- The best travel insurance for Antarctica
- Is it currently safe to travel to Antarctica?
- Is travel insurance required for Antarctica?
- Why take out travel insurance for Antarctica?
- What Does Travel Insurance for Antarctica Cover?
- The cost of travel insurance for Antarctica
- How can you pay less for your travel insurance to Antarctica?
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Antarctica?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Antarctica: key takeaways
1. Definition: Antarctica travel insurance covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellation in this remote, extreme environment.
2. Key protection: Travel insurance is mandatory, required by all tour operators for trips to the Antarctic continent.
3. Minimum coverage: Most tour operators require a minimum of $150,000 for emergency medical evacuation coverage.
4. Healthcare cost: Medical facilities are minimal; an emergency evacuation can easily exceed $100,000.
5. Price: Expect to pay between $250 and $500 for a comprehensive one-week policy.
6. Good to know: Confirm your policy specifically covers Antarctica, as many standard plans exclude polar regions.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 42 travel insurance policies available in the US, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Antarctica.
The best travel insurance for Antarctica
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.1M | Our recommendation for remote destinations like Antarctica. - high medical cover - emergency evacuation included - clear exclusions |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.1M | Suitable for demanding trips needing strong support. - 24/7 medical line - medical evacuation - immediate assistance |
| Tourist Card | $550k | Good for most leisure travelers. - robust emergency cover - solid hospital limits - competitive price |
| Travel Pass Monde | $770k | Balanced contract for extended stays. - repatriation support - hospital costs covered - wide global acceptance |
| Globe Partner | $330k | Reliable for essential needs abroad. - medical costs abroad - civil liability cover - fast claims |
| Globe Traveller | $550k | Practical for short and low-risk Antarctic trips. - timely reimbursement - core medical guarantees - capped ceilings |
- high medical cover
- emergency evacuation included
- clear exclusions
- 24/7 medical line
- medical evacuation
- immediate assistance
- robust emergency cover
- solid hospital limits
- competitive price
- repatriation support
- hospital costs covered
- wide global acceptance
- medical costs abroad
- civil liability cover
- fast claims
- timely reimbursement
- core medical guarantees
- capped ceilings
Is it currently safe to travel to Antarctica?
As of June 2025, the US Department of State advises travelers to exercise increased caution when visiting Antarctica, primarily due to environmental hazards and extremely limited emergency services. Travel is not officially discouraged, but all visitors should be aware of significant risks linked to remoteness and harsh climate conditions.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: there are no traditional crime or political threats, but search and rescue capacity is extremely limited across the continent. For example, emergency response may be delayed by days due to weather or distance, especially on isolated expeditions.
- Health risks: there are no hospitals or pharmacies anywhere in Antarctica and all serious medical cases must be evacuated to distant countries such as Chile or New Zealand. A fall, illness, or accident can require complex emergency transport under severe weather conditions.
- Legal constraints: private travelers must notify the US Department of State three months before departure and comply with the Protocol on Environmental Protection. Failing to do so can restrict access to research stations and support.
- Environmental conditions: the continent faces extreme and unpredictable weather, including severe storms and subzero temperatures. Poor visibility and sudden cold snaps can interrupt planned activities without warning.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the US Department of State, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Antarctica.
Is travel insurance required for Antarctica?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for US citizens to go to Antarctica.
It is required due to the absence of hospitals and emergency services in Antarctica. Medical evacuations and search and rescue operations are costly and all expenses are the sole responsibility of the traveler.
Travel insurance for Antarctica must include emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, often by air or sea, due to the region’s extreme remoteness. Most tour operators require proof of insurance covering at least $100,000 USD for evacuation and trip cancellation. Standard policies rarely suffice, so specialized polar coverage is strongly recommended.
Why take out travel insurance for Antarctica?
It is a legal requirement and an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Antarctica.
There are no hospitals, pharmacies, or permanent healthcare facilities anywhere in Antarctica. In case of a medical emergency, travelers must be evacuated by air to hospitals in Punta Arenas (Chile) or Christchurch (New Zealand), such as Clinica Magallanes or Christchurch Hospital, where costs are extremely high due to remoteness, weather delays, and complex logistics.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalization, medications, ambulance transportation, and repatriation to the US in the event of a serious problem.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Antarctica.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Clinica Magallanes | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | $7,000 (approx. $7,000 USD) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | $4,800 (approx. $4,800 USD) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | $180,000 (approx. $180,000 USD) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | $22,000 (approx. $22,000 USD) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What Does Travel Insurance for Antarctica Cover?
