Do You Need Travel Insurance for Antarctica?

Yes. Currently, travel medical coverage is required for all visitors to Antarctica. The amount of coverage depends on your itinerary. Make sure you have the necessary coverage for Antarctica before you leave your home country.

When you look for a travel insurance plan for Antarctica, you should ensure it covers the following: 

• Medical evacuation
• Out-of-country medical care
• Trip interruption 
• Baggage loss, theft, or damage 
• Additional activities

If you have to travel, here are some Covid safety precautions to take. For the most up-to-date information on Covid restrictions for traveling, please follow CDC guidelines.

Do you know the Covid situation for your destination? Keep up with country-specific advisories and notifications.

With such a low human population year-round, crime is quite rare. The major safety threat comes from the severely low temperatures and harsh winds. Antarctica is the coldest, windiest place on the planet so you'll want to make sure you pack appropriately.

Due to the sun reflecting off the snow, the sunlight can cause injury to the eyes and skin. Make sure you take precautions.

Because the continent is so isolated, it may not have the resources needed should you suffer a medical event there. When you choose a healthcare plan, make sure it includes emergency medical evacuation coverage for Antarctica. In addition to Atlas International, Patriot International and Patriot Platinum International all offer some coverage for emergency medical evacuation under qualifying circumstances.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before your trip. Here are some common vaccination recommendations for Antarctica.

For the most up-to-date information on required vaccinations and other health requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.

A lot of visas require travel insurance. So, confirm your specific visa requirements prior to your departure. Antarctica has no permanent residents and the continent consists of research stations and field camps. Since no country owns Antarctica, no visa is required for entry. However, the Antarctic Treaty's Protocol on Environmental Protection requires that citizens from participating countries (this includes the U.S., Canada, the EU and Australia) get permission before departing for Antarctica.