- The best travel insurance plans for Eritrea
- Is it currently safe to travel to Eritrea?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Eritrea?
- Travel Insurance for Eritrea
- What should travel insurance for Eritrea cover?
- The Cost of Travel Insurance for Eritrea
- How can you pay less for your travel insurance to Eritrea?
- Coverage from your current insurance in Eritrea
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Eritrea: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Eritrea covers medical costs, emergency evacuation, and repatriation to the United States.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for entry but is crucial due to limited local medical facilities.
3. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Eritrea generally costs between $30 and $60.
4. Medical Evacuation: Ensure your policy includes high-coverage medical evacuation, as local emergency response is very limited.
5. Good to know: US government emergency assistance is extremely limited, making comprehensive private insurance your primary safeguard.
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 United States, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Eritrea.
The best travel insurance plans for Eritrea
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.1M | Our best option for serious medical emergencies and complex travel in Eritrea. - high medical limit - repatriation included - reliable cancellation cover |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.1M | Efficient support for stays in remote locations and urgent evacuation needs. - 24/7 helpline - emergency evacuation - practical trip interruption cover |
| Tourist Card | $545k | Solid value for vacation travelers who seek key health and support features. - good medical coverage - emergency assistance - travel at an affordable price |
| Travel Pass Monde | $765k | Balanced protection with strong international and evacuation support. - covers hospitalization - repatriation covered - robust worldwide reach |
| Globe Partner | $328k | Basic and reliable option to cover essential risks during short trips to Eritrea. - medical care abroad - repatriation - clear civil liability cover |
| Globe Traveller | $545k | Efficient solution for budget travelers focusing on key guarantees. - solid medical benefits - quick reimbursement - good for low to moderate risk trips |
- high medical limit
- repatriation included
- reliable cancellation cover
- 24/7 helpline
- emergency evacuation
- practical trip interruption cover
- good medical coverage
- emergency assistance
- travel at an affordable price
- covers hospitalization
- repatriation covered
- robust worldwide reach
- medical care abroad
- repatriation
- clear civil liability cover
- solid medical benefits
- quick reimbursement
- good for low to moderate risk trips
Is it currently safe to travel to Eritrea?
As of June 2025, the US Department of State classifies Eritrea at Level 2: exercise increased caution due to risks linked to security conditions and limited consular capacity for US citizens outside Asmara.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: the presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance is a significant hazard in remote zones, especially near Nakfa, AdiKeih, and south of Tessenae. Additional restrictions apply within 25 kilometers outside Asmara, where travel permits are mandatory.
- Health risks: medical facilities outside Asmara are extremely limited, and private care is expensive. Emergencies, such as severe malaria or road injuries, often require air evacuation to another country.
- Legal constraints: all electronic devices must be declared upon entry. Unauthorized photography, especially around military installations, can lead to detention or questioning by authorities.
- Currency and shortages: Eritrea is a cash-only economy, with no ATM or card acceptance. Water and fuel shortages occur frequently, sometimes disrupting transport and accommodation options.
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 Eritrea.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Eritrea?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for travelers from the US to enter Eritrea.
However, travel insurance is strongly recommended because local medical facilities outside Asmara are very limited, and medical evacuation is expensive and complex to arrange. Coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation offers critical support in case of illness, accident, or unexpected events during your trip.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Eritrea. This high rate reflects the limited health system and high risk of expensive emergency evacuations.
Travel Insurance for Eritrea
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Eritrea.
In Eritrea, health infrastructure is very limited, especially outside Asmara. The Orotta National Referral Hospital in Asmara is the primary facility, but equipment and medications are often lacking and foreigners may incur significant expenses for private care or medical evacuation.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalization, medicines, ambulance transportation, and emergency repatriation to the US if required.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Eritrea.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Orotta National Referral Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 25,000 ERN (approx. $1,700 USD) | Up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 18,000 ERN (approx. $1,200 USD) | Up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 420,000 ERN (approx. $28,000 USD) | Up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 35,000 ERN (approx. $2,300 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 Eritrea cover?
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers emergency doctor visits, hospitalization, and prescription drugs in Eritrea. We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least $300,000 USD. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Pays for transport to another country if care in Eritrea is not possible. Minimum recommended reimbursement: $100,000 USD. |
| 🛫 Repatriation | Covers return to the US in cases of serious illness or death. Choose coverage up to $150,000 USD. |
| 🧳 Baggage insurance | Compensates loss, theft, or damage to luggage during your trip. Opt for coverage up to $2,000 USD per bag. |
| 🚨 Personal liability | Protects you if you injure someone or damage property during your stay. Recommended limit: at least $50,000 USD. |
| ✈️ Trip interruption | Reimburses unused travel costs if you must cut your trip short due to emergencies. We suggest coverage of at least $5,000 USD. |
| 🦟 Infectious disease | Includes costs for sudden illness from local diseases like malaria or dengue. Ensure policy includes infectious disease coverage for hospitalization. |
| 💉 Emergency dental | Pays for urgent dental care following an accident. Recommended reimbursement: $500 USD. |
We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least $300,000 USD.
Minimum recommended reimbursement: $100,000 USD.
Choose coverage up to $150,000 USD.
Opt for coverage up to $2,000 USD per bag.
Recommended limit: at least $50,000 USD.
We suggest coverage of at least $5,000 USD.
Ensure policy includes infectious disease coverage for hospitalization.
Recommended reimbursement: $500 USD.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards usually offers limited protection, low limits, and many exclusions. It is safer to select a reputable insurer with comprehensive coverage. Compare leading options on HelloSafe and purchase online for instant certification.
