- The best travel insurance plans for Cameroon
- Is it currently safe to travel to</b> Cameroon?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Cameroon?
- Why take out travel insurance for Cameroon?
- What Travel Insurance for Cameroon Should Cover
- What is the cost of travel insurance for Cameroon?
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Cameroon
- Will my current insurance cover me in Cameroon?
- FAQ
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Travel insurance for Cameroon: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Cameroon covers medical emergencies, repatriation, and unexpected travel disruptions.
2. Warning: The US State Department advises against travel to several regions within Cameroon.
3. Key protection: While not mandatory, insurance is crucial due to limited local medical facilities.
4. Healthcare cost: Private clinic costs are high, and medical evacuation from Cameroon is extremely expensive.
5. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Cameroon typically costs between $30 and $60.
6. Good to know: Proof of yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travelers to enter Cameroon.
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 Cameroon.
The best travel insurance plans for Cameroon
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.1M | Highly recommended for comprehensive travel to Cameroon. - strong medical limit - includes medical evacuation - robust emergency response |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.1M | A dependable plan suitable for most types of trips. - 24/7 medical helpline - cancellation protection - no deductible on emergencies |
| Tourist Card | $550k | A practical choice for tourism in Cameroon. - good core medical cover - emergency assistance support - competitive premium |
| Travel Pass Monde | $770k | Good for those seeking balanced global cover. - repatriation included - covers hospital costs - wide territorial reach |
| Globe Partner | $330k | Suitable for longer stays or work assignments. - essential health benefits - liability cover - handles international claims smoothly |
| Globe Traveller | $550k | Cost-effective for short, low-risk visits. - rapid reimbursement - sufficient for most emergencies - capped at moderate limit |
- strong medical limit
- includes medical evacuation
- robust emergency response
- 24/7 medical helpline
- cancellation protection
- no deductible on emergencies
- good core medical cover
- emergency assistance support
- competitive premium
- repatriation included
- covers hospital costs
- wide territorial reach
- essential health benefits
- liability cover
- handles international claims smoothly
- rapid reimbursement
- sufficient for most emergencies
- capped at moderate limit
Is it currently safe to travel to Cameroon?
As of June 2025, the US Department of State has set a Level 2 alert for Cameroon, advising increased caution because of regional unrest, high crime, and health threats in certain areas.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: Armed conflict, kidnapping, and violent crime are serious issues, especially in the Northwest, Southwest, Far North, and border regions. In 2024, roadblocks and attacks against travelers occurred on roads near Bamenda.
- Health risks: Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory and malaria is prevalent throughout the country. Many travelers require emergency care for malaria or dengue in cities such as Douala, but medical services are limited outside main urban centers.
- Legal requirements: A visa is required for US travelers and must be obtained before departure through an e-visa system or embassy. Proof of polio vaccination is also necessary for stays over four weeks.
- Environmental factors: Flash flooding and road hazards are common during the rainy season, often causing transport disruptions in low-lying areas like the Logone and Chari Division.
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 Cameroon.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Cameroon?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for US citizens to enter Cameroon.
It is strongly recommended due to the limited quality of medical facilities in many areas outside Yaoundé and Douala, the risk of diseases like malaria and yellow fever, and ongoing regional instability. Emergency evacuation and advanced care can only be accessed at significant personal expense, making insurance coverage highly advisable for all travelers.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Cameroon. This reflects concerns over security risks, the prevalence of tropical diseases, and the high cost of medical evacuation or specialist care.
Why take out travel insurance for Cameroon?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Cameroon.
Public hospitals in Cameroon, such as Hôpital Général de Yaoundé or Laquintinie Hospital in Douala, often lack advanced equipment and medications, with long wait times and limited specialist care. Foreigners are usually directed to private clinics for better treatment, but costs at facilities like Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Yaoundé can be significantly higher, especially for serious injuries or emergencies.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transport, and emergency repatriation to the US in the case of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Cameroon.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Yaoundé | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 400,000 XAF (about $655) | up to 100% depending on the policy |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 350,000 XAF (about $570) | up to 100% depending on the policy |
| I need to be repatriated | 16,000,000 XAF (about $26,200) | up to 100% depending on the policy |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 1,800,000 XAF (about $2,950) | up to 100% depending on the policy |
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 Travel Insurance for Cameroon Should Cover
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🚑 Medical expenses | Covers doctor and hospital bills for illness or injury, including infectious diseases. Recommended minimum: $100,000. |
| ✈️ Medical evacuation | Pays for emergency transport to a better-equipped country or back home if local care is inadequate. Recommended minimum: $200,000. |
| 🏥 Hospitalization | Covers extended stays in clinics like Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Yaoundé. Recommended minimum: $50,000. |
| 💊 Medication | Pays for doctor-prescribed medicines if you fall ill while in Cameroon. Recommended minimum: $1,000. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or theft | Compensation for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage. Recommended minimum: $1,500. |
| ⏱ Trip interruption/cancellation | Refunds for prepaid travel or unexpected early return. Recommended minimum: $5,000. |
| 💼 Personal liability | Covers unintentional injury or property damage to others. Recommended minimum: $50,000. |
| 📞 24/7 emergency assistance | Access to a support hotline for urgent help and coordination. Included in most comprehensive plans. |
Recommended minimum: $100,000.
Recommended minimum: $200,000.
Recommended minimum: $50,000.
Recommended minimum: $1,000.
Recommended minimum: $1,500.
Recommended minimum: $5,000.
Recommended minimum: $50,000.
Included in most comprehensive plans.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often provides limited coverage, features low reimbursement limits, and includes many exclusions. For real peace of mind, choose a trusted insurer with full protection. Compare top options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
What is the cost of travel insurance for Cameroon?
