- The best travel insurance plans for Bhutan
- Is it currently safe to travel to Bhutan?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Bhutan?
- Why take out travel insurance for Bhutan?
- What Should Travel Insurance for Bhutan Cover?
- The cost of travel insurance for Bhutan
- How to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Bhutan
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Bhutan?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Bhutan: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Bhutan covers medical emergencies, repatriation, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen events.
2. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory anymore for tourists from the US, to enter Bhutan, but is highly recommended for medical emergencies.
3. Healthcare cost: Medical facilities are limited; emergency medical evacuation can cost upwards of $50,000.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Bhutan typically costs between $30 and $60.
5. Good to know: Ensure your policy covers high-altitude trekking if you plan to hike in the Himalayas.
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 here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Bhutan.
The best travel insurance plans for Bhutan
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.1M | Ideal for safe travel to Bhutan. - very high medical limit - repatriation included - modern guarantees |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.1M | Strong support for remote destinations. - 24/7 medical helpline - cancellation cover - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | $550k | Practical for tourism with reliable core protection. - good medical cover - emergency assistance - fair pricing |
| Travel Pass Monde | $770k | Balanced for wider adventures. - repatriation covered - hospital costs included - global support |
| Globe Partner | $330k | Meets key needs for Bhutan trips. - medical care abroad - repatriation - civil liability |
| Globe Traveller | $550k | Suitable for short stays and simple travel plans. - essential medical support - fast claims - capped ceiling |
- very high medical limit
- repatriation included
- modern guarantees
- 24/7 medical helpline
- cancellation cover
- no deductible
- good medical cover
- emergency assistance
- fair pricing
- repatriation covered
- hospital costs included
- global support
- medical care abroad
- repatriation
- civil liability
- essential medical support
- fast claims
- capped ceiling
Is it currently safe to travel to Bhutan?
As of June 2025, the US Department of State assesses that travel to Bhutan is considered safe, with a vigilance level of “Exercise Normal Precautions” and no official restrictions in place.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: overall crime levels in Bhutan are low and violent incidents involving foreigners are rare. Travelers should remain vigilant against petty theft, especially at busy tourist sites in Thimphu and Paro.
- Health risks: medical infrastructure is very limited outside the capital. In case of serious illness or injury, evacuation to Bangkok or New Delhi may be necessary, and some vaccinations such as tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis A are recommended before travel.
- Legal constraints: travelers must pay a $100 USD per person per night Sustainable Development Fee and a separate $40 visa fee. Drugs, tobacco products, and satellite phones are either heavily restricted or prohibited for visitors.
- Environmental hazards: Bhutan’s mountainous terrain creates significant risks for altitude sickness during treks above 2,500 meters. Sudden weather changes and remote locations can also complicate emergency response.
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 Bhutan.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Bhutan?
No, travel insurance is not legally required anymore for travelers from the US to enter Bhutan.
However, it is strongly recommended because medical care is very limited in Bhutan, especially outside Thimphu, and emergency evacuation to another country may be necessary. Unexpected health incidents or accidents during trekking can result in high costs for transport and medical attention. Travel insurance ensures access to essential care and support in an emergency.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Bhutan. This high percentage is due to the limited local healthcare infrastructure and the high cost of medical evacuation, especially for adventure or nature-related travel.
Why take out travel insurance for Bhutan?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Bhutan.
Healthcare costs in Bhutan can be high due to scarce medical infrastructure, especially outside Thimphu. The Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, located in Thimphu, is one of the only facilities offering advanced care to foreigners, but complex cases often require evacuation to another country. Serious illness or accidents during trekking may require expensive evacuation and foreign hospital charges.
Travel insurance covers essential protections such as medical expenses, hospitalization costs, medications, ambulance transportation, and repatriation costs to the US in case of a serious issue.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Bhutan.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 29,000 BTN (about $350 USD) | Up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 48,000 BTN (about $580 USD) | Up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 800,000 BTN (about $9,700 USD) | Up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 170,000 BTN (about $2,050 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 Should Travel Insurance for Bhutan Cover?