The Cost of Travel Insurance for Eritrea
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $47 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $88 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $124 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $252 |
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 for Eritrea depends on several factors: the traveller’s age, trip duration, destination, coverage limits, and options such as trip cancellation. Given the limited medical facilities, it’s important to keep these in mind to choose a policy with adequate medical evacuation coverage at the right price for your trip.
💡 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 Eritrea?
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Eritrea while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip duration | Premium is higher for longer stays, which can impact the overall travel budget for Eritrea. | Book insurance strictly for the days you are in Eritrea. Avoid extending coverage more than needed. |
| 🙋♀️ Traveller's age | Insurance rates increase with age, and medical care is expensive outside Asmara. | Compare policies by age. Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 🩺 Level of coverage | Eritrea’s healthcare is limited, so choose appropriate medical and evacuation limits, not more than required. | Select clear, essential benefits for Eritrea’s health risks. High limits can mean costlier premiums. |
| 🌎 Area of coverage | Broader territory (Africa or worldwide) means higher prices compared to plans focused just on Eritrea. | Choose a plan that only covers Eritrea if that is your sole destination. |
| 🏥 Medical evacuation | Coverage for evacuation is important, as emergencies often require transport to another country. | Opt for a plan with at least $100,000 evacuation coverage. Avoid excessive limits. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Family/group plans | Combined insurance can reduce the cost per traveler, especially on short journeys or with several companions. | Ask for a family/group rate if you travel together. Sometimes these policies are less expensive. |
| 📝 Deductible/Excess | A higher deductible results in a lower premium, but you pay more in case of a claim. | Pick a deductible that matches your risk comfort. Increases in deductible often bring lower rates. |
Coverage from your current insurance in Eritrea
It’s normal to wonder if your public or private health insurance, or credit card insurance, will protect you in Eritrea. Unfortunately, these plans are usually insufficient, especially for emergencies or evacuation, in a country with limited health care access. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Eritrea? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | No, never | No overseas medical coverage or evacuation outside the United States. | Travel insurance covers up to $100,000+ abroad, including evacuation and hospital. |
| Private health insurance (Aetna, BlueCross, Cigna) | Yes, partly | May reimburse some emergencies, but limits low (max $10,000–$25,000), no guaranteed evacuation. | Travel insurance pays $100,000+ with medical evacuation and 24/7 assistance. |
| Classic credit card (Chase Freedom, Wells Fargo Active Cash) | Yes, partly | Accidents covered up to $2,500, no evacuation, no ongoing support for hospital stays or return. | Travel insurance includes up to $100,000+ and local hospital coverage. |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Mastercard World Elite) | Yes, partly | Emergency health care max $25,000–$50,000, no evacuation, some trip delays/baggage loss. | Travel insurance covers $100,000+, repatriation, and hospital stay coverage. |
Example
In Eritrea, Mark contracted severe malaria requiring medical evacuation. The flight to a capable hospital cost $30,000. His Visa card was useless in the cash-only economy, and his US health plan denied the claim for international evacuation. His family had to wire the full amount for the life-saving transport.
Expert advice
Always check your existing insurance's terms, exclusions, and limits. Critical situations, like trip interruption for 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 subscribe a dedicated travel insurance tailored to the trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Eritrea?
Yes, all US citizens need a visa to travel to Eritrea. The visa must be obtained prior to arrival through the Eritrean Embassy in Washington, DC or their consulate. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry and have at least two blank consecutive pages.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Eritrea?
First, compare travel insurance plans by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, carefully check for coverage details and exclusions, such as medical evacuation and personal liability, especially given Eritrea's limited local healthcare. Select and buy your policy online. Once purchased, your certificate will be sent to you by email.
Are medical facilities in Eritrea sufficient for travelers?
Medical facilities in Eritrea, especially outside Asmara, are very limited and typically not up to US standards. Private care is expensive and payment is required upfront. In case of a serious illness or accident, it may be necessary to arrange costly medical evacuation to another country.
Does travel insurance cover cash-only medical services in Eritrea?
Yes, most travel insurance can reimburse medical expenses, but you usually need to pay up front in cash for services. After returning home, submit receipts to your insurer for reimbursement. Look for a policy that includes high limits for emergency medical and evacuation, sometimes upwards of $100,000.
Is emergency evacuation included in travel insurance for Eritrea?
Comprehensive travel insurance generally includes emergency medical evacuation. For Eritrea, this is important because severe illness or injury often requires transport to another country for treatment. Evacuation can cost $50,000 or more, so verify your policy covers these expenses and provides 24/7 assistance.
Do I need a visa to travel to Eritrea?
Yes, all US citizens need a visa to travel to Eritrea. The visa must be obtained prior to arrival through the Eritrean Embassy in Washington, DC or their consulate. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry and have at least two blank consecutive pages.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Eritrea?
First, compare travel insurance plans by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, carefully check for coverage details and exclusions, such as medical evacuation and personal liability, especially given Eritrea's limited local healthcare. Select and buy your policy online. Once purchased, your certificate will be sent to you by email.
Are medical facilities in Eritrea sufficient for travelers?
Medical facilities in Eritrea, especially outside Asmara, are very limited and typically not up to US standards. Private care is expensive and payment is required upfront. In case of a serious illness or accident, it may be necessary to arrange costly medical evacuation to another country.
Does travel insurance cover cash-only medical services in Eritrea?
Yes, most travel insurance can reimburse medical expenses, but you usually need to pay up front in cash for services. After returning home, submit receipts to your insurer for reimbursement. Look for a policy that includes high limits for emergency medical and evacuation, sometimes upwards of $100,000.
Is emergency evacuation included in travel insurance for Eritrea?
Comprehensive travel insurance generally includes emergency medical evacuation. For Eritrea, this is important because severe illness or injury often requires transport to another country for treatment. Evacuation can cost $50,000 or more, so verify your policy covers these expenses and provides 24/7 assistance.
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