Travel Insurance for Ecuador
Whether you’re exploring colonial cities or climbing a volcano, learn how travel insurance can benefit American travelers in Ecuador.
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For information relating to policies purchased prior to October 23 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For plans purchased after October 23 2024, please see below.
- Do I need travel insurance for Ecuador?
- Travel insurance for activities in Ecuador
- Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Ecuador
- Travel insurance for lost bags in Ecuador
- Travel insurance for stolen items in Ecuador
- Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Ecuador
- Tips for traveling to Ecuador from the United States
Wander through historic streets in the center of Quito, learn weaving traditions with the Indigenous Otavalo people, search for wildlife on the storied Galapagos Islands, and hike one of Ecuador’s volcanoes. It’s easy to see why Ecuador is a popular choice among American travelers.
You can swing over the forest in Banos, go on a hiking adventure through the lakes and mountains of Cotopaxi National Park, and visit historic sites in Cuenca. For outdoor adventurers and culture buffs alike, Ecuador entices the curious traveler with its natural wonders, UNESCO historic centers, and rich Indigenous heritage.
While a trip to South America is an incredible experience, there are some things to be aware of when you’re visiting from the US. Our nomads have experienced it all - from lost baggage to natural disasters. We’ve learned quite a bit in our travels, and we encourage you to explore travel insurance* plans for Ecuador.
Do I need travel insurance for Ecuador?
International travel can bring all kinds of unexpected surprises - like spotting a giant tortoise on the Galapagos Islands.
Some surprises are not as great. Nobody wants to think about things like canceled trips, delayed baggage, and medical emergencies, but these things can happen unexpectedly. If you injure yourself in a mountaineering adventure while attempting to climb Cotopaxi, you may then wish that you had travel insurance for Ecuador.
World Nomads has four plans to choose from, and when you get a quote you can compare the options to determine the best international travel insurance for your needs.
Travel insurance for activities in Ecuador
With incredibly varied landscapes from the Amazon Rainforest to soaring volcanoes, Ecuador is a phenomenal destination if you’re looking for some adventure. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Americans traveling to Ecuador and includes things like scuba diving in North Seymour Island, kayaking in the Amazon Rainforest, and surfing in Montanita.
When you get a quote for your travel insurance for Ecuador, it’s helpful to have a general itinerary in mind. Different plans cover different activities. An advance plan will help you choose the best insurance for your trip—and make sure even your most daring adventure is covered.
If you’re hoping to go horseback riding through the lush El Choco Rainforest, sea kayak in the waters around San Cristobal Island, or white-water raft down Quijos River, you’ll be covered under all plans, including the Standard Plan. Maybe you have your sights set on climbing Mount Chimborazo—Ecuador’s highest peak, which rises to a soaring 20,702 feet. In that case, you’ll need to invest in the Explorer Plan or the Epic Plan.
Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Ecuador
Before you head to Ecuador, we recommend that you make an appointment with Runway Health-- an online travel clinic and our non-insurance service partner. The telehealth service offers online consultations 24/7 and can help you obtain any necessary vaccinations or medications, such as medication to help with altitude sickness and traveler’s diarrhea.
We also recommend packing a strong mosquito repellent to help prevent mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue. Keep in mind that tap water isn’t drinkable, so you’ll need to stay hydrated with bottled or filtered water.
Most Americans diving in Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands have no problems at all, but sometimes things happen. Make sure to protect yourself. Never dive deeper than your qualification limits and never dive solo. If you get decompression sickness, emergency medical coverage under your travel insurance for Ecuador may reimburse you for your medical expenses.
In the event that you have a medical emergency when traveling in Ecuador, you can call the 24/7 emergency assistance team and they may be able to refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. They can also help communicate with your local medical team if there are language barriers.
If your attending physician (and the 24/7 emergency assistance team) determines that it’s best for you to go home to the US to get medical care, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for Ecuador may cover the costs to get you there.
Travel insurance for lost bags in Ecuador
You probably packed your hiking boots if you’re planning to hike the scenic Quilotoa Loop. What happens if you land in Quito, but your bag doesn’t arrive at the same time? Your travel insurance for Ecuador may help reimburse your trekking gear. The other belongings in your lost checked bag could be covered as well (up to plan limits, conditions and exclusions apply).
If you’re lucky, your bags just took a detour and will eventually make their way to you. Even a delayed bag can be stressful. If your bag is delayed for at least 12 hours, you could still be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited.
The first step is to contact the airline. If the airline isn’t able to help you locate your lost bag, the second step is to contact Blue Ribbon Bags, a non-insurance service that will track and expedite the return of your undelivered baggage by the airline. Make sure to have the file reference or record locator number and Property Irregularity Report on hand when you call Blue Ribbon Bags so you can file a lost luggage claim.
Travel insurance for stolen items in Ecuador
Petty theft and pickpockets are something to watch out for when you travel to Ecuador- especially in crowded areas in Quito and Guayaquil. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid putting anything valuable in your back pockets. You may also want to carry handbags across your body, and wear backpacks on your front. Keep an eye on your bags at bus terminals, as well.
If anything does happen, make sure you make a police report. You’ll need that if you have to make a claim
Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Ecuador
Even if you have the perfect getaway planned with all your hotels and excursions booked, unexpected situations can throw your plans off track. Before you invest in an insurance plan for Ecuador, make sure it includes cancellation coverage.
Ecuador is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and flooding. What happens if heavy rains cause a landslide in central Ecuador, wiping out roads in the region, and making it impossible for you to reach your destination in Banos? Your travel insurance for Ecuador may help you be reimbursed for non-refundable tours and hotel accommodations that you paid for in advance.
If you’re already in Ecuador and something happens to delay or interrupt your vacation, World Nomads insurance may compensate you for covered reasons. For example, if your travel companion gets injured while rock climbing in Cuenca and needs to stay in the hospital for at least 24 hours for treatment, you could be reimbursed for the expenses you incur during that time, like hotels.
Let’s say you’re planning to catch a cruise around the Galapagos Islands from San Cristobal but your flight leaving the US is delayed by more than three consecutive hours and the boat leaves without you. You’ll probably have to pay to travel to the next port of call to catch up with your cruise. The Explorer and Epic Plans cover for missed connections and may reimburse you for the cost to travel to the next port.
Tips for traveling to Ecuador from the United States
Before you leave the United States, we encourage you to check out the US government’s safety warnings for Ecuador. Weather, safety, and political situations can change at any time, and this is where they list any advisories that may exist at that time.
If you purchase travel insurance for Ecuador, it’s a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your plan number in your cell phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.
Take extra camera batteries. The worst feeling is to get set up for the perfect shot of a Blue-Footed Boobie, only to find out you have a dead battery. If you make the journey to see the rare bird species on the Galapagos, make sure to read up on some of our tips on how to photograph wildlife in an ethical way.
As you’re preparing for your trip, we recommend you learn a few Spanish phrases that will help you navigate Ecuador comfortable. You might also want to check out our tips for visiting Ecuador to make sure you’re ready for your grand adventure!
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 hospitalised?
- 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?
- Medivac 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 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
- Runway Health
- FootprintID
- Blue Ribbon Bags
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact Generali Global Assistance:
Telephone:
+1 954-334-8143 (Collect outside the US)
+1 877-289-0968 (Toll-free in the US and Canada
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.