7 Best Travel Insurance Options for South America + 2 Free Alternatives

 

 

 

Do I really need travel insurance for a trip to South America? 

 

But do I actually need travel insurance? I don’t usually do any extreme activities or sports!

Pay careful attention: whether you’re plotting an extravagant shopping spree in Miami or any other expedition, travel insurance is an absolute prerequisite!

While health insurance may not be a legal obligation in South America, as it is in some other nations, there’s always a level of uncertainty involved when you travel. From minor mishaps like stumbling on the street to more severe incidents like injuries or illnesses, unforeseen circumstances can occur.

 

 

Relying solely on South America’s healthcare system (or that of many other countries) without any insurance coverage is similar to inviting a personal financial catastrophe.

Additionally, bear in mind that several countries, South America included, may mandate that you must possess some form of health or travel insurance as a prerequisite for entry.

And let’s not overlook that travel insurance encompasses more than just medical emergencies. Depending on your policy, it can also offer compensation for lost luggage, flight delays, adverse weather conditions, and even aid in arranging your evacuation from a country in the event of civil unrest.

So, before you embark on your adventure, ensure you’re shielded with the appropriate travel insurance plan! It’s a judicious decision that ensures peace of mind throughout your escapades.

 

Update regarding travel insurance and the coronavirus (COVID-19)

Given the ongoing prevalence of Covid-19, you may be interested in the protection provided by your travel insurance in the event of illness.

Thankfully, at present, nearly every available travel insurance plan does include coverage for illnesses related to Covid-19. Nevertheless, I highly recommend thoroughly scrutinizing the specifics of your policy before finalizing your purchase. A comprehensive grasp of your coverage will offer the peace of mind crucial for your travels.

(Or for more details, you can also take a look at our article here: Does International Health and Travel Insurance cover Coronavirus (COVID-19)?) 

 

Observation:These travel insurance options are designed to meet the needs of travelers. However, if your trip to South America is for educational purposes, it’s crucial to explore international health insurance plans specifically crafted for international students. On the flip side, if you are relocating to the US for work or as an immigrant, you will need health insurance policies customized for expatriates. You can explore appropriate choices for these specific types of coverage in the article linked at the end. Ensure to investigate the available options that align seamlessly with your travel and residency requirements.

 

How does the health system in the South America work? 

The healthcare system in South America can vary significantly from country to country, as each nation has its own healthcare system, policies, and infrastructure. Here is some general information on how the healthcare system works in some South American countries:

• Brazil: Brazil has a mixed healthcare system, consisting of the Unified Health System (SUS), which offers free health services, and private healthcare services. Brazilian citizens can access free medical treatment through SUS, but many opt for private health plans for quicker care and additional services.
• Argentina: Argentina also has a mixed healthcare system, with both public and private services. Access to healthcare is free for residents, and the country provides a high standard of medical care.
• Chile: Chile has a mixed healthcare system, with the public sector (Fonasa) and the private sector. Fonasa offers free or reduced-price healthcare services for Chilean citizens, while the private sector is accessed through health insurance.
• Colombia: Colombia has a mixed healthcare system, with both public and private services. The healthcare system is regulated by the government, and residents have access to free or affordable healthcare services.
• Peru: Peru has a mixed healthcare system, with both public and private services. Access to healthcare is free for many procedures, but the private sector is widely used by those seeking more specialized services.

 

It is important to note that in some South American countries, especially in rural areas, access to healthcare services may be limited, and the quality of services may vary. Foreign travelers are often advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses and evacuation in case of emergencies. This provides an additional layer of protection, regardless of each country’s specific healthcare system.

 

 

What are the best travel insurance options for a trip to South America? 

   1. The well-known, mid-priced travel insurance company:

 

IMG Global (accepts citizens from most countries!) 

They have one travel insurance plan available for Americans only (Patriot Travel Medical Insurance) and one available for non-American travelers (Patriot America Plus).

You have the flexibility to choose your preferred coverage level, ranging from US$50,000 to US$500,000, and deductible options vary from US$0 to US$2,500.

Regarding pricing, IMG’s rates are generally competitive. However, akin to some other options mentioned earlier, specific activities may not fall under their policy coverage.

To ensure that you secure all the necessary coverage tailored to your individual requirements, I strongly recommend a thorough examination of the policy details before completing your purchase. This way, you can travel with confidence and certainty, knowing that your selected policy offers the comprehensive protection you require. Safe travels!

Travel insurance for seniors (65+): one thing that makes IMG unique is that they offer a travel insurance plan specifically tailored to travelers aged 65 and over, called GlobeHopper Senior. 

