What are the best travel insurances for Greenland in 2025?
- The best travel insurance plans for Greenland
- Is it currently safe to travel to Greenland?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Greenland?
- Why take out travel insurance for Greenland?
- Travel insurance coverage for Greenland
- The cost of travel insurance for Greenland
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Greenland
- Your current insurance coverage in Greenland
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Greenland: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Greenland covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and potential evacuation costs.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for US citizens but is vital due to limited medical facilities.
3. Healthcare cost: Medical care is limited, and emergency evacuation from Greenland can be extremely expensive.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Greenland typically costs between $40 and $80.
5. Good to know: US government consular services are extremely limited, making personal insurance and assistance crucial.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in the US, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Greenland.
The best travel insurance plans for Greenland
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.1M | Recommended for demanding itineraries in Greenland. - very high medical limit - broad evacuation coverage - strong 24/7 assistance |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.1M | Suits both adventure and leisure trips. - rapid global assistance - cancellation cover - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | $550k | Balance of price and protection for short visits. - solid medical cover - emergency assistance - easy online process |
| Travel Pass Monde | $770k | For travelers needing broader regional support. - repatriation included - direct payment for hospital - wide territorial support |
| Globe Partner | $330k | Meets core needs for non-expedition travel. - essential medical care - repatriation - personal liability |
| Globe Traveller | $550k | Smart choice for shorter, lower-risk visits. - emergency medical cover - quick reimbursement - streamlined claims process |
- very high medical limit
- broad evacuation coverage
- strong 24/7 assistance
- rapid global assistance
- cancellation cover
- no deductible
- solid medical cover
- emergency assistance
- easy online process
- repatriation included
- direct payment for hospital
- wide territorial support
- essential medical care
- repatriation
- personal liability
- emergency medical cover
- quick reimbursement
- streamlined claims process
Is it currently safe to travel to Greenland?
As of June 2025, the US Department of State advises travelers to exercise increased caution when visiting Greenland, rating the destination at Level 2 primarily due to its remote environment and limited emergency resources.
- Security risks: violent crime is rare, but emergency response is often delayed outside Nuuk. For example, in remote settlements or on the Ice Sheet, rescue can take days and is challenging in harsh weather.
- Health risks: medical facilities are extremely limited outside major towns. If you require urgent care on the east coast, you may need to be evacuated by air or sea to Denmark at significant cost.
- Environmental hazards: the climate is unpredictable with risks such as severe storms, icy conditions, and avalanches. Expedition travelers should note ice crevasses and polar bear encounters have resulted in several emergencies in recent years.
- Practical logistics: electronic or card payments are not always accepted. For example, travelers are often required to pay in Danish kroner and may face sudden travel delays due to weather or logistical constraints.
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 Greenland.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Greenland?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for travelers from the US to enter Greenland for standard tourism.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended because medical facilities are extremely limited outside major towns, and search and rescue or evacuation costs can be very high. Having comprehensive medical, evacuation, and repatriation coverage is the safest approach for travel in Greenland.
According to our data, 50% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Greenland. This rate reflects both the isolated environment and the risk of very high costs for unexpected emergencies.
Why take out travel insurance for Greenland?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Greenland.
In Greenland, health infrastructure is very limited outside Nuuk, where the Queen Ingrid Hospital is the main facility for residents and tourists. For emergencies in towns like Ilulissat or Sisimiut, evacuation to Denmark may be required, resulting in extremely high costs.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transportation, and emergency repatriation to the US in the event of a serious issue.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Greenland.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Queen Ingrid Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 20,000 DKK (approx. $2,900 USD) | Up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 15,000 DKK (approx. $2,200 USD) | Up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 250,000 DKK (approx. $36,000 USD) | Up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 45,000 DKK (approx. $6,500 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.
Travel insurance coverage for Greenland
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers emergency doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and specialist care for illness or injury in Greenland. We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least $500,000 USD due to high medevac costs. |
| 🚁 Medical evacuation | Pays for air ambulance or emergency transport to Denmark if care in Greenland is not possible. Minimum recommended reimbursement: $100,000 USD. |
| 🚑 Repatriation | Covers return to the US after a serious accident, 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. |
| ❄️ Search and rescue | Includes costs for search and rescue in case of accident in remote or icy areas. For expeditions, reimbursement limits can exceed $139,000 USD. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Reimburses prepaid travel expenses if you need to cancel before departure due to illness or serious family emergencies. We suggest coverage of at least $5,000 USD. |
| 💼 Personal liability | Protects you if you accidentally injure someone or damage property. Recommended limit: at least $50,000 USD. |
| 🦠 Pandemic coverage | Offers protection for medical and trip costs if you contract COVID-19 or face quarantine. Review the policy for clear COVID-19 reimbursement terms. |
We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least $500,000 USD due to high medevac costs.
Minimum recommended reimbursement: $100,000 USD.
Choose coverage up to $150,000 USD.
Opt for coverage up to $2,000 USD per bag.
For expeditions, reimbursement limits can exceed $139,000 USD.
We suggest coverage of at least $5,000 USD.
Recommended limit: at least $50,000 USD.
Review the policy for clear COVID-19 reimbursement terms.
Travel insurance from local providers or included with bank cards typically offers limited coverage, low reimbursement limits, and many exclusions. It is safer to choose a reputable insurer with comprehensive benefits. Compare top options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Greenland
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $52 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $97 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $141 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $278 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of your travel insurance for Greenland depends on several factors: your age, trip duration, specific destination, planned activities like expeditions, and the required coverage for medical evacuation or search and rescue. Keeping these in mind is essential to get the right policy for your trip and meet local requirements for remote travel.
