- The best travel insurance plans for Antigua and Barbuda
- Is it currently safe to travel to Antigua and Barbuda?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Antigua and Barbuda?
- Why take out travel insurance for Antigua and Barbuda?
- What Your Travel Insurance for Antigua and Barbuda Should Cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Antigua and Barbuda
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Antigua and Barbuda
- Your Current Insurance Coverage in Antigua and Barbuda
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Antigua and Barbuda: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Antigua and Barbuda covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost baggage.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for U.S. citizens, but it is highly recommended for medical emergencies.
3. Healthcare cost: Local medical facilities are limited; medical evacuation to the U.S. can be extremely expensive.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance plan for Antigua and Barbuda typically costs between $30 and $60.
5. Good to know: Your U.S. passport must be valid for at least 180 days beyond your planned departure date.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in the US, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Antigua and Barbuda.
The best travel insurance plans for Antigua and Barbuda
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.1M | Strong medical coverage for Antigua and Barbuda. - high policy ceiling - includes evacuation - adapts to stay duration |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.1M | Suitable for emergencies and longer visits. - round-the-clock helpline - covers cancellations - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | $550k | Good for general tourism and families. - core medical coverage - includes emergency services - quick claim process |
| Travel Pass Monde | $770k | For well-balanced cover and flexibility. - covers hospital stays - repatriation included - easy-to-understand contract |
| Globe Partner | $330k | Meets essential needs at a fair price. - medical support abroad - civil liability included - simple claims |
| Globe Traveller | $550k | Appropriate for basic stays and shorter trips. - solid medical ceiling - fast reimbursement - limited policy cap |
- high policy ceiling
- includes evacuation
- adapts to stay duration
- round-the-clock helpline
- covers cancellations
- no deductible
- core medical coverage
- includes emergency services
- quick claim process
- covers hospital stays
- repatriation included
- easy-to-understand contract
- medical support abroad
- civil liability included
- simple claims
- solid medical ceiling
- fast reimbursement
- limited policy cap
Is it currently safe to travel to Antigua and Barbuda?
As of June 2025, the US Department of State rates Antigua and Barbuda at Level 1: exercise normal precautions. There are no current advisories against travel for US citizens.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: petty crime such as theft, particularly on beaches and in hotel rooms, does occur. Travelers should avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas such as Dickenson Bay.
- Health risks: mosquito-borne diseases like chikungunya, dengue, and Zika virus are present. Medical facilities do not meet US standards, and evacuation may be required for severe emergencies.
- Legal requirements: entry requires a valid passport for at least 180 days, onward or return ticket, and adequate funds. Travelers from countries with yellow fever risk must show vaccination documentation.
- Local practices: taxis used should be clearly marked, and rides with strangers should be avoided. Emergency consular services for US citizens are managed from Bridgetown, Barbados.
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 Antigua and Barbuda.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Antigua and Barbuda?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for US citizens to enter Antigua and Barbuda.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended because local medical facilities do not meet US standards and serious injuries may require costly emergency evacuation to another country. Having comprehensive coverage can protect travelers from unexpected expenses for both health and travel incidents.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Antigua and Barbuda. This high percentage is linked to the expensive overseas medical care and the lack of advanced local medical services.
Why take out travel insurance for Antigua and Barbuda?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Antigua and Barbuda.
