A land of beautiful contrasts, Chile is worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. From deserts to glaciers, from mountains and lakes to volcanoes, this South American country gives ample proof of its magnificent beauty. If you're visiting, you'll be delighted at how much there is to see and do. But before you go, make sure to purchase travel insurance or travel medical insurance as protection against unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries.
Chile Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
Sudden medical emergencies are unforeseen and will need immediate attention. Without travel medical insurance, you would have to pay all expenses out of your pocket, which is near impossible.
Chile has the best healthcare system in all of South America, and the services are quite expensive. Hence, Chile travel medical insurance is highly recommended.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Chile?
Travel medical insurance is no longer required to visit Chile. However, the US Embassy in Chile and other government entities still strongly recommend that all foreign visitors have travel insurance that can provide coverage for COVID-19.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Chile?
The nation is caught in the midst of political instability, social unrest, and natural calamities, and accidental injuries are possible risks when you travel to Chile. Having to pay up front for such perils can be avoided when you buy travel medical insurance.
With the right policy, you will be able to enjoy your stay in Chile without concern about sudden financial expenses.
To ensure peace of mind during your trip to Chile, you must buy Chile travel medical insurance without fail.
Chile Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
Trip cancellation is a big risk if you are traveling to Chile. Frequent political unrest, social turmoil, as well as natural calamities such as earthquakes can derail your travel plans. When you buy trip cancellation insurance, you will be able to reduce a part of your distress. Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for any prepaid, non-refundable expenses you put down if you have to cancel for a reason listed in your policy's certificate wording. Be sure to read the fine print before purchase to be sure of what circumstances are (and aren't) covered.
Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Chile?
Trip cancellation benefits come in handy if you have plans to travel to Chile and the trip is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. Unfortunately, it doesn't matter if the trip has been canceled by whichever party (you or the tour operator), you may have to take the financial hit. Travel insurance with trip cancellation benefits can eliminate the financial consequences of trip cancellations if the reason for cancellation is covered in the policy.
What all is covered under travel insurance for Chile?
Travel insurance covers:
- Trip cancellations due to a covered reason
- Emergency medical expenses incurred in a foreign country
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Lost baggage, theft, loss of passport, and delayed or canceled flight.
Before you buy Chile travel insurance for your trip, discuss with your policy provider about what is included in the coverage to enjoy a peaceful vacation. This way, you will know that you are covered by the best travel insurance for Chile to meet your needs.
Things to Do for Travelers in Chile
The list is long, as Chile is a vacationer's paradise. There are a lot of things to do when in Chile. Here are the top experiences worth your time:
Cruise to the Magdalena Island
And take a stroll with the Magellanic penguins. Yes, this island is home to the largest penguin colony in the Strait of Magellan in Chile.
The cruise includes sailing through the Patagonian region, accessing coral reefs, ports, and beaches.
The icy waters of the Strait of Magellan are inhabited by elephant seals, sea lions, dolphins, and albatross, which you will witness while on the cruise.
Boat Tour to the Capillas de Mármol, or the Marble Caves
This is the best-hidden gem in the Patagonian region in Chile. The Marble Caves are in the midst of the General Carrera Lake and can easily be accessed by kayaks or boats.
The splendid caves formed over thousands of centuries as the water from the nearby glacier melted, filling up General Carrera Lake. The water washing up against the solid rocks slowly carved out tunnel systems and beautiful caves in hues of blue and green.
The General Carrera Lake remains very cold throughout the year; hence, swimming or falling into the water can be quite dangerous.
Explore Easter Island
This is the one of the world's most remote inhabited islands. It is famous for its peculiar and mysterious Moai statues. Other than that, it has some beautiful landscapes and intriguing indigenous culture, as well.
Trek to the Osorno Volcano
This snow-capped symmetrical volcano is active, although it has not erupted since the 19th century.
Osorno rises above the Todos Los Santos and Llanquihué Lakes and is a rare sight to behold.
You can ride the ski lift here to have a better look at this magnificent natural scene.
Enjoy Water Sports in Playa Dichato
The Bay of Dichato is of great historical importance, as it is among the places where Charles Darwin collected fossils and other materials during his trip to Chile to expand his theory about evolution.
The bay has several beaches in its vicinity that are suitable for water sports, such as water surfing and skimboarding.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Chile
Conventional wisdom says that traveling makes you wiser. You're sure to make lifelong memories while traveling, but every new place comes with its own set of risks. Chile is a safe place, but there are a few risks to be aware of if you are totally unfamiliar with the country.
Some common risks that international travelers are exposed to in Chile are:
- Travelers in Chile can be exposed to diseases caused by contaminated food and water. If you are an adventurous eater or are visiting smaller cities or rural areas, getting vaccinated is recommended.
- Bats in Chile can cause rabies in humans; hence, you have to be cautious if you will be involved in outdoor activities such as cave visits, wildlife photography, or other activities in remote areas.
- Beaches and other water bodies are aplenty in Chile, which can pose a risk for travelers due to their offshore rip currents. Ensure that your tour operators are trained and licensed appropriately to guarantee safety for you and your loved ones at all times.
- Unlicensed local tourism companies dupe international travelers. Airlines can also cancel flights due to political or social unrest.
Before You Travel to Chile…
Get your vaccines for COVID-19, typhoid, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B.
Keep all your documents such as passports, visas, travel insurance, hotel booking documents, etc. in a file. Photocopy important documents, and keep them either on your person or in a safe, secure location.
Keep the local currency of your destination handy. Limit the usage of credit/debit cards in a foreign country to reduce fees.
Last but not least, buy Chile travel insurance for peace of mind on your trip. Enter some basic travel information, compare a wide array of options, and select the plan that best fits the needs of your itinerary and your budget.