Travel Insurance for a Colombia Vacation (2024)

Travel insurance is no longer a legal requirement for a trip to Colombia, and you can enter the country without it. But insurance will protect you from various risks and unexpected events that may occur during your trip, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage and personal liability. Having coverage means you can enjoy your trip knowing that you have a financial safety net should an emergency arise.

When planning a Colombian vacation, you should know the risks associated with the trip. Colombia reports increased rates of violent crime and civil unrest, and tourists are particularly vulnerable when traveling through rural areas. Staying in large cities like Bogota and Medellin can reduce these risks.

Having travel health insurance will allow you to access healthcare in Colombia without having to pay for medical expenses yourself. You could also benefit from trip interruption coverage in case an emergency causes cancellation of plans.

You can buy many types of coverage and add-ons for travel insurance. Some of the key options for trip insurance coverage are explained below.

Cancel for Any Reason Coverage 

In most travel insurance policies, you will be reimbursed for trip cancellation, but exclusions do apply. If you want the assurance that you can cancel your trip no matter the reason, consider buying cancel for any reason coverage (CFAR).

CFAR is an optional upgrade that offers reimbursement should you need to cancel your trip without any exclusions. This is useful if you change your mind about visiting or if you have a sudden change of circumstances that means you can no longer travel.

Some restrictions come with CFAR. You must buy it within 10 to 21 days of your vacation, and your trip will need to be canceled within 48 hours of your planned departure. Always check with your insurance provider to be sure about the terms of CFAR coverage.

Gear Theft Protection

Gear Theft Protection helps you if your valuables get lost, stolen or damaged during your trip. It typically reimburses you for the value of the lost items or provides funds for necessary replacements.

Most policies will only cover theft up to a certain amount. If you take your expensive phone, laptop and camera to Colombia and they get damaged, your insurance may not pay to replace all of them. Consider leaving unnecessary gadgets at home or getting them covered through homeowners insurance.

Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation

One essential aspect of travel insurance is medical coverage. This coverage usually includes expenses related to medical emergencies, medical treatment, doctor visits and emergency medical evacuations. It will also cover you should you need medical repatriation to your home country.

Most travel insurance policies offer 24/7 emergency assistance services. This assistance may include help with medical referrals, emergency cash transfers, translation services and legal advice.

It’s important to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions when you buy travel medical insurance. Some policies cover pre-existing conditions, but others may have specific exclusions or require additional premiums. Check if your health insurance plan covers your conditions. Otherwise, you might not be able to claim compensation.

Rental Car Protection

Rental car protection is an add-on benefit that covers damage sustained to your rental car. You can buy insurance from your rental agency, but getting coverage through your travel insurance plan prior to your trip could give you more coverage at a better price.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Travel insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable trip expenses if you need to cancel or cut your trip short because of unforeseen circumstances like illness, injury or death of a family member. It’s important to review the policy terms and conditions to understand the specific situations covered.

Most basic plans cover your expenses up to 100%, but premium insurance options may offer more protection. Know how much cancellation coverage is offered when you get a quote from an insurance provider.