving to experience breathtaking views of the islands, you’ll need the Adventure Sports option for the best protection. Read about which sport is covered under which plan here! Have more questions? Contact us or comment below to let us help you out!
Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption Insurance
Travelling is full of surprises – some better than others. If an unexpected event happens, such as a natural disaster, loss of a job, death of a family member or a personal medical situation that requires you to cancel your trip, Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption Insurance will protect the financial investment you’ve made for your trip. Unexpected natural disasters and diseases are just two of the many reasons that stress the importance of travel insurance.
Hurricane season occurs between June 1 and November 30, with peak months usually from August to October. If you’re vacationing during these months, be prepared with the right non-medical plan in case a hurricane travel advisory is in effect before you leave, forcing you to cancel or interrupt your trip.
Concerned about the Zika virus? If you’re pregnant or want to become pregnant, do your research to find out which countries in the Caribbean to steer clear from. Check out the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories page or The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for additional information.
If you’ve already booked your trip and a formal travel advisory to avoid all travel or avoid non-essential travel to your destination is in effect after the fact, you may be covered under our Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption plan, if you’ve purchased it.
Tip: Travelling to a Zika-affected country? Ready about our 3 tips to avoid mosquito bites!
All-Inclusive Resort
Many Caribbean islands offer all-inclusive resorts that have everything you could possibly need, all in one spot – including alcohol. Drink responsibly when you’re away as booze and travel insurance don’t mix. Not only could your claim be denied if alcohol is involved, but it could also be detrimental to your health. Did you know that binge drinking could make your heart skip a beat? It’s called holiday heart syndrome, which is an irregular heartbeat in an otherwise healthy person. Make sure you understand your travel insurance policy so you’re not caught paying the medical bill yourself.
Information to Know Before You Go
Your island of choice will probably depend on what type of vacation you want. Some islands are more remote with lots of adventurous activities, while others are beach oases with trendy hotels, restaurants and shops. Decide on your interests and pick the island from there. Along with finding the island that’s made for you, it’s important to know the entry and exit requirements in order to arrive prepared. Use the chart below to understand what you need to arrive at your destination and travel back home safely. For more information, visit the Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories page.
Tip: Looking for deals? Travel packages will most likely be offered for the more popular destinations. But be warned, the tradeoff could be a more expensive island filled with tourists.
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From a quick dose of Vitamin-D to spending Christmas on the beach, the Caribbean islands are great sunny destinations to visit this winter! Pair the sunshine and adventures with the right travel insurance plan and you’re bound for a memorable trip.
Where’s your favourite Caribbean destination? Let us know in the comments below!
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