 

IMGlobal travel insurance and COVID-19 coverage

 

 

   2. The best, most comprehensive travel insurance company for backpackers and adventurous travelers:

 

World Nomads Travel Insurance

(5% discount coupon comfort5)

(P.S. If you’re anything like me and are also addicted to sports and adventure activities and want to make sure you have good travel insurance that covers them, here are two other articles you might like: 3 Best International Travel Insurance for Extreme Sports and Adventure Activities and 9 Tips to Stay in Shape During Your Travels.) 

 

WorldNomads travel insurance and coronavirus coverage

 

 

   3. One of the cheapest travel insurance companies you’ll find anywhere:

 

WorldTrips (formerly Atlas Travel)

 

   4. The new international travel insurance company for digital nomads and adventure/extreme sports:

 

Safety Wing

One thing that makes Safety Wing stand out is its focus on insurance plans that cover adventure sports and extreme activities. (Like WorldNomads!) 

Plus, their website is fun and allows you to easily and quickly get a quote. 

 

Safety Wing travel insurance and Covid-19 coverage

 

 

   5. The best place to find & compare cheap travel insurance policies:

 

VisitorsCoverage

It’s a bit like Momondo, which lets you compare plane tickets from different companies. Or Rentalcar.com, which does the same rental cars. 

In other words, it makes it much easier to see all your options for travel insurance plans. And then ultimately compare, choose, and buy the best option for your trip. 

 

VisitorsCoverage travel insurance and COVID-19 coverage

 

   6. Another great website to search for and compare cheap travel insurance policies:

 

TravelInsurance.com

One nice feature of TravelInsurance.com is that, beyond travel insurance, they also offer insurance plans for immigrants, international students, and expatriates.

 

TravelInsurance.com and coronavirus coverage

 

   7. A final “travel insurance portal” option to search for and compare policies to find the best deal:

 

AARDY

AARDY travel insurance and COVID-19 coverage

Since AARDY itself isn’t a travel insurance provider and is only a portal that lets you compare insurance from many companies, you’ll have to look into the individual insurance company before you buy your plan to see what their position is on Covid-19 coverage. 

 

 

Bonus option to find and compare many different travel insurance plans at once:

 

InsureMyTrip

InsureMyTrip sets itself apart through its steadfast commitment to quality. They strictly adhere to a policy of removing any plan or insurance company from their website if it receives less than 4 stars, guaranteeing that only top-tier options are presented to users.

In contrast to some other alternatives mentioned here, InsureMyTrip concentrates solely on travel insurance. As a result, you won’t find insurance plans designed for expats, immigrants, or international students on their platform. This specialization allows them to deliver a focused and comprehensive service, tailored specifically to travelers’ needs, ensuring they have access to the best available travel insurance options. It’s a platform that prioritizes excellence and is devoted to providing travelers with the finest travel insurance choices.

But if you’re looking for a plan like this to complement your travel insurance, check out my article on the 5 Best & Cheapest Health Insurances for International Students or 5 Best International Health Insurances for Expats & Immigrants.

 

InsureMyTrip travel insurance and Covid-19 coverage

Since InsureMyTrip itself isn’t a travel insurance provider and is only an aggregator that lets you compare insurance from many companies, you’ll have to look into the individual insurance company before you buy your plan to see what their position is on Covid-19 coverage. 

 

 

But wait….you might not even need to buy travel insurance!

Here are two sneaky ways you might be able to get “free” travel insurance 🙂 

 

   1. Buy your return flight ticket with a credit card to (maybe) get free insurance for your trip.  

 

*CORRECTION:

In a valuable comment from blog reader Alex on the Portuguese version of this article, it was pointed out that having a Visa Platinum credit card and utilizing accumulated miles to cover ticket taxes and fees might make you eligible for their global travel insurance.

However, I strongly recommend independently verifying this information with your credit card provider, as the benefits associated with the same credit cards can differ depending on the countries in which they are issued. Many thanks to Alex for sharing this insightful tip!

Additionally, a comment from reader Ana Luisa has provided insight that Visa Platinum insurance typically offers 60 days of coverage, which is longer than the standard 30-day coverage provided by most other credit cards.

However, if your trip exceeds this duration, it is advisable to supplement the remaining portion of your journey with a regular travel insurance policy. While Visa Platinum insurance can save you money during the initial two months of your trip, it is always essential to ensure that you have suitable coverage for the entire duration of your travels, ensuring a stress-free journey. Being well-prepared and adequately covered throughout your entire trip is of utmost importance.

 

   2. Use your health insurance policy from your home country or country of residence. 

A quick note about travel insurance for cruising: 

Someone recently inquired about the suitability of these travel insurance plans for cruise trips, prompting me to conduct some research.

Based on the information available, both WorldNomads and WorldTrips will provide coverage for a cruise.

