South America Travel Insurance

Planning a trip to South America makes for a great cultural experience, given the region's eclectic mix of urban and ancient civilizations. From hiking in the Andes to exploring a quiet, native village, every corner of South America is mesmerizing.

However, you do have to keep your safety in mind when planning a trip to South America. While much of the continent is quite safe, there are also many remote and dangerous areas. If you get sick or hurt while traveling abroad, you’ll need the protection South America travel insurance can offer.

Learn about what the best travel insurance for South America can do for you and choose your next South American destination below to get started.

What Insurance Do I Need for South America?

There are two primary forms of travel insurance to South America available: Travel insurance and travel medical insurance.

Travel insurance to South America can only be purchased by American residents and includes trip cancellation coverage along with emergency medical coverage and other benefits.

Travel medical insurance is available to all travelers going abroad. It primarily focuses on covering unexpected medical expenses, but certain plans can provide an array of other health and travel benefits.

What is Not Covered by Travel Insurance?

It’s important to remember that every travel insurance plan for South America can be different. What is covered by one plan may not necessarily be covered by another. Be sure to read the policy documents of the plan carefully prior to purchase and contact us if you have any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions About South America travel Insurance

Do you need travel insurance for South America?

Whether or not you need South America travel insurance from a legal perspective depends on the country you’re visiting. See the country pages below for specific information, and always check with the country’s embassy prior to purchase. Even if you aren’t required to buy travel insurance to South America, we highly recommend doing so to protect yourself financially.

Does Argentina still require travel insurance?

Argentina ended its mandatory travel insurance requirement in September 2022. Though travel insurance is highly recommended by the Argentinian government, it is no longer mandatory.