- The best travel insurance plans for Guyana
- Is it currently safe to travel to Guyana?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Guyana?
- Why take out travel insurance for Guyana
- What Travel Insurance for Guyana Should Cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Guyana
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Guyana
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Guyana?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Guyana: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Guyana covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen travel disruptions.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but is highly recommended due to limited local medical facilities.
3. Healthcare cost: Private healthcare is costly, with hospital stays potentially exceeding $300 per night for foreigners.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Guyana typically costs between $30 and $60.
5. Good to know: Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation, especially if traveling to remote or jungle areas.
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 everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Guyana.
The best travel insurance plans for Guyana
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.1M | A comprehensive plan recommended for travel to Guyana. - high medical coverage - medical evacuation included - flexible cancellations |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.1M | Strong option for both family and business trips. - 24/7 helpline - no deductible on medical claims - clear coverage in emergencies |
| Tourist Card | $540K | Practical for short visits or tourism in Guyana. - solid core protection - covers urgent medical - easy online management |
| Travel Pass Monde | $750K | A balanced contract for longer stays in Guyana. - covers hospital care - repatriation included - well-suited for remote travel |
| Globe Partner | $320K | For essential needs when medical facilities are limited. - effective abroad coverage - medical repatriation - civil liability guarantee |
| Globe Traveller | $540K | Affordable solution for low- to moderate-risk trips. - essential medical cover - quick claim process - capped at a sensible limit |
- high medical coverage
- medical evacuation included
- flexible cancellations
- 24/7 helpline
- no deductible on medical claims
- clear coverage in emergencies
- solid core protection
- covers urgent medical
- easy online management
- covers hospital care
- repatriation included
- well-suited for remote travel
- effective abroad coverage
- medical repatriation
- civil liability guarantee
- essential medical cover
- quick claim process
- capped at a sensible limit
Is it currently safe to travel to Guyana?
As of June 2025, the U.S. Department of State advises travelers to reconsider travel to Guyana due to the ongoing border dispute with Venezuela, high crime rates, and limited emergency support in many areas.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: violent crime, including robbery and armed attacks, is a concern throughout Georgetown and other urban areas. Nighttime movement in zones such as Tiger Bay and Albouystown should be avoided, and border regions near Venezuela present heightened risks due to territorial tensions.
- Health risks: diseases such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya are present. Medical care quality is inconsistent, especially outside the capital, and emergency evacuation may be required for serious illness or injury.
- Entry requirements: a valid U.S. passport is mandatory, with six months’ validity beyond your intended stay. A COVID-19 vaccination is required for entry for those aged 18 and older.
- Practical tips: avoid displaying valuables, use only approved tour operators, and exercise care when withdrawing cash at ATMs or banks. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updates.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the U.S. Department of State, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Guyana.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Guyana?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for US travelers entering Guyana.
While you are not legally required to have travel insurance, it is strongly advised by the US Department of State due to limited medical facilities, high risk of serious illness or accident, and the potential need for emergency evacuation. Coverage for medical expenses and repatriation is essential, as treatment and transport costs can be extremely high.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Guyana. This high percentage is mainly due to the country's security risks and expensive healthcare for foreign visitors.
Why take out travel insurance for Guyana
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Guyana.
In Guyana, the quality of public hospitals is low, and advanced medical care is mainly available in private facilities like Woodlands Hospital in Georgetown. Foreign visitors often need to use private clinics, where treatment and hospitalization can be expensive. Emergency services are limited outside the capital, and medical evacuation to another country is sometimes necessary, leading to additional costs.
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 Guyana.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Woodlands Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 1,000,000 GYD (about 4,790 USD) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 280,000 GYD (about 1,340 USD) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 4,400,000 GYD (about 21,000 USD) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 1,700,000 GYD (about 8,140 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 Travel Insurance for Guyana Should Cover
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| ? Medical expenses | Covers fees for hospitalization, medical consultations, tests, and treatments in case of illness or injury. Recommended minimum: $100,000. |
| ? Medical evacuation and repatriation | Pays for emergency ambulance and air evacuation to a better-equipped hospital or repatriation to the US. Recommended minimum: $150,000. |
| ? Reimbursement of medicines | Covers prescribed medications during your stay. Recommended minimum: $1,000. |
| ? Lost, stolen or damaged baggage | Covers the value of your luggage in case of loss, theft, or serious damage. Recommended minimum: $2,000. |
| ? Trip cancellation or interruption | Reimburses non-refundable costs if your trip is canceled or interrupted for a valid reason. Recommended minimum: $5,000. |
| ?⚖️ Personal liability | Covers costs if you unintentionally cause injury or property damage to others. Recommended minimum: $100,000. |
| ⛺ Search and rescue | Includes costs for locating and rescuing you in remote areas. Recommended minimum: $10,000. |
| ? 24/7 assistance | Provides access to an English-speaking emergency center at any time. Make sure this feature is included. |
Recommended minimum: $100,000.
