Travel Insurance for a Chile Vacation (2024)

Chile is a country full of activities — from stargazing in the Atacama Desert to exploring Santiago or hiking through Chilean Patagonia.

Visitors are currently not required to obtain travel insurance before entering the country. However, the U.S. Department of State recommends purchasing insurance to cover medical expenses and evacuations while traveling. Travel insurance will cover prepaid, nonrefundable expenses related to flight cancellations, trip delays, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen belongings.

The Chilean landscape is a great setting for an unforgettable adventure in South America. However, it is important to remember that Chile has over 2,000 volcanoes, though there hasn’t been a major eruption since 2015. Having trip cancellation insurance can protect you from losing money if a natural disaster interrupts your trip.

Below are some of the options available for travel insurance for Chile.

Cancel for Any Reason Coverage

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage is an optional benefit you can add to a travel insurance plan to cancel your trip for reasons not included in a standard policy. CFAR allows flexibility in reimbursing a percentage of travel costs regardless of why you cancel a trip — whether it’s a family emergency or a change of plans.

CFAR coverage is subject to certain limitations when it comes to claiming reimbursement. Many providers require you to cancel a trip within at least 48 hours of your departure to qualify for coverage. Some insurance companies also require you to purchase CFAR coverage within a certain time frame from your initial trip deposit.

Gear Theft Protection

Gear theft protection protects your belongings by reimbursing you for lost or stolen items while traveling. Covering your valuables can provide peace of mind if you bring your top-of-the-line camera to get shots of the Andes or need your laptop to work while away. Travel insurance plans can cover the following high-value items:

• Phone
• Laptop
• Camera
• Sporting equipment
• Jewelry

Travel insurance will cover lost or damaged gear up to a limit, which can be as low as $750. Most plans cover lost, damaged, or stolen belongings if an airline or tour operator is at fault, and some companies offer additional coverage for sporting gear or high-valuable items. Tourists are prime targets for pickpockets in Chile, so try to protect any expensive items while on the streets or leave valuables secured at the hotel.

Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation

Chile has one of the best healthcare services in South America but without insurance, any medical costs incurred while traveling will have to come out of your own pocket. Travel medical insurance can prevent you from spending thousands of dollars if you need medical care while on vacation. While you may have international coverage with private health insurance, Medicare and Medicaid do not extend abroad.

Travel medical insurance can cover you in the event of:

• Medical emergencies, including injuries and illness
• Medical evacuation to your home country
• Repatriation if you pass away while traveling

Some medical travel insurance policies exclude coverage for injuries caused by certain sports or high-risk activities, such as rock climbing.

Rental Car Protection

Many insurance companies include car rental protection in standard travel plans or offer coverage as a policy add-on. You can also obtain insurance from your rental car provider, but it will likely be more expensive. Coverage may include:

• Collision damage waiver and theft protection
• Tire and windshield protection
• Roadside protection
• Personal effects

Many rental companies in Chile will not allow vehicles to be taken into Peru or Bolivia due to high incidents of car theft. If you are planning a trip across multiple South American countries, it is best to arrange a rental in each individual country.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance is included in most trip insurance plans and reimburses up to 100% of prepaid trip costs if your trip gets canceled. Generally, you can qualify for reimbursement if your trip is canceled due to the following reasons:

• Hospitalization or illness
• Death of the family member
• Dangerous weather conditions preventing departure
• International or domestic terrorism
• Legal obligations, like jury duty or military service

You can opt for CFAR coverage if you prefer more flexibility with trip cancellations.

The cost of travel insurance for Chile varies depending on the provider and policy you choose. Some cheap travel insurance plans may have certain exclusions, so it is best to consider what coverages you need for your trip. For example, you may prefer a plan with higher medical coverage if you plan an active itinerary or to participate in sporting events.

We requested quotes from ten travel insurance companies for their most affordable plan for a trip to Chile. The below quotes are for a 30-year-old traveler from Florida, traveling to Chile for ten days in September 2024, with a total trip cost of $4,000. Policies include coverage for cancellations, interruptions, delays, medical care and evacuation.

These quotes were collected in April 2024 for a trip in September 2024.

You can use our travel insurance cost guide to learn more about how much to expect to pay for trip coverage.

Before buying travel insurance, start by checking what coverage you already have. Your bank or credit card may offer some travel coverage or discounts, and your health coverage may extend abroad if you have private insurance. Many airlines and hotels also offer insurance you can purchase when booking flights and lodging.

If you decide to purchase travel insurance for your trip to Chile, we recommend requesting quotes from at least three providers. Once you find a policy, it is worth looking into available add-ons, as you may find that basic plans don’t provide all the coverage you need. Review policy documentation for exclusions and limitations so you can feel confident your travel insurance plan provides the coverage you need.

Chile is generally a safe country — the State Department classifies the country as a Level 2 risk, meaning you should exercise increased caution. There are rising civil unrest rates and risk factors associated with natural disasters that could affect your travel or cause an interruption.

It may also be useful to learn basic phrases in Spanish to help you communicate in the event of an emergency.

Below you will find some helpful tips to stay safe on your trip to Chile.

Crime and Safety

Travelers should be aware of petty crimes like theft and pickpockets, particularly in urban centers like Santiago and Valparaíso. Keeping valuables hidden or securely attached to your person can help you avoid being targeted.

Most areas in Chile are safe for tourists, but exercising caution is recommended, especially if out at night. You can utilize public transportation and taxi services if you find yourself out late.

Chile has seen higher instances of civil unrest in recent years, and protests and demonstrations can occur with little to no warning. It is recommended that tourists stay away from such events to avoid injury or legal offenses. If you do find yourself in trouble, be sure to have important documents like your passport on hand and identify the address of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Chile is also vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes, mudflows and volcanic eruptions. These events can be unpredictable and are hard to anticipate, so having health insurance and trip cancellation coverage could be invaluable.

Day Trips, Tours and Excursions

Chile provides travelers with many opportunities for day trips and excursions, be it a flight to Rapa Nui (Easter Island), a safari in Patagonia National Park, or a trek on the Andes. If you are planning to book excursions, be sure any guides or companies you use are credible and trustworthy.

When visiting Rapa Nui, it is important not to touch the marine wildlife and to only enter the national park with an experienced guide, which is a legal requirement. It is also worth checking if your vaccinations are up-to-date if you plan to backpack or hike in Chile in case of exposure to diseases like typhoid and tetanus.

COVID-19

Chile’s health ministry ended the country’s protected borders plan as of May 10, 2023, therefore travelers no longer need a PCR test or vaccination certificate upon arrival. However, you can opt for a travel insurance policy with COVID-19 coverage if you are worried about the virus.

Be sure to check travel advisories on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website before you leave for updated travel health requirements.

Chile provides an ideal setting for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, but it’s not without risks. Travelers could experience flight cancellations due to extreme weather events, baggage loss or belongings theft, and medical emergencies while abroad.

Even though travel insurance is not required to visit Chile, trip protection can be worth purchasing. Having insurance coverage can offer peace of mind that you have financial protection should an emergency occur. You can also cover rental cars, high-valuable items like a camera and even sporting equipment in some cases.