Medical costs in Antigua and Barbuda can be high for US travelers, as most foreigners are directed to private clinics such as Adelin Medical Centre in St. John’s, where consultation, hospitalization, and complex care often must be paid in full before treatment. Public hospitals, like Mount St. John’s Medical Centre, have limited facilities and may not offer the level of care expected by Americans.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transport, and emergency repatriation to the US in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Antigua and Barbuda.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Adelin Medical Centre | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | XCD 7,100 (about $2,630) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | XCD 6,000 (about $2,220) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | XCD 56,000 (about $20,700) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | XCD 21,000 (about $7,760) | 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 Your Travel Insurance for Antigua and Barbuda Should Cover
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Antigua and Barbuda.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers the cost of consultations, hospitalization, surgery, and prescribed medicines in case of illness or accident. We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least $200,000. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Pays for emergency transportation to a better-equipped facility or repatriation to the US if needed. We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least $150,000. |
| 💊 Medications | Reimburses purchase of necessary medicines prescribed due to illness or accident during your stay. We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least $2,500. |
| 🛄 Baggage insurance | Provides compensation if your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip. Look for limits of at least $1,500 per insured person. |
| ❌ Trip cancellation | Refunds prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you are forced to cancel or interrupt your stay for covered reasons such as medical emergencies or family situations. Minimum recommended: $5,000. |
| 👨⚖️ Personal liability | Covers costs if you accidentally cause harm to someone or damage property. For Antigua and Barbuda, a minimum of $100,000 is advisable. |
| 📞 24/7 assistance | Ensures access to an assistance platform for emergencies and quick help worldwide. No fixed financial limit, but reliable service availability is essential. |
| 🧑⚕️ Accidental death and disability | Pays a lump sum to you or your family in case of accident resulting in death or permanent disability. Recommended benefit: at least $30,000. |
We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least $200,000.
We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least $150,000.
We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least $2,500.
Look for limits of at least $1,500 per insured person.
Minimum recommended: $5,000.
For Antigua and Barbuda, a minimum of $100,000 is advisable.
No fixed financial limit, but reliable service availability is essential.
Recommended benefit: at least $30,000.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards usually offers limited coverage, low limits, and many exclusions. For better protection, it is safer to select a trusted insurer offering full coverage. Compare top options with HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Antigua and Barbuda
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $28 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $42 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $65 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $125 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of travel insurance varies based on key factors: your age, the length of your trip, your destination, the amount of coverage you select, and any optional add-ons like trip cancellation. Considering these elements is crucial for finding a policy that fits your needs and budget, especially when medical evacuation might be necessary.
💡 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 to pay less for your travel insurance to Antigua and Barbuda
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Antigua and Barbuda while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🏥 Level of medical coverage | High medical costs or evacuation may arise, as local hospitals in St. John’s can be expensive. | Choose a reputable plan with at least $100,000 in medical coverage, but avoid unnecessary extras. |
| 🕐 Trip duration | The longer your stay, the higher your premium, especially for extended vacations. | Only insure the actual travel dates to Antigua and Barbuda, not extra days outside your stay. |
| 🎒 Activities coverage | Water sports and excursions are popular but can increase risk and price. | Select only the specific activities you plan to do, rather than a broad adventure sports package. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Family/group policies | Group rates may lower the average price per person, helping families or friends save money. | Look for family/group bundles which often offer discounts compared to single coverage for each person. |
| 🗺️ Geographic coverage | Worldwide coverage is more expensive and not necessary if only visiting Antigua and Barbuda. | Choose a plan limited to the Caribbean to avoid paying for unnecessary global coverage. |
| 👴 Traveler’s age | Prices usually rise beyond age 60, sometimes sharply for seniors. | Compare offers for seniors. The insurer Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 💳 Deductible amount | Higher deductibles usually reduce premiums but raise what you pay before insurance applies. | Opt for a higher deductible if you are comfortable paying more out of pocket for minor claims. |
Your Current Insurance Coverage in Antigua and Barbuda
It’s completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage—such as credit card insurance or your health insurance—can protect you during a trip to Antigua and Barbuda. Unfortunately, these forms of coverage are often insufficient, especially for urgent medical care or emergencies abroad. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Antigua and Barbuda? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | No, never | No coverage outside the US except rare exceptions. Medical evacuation, repatriation not covered. | Travel insurance reimburses $100,000+ for medical care and evacuation. |
| Private health insurance (Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare) | Yes, partly | Some international emergency care, often with low limits (typically $10,000–$25,000). No evacuation. | Travel insurance offers up to $500,000 for medical emergencies and evacuation. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard, Bank of America) | Yes, partly | Limited health expenses, usually below $15,000. No trip cancellation or baggage loss coverage. | Travel insurance covers up to $100,000 and includes trip/baggage protection. |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Preferred, Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X) | Yes, partly | Medical emergencies up to $50,000, basic trip delay, and minimal baggage loss protection. | Travel insurance can reimburse $250,000+ and has broader trip coverage. |
Example
While diving in Antigua, Mike suffered decompression sickness. The critical air ambulance to Miami cost $40,000 as there's no local hyperbaric chamber. His Chase Sapphire card's benefits were capped, and his U.S. health plan excluded international medical evacuation, leaving him with a staggering bill for a vacation-turned-nightmare.