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Bhutan.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers the costs of urgent medical care, doctor visits, and hospitalization. Recommended limit: at least $100,000 per person due to high evacuation costs. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Pays for emergency transport to the nearest qualified facility or back home if necessary. Recommended limit: at least $250,000. |
| 🧳 Lost, stolen, or delayed baggage | Reimburses for essential items and losses due to baggage issues. Recommended limit: from $1,000 to $2,000 per person. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation/interruption | Returns the cost of non-refundable bookings if you must cancel or interrupt your trip for covered reasons. Recommended limit: minimum $3,000. |
| 📞 24/7 assistance hotline | Provides access to help worldwide at any time for medical or travel emergencies. No fixed reimbursement but a critical feature in rural or remote Bhutan. |
| 💼 Personal liability | Covers you if you accidentally injure someone or cause property damage abroad. Recommended limit: around $100,000. |
| 🤒 Accidental death or disability | Offers compensation to you or beneficiaries in the event of severe injury or death. Recommended limit: from $10,000 to $50,000. |
Recommended limit: at least $100,000 per person due to high evacuation costs.
Recommended limit: at least $250,000.
Recommended limit: from $1,000 to $2,000 per person.
Recommended limit: minimum $3,000.
No fixed reimbursement but a critical feature in rural or remote Bhutan.
Recommended limit: around $100,000.
Recommended limit: from $10,000 to $50,000.
Travel insurance from local providers or included with bank cards often provides low coverage limits and many exclusions. For peace of mind, choose a trusted insurer with full coverage. Compare the best plans on HelloSafe and get certified online instantly.
The cost of travel insurance for Bhutan
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $35 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $60 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $85 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $155 |
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 varies based on several key elements: the traveler's age, the duration of the trip, the destination, the desired coverage amount, and optional add-ons like trip cancellation. It is important to keep these factors in mind to select the right policy that fits your specific needs 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 to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Bhutan
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Bhutan while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Medical care in Bhutan is limited and evacuations can be costly. Sufficient coverage is essential for emergencies. | Compare plans covering at least $100,000 for medical emergencies, but avoid unnecessary add-ons to save money. Focus on essential medical coverage. |
| 🎒 Baggage coverage | Luggage may be delayed or lost, especially due to connecting flights through regional hubs. | Consider only basic baggage coverage, as Bhutan is a safe country. Limit reimbursement to the minimum you really need. |
| 👨⚕️ Medical evacuation | Bhutan has limited advanced healthcare, so air evacuation to another country may be necessary. | Choose a plan with evacuation, but compare costs for different regional limits. Don’t overinsure beyond your itinerary. |
| 👥 Number of travelers | Group policies or family plans can be cheaper per person than individual plans, especially if traveling together. | Check for family or group policies for lower rates per person. More travelers often means bigger discounts. |
| 🌍 Trip duration | Premiums increase with longer trips but daily rates may decrease for longer stays. | Calculate the cost for exactly your stay. Choose a single-trip policy unless taking multiple trips this year. |
| 🎂 Traveler's age | Rates often rise for seniors, but not every insurer handles age the same way. | Some insurers, such as Heymondo, do not increase prices for people over 62. Always compare based on age and medical history. |
| ✈️ Policy excess/franchise | Higher deductibles mean lower premiums but more out-of-pocket costs if you claim. | Select a higher deductible for major incidents only. This can cut costs for healthy travelers with no planned activities. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Bhutan?
