Why do I need travel insurance for South America?

 

South America offers limitless adventures, from marveling at Machu Picchu in Peru and wandering through Colombia’s colorful towns to dancing in Brazil’s vibrant festivals and exploring the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador. But even the most well-prepared explorers can face unexpected hurdles, and that’s where travel insurance for South America steps in.

Imagine your flight to Bogotá gets delayed, your backpack ends up in Rio when you’re in São Paulo, or you need emergency medical attention while hiking Patagonia. With our South America travel insurance, you're equipped to handle the unexpected — so you can keep soaking in the sights without missing a beat.

Still on the fence about getting travel insurance for your South America trip? Stick with us to learn how this coverage can help protect your travel dreams every step of the way.

  • Top benefits of having our travel insurance in South America

  • Whether you're trekking through the Amazon rainforest or strolling through Quito’s cobblestone streets, here are some key benefits our policies can offer for trips to South America.
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Emergency medical
and dental expenses

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Trip
cancellation

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Trip
interruption

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Lost, stolen,

delayed, and damaged

baggage

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Travel
delay

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Primary
coverage

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How to choose travel insurance for your South America trip

South America’s diverse landscapes and attractions are well worth the visit, but the region’s challenges — such as unpredictable weather or flight schedules — can catch even seasoned travelers off guard. Our customizable travel insurance can help you prepare for the unexpected, so you’ll be ready whether you’re scaling the Andes or doing the tango through the streets of Buenos Aires.

Ultimate

From Peru's Sacred Valley to Brazil's samba beats, our Ultimate plan offers our highest benefit limits and access to all nine optional upgrades. Elevate your travel protection with this plan and make the most of your South American getaway. View more >

Advantage

Want coverage that pairs affordability with inclusive benefits in South America? Our Advantage plan offers up to six optional upgrades, delivering well-rounded protection from Colombia’s coffee region to Ecuador's iconic volcanoes.View more >

Essential

Looking to spend less without giving up reliable coverage? Our Essential plan offers the basics, 24/7 travel assistance, and up to six optional upgrades — so you can explore Chile’s diverse landscapes without overextending your travel budget.View more >

Reasons to pack our travel insurance for South America

 

Whether you're exploring Brazil’s rainforests, sipping coffee in Medellín, or cruising through Chile’s fjords, our team has the resources to help if your travel plans go sideways.

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24/7 assistance

Need help finding an English-speaking doctor or dealing with a missed connection? Our assistance provider is only a call away to guide you through bumps in the road.
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Expertise on the go

Our Travel On app delivers notifications on safety alerts and offers useful updates tied to your South American itinerary — all accessible from your smartphone.
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Customizable

Whether you want travel insurance for Brazil to bungee jump or a rental car to explore Colombia, our upgrades can offer the protection you’re looking for in South America.

 

FAQs about finding travel insurance for your South America vacation

How can I get travel alerts while I’m in South America?

South America is rich in culture and natural wonders to explore, but staying informed on the go is essential. Our Travel On app — included with our plans — sends real-time safety alerts about nearby risks or disruptions while you travel. Plus, you can check your South American country’s travel advisories posted by the U.S. government and consider registering with STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), so you receive region-specific updates about your destinations.

Can I have coverage in all South American countries?

Yes, unless you plan to visit an OFAC-sanctioned country or one of our blocked destinations like Venezuela.

 

Want to visit multiple countries within South America on one vacation? We can offer you coverage throughout your trip — but not in Venezuela or any other blocked destination.

Do I need travel insurance for South America if I’m traveling with an organized tour?

Yes, even if you’re with a tour group, having travel insurance in Brazil, Peru, and other South American countries brings valuable protection. Some tour companies may even require it — but it’s much more than part of a checklist.

 

Whether you sprain your ankle trekking the Andes or face a delayed flight impacting your connections, our South America travel insurance helps lessen the pressure of those unexpected financial risks. And if your nonrefundable, prepaid, and insured tour gets canceled due to weather disruptions or another eligible reason, our coverage can help you safeguard your investment.

Can I get coverage for driving a rental car in South America?

If you’re planning to rent a car to explore Chile’s desert roads or Brazil’s winding coastal highways, our rental car damage upgrade can have your back with financial protection for eligible incidents such as collisions, fire, or floods.

 

Keep in mind: This upgrade is limited to standard vehicles and excludes mopeds, motorcycles, or exotic vehicle rentals.

 

Can I get travel insurance for backpacking in South America?

Yes! Our coverage is designed for various types of travel, whether you’re backpacking through the Bolivian Salt Flats, El Chaltén in Argentina, or Cotopaxi National Park in Ecuador.

 

Backpacking trips may sometimes include multiple countries. For example, you may need travel insurance in Argentina, Colombia, and Chile. When you get a quote for backpacker travel insurance, it’s simple to choose “South America” as your destination. Your coverage will apply to your entire backpacking route, provided none of the locations you visit are OFAC-sanctioned or one of our blocked destinations.

Can I get coverage if I think I may have to cancel my South America trip?

Trip cancellations can happen, and sometimes even the most well-planned adventures face unexpected roadblocks. If something does keep you from going on your vacation, our Ultimate, Advantage, and Essential plans offer coverage for canceling your trip due to specific eligible reasons, such as sudden illnesses or unforeseen natural disasters.

 

Looking for even more flexibility? Pair our cancel for any reason* upgrade with our Ultimate plan, and you can cancel your trip for any reason up to two days prior to departure, receiving reimbursement of up to 75% of your insured trip costs.

 

Important: To qualify for our cancel for any reason coverage, you must purchase this upgrade within 21 days of your initial trip payment and at least 31 days prior to your departure date. Additionally, you’re required to insure the total cost of your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses up to a maximum of $10,000.

 

*Cancel for any fortuitous reason in NY.

Ready to buy travel insurance for your South America trip?

Wherever your South American adventure takes you, our coverage can be by your side.

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