WorldTrips has explicitly confirmed via email that their Atlas plan includes coverage for medical evacuation from a cruise ship, as needed, contingent on the circumstances.

It appears that all the travel insurance plans offered through WorldNomads similarly extend their coverage to cruise travelers. However, it’s essential to note that there is an age restriction of 66 for their plans. In contrast, WorldTrips has the advantage of not imposing an age limit on their coverage, making it an appealing choice for older voyagers.

Regarding the other companies mentioned, I am still awaiting their official confirmation regarding cruise coverage. It’s always advisable to secure comprehensive and precise details about your travel insurance options before making a decision. Wishing you safe and enjoyable travels, and may you discover the perfect plan for your journey! When it comes to embarking on a cruise, understanding the specifics of your travel insurance is of paramount importance. It’s advisable to obtain detailed information from your insurance providers to ensure that you have the appropriate protection throughout your cruise adventure.

 

 Can I use traveling insurance while living abroad as an expat or an immigrant? 

If you’re living overseas or traveling in a country for a short period, you might be okay with just travel insurance. 

But you’re looking for more complete coverage (travel insurance usually just covers medical emergencies), if you’re going to be living abroad long-term, or if you need proof of health insurance for immigration purposes, then what you actually need is an international health insurance plan for expats or immigrants. 

If you’d like to learn more about the differences between travel insurance and international health insurance, then you can take a look at our article about the 3 Best International Health Insurance for Expats & Immigrants.

Or, you can quote directly with some of these expat insurance companies here:

   Cigna

   IMGlobal

   Now Health International

 

Can I use travel insurance during my international exchange or while studying abroad?

If you’re an international student and think you might need one of these special medical insurance plans, then take a look at my page with The 3 Best and Cheapest Health Insurances for International Students & Exchanges to learn more.

Again, you can check out directly some of these international student insurance companies here:

   IMGlobal   

   Cigna for International Students

   Now Health International

 

International travel insurance coverage for terrorism

I’ve had a few comments in both the English and the Portuguese article asking if travel insurance covers acts of terrorism. 

I did  a bit of research, and here’s what I found out: 

Although WorldTrip’s basic travel insurance plan doesn’t cover terrorism, their Atlas Premium plan DOES cover “treatment of injuries and illnesses relating from an act of terrorism, up to the limit set forth in the schedule of benefits and limits.” So yes, they do appear to have terrorism coverage. 

If you ever encounter the unfortunate circumstance of sustaining injuries in a terrorist incident while traveling, possessing WorldTrip’s Atlas Premium plan can provide crucial coverage. This plan is meticulously designed to offer protection during unexpected and distressing events, ensuring you have a vital safety net in challenging times.

Moreover, many of WorldTrip’s plans include a valuable “Crisis Response Cover,” extending protection in scenarios of civil or political unrest, natural disasters, and other crises that travelers may face overseas. This comprehensive coverage even includes situations involving “express kidnapping,” covering response expenses, ransom, and the replacement of personal belongings.

It’s essential to note that the availability of the “Crisis Response” feature may be limited in certain countries. These countries include Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, Somalia, Venezuela, Iran, Cuba, Sudan, and North Korea. Nevertheless, in most of these countries, your regular travel insurance coverage will remain valid, except for the specific “crisis” aspect of the coverage.

As always, carefully review the terms and conditions of your insurance policy to have a comprehensive understanding of the extent of coverage and any restrictions related to your travel destination. Travel insurance is an indispensable safeguard, offering peace of mind and security during your travels.

WorldTrip’s Atlas Premium plan delivers invaluable protection during unforeseen events, and their Crisis Response Cover adds an additional layer of security for travelers facing challenging situations while abroad. Be sure to verify the availability of the Crisis Response feature in your intended travel destination and have a complete understanding of your coverage to journey with confidence and peace of mind.

 

General pointers to facilitate the process of securing reimbursement from your travel insurance:

All the travel insurance companies I recommended above have extensive networks of hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers. Your optimal approach is to seek treatment at one of these in-network facilities.

By doing so, you won’t be required to make any upfront payments, as the treatment bill will be directly submitted to the insurer for payment (unless the treatment exceeds the maximum coverage limit).

In the event of unexpected circumstances like illness or an accident, it is crucial to promptly contact your travel insurance provider. They will guide you on visiting an in-network doctor or hospital for treatment.

In cases where accessing an in-network medical provider is not feasible, you’ll need to pay for the treatment upfront and then apply for reimbursement from the insurance company afterward.

Dealing with insurance companies, whether for automobiles, homes, health, or travel, can be a bit complex, and they often require specific documentation before releasing payments.