It is perfectly reasonable to wonder whether your existing coverage—such as private health insurance or credit card insurance—will cover you during a trip to Bhutan. Unfortunately, these options rarely provide sufficient protection, with major exclusions and low limits for overseas travel. Only travel insurance can guarantee comprehensive guarantees and practical support for Bhutan’s unique conditions.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Bhutan? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Health Insurance (Medicare) | No, never | No coverage abroad. US government programs do not pay for medical care outside US. | Travel insurance covers over $100,000 in medical care and emergency evacuation. |
| Private Health Insurance (Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna) | Yes, partly | Emergency care or reimbursement only in some cases, limits below $50,000, no evacuation. | Travel insurance provides up to $500,000 coverage, evacuation, and 24/7 help. |
| Classic Credit Card (Chase Freedom, Citi Simplicity, Wells Fargo Platinum) | Yes, partly | Injury & sickness cover up to $5,000–$10,000, no support for hospital stays or evacuation. | Travel insurance covers over $100,000 & hospitalization, baggage, cancellation. |
| Premium Credit Card (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X) | Yes, partly | Medical emergencies up to $50,000, lost baggage up to $3,000, some evacuation. | Travel insurance provides higher caps, trip cancellation of $10,000+, and rescue insurance. |
Example
While on Bhutan's remote Snowman Trek, Sarah developed severe altitude sickness, requiring a $25,000 helicopter evacuation. Her Chase Sapphire Reserve card's insurance had a high-altitude trekking exclusion, and her US health plan didn't cover foreign evacuations. She was left facing the entire bill for a life-saving flight.
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 the policy carefully to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to purchase dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Bhutan?
Yes, US citizens need a visa to enter Bhutan. You must apply through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or their international partners. A tourist visa costs $40 USD, and you will need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. Be prepared to pay the daily sustainable development fee as part of your travel arrangements.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Bhutan?
To buy travel insurance for Bhutan, start by comparing different plans using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Review each policy's coverage and exclusions, paying attention to specifics such as medical evacuation due to Bhutan's remote location. Once you find a suitable plan, complete the purchase online. You will then receive your insurance certificate for your trip.
Are there any health risks I should consider when visiting Bhutan?
Bhutan does not require specific vaccinations, but immunizations against tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis A are recommended. Due to the country's high altitude, be aware of altitude sickness while trekking. Medical facilities outside of Thimphu are limited, so medical evacuation coverage is highly advised in your insurance plan.
What is the sustainable development fee and how does it affect my travel planning?
The sustainable development fee is a government charge of $100 USD per adult per night, with discounts for children. This fee supports tourism infrastructure and environmental preservation in Bhutan. It is collected as part of your package tour and must be paid before arrival, so budget for it when planning your trip.
Is it easy to get medical care in Bhutan in case of an emergency?
Access to quality medical care in Bhutan is limited outside of larger cities like Thimphu. In the event of a serious injury or illness, evacuation to another country might be necessary. Make sure your travel insurance includes comprehensive medical evacuation and emergency assistance, which typically costs from $4 to $8 USD per travel day.
Do I need a visa to travel to Bhutan?
Yes, US citizens need a visa to enter Bhutan. You must apply through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or their international partners. A tourist visa costs $40 USD, and you will need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. Be prepared to pay the daily sustainable development fee as part of your travel arrangements.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Bhutan?
To buy travel insurance for Bhutan, start by comparing different plans using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Review each policy's coverage and exclusions, paying attention to specifics such as medical evacuation due to Bhutan's remote location. Once you find a suitable plan, complete the purchase online. You will then receive your insurance certificate for your trip.
Are there any health risks I should consider when visiting Bhutan?
Bhutan does not require specific vaccinations, but immunizations against tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis A are recommended. Due to the country's high altitude, be aware of altitude sickness while trekking. Medical facilities outside of Thimphu are limited, so medical evacuation coverage is highly advised in your insurance plan.
What is the sustainable development fee and how does it affect my travel planning?
The sustainable development fee is a government charge of $100 USD per adult per night, with discounts for children. This fee supports tourism infrastructure and environmental preservation in Bhutan. It is collected as part of your package tour and must be paid before arrival, so budget for it when planning your trip.
Is it easy to get medical care in Bhutan in case of an emergency?
Access to quality medical care in Bhutan is limited outside of larger cities like Thimphu. In the event of a serious injury or illness, evacuation to another country might be necessary. Make sure your travel insurance includes comprehensive medical evacuation and emergency assistance, which typically costs from $4 to $8 USD per travel day.
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