Travel Insurance for the Caribbean
Travel advice for Americans visiting the Caribbean
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At a glance
- World Nomads offers four travel protection plans for your trip to the Caribbean. Plans range from standard to higher-limit protections.
- Coverage may apply to popular activities in the Caribbean like swimming, horse riding and scuba diving.
- Policies for Americans include protection for medical emergencies, trip interruptions and lost luggage.
Deciding where to go in the Caribbean comes down to the kind of experience you’re after. Places like Jamaica bring energy, music and beach life, while islands like St Lucia and Grenada balance dramatic scenery with a slower pace. In the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, it’s all about clear water, reefs and easy island hopping. No matter where you go, you can choose your rhythm – beach days and water sports, adrenaline-charged adventures beyond your resort or simply slowing down – fruity drink in hand. Distances between islands are short, making it easy to mix and match experiences on a single trip. The Dominican Republic is one of the more popular Caribbean destinations for American travelers, thanks to direct flights, affordability and great Spring Break weather.
Plan Comparisons
Choosing the right travel protection coverage depends on your trip type and planned activities. Each of our four plans – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – offers different coverages and benefit maximums.
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan | Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
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Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Covering the basics for your trip to the Caribbean. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Get a quote |
Travel insurance for adventure activities in the Caribbean
Whether you stay on the coast or venture inland, there’s plenty here to keep you moving in the Caribbean. Dive or snorkel coral reefs in the Bahamas or Turks and Caicos, swim with stingrays in Grand Cayman or head out on sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding trips between islands. In St Lucia, hike the volcanic peaks of the Pitons or zipline through rainforest canopy, while in Jamaica, there’s everything from scuba diving to horse riding along the beach. The Dominican Republic offers mountain biking, canyoning and waterfall hikes inland, while Puerto Rico’s El Yunque rainforest is all about trails, rivers and natural pools.
Coverage for activities in The Caribbean
Common insurance considerations for the Caribbean
Accidents and emergencies
No one likes imagining the worst, but if you do get sick or have an accident that sends you to the hospital, you’ll be glad you purchased travel protection before you left home. Cut your foot on a coral reef and ended up in the hospital? Ate dodgy street food and got a bad bout of food poisoning? Emergency assistance is a phone call away. All World Nomads plans include non-insurance services like portable health records. This enables medical staff to access your records 24/7. Having that information available may be critical if you experience an unexpected medical emergency while travelling.
Trip Cancellation
The best trips are often the ones you’ve planned months in advance, but you can’t predict the future and unexpected situations can sometimes happen before you even set off. Trip cancellation coverage is included in all single-trip and annual travel protection plans offered by World Nomads and gives you the opportunity to cancel your trip before you depart – but only for covered reasons. Optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to cancel for any reason that’s not otherwise covered by your plan. Broke up with your partner? You can cancel your trip. Sick dog? You can stay home. Change your mind about traveling? There’s no judgment here. Just make sure you purchase the Cancel For Any Reason benefit within 7 days of making your first trip payment (like booking a hotel or flight) and remember to cancel no later than two days before your departure date. Additional cost, terms and conditions apply; not available to New York residents.
Emergency evacuation
If you get sick or injured and your condition is acute, severe, or life threatening and you’re far from suitable medical facilities, emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage may help get you the care you need. It may cover, up to the maximum benefit amount, to get you to the closest suitable medical facility or to your primary residence for further treatment. Under your World Nomads plan, emergency evacuation may be covered if it’s recommended by the attending physician and pre-approved by our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. This benefit could include transportation costs and any related medical services or supplies.
Trip interruption
No matter how good of a time you’re having, things can happen that mean you have to finish your trip early or you’re unable to participate in your full planned itinerary. If you get injured or sick while you're traveling, or you get a call from back home and learn that an immediate family member has unexpectedly passed away, you may not be able to complete the rest of your planned trip. World Nomads offers trip interruption coverage that may help you get reimbursed for prepaid, non-refundable travel costs if your plans change for a covered reason.
Tips we recommend for traveling to the Caribbean
- Hurricane season runs from June to November, so check weather conditions and consider travel insurance before booking
- Pack light, breathable clothing, along with reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent
- Follow local advice on swimming conditions, as currents can be strong on some beaches
- Book popular resorts and experiences early, especially in peak season (December to April)
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for the Caribbean. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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Do Americans need a visa to visit the Caribbean?
