Travel insurance is not a requirement for visiting Aruba, but the government strongly recommends it for all travelers. While the mandatory Aruba Visitors Insurance for COVID-19 coverage has been lifted as of July 2022, purchasing travel insurance can still provide peace of mind and protection for your trip. Whether you opt for the Aruba Visitors Insurance or a third-party travel insurance policy, there are several key coverages to consider when selecting a plan.
One important coverage to consider is Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage. This type of coverage allows you to cancel or delay your trip for any reason without worrying about losing your deposits or payments. CFAR can be added to most travel insurance policies within a certain timeframe after making your initial trip deposit. Keep in mind that CFAR may only reimburse a percentage of your nonrefundable prepaid deposits and may have specific requirements for cancellation.
Another essential coverage to consider is gear theft protection. This coverage will reimburse you for the cost of repairing or replacing your belongings if they are stolen, lost, or damaged during your trip. Whether you plan to bring expensive electronics or equipment with you to Aruba, having gear theft protection can provide financial protection in case of theft or loss.
Medical emergency insurance and emergency medical evacuation coverage are also crucial components of any travel insurance plan. These coverages help cover medical expenses if you become ill or injured during your trip and can arrange transportation to the nearest hospital in case of a medical emergency. It’s important to consider the coverage limits and exclusions of these policies based on your planned activities in Aruba.
Rental car protection is another consideration when purchasing travel insurance for your trip to Aruba. Liability insurance and collision damage waivers can be included in rental car prices, but you may also opt to add rental car protection to your travel insurance policy for additional coverage. Keep in mind that most U.S. car insurance policies do not cover rental cars in Aruba, so it’s essential to have the appropriate coverage in place.
Lastly, trip cancellation insurance is a valuable coverage to have in case you need to cancel your trip to Aruba due to unforeseen events. This coverage can reimburse your nonrefundable travel expenses if you need to cancel for covered reasons such as natural disasters, illness, or other unexpected events. With the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, many travel insurance policies now include coverage for COVID-related cancellations.
In conclusion, while travel insurance is not mandatory for visiting Aruba, it is strongly recommended by the government to ensure you have adequate protection for your trip. Whether you opt for the Aruba Visitors Insurance or a third-party travel insurance policy, be sure to consider key coverages such as CFAR, gear theft protection, medical emergency insurance, rental car protection, and trip cancellation insurance to safeguard your trip to this beautiful island destination.