Belize Bound? Travel Insurance Is Mandatory For Entry

As of February 15, 2022, Belize has made it mandatory for all visitors to the country to purchase travel insurance. The insurance, which costs $18, covers medical emergencies up to $50,000 and lodging expenses of up to $2,000 in the event of a mandatory quarantine. The policy lasts for 21 days and can be purchased online, at the airport, or at land border crossings. While it is no longer mandatory as of 2024, the Belize Tourist Board still recommends that visitors to the country purchase travel insurance.

The cost of Belize travel insurance

Travel insurance is no longer mandatory for visitors to Belize, but it is still recommended by the Tourist Board. When it was mandatory, both tourists and hotels found it beneficial as it covered things other than medical care for COVID-19.

The Belize Travel Health Insurance policy costs US$18 and provides coverage for up to US$50,000 in medical expenses related to the treatment of COVID-19 for a period of 21 days. This insurance plan is governed by the country's public health regulations and provides cover of up to US$2,000 for lodging expenses due to quarantine. It also covers emergency assistance services such as air evacuation and emergency expenses related to pre-existing conditions. Additionally, it covers trip cancellations and expenses incurred by COVID-19 positive travellers for extended stays.

The Belize Travel Health Insurance can be purchased online at https://belizetravelinsurance.com. It is also possible to buy travel insurance from your own country or another provider of your choice.

It is important to review the details of your travel insurance policy to understand what is covered and what constitutes acceptable reasons for cancellation. For example, trip cancellation insurance typically covers unforeseen events such as the death of a travel companion or a close family member, a serious family emergency, severe weather, or other problems specified in the policy.

Who is exempt from buying it

As of July 12, 2022, foreign tourists to Belize are no longer required to purchase travel insurance or travel health insurance. However, the Belize Tourism Board still highly recommends purchasing travel insurance.

Previously, Belize required all foreign tourists to purchase Belize travel insurance — offered through a partnership between the Belize Tourism Board, the Belize government, and the Insurance Corporation of Belize — or personal travel insurance.

What it covers

Travel insurance is no longer mandatory for visitors to Belize, but it is still highly recommended by the Tourist Board. The Belize Travel Health Insurance plan is available for US$18 and provides coverage for 21 days. Here's what it covers:

Medical Emergencies

The insurance provides coverage for medical treatment, including emergency evacuation and emergency expenses related to pre-existing conditions. This includes medical expenses related to the treatment of COVID-19, with coverage of up to US$50,000.

Trip Cancellations and Delays

The insurance covers trip cancellations for reasons such as the death of a travel companion or a close family member, a serious family emergency, severe weather, or other unforeseen problems as specified by the policy. It also covers expenses incurred by COVID-19 positive travellers during extended stays. Additionally, it can help offset the costs associated with trip delays, such as hotel stays, meals, and personal expenses, if your flight is cancelled due to storms or mechanical issues.

Lodging Expenses

In the event of a positive COVID-19 test, the insurance provides coverage for lodging expenses of up to US$2,000 due to quarantine requirements.

Baggage Loss and Delay

Belize Travel Insurance covers reimbursement for missing, damaged, or stolen items during travel. This includes baggage loss and baggage delay coverage, compensating travellers for the actual cash value of their lost items and expenses incurred due to baggage delays.

Adventure Activities

For those planning adventure activities like scuba diving, parasailing, or bungee jumping, it is important to note that these activities may be excluded from medical coverage under many travel insurance plans. Ensure that you review the specific activities covered by your policy and consider upgrading to an adventure travel plan if necessary.

Where to buy it

While travel insurance is no longer mandatory for visitors to Belize, it is still strongly recommended by the Tourist Board. This is especially true if you are planning on participating in adventurous activities such as scuba diving, parasailing or bungee jumping, as these are commonly excluded from medical coverage under many travel insurance plans.

Belize Travel Insurance is available for purchase online at https://www.belizetravelinsurance.com. This insurance plan is available for US$18 and provides coverage for up to US$50,000 in medical expenses related to COVID-19 treatment for a period of 21 days. It also covers lodging expenses due to quarantine up to US$2,000 (max US$300 per day), as well as emergency assistance services such as air evacuation and emergency expenses related to pre-existing conditions. Additionally, it covers trip cancellations and expenses incurred by COVID-19-positive travellers for extended stays.

You can also purchase travel insurance from your own country or elsewhere. For example, Insubuy offers travel medical insurance and trip cancellation insurance for Belize.

When to buy it

While travel insurance is no longer mandatory for visitors to Belize, it is still highly recommended. The best time to buy travel insurance is as soon as possible after you've booked your trip. This is so you don't forget, and to ensure you have the biggest coverage window.

It's important to note that you should buy travel insurance after you've booked your flight, so you know your ticket price and can make sure your insurance covers the full cost of the ticket. The same goes for any other trip expenses—once you know your total pre-paid trip costs, you'll know how much insurance coverage you need.

If you're travelling outside of your home country, it's always a good idea to have emergency medical and evacuation coverage. This is because your health insurance may not cover you abroad.

If you're taking a last-minute or cheap domestic trip, and you're covered for emergency medical situations, you might decide that travel insurance isn't worth it. However, if you're going on a big trip, it's a good idea to get insurance to cover any potential trip cancellations, interruptions, or lost bags.

If you're going to be taking part in any adventurous activities, such as scuba diving or bungee jumping, check that your insurance covers these.

You can buy travel insurance any time before the date of your trip, but the sooner you buy it, the sooner you'll be protected.

Frequently asked questions