Visa requirements vary by island. Many Caribbean destinations are visa-free for Americans for short stays, but it’s best to check entry requirements for each country before you travel.
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What is the best time to visit the Caribbean?
December to April is the most popular time, with dry, sunny weather. June to November is hurricane season, with higher humidity and a greater chance of storms.
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Is the Caribbean safe for travelers?
Most, but not all, Caribbean destinations are safe to visit, especially in resort areas. As with any destination, stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions in busy or unfamiliar areas. Follow US Department of State travel advisories. You may want to consider travel insurance for those unexpected situations that arise.
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Can I drink tap water in the Caribbean?
Tap water is safe on some islands but not all. If in doubt, stick to bottled or filtered water.
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What currency is used in the Caribbean?
Currencies vary by island. Some use local currencies, while US dollars are widely accepted in many destinations.
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What is the best way to get around?
Flights are the quickest way to travel between islands, while ferries operate in some regions. On individual islands, taxis and rental cars are common.
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What if my passport gets stolen in the Caribbean?
World Nomads travel protection plans cover theft or damage of the following documents:
- Passports
- Driver’s licenses
- Birth certificates
- Travel visas
You can claim up to the maximum limit stated in the policy towards the replacement of your passport or one or more other travel documents mentioned above.
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Do I need travel insurance for the Caribbean?
Travel insurance isn’t mandatory, but it’s strongly recommended. Benefits for accidents, medical emergencies, cancellations, delays and lost luggage can help protect you against unexpected costs. Whether you’re in a major city or off adventuring in a more remote location, it’s reassuring to know you can get the help you need – especially when it comes to an accident or sudden illness. All World Nomads plans for US residents include insurance benefits and additional non-insurance services like access to pre-trip medical support. A telehealth consultation can help you with a customized medical plan based on your destination. This may help you prepare for health concerns before you go and the best ways to avoid travel-related illnesses.
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How do I make a travel insurance claim?
You can make a claim online 24/7: https://worldnomads-us.eclaims.csaclaims.com. Have your documents and receipts handy to upload and get started. If you get stuck, you can call us collect on +1 844-207-1930 and we can assist you with your claim.
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What do I do if I need emergency assistance?
No matter where you are in the world, our 24/7 non-insurance Emergency Assistance partners at Generali Global Assistance are ready to help – 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Whether it’s a medical emergency, stolen gear, missing bags, or a natural disaster, they’re the first call to make. Need a translator? They can help with that too.
When you call, you’ll be asked if you are experiencing a travel emergency. If you are having a medical emergency, you’ll be connected with Emergency Assistance right away. If your situation is not urgent and you are calling outside of normal business hours, you’ll be able to leave a message and be called back.
The contact information for medical emergency assistance is:
Phone: +1 (877) 289-0968 (toll-free from the Continental US); or
Phone: +1 (954) 334-8143 (collect from anywhere else in the world)
Need destination inspiration for the Caribbean?
Not sure where your next adventure should take you? Take a look at these travel and safety ideas and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.
Transport in Barbados: How to Travel Around Safely
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Protection
Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.
- Standard Plan: $2,500
- Explorer Plan: $10,000
- Epic Plan: $15,000
- Annual Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Insurance
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
- Standard Plan: $125,000
- Explorer Plan: $150,000
- Epic Plan: $250,000
- Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Evacuation
We'll provide assistance to get you to the hospital or home quickly.
- Standard Plan: $400,000
- Explorer Plan: $500,000
- Epic Plan: $700,000
- Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Evacuation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Covers the loss, theft or damage of your bags, tech and gear.
- Standard Plan: $1,000
- Explorer Plan: $2,000
- Epic Plan: $3,000
- Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
The amounts listed represent the maximum benefit amount.
Protect your health
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance Help Line
- Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Evacuations
- Bedside Companion Travel
- Emergency Medications
Protect Your Trip
- Trip Cancellation
- Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
- Trip Delay & Trip Interruption
- Missed Connection (Explorer or Epic)
- Rental Car Damage (Explorer, Epic or Annual)
Protect Your Stuff
- Baggage Delay
- Passport and Visa Loss
- Lost or Stolen Bags
- Personal Tech, Equipment & Gear
- Baggage Return After Evacuation
Non-Insurance Services
- Medical & Non-Medical 24/7 Emergency Assistance Line
- Translators Available
- Pre-Departure Telehealth Services
- Portable Health Records
- Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.