💡 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 Greenland
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Greenland while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip duration | The total length of your journey greatly impacts the insurance premium. Shorter trips are more affordable. | Purchase a plan that only covers the exact dates you travel. Avoid extra days if not necessary. |
| 🙋♀️ Traveller's age | Older travelers can pay higher rates, particularly for health coverage, though age is not the only factor. | Compare offers by age. Note that Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 🧳 Level of coverage | The amount insured for medical care or baggage can drive costs up if set very high without reason. | Select coverage limits suited for Greenland’s risks. Avoid unnecessary extras for minor risks. |
| 🌎 Area of coverage | Some plans cover multiple countries or worldwide, which is costlier than “Greenland only” coverage. | Choose a plan specific to Greenland if not visiting other countries. |
| 🏥 Medical evacuation | Greenland’s remote areas make evacuation expensive, but not all travelers need the highest limit. | Select a policy covering at least $100,000 for evacuation. Consider higher only if going remote. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Group/family policy | Buying one policy for a family or group can save compared to individual plans, especially for short trips. | Look for group discounts or family plans. Always compare with individual coverage alternatives. |
| 📝 Deductible/Excess | A higher deductible reduces the premium but means you pay more if you claim. | Select a deductible you are comfortable with. Small increases can yield noticeable savings. |
Your current insurance coverage in Greenland
It is perfectly reasonable to check if your current coverage—like private or public health insurance, or even credit card insurance—will protect you while traveling in Greenland. Unfortunately, these options are frequently limited or exclude major travel risks, especially in remote areas. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Greenland? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | No, never | No coverage for care or evacuation abroad. | Travel insurance covers $100,000+ for evacuation and local hospital care. |
| Private health insurance (Aetna, BlueCross, Cigna) | Yes, partly | Occasionally reimburses emergency care, but often excludes evacuations or advanced rescue. Max: $10,000–$50,000. | Travel insurance offers $100,000+ worldwide, including emergency rescue and repatriation. |
| Classic credit card (Chase Freedom, Citi Simplicity) | Yes, partly | Medical coverage rarely above $2,500, excludes search and rescue, no evacuation. | Travel insurance insures $100,000+ plus costly search and rescue operations. |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Mastercard World Elite) | Yes, partly | Limited health coverage (up to $25,000–$50,000 max), basic trip delay or baggage loss. | Travel insurance includes $100,000+ for evacuation, rescue, and 24/7 support. |
Example
While hiking near Ilulissat, Mark suffered a severe leg fracture, requiring an emergency air evacuation. The total cost was $75,000. His American Express card's travel benefit was capped at $5,000, and his US health plan denied the foreign evacuation claim, leaving him with a staggering $70,000 bill.
Expert advice
Always check the terms, exclusions, and limits of your existing insurance. Essential situations, like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness, might be excluded. Read the conditions carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to purchase a dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Greenland?
US citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business travel to Greenland for stays up to 90 days. You will need a valid US passport with at least 90 days beyond your planned departure date. However, Greenland is not part of the Schengen Agreement, so a Schengen visa does not grant entry.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Greenland?
To purchase travel insurance for Greenland, start by comparing plans using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Pay close attention to coverage details and exclusions, including evacuation and search and rescue, which are particularly important for Greenland. Buy your selected policy online. After your purchase, you will receive a certificate by email to present if required.
Does regular travel insurance cover expeditions in Greenland’s remote areas?
Not all travel insurance policies automatically cover expeditions or adventure activities in Greenland’s remote regions. For travel to places like the Ice Sheet or extreme wilderness, Greenlandic authorities require high-value coverage, including at least $139,000 for search and rescue. Always check with your insurer for specific inclusion of such activities.
What do I do if I have a medical emergency in Greenland?
Medical facilities in Greenland are very limited outside major towns and doctors may not speak English. In case of a serious illness or injury, medical evacuation to Iceland, Denmark, or North America is almost always required. Without travel insurance, you must pay these costs upfront, which can exceed $100,000 for evacuation and treatment.
Will my US health insurance or Medicare work in Greenland?
US health insurance plans, including Medicare, do not provide coverage for medical care incurred in Greenland. You will need to pay for all health services and hospital care out of pocket, unless you have purchased international travel insurance valid in Greenland. This is why private travel insurance is highly recommended for all visitors.
Do I need a visa to travel to Greenland?
US citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business travel to Greenland for stays up to 90 days. You will need a valid US passport with at least 90 days beyond your planned departure date. However, Greenland is not part of the Schengen Agreement, so a Schengen visa does not grant entry.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Greenland?
To purchase travel insurance for Greenland, start by comparing plans using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Pay close attention to coverage details and exclusions, including evacuation and search and rescue, which are particularly important for Greenland. Buy your selected policy online. After your purchase, you will receive a certificate by email to present if required.
Does regular travel insurance cover expeditions in Greenland’s remote areas?
Not all travel insurance policies automatically cover expeditions or adventure activities in Greenland’s remote regions. For travel to places like the Ice Sheet or extreme wilderness, Greenlandic authorities require high-value coverage, including at least $139,000 for search and rescue. Always check with your insurer for specific inclusion of such activities.
What do I do if I have a medical emergency in Greenland?
Medical facilities in Greenland are very limited outside major towns and doctors may not speak English. In case of a serious illness or injury, medical evacuation to Iceland, Denmark, or North America is almost always required. Without travel insurance, you must pay these costs upfront, which can exceed $100,000 for evacuation and treatment.
Will my US health insurance or Medicare work in Greenland?
US health insurance plans, including Medicare, do not provide coverage for medical care incurred in Greenland. You will need to pay for all health services and hospital care out of pocket, unless you have purchased international travel insurance valid in Greenland. This is why private travel insurance is highly recommended for all visitors.