Expert advice
Always check the terms, exclusions, and limits of your existing insurance. Essential situations, like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness or death, might be excluded. Read the conditions carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Antigua and Barbuda?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for short stays in Antigua and Barbuda. You can visit for up to six months without a visa. However, you must have a passport valid for at least 180 days after your planned departure date, proof of onward or return travel, and evidence of accommodation and financial means.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Antigua and Barbuda?
First, compare available policies using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, review coverage details and exclusions specific to Antigua and Barbuda, such as medical evacuation and tropical disease care. Then, buy the policy online. Finally, you will receive your insurance certificate by email, which you should keep accessible during your trip.
What common health risks should travelers to Antigua and Barbuda be aware of?
Travelers should be aware of mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus. While no vaccines are required except for yellow fever in specific cases, using insect repellent and proper protection is strongly advised. Medical facilities are limited, so more serious issues may require evacuation to another country.
Will my U.S. health insurance cover medical expenses in Antigua and Barbuda?
Most U.S. health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, do not cover medical expenses outside the United States. Travelers should check with their insurer before departure and seriously consider travel insurance, especially for costly services such as hospitalizations or emergency evacuations, which can range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more.
Are there specific requirements for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions?
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should disclose this when purchasing travel insurance. Some policies cover acute flare-ups, while others may not. Always read the policy's terms and consult with your insurance provider to ensure you have adequate coverage for chronic illnesses or ongoing medications during your trip.
What should I do if I need emergency assistance during my stay in Antigua and Barbuda?
In case of a medical or travel emergency, contact your travel insurance provider as soon as possible for guidance. For consular assistance, reach out to the U.S. Consular Agency in Antigua or the U.S. Embassy in Barbados. It is helpful to keep emergency numbers and your insurance certificate accessible at all times during your stay.
Do I need a visa to travel to Antigua and Barbuda?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for short stays in Antigua and Barbuda. You can visit for up to six months without a visa. However, you must have a passport valid for at least 180 days after your planned departure date, proof of onward or return travel, and evidence of accommodation and financial means.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Antigua and Barbuda?
First, compare available policies using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, review coverage details and exclusions specific to Antigua and Barbuda, such as medical evacuation and tropical disease care. Then, buy the policy online. Finally, you will receive your insurance certificate by email, which you should keep accessible during your trip.
What common health risks should travelers to Antigua and Barbuda be aware of?
Travelers should be aware of mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus. While no vaccines are required except for yellow fever in specific cases, using insect repellent and proper protection is strongly advised. Medical facilities are limited, so more serious issues may require evacuation to another country.
Will my U.S. health insurance cover medical expenses in Antigua and Barbuda?
Most U.S. health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, do not cover medical expenses outside the United States. Travelers should check with their insurer before departure and seriously consider travel insurance, especially for costly services such as hospitalizations or emergency evacuations, which can range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more.
Are there specific requirements for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions?
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should disclose this when purchasing travel insurance. Some policies cover acute flare-ups, while others may not. Always read the policy's terms and consult with your insurance provider to ensure you have adequate coverage for chronic illnesses or ongoing medications during your trip.
What should I do if I need emergency assistance during my stay in Antigua and Barbuda?
In case of a medical or travel emergency, contact your travel insurance provider as soon as possible for guidance. For consular assistance, reach out to the U.S. Consular Agency in Antigua or the U.S. Embassy in Barbados. It is helpful to keep emergency numbers and your insurance certificate accessible at all times during your stay.
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