- Travel insurance is not a requirement for Guatemala, though it is highly recommended, as foreign domestic health insurance will not be accepted.
- Travel medical insurance is recommended for travelers outside of the US, and can offer protection if you run into any unexpected medical emergencies.
- Visas are not mandatory for U.S. travelers, but a passport and proof of onward travel is required.
- Travel insurance can cover trip-related situations or medical emergencies during your time in Guatemala.
Is Travel Insurance Required for Guatemala?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for Guatemala, but it is highly recommended. Medical emergencies can happen while you’re abroad, and domestic health insurance is generally not accepted in Guatemala, so having a policy with strong medical coverage is very important.
What Can Travel Insurance Cover for Guatemala?
Whether you are exploring Antigua Guatemala, trekking up the dormant Acatenango Volcano, or visiting Tikal National Park, travel insurance can offer crucial protection for your journey to Guatemala.
There are two types of travel insurance: travel insurance and travel medical insurance.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance for Guatemala can offer coverage for your trip expenses, like flights or hotels, while also covering medical expenses. For U.S. citizens taking a trip to Guatemala, travel insurance is recommended. Travel insurance can cover:
Trip Delay: If your flight to Guatemala is delayed, travel insurance can offer reimbursement for any meals or accommodations you need as you wait.
Trip Interruption: If you need to end your trip early due to an emergency, trip interruption can provide coverage for expenses that you did not use from your trip, as well as your flight back home.
Trip Cancellation: Travel insurance offers a trip cancellation benefit, which can provide reimbursement for prepaid, non-refundable costs from your trip if you need to cancel your trip to Guatemala for a covered reason.
Lost Baggage: Guatemala is generally safe for travelers, but this can depend on where you go within the country. Popular tourist areas like Antigua, Flores/Tikal, and parts of Lake Atitlán are generally safer, though pickpocketing may still occur. If your items are lost or stolen, travel insurance can reimburse the cost of your items.
Emergency Medical Evacuation: If you become extremely injured or ill and require evacuation in Guatemala, travel insurance can cover the costs of transportation to the closest medical facility, or back home if medically necessary.
Accident and Sickness: The accident and sickness benefit of travel insurance can cover you for any medical expenses you may need due to injury or illness in Guatemala (ambulances, ER visits).
Adventure Sports Coverage: Whether you are surfing, white-water rafting, or participating in other outdoor activities in Guatemala, consider a travel insurance plan with an adventure sports coverage add-on. While most travel insurance plans will exclude adventure activities, this benefit can cover activity-related accidents that may occur during your trip.
Best Travel Insurance for U.S. Travelers to Guatemala
Best Travel Insurance with Premium Medical Coverage: iTravelInsured Travel LX
Best Travel Insurance with Pre-Existing Condition Waiver: Pathway Premium
Best Affordable Travel Insurance with CFAR and IFAR Add-Ons: Trip Protection Basic
Travel Medical Insurance
Travel medical insurance’s main purpose is to offer protection for any medical situations or emergencies that may occur while you are in Guatemala. For non-US residents, travel medical insurance plans are recommended, and should provide a minimum of $100,000 in coverage for medical expenses and at least $250,000 for medical evacuation. Travel medical insurance for Guatemala may cover the following:
Emergency Medical Evacuation/Repatriation: If you become severely injured or ill while in Guatemala, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation can cover the cost of transportation to the closest adequate medical facility (whether it be an ambulance, helicopter or flight), or back home if needed.
Repatriation of Remains: In the most serious case, travel medical insurance can cover the cost of repatriation of remains in the event of death during your time in Guatemala.
Hospitalization: If you are injured or ill and require hospitalization during your trip to Guatemala, travel medical insurance can cover the cost of treatments, emergency room stays, surgeries, consultations, etc.
Required Medication: If you are prescribed medication during your stay in Guatemala, travel medical insurance can provide reimbursement for these expenses.
How Much Does Travel Insurance for Guatemala Cost?
Travel Insurance
The quotes below show averages for a 14-day trip, with $3,000 in trip costs insured per person. Averages calculated across 7 plans on VisitorsCoverage.
| Traveler Profile | Average Cost | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Solo traveler, 30s | ~$117 | $88-$196 |
| Solo traveler, 50s | ~$169 | $115-$271 |
| Senior solo (65+) | ~$366 | $227-$548 |
Travel Medical Insurance
Quoted for a 14-day trip, with a $250 deductible, with the minimum of $50,000 in coverage. Averages calculated across 6 plans on VisitorsCoverage.
| Traveler Profile | Average Cost | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Solo traveler, 30s | ~$15 | $10-$30 |
| Solo traveler, 50s | ~$39 | $23-$82 |
| Senior solo (65+) | ~$76 | $38-$195 |
While travel medical insurance costs less than travel insurance, travel medical insurance’s main purpose is to provide coverage for health related situations or emergencies, and will typically not provide coverage for trip-related issues like delays, cancellations, baggage loss, rental car damage, or adventure sports.
While most travelers select the standard option of $50,000 for medical coverage, it is recommended to purchase a plan that offers at least $100,000 in coverage.
Why Should Travelers Buy Travel Insurance for Guatemala?
Here are a few scenarios to keep in mind when it comes to purchasing travel insurance for a trip to Guatemala:
High Emergency Evacuation Costs
Most of Guatemala’s hotspots are in isolated areas, with Tikal being within the northern jungle, Semuc Champey in a remote mountain valley, and Lake Atitlán hours away from proper medical centers. If you do require medical evacuation during your time in Guatemala, you may require a helicopter or flight back home, which can cost thousands of dollars out of pocket. With travel insurance, such transportation and medical costs can be covered, giving you a peace of mind abroad.
Adventure Sports Coverage
With Guatemala offering a collection of outdoor sports from surfing and kayaking to ziplining and rock climbing, coverage for injuries is extremely important. Though most travel insurance plans do not cover high-risk activities, policies with an Adventure Sports add-on can offer coverage for activity-related injuries.
Natural Disasters
Guatemala’s wet season, which runs from the months of May to November, can bring heavy rains and storms, while volcanic ash from Volcán de Fuego or Pacaya can delay flights. If your flight is affected by a natural disaster, travel insurance can reimburse your non-refundable costs (hotels, activities). Keep in mind that travel insurance must be purchased prior to any natural disaster occurring to provide coverage. Once a storm or natural disaster has been announced, it becomes foreseen, and will be excluded from travel insurance protection.