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Antarctica.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations | Mandatory ? |
|---|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers emergency medical care, hospitalization and surgery, including evacuation to Chile or New Zealand if needed. We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of $500,000 due to high medical evacuation costs. | |
| ✈️ Medical evacuation | Pays for air evacuation from Antarctica to the nearest equipped hospital, including specialized aircraft or helicopter. Set your limit at $300,000 or more for this coverage. | |
| 🚑 Repatriation | Covers transport back to the US in the event of a serious incident or death. We recommend a reimbursement limit of $200,000. | |
| 👨⚕️ Search and rescue | Pays for search and rescue operations, which are extremely costly in Antarctica. We recommend a minimum of $100,000. | |
| 💊 Emergency medication | Includes prescribed emergency medication, even if you cannot access local pharmacies. Set a minimum reimbursement of $5,000. | |
| 🧳 Luggage and personal effects | Covers lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and essential gear. A minimum limit of $2,500 is advised due to the value of cold-weather equipment. | |
| ⛔ Trip interruption/cancellation | Protects prepaid travel costs if your expedition is cancelled or interrupted due to weather, illness, or force majeure. We suggest a reimbursement limit of at least $10,000. | |
| 🙋♂️ Personal liability | Provides coverage for accidental damage or injury to others. A standard limit is $100,000. |
We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of $500,000 due to high medical evacuation costs.
Set your limit at $300,000 or more for this coverage.
We recommend a reimbursement limit of $200,000.
We recommend a minimum of $100,000.
Set a minimum reimbursement of $5,000.
A minimum limit of $2,500 is advised due to the value of cold-weather equipment.
We suggest a reimbursement limit of at least $10,000.
A standard limit is $100,000.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often comes with limited coverage, low caps, and numerous exclusions. For safer travel, choose a respected insurer offering comprehensive protection. Compare leading options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for immediate policy confirmation.
The cost of travel insurance for Antarctica
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $390 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $520 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $780 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $1,420 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of travel insurance depends on several key elements: the traveler’s age, trip duration, destination, coverage limits, and any add-ons like a cancellation option. Riskier destinations or longer stays will generally cost more. It's important to keep these factors in mind to select the right policy for your trip and budget.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow can you pay less for your travel insurance to Antarctica?
Even though it's a costly destination, here are some suggestions to optimize the price of your travel insurance to Antarctica while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🗺️ Policy scope | Antarctica presents unique risks, so you want coverage adapted to remote regions and polar hazards. | Always compare Arctic/Antarctic-specific plans as prices can vary for similar protections. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Number of travelers | Group policies may be more affordable if you travel with others, helping share guaranteed emergency costs. | Select group plans for two or more. Rates can be discounted for families or friends booking together. |
| ⏳ Trip duration | Premiums rise with each extra day, especially for long expeditions. Boosts cost mainly for evacuation risks. | Insure only the actual days abroad. Avoid rounding up. Choose exact coverage dates for better savings. |
| 💡 Level of coverage | The medical evacuation and rescue costs in Antarctica can be extremely high; adequate ceilings are essential. | Avoid excessive extras. Choose sufficient medical/evacuation limits for polar trips, but skip optional add-ons you don't need. |
| 👵 Traveller's age | Insurers often increase prices for travelers over 60. Age is a key premium driver in extreme destinations. | Compare age brackets. Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| ✈️ Activities covered | Citizen scientists or adventure travellers need extra activity cover, which can increase the base price. | Limit coverage to the activities you actually plan to do to pay less for adventure policies. |
| 🏥 Deductible amount | A higher deductible lowers the premium, but you’ll pay more in case of a claim. | Increase your deductible for non-critical services to reduce your upfront premium, but not for evacuation. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Antarctica?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current coverage, like credit card insurance or private or public health plans, can protect you in Antarctica. Unfortunately, these are usually insufficient for the specific risks involved.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Antarctica? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | No, never | No coverage abroad, no evacuation or emergency costs included | Travel insurance covers up to $500,000+ for medical care and evacuation |
| Private health insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare) | Yes, partly | Possible reimbursement up to $50,000 for emergencies, no evacuation | Travel insurance offers $500,000+ and 24/7 support, including evacuation |
| Classic credit card (Chase Freedom, Citi Double Cash, Capital One Platinum) | Yes, partly | Medical expenses under $2,500, no search and rescue or evacuation | Travel insurance covers up to $500,000+ and includes rescue and evacuation |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Citi Prestige) | Yes, partly | Medical fees below $25,000, limited travel delay or baggage loss cover | Travel insurance includes higher limits, full repatriation, and actual loss cover |
Example
During a trip to Antarctica, Mark developed acute appendicitis. The required medical evacuation to Chile cost $150,000. His Chase Sapphire Reserve card's insurance had a $20,000 limit, and his US health plan excluded remote evacuations. Mark was personally liable for the remaining $130,000, a financially devastating end to his dream trip.
