Lebanon is a beautiful country, to say the least. Its neighbors are Syria to the north and Israel to the south, which may make it seem unsafe, but the reality is that Lebanon is a peaceful Middle Eastern destination that is worthy of exploring.
Lebanon features scars of a war-ridden past, Roman ruins, various UNESCO World Heritage sites, and other historical and cultural remains. Its nightlife is amazing, and its art and museums ensure that culture enthusiasts will also have an enjoyable time. Whether you are in Lebanon for tourism or are setting up a work base for your employer, the country has something for everyone. All you need is a sense of adventure, and the right travel medical insurance or travel insurance.
Travel Medical Insurance for Travelers in Lebanon – FAQs
Regardless of destination, the chance of becoming sick or injured abroad always exists. The questions are, where can you get treatment, and how will you pay for it? Purchase travel medical insurance, and free your mind of these worries.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Lebanon?
Mandatory travel medical insurance coverage for Lebanon is no longer required, but it remains highly recommended for all visitors.
Why buy travel medical insurance before traveling to Lebanon?
The medical facilities in Lebanon are limited, meaning that emergency medical evacuation to another country may be required for serious conditions. This can cost upwards of $100,000. To prevent yourself from having to pay all of these costs out of your own pocket, make sure you have travel medical insurance with this benefit.
Trip Cancellation Insurance for Travelers in Lebanon – FAQs
Even the best-planned trips can end up being cancelled for reasons outside your control. Luckily, you can control how much a cancellation can affect your finances by purchasing trip cancellation insurance.
Why should I get trip cancellation insurance for my Lebanon travel?
Should you have to cancel your Lebanon trip, you would quickly discover – if you weren’t already aware – that most of your prepaid travel expenses are nonrefundable. This can include big-ticket items like airfare and hotels.
Trip cancellation insurance can be very valuable in such situations, as it can reimburse you for these expenses, so long as you cancelled your trip for a reason that is covered by the policy.
What can be covered by trip cancellation insurance for Lebanon?
In addition to trip cancellation coverage, Lebanon travel insurance can provide coverage for things like trip interruption, travel delays, emergency medical care, and even lost or delayed baggage.
However, keep in mind that not all travel insurance plans are created equally. Take time to compare several plans on this website to determine which would fit your needs the best.
Lebanon’s Most Popular Activities for Tourists
Lebanon is a country with a good mix of modern and historic attractions. You will find nightclubs as well as historical monuments and museums. The top experiences in Lebanon include:
- Beirut: “The Paris of the East” - Be wary of the chaotic traffic, and your experience here will be easy, breezy, and fun.
- Ancient Temples and Structures - Don’t miss the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Stay updated with your home government’s list of non-recommended areas. This will help you steer clear of any possible trouble.
- Wine Tasting at Ksara, Massaya, Chateau Musar, or Kefraya - Check the hygiene standards of the winery first. If they appear satisfactory, give the wines a try and enjoy Lebanon and its welcoming culture.
- Stalagmites and Stalactites in the Caverns of Jeita - If you are lucky, the water levels might not be too high. The lower caverns and their breathtaking views can also be explored via boat.
- Cedars and Faraya Mzaar ski resorts - For adventure enthusiasts, these ski resorts are heaven. You can experience skiing like never before in these gorgeous locations of Lebanon. Beforehand, ensure that you are medically fit and healthy.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Lebanon
Regardless of preconceptions, Lebanon is as safe a travel destination as any other. But travel, no matter where you go, always has its own inherent risks. Some of the risks that you might face in Lebanon include:
Food Poisoning
Lebanese cuisine is mouthwatering, and there are many upscale restaurants. But, avoid street food unless you are confident it was prepared hygienically. Given that the country is not necessarily the cleanest, there is also the chance of getting a virus or bacterial disease. Keep your regular medication (if any) handy, and have the nearest hospital or medical clinic’s number on hand for medical emergencies.
Non-Potable Water
The tap water in Lebanon is not considered safe to drink for visitors. To avoid a possible water-borne illness or upset stomach, stick to only drinking bottled water. If this is not an option, bring along water purification tablets, or boil water before drinking it to kill bacteria.
Hazardous Sports/Events
While skiing, trekking, or exploring the mountains, accidents are always possible. Make sure that the insurance policy you purchase offers coverage for the particular activity you will be taking part in. For certain activities, you may need to purchase hazardous sports insurance.
Loss of Important Documents or Luggage
While Lebanon has a low crime rate, it is always better to err on the side of caution. In the event that you lose your passport or other important documents, having duplicates is a good option.
Possible Conflict
While there is no active risk of war, you should be still careful while on the trip. Keep an eye on the list of regions to avoid as compiled by U.K. and U.S. government websites. For safe travels, steer clear of refugee camps and the far north parts of the country.
Before You Travel to Lebanon – Do This
- Ensure that your passport is valid for at least three months past your date of entry into Lebanon.
- Bring a copy of your birth certificate – Lebanon checks all names of incoming visitors against a database of those who have committed offenses against the state. If yours mistakenly matches a name in the database, you could be denied entry. You may be able to more easily prove your identity with a copy of your birth certificate.
- To meet entry requirements and to protect yourself, get compliant travel medical insurance or travel insurance.