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $34 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $60 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $100 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $225 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of your travel insurance for Cameroon is influenced by several key elements: your age, the length of your stay, your specific destinations within the country, and the coverage limits you select. Including options like medical evacuation or trip cancellation will also affect the final price. Considering these factors is crucial for securing adequate protection.
💡 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 Cameroon
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Cameroon while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🌍 Travel health risks | Cameroon has risks like malaria, yellow fever, and limited medical care in many regions. | Select plans with solid medical and evacuation, but do not pay extra for high limits. |
| 👤 Traveller’s age | Insurer rates rise for travelers over 60, but Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. | Compare rates and consider providers like Heymondo if you are 62+ to avoid extra age charges. |
| ⏰ Trip duration | Longer trips cost more, and overrunning coverage wastes money. | Match the policy exactly to your travel dates, not longer than you need. |
| 👪 Group policies | Group insurance can mean savings for families or friends traveling together in Cameroon. | Consider group or family plans to lower the per-person premium. |
| 💵 Level of coverage | Very high limits raise premiums, but moderate cover suffices for most needs in Cameroon. | Choose a balanced coverage limit—enough for medical, but not the highest available. |
| 🔄 Deductibles | Higher deductibles reduce premiums, but require more out-of-pocket if you claim. | Pick a higher deductible if you can afford it in an emergency. |
| 🧗 Activities included | Some sports or activities are not standard, and adding them as extras can drive up costs. | Only add coverage for adventure or sports if you are sure to need it. |
Will my current insurance cover me in Cameroon?
It is completely legitimate to wonder if your current coverage—like public or private health insurance, or credit card insurance—will protect you during a trip to Cameroon. Unfortunately, these insurances usually do not provide adequate support overseas, especially for medical care or evacuation. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of Insurance | Valid in Cameroon? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Health Insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | No, never | No overseas coverage for hospital or medical expenses, no evacuation or repatriation support. | Travel insurance covers up to $500,000+ for medical care and evacuation. |
| Private Health Insurance (Aetna, Blue Cross, UnitedHealthcare) | Yes, partly | Emergency expenses abroad, with possible limits under $20,000. No direct payment, no guaranteed evacuation. | Travel insurance pays directly, up to $100,000+, including evacuation. |
| Classic Credit Card (Chase Freedom, Citi Double Cash, Discover) | Yes, partly | Emergency medical, usually up to $10,000. No coverage for baggage loss, trip cancellation, or repatriation. | Travel insurance covers $100,000+ medical and adds baggage, cancellation. |
| Premium Credit Card (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X) | Yes, partly | Medical up to $50,000. Limited trip/baggage and basic evacuation. | Travel insurance boosts limits to $250,000+ with full evacuation support. |
Example
After a moped accident near Kribi, Maria needed emergency surgery for a compound fracture, costing $18,000. Her U.S. health plan deemed the hospital out-of-network, covering only $1,000. Her Visa card’s travel protection didn't apply to medical costs, leaving her to pay the remaining $17,000 for essential care.
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 purchase dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Cameroon?
Yes, U.S. citizens must obtain a visa to enter Cameroon. This can be done through the online e-visa system or at the Embassy of Cameroon before departure. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date, and you must also show proof of yellow fever vaccination at entry.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Cameroon?
To purchase travel insurance for Cameroon, start by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to review available policies. Carefully check cover and exclusions, paying attention to specific risks in Cameroon like evacuation, tropical diseases, and civil unrest. Complete your purchase online and receive your certificate immediately by email.
What health risks should I be aware of when traveling to Cameroon?
Cameroon has a high risk of malaria, yellow fever, and other infectious diseases like cholera and dengue. Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry, and malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Outside major cities, medical care can be limited, so ensure your insurance covers evacuation and treatment for vector-borne illnesses.
Is emergency evacuation covered by typical travel insurance?
Most comprehensive travel insurance policies do cover emergency medical evacuation, which is crucial in Cameroon, especially if traveling outside Yaoundé or Douala. Evacuation can be very expensive, starting at several thousand dollars, so always verify your policy includes at least $100,000 in evacuation coverage.
Will travel insurance cover lost or stolen property in Cameroon?
Many travel insurance plans provide coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and personal effects. Typical policies reimburse valuables up to a set limit, often $1,000 to $2,500 per incident. Make sure to keep receipts and report any loss to local authorities and your insurer within the required timeframe.
Do I need a visa to travel to Cameroon?
Yes, U.S. citizens must obtain a visa to enter Cameroon. This can be done through the online e-visa system or at the Embassy of Cameroon before departure. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date, and you must also show proof of yellow fever vaccination at entry.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Cameroon?
To purchase travel insurance for Cameroon, start by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to review available policies. Carefully check cover and exclusions, paying attention to specific risks in Cameroon like evacuation, tropical diseases, and civil unrest. Complete your purchase online and receive your certificate immediately by email.
What health risks should I be aware of when traveling to Cameroon?
Cameroon has a high risk of malaria, yellow fever, and other infectious diseases like cholera and dengue. Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry, and malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Outside major cities, medical care can be limited, so ensure your insurance covers evacuation and treatment for vector-borne illnesses.
Is emergency evacuation covered by typical travel insurance?
Most comprehensive travel insurance policies do cover emergency medical evacuation, which is crucial in Cameroon, especially if traveling outside Yaoundé or Douala. Evacuation can be very expensive, starting at several thousand dollars, so always verify your policy includes at least $100,000 in evacuation coverage.
Will travel insurance cover lost or stolen property in Cameroon?
Many travel insurance plans provide coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and personal effects. Typical policies reimburse valuables up to a set limit, often $1,000 to $2,500 per incident. Make sure to keep receipts and report any loss to local authorities and your insurer within the required timeframe.
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