Expert advice
Always check the terms, exclusions, and limits of your existing insurance. Critical situations, like trip interruption for a relative’s illness, are often excluded. Read your policy carefully to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to buy dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Antarctica?
There is no visa required to visit Antarctica itself. However, you will need to check and possibly obtain visas for any countries you transit on your way, such as Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia, or South Africa. Requirements may vary depending on your nationality and travel route.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Antarctica?
1/ Compare: Start by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to review available options for Antarctica. 2/ Check cover and exclusions: Make sure your policy includes search and rescue, medical evacuation, and coverage for harsh environmental risks unique to Antarctica. 3/ Buy online: Once you have chosen a policy that fits your needs, you can complete your purchase online. 4/ Receive your certificate for your records and for presentation to your tour provider.
What are the main risks in Antarctica that make travel insurance necessary?
Antarctica presents unique risks including extreme cold, unpredictable weather, ice hazards, and the total lack of hospitals or medical facilities. If you fall ill or are injured, evacuation to a hospital in a nearby country is the only option, and this can be extremely expensive.
Is medical evacuation covered by standard travel insurance to Antarctica?
Most standard policies exclude polar regions, so you need to ensure your policy specifically covers medical evacuation from Antarctica. The costs can exceed $100,000, as evacuations require specialized aircraft and coordination through international channels.
What should I do if I plan a private expedition to Antarctica?
If traveling independently, you are responsible for all emergency planning and resources. You must notify the U.S. State Department three months ahead of your trip, arrange comprehensive travel and evacuation insurance, and have confirmed support for communication, rescue, and medical emergencies.
Are there any provider requirements when booking insurance for Antarctica?
Yes, many tour operators and expedition organizers require proof of insurance that explicitly covers activities in Antarctica, including search and rescue and emergency evacuation. Always double-check with your travel provider to ensure your insurance meets all their criteria before departure.
Do I need a visa to travel to Antarctica?
There is no visa required to visit Antarctica itself. However, you will need to check and possibly obtain visas for any countries you transit on your way, such as Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia, or South Africa. Requirements may vary depending on your nationality and travel route.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Antarctica?
1/ Compare: Start by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to review available options for Antarctica. 2/ Check cover and exclusions: Make sure your policy includes search and rescue, medical evacuation, and coverage for harsh environmental risks unique to Antarctica. 3/ Buy online: Once you have chosen a policy that fits your needs, you can complete your purchase online. 4/ Receive your certificate for your records and for presentation to your tour provider.
What are the main risks in Antarctica that make travel insurance necessary?
Antarctica presents unique risks including extreme cold, unpredictable weather, ice hazards, and the total lack of hospitals or medical facilities. If you fall ill or are injured, evacuation to a hospital in a nearby country is the only option, and this can be extremely expensive.
Is medical evacuation covered by standard travel insurance to Antarctica?
Most standard policies exclude polar regions, so you need to ensure your policy specifically covers medical evacuation from Antarctica. The costs can exceed $100,000, as evacuations require specialized aircraft and coordination through international channels.
What should I do if I plan a private expedition to Antarctica?
If traveling independently, you are responsible for all emergency planning and resources. You must notify the U.S. State Department three months ahead of your trip, arrange comprehensive travel and evacuation insurance, and have confirmed support for communication, rescue, and medical emergencies.
Are there any provider requirements when booking insurance for Antarctica?
Yes, many tour operators and expedition organizers require proof of insurance that explicitly covers activities in Antarctica, including search and rescue and emergency evacuation. Always double-check with your travel provider to ensure your insurance meets all their criteria before departure.
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