South America Travel Insurance

Why Buy South America Travel Insurance

South America offers a great deal to travelers. There is scenic beauty, cosmopolitan cities, ancient ruins, and exotic wildlife. However, there are a few things you should know before traveling to this country.

The first involves medical care in South America. Though most of the major cities have facilities that can provide you with adequate medical care, most rural areas may not. The more remote areas of South America have few or no medical care facilities.

If you find yourself suffering from a serious injury or illness, you may need to be evacuated. Because medical evacuation can cost thousands of dollars and be difficult to obtain with no insurance, it is often recommended that those traveling to South America purchase some sort of South America travel insurance that provides medevac coverage.

Premiums on short term (30 days or less) medical evacuation coverage are low, and policies typically cover most or all of the costs associated with the evacuation, as well as emergency telephone consultations and translations to health care workers on the scene.

Another important factor to consider when traveling to South America is health insurance. Most U.S. health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, do not provide coverage to policyholders when they travel outside the country; so even if you have medical coverage at home, you may not have it after you cross the border.

Where to Buy South America Travel Insurance

South America travel insurance coverage can be purchased almost anywhere you would purchase other travel insurance policies. Many travel agents and travel booking services offer policies that provide medical, medevac, and air travel coverage. These policies can usually be purchased when your trip is booked and may be customized to suit your coverage needs.

Travelers can also buy South America travel insurance from a wide variety of insurance agents, companies, and brokers. In some cases, travel medical coverage can be added to a standing policy at minimal cost.

For tips on where to shop for travel insurance, visit the U.S. Department of State website. You'll find information on traveling abroad, overseas insurance programs, and medical evacuation services.

Tips for Traveling to South America

Though accidents can happen to anyone, they will be much less likely to happen to travelers who are careful. The following is a selection of tips that will help to keep you safe when traveling to South America:

Before You Travel

• Get information on immunizations and health risks by calling the international travelers hotline: 1-888-232-3228.
• Review your health insurance policy before you travel. Make sure that you have coverage, and if you don't, consider purchasing a South America travel insurance policy.
• Buy everything you will need to protect yourself from the sun, insects, and other elements.

While Traveling

• Crime is everywhere. Be careful to conceal your valuables when out and about.
• Watch what you eat and drink. Food and waterborne diseases make more travelers sick each year than anything else.
• Swim with caution in fresh water. Saltwater and chlorinated water is much safer.