To assist you throughout this process, here’s a list of the documents that travel insurance companies typically request when you file a claim for reimbursement of medical expenses incurred during your trip: [List of required documents]. Providing the necessary documentation in an organized manner can expedite the reimbursement process and ensure a smoother experience with the insurance company.

 

But first, a few insurance terms to cover:

*make a claim: ask an insurance company for reimbursement for medical expenses

*insurer: the travel insurance company

*beneficiary = claimant = the insured: the person (you) who is asking the insurance company for money/reimbursement

 

List of documents usually requested by travel insurance policies when you seek reimbursement for medical expenses (if you were treated by an out-of-network provider): 

• Copy of the claimant’s national ID (driver’s license or other state-issued ID)
• Copy of Proof of Residency (any current proof – from the last 3 months – with the name of the claimant). If you don’t have this, send a declaration of residence that is completed, signed, and notarized by the insurer.
• For minors, a declaration of residence must be completed, signed, and notarized by the respective legal guardian (form provided by the insurer)
• Copy of the claimant’s voucher
• Original registration information form, signed by the beneficiary (form provided by the insurer)
• Copy of passport (ID page + page with entrance and exit stamps from the country where the accident happened) or other documentation that shows beneficiary was outside of habitual domicile when an accident happened (aka your home country) – for example: airplane tickets (by the way, you should always keep your boarding pass until the end of your trip, not only for filing a possible claim but also request your miles!)
• Presentation of the original medical report with descriptions of the procedures, provided by the health professional or medical center with a clear indication of the diagnosis, clinical history, and admission form, in the case of hospitalization
• Original prescription (if the pharmacy still has the prescription, send your x-ray or a document showing you picked up your medicine in exchange for the prescription)
• Invoice of the medical procedures or the pharmacy receipt with medications prescribed, which should match the quality and quantity of the provided prescription
• Report of medical care (explaining the reason, what happened and how the treatment went – both from the travel insurance staff as well the health providers), written by the beneficiary 
• A completed list of expenses (form provided by the insurer)
• Your contact phone number, address, and e-mail
• Proof of bank info (copy of bank statement header, check, or debit card)

Here’s the most challenging part – you’ll likely need to send all of these documents physically via traditional mail!

I acknowledge that it’s a significant inconvenience. That’s why it’s much more straightforward if you can obtain treatment from a healthcare provider within your insurance company’s network. This way, you can sidestep the wasted time and the headaches associated with preparing all the paperwork.

Nevertheless, if you find yourself with no other alternative, going through the reimbursement process is not insurmountable. With a bit of organization and ensuring you have all the necessary documents in order, your chances of successfully filing your claim and receiving a timely reimbursement are quite promising!

If you’ve previously had to file a claim, please consider sharing your experience and any helpful advice in the comments section below to assist other readers. Your insights can be invaluable in navigating the claims process and ensuring a smoother experience for others.

 

To summarize, these as the best travel insurance companies for the South America:

1. IMGlobal
2. World Nomads Travel Insurance
3. WorldTrips
4. Safety Wing
5. VisitorsCoverage
6. TravelInsurance.com
7. AARDY
8. InsureMyTrip

 

My final advice:

Absolutely, without a doubt!

Securing comprehensive travel insurance is an absolute necessity, particularly for adventurous travelers like myself who frequently partake in activities inherently associated with higher risks of injury and potential medical expenses.

Throughout my journeys, I wholeheartedly embrace exhilarating pursuits such as mountain hiking, rock climbing, bungee jumping, scuba diving, and exploring everything that defines the epitome of adventure!

Let’s paint a scenario: picture yourself snowboarding in Switzerland without travel insurance, and unfortunately, you sustain an injury on the slopes, requiring a helicopter rescue. The resulting medical expenses, as you lie in your hospital room, would likely be enough to induce a panic attack merely by glancing at the bill’s numerous zeros!

But let’s face the reality: obtaining travel insurance is a prudent decision, regardless of your travel destination.

During my travels, I’ve come across numerous backpackers showcasing the infamous “Thai Tattoo” – significant scars on their legs resulting from burns caused by contact with scooter exhaust pipes in Thailand!

And honestly, do you truly want to find yourself in a public hospital in the heart of Bangkok?!?! With travel insurance, you have the option to choose a private hospital where you’ll undoubtedly receive superior care. So, why take needless risks? Ensure you’re protected and savor your journey to the fullest!

So, fellow adventurers, I’m curious to know about your own travel insurance experiences. Have you ever had to rely on your policy? Which company did you choose, and how was the claims process? Or perhaps you have lingering questions about travel insurance in general?

Feel free to share your insights in the comments section below, and I’m here to respond!

Here’s to safe and thrilling travels! (And let’s hope you never have to use that travel insurance plan you just purchased!)