Recommended minimum: $150,000.
Recommended minimum: $1,000.
Recommended minimum: $2,000.
Recommended minimum: $5,000.
Recommended minimum: $100,000.
Recommended minimum: $10,000.
Make sure this feature is included.
Expert advice
Travel insurance is not mandatory for U.S. citizens visiting Guyana, but it is highly recommended. Given the limited quality of local medical care, the risk of serious illness or injury, and the potential for expensive medical evacuation, adequate insurance is important for financial and personal protection.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often offers limited coverage, with low limits and many exclusions. It is safer to choose a trusted insurer with full coverage. Compare top options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Guyana
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $28 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $49 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $72 |
| 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 cost of your travel insurance depends on several key details: your age, the duration of your trip, your destination, the level of coverage, and any optional add-ons like cancellation protection. Keeping these factors in mind is crucial for choosing a policy that provides the right protection for your trip without overspending.
? 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 Guyana
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Guyana while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| ?? Traveler's age | Age is a major factor for pricing. Some insurers significantly increase rates for travelers over 60. | Compare quotes for your exact age. The insurer Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| ?️ Trip duration | Longer trips increase risk and the overall price of insurance. | Specify only the exact number of days you need coverage for. Avoid automatic annual multi-trip coverage if unnecessary. |
| ? Level of coverage | Higher medical, baggage, or evacuation coverage increases the price. This is significant in destinations with limited healthcare like Guyana. | Choose a plan with only the coverages you need for Guyana, especially focusing on medical and evacuation benefits. |
| ??? Number of travelers | Family or group rates may be available. Insurers often offer discounts for multiple travelers under one policy. | Bundle policies for family or groups to benefit from reduced rates per person. |
| ⚕️ Pre-existing medical conditions | Plans that cover pre-existing conditions may cost more. Consider your personal medical history before purchasing. | Compare insurers’ approaches to pre-existing conditions. Declare them only when coverage is necessary for your case. |
| ? Activities planned | Adventure sports or dangerous activities often require add-ons, increasing price. Some activities are considered high risk in Guyana. | Limit adventure sports coverage to the exact activities you will do, and avoid unnecessary extras. |
| ? Destination region | Remote or high-risk areas, like forests in Guyana, often incur higher prices for evacuation and emergency coverage. | If you will not travel into remote or border regions, select coverage for standard urban risks only. |
Essential Travel Insurance for Guyana
Be sure your travel insurance for Guyana includes adequate medical and evacuation coverage, as local healthcare is limited. Focus on coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation, which are essential due to local conditions.
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Guyana?
It is reasonable to consider whether your existing policies, such as your public or private health insurance, or the protections from your classic or premium credit cards, will cover you on your trip to Guyana. Unfortunately, this coverage is often insufficient or comes with major limitations abroad.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of Insurance | Valid in Guyana? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | No, never | No coverage outside the U.S. | Travel insurance covers $100,000+ in overseas medical costs and full emergency evacuation. |
| Private health insurance (Blue Cross, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna) | Yes, partly | Possible limited emergency care reimbursement, no repatriation, typical cap <$25,000 | Travel insurance provides up to $500,000 coverage, 24/7 assistance, and direct payment abroad. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard, Discover) | Yes, partly | Emergency medical <$10,000, often excludes pre-existing conditions, trip delay rarely covered | Travel insurance covers $100,000+ medical, trip cancellation, and baggage protection. |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Preferred, Amex Gold, Citi Premier) | Yes, partly | Medical claims up to $100,000, some trip delay/baggage, no guarantees for remote evacuation | Travel insurance offers $500,000 or more medical plus all-inclusive evacuation and on-site help. |
Example
While exploring Guyana's interior, Maria was bitten by a fer-de-lance snake. The emergency air evacuation to Georgetown and antivenom treatment cost $25,000. Her US health plan had no overseas coverage, and her Visa Signature card's travel benefit only covered $2,000, leaving her with a staggering $23,000 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 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 Guyana?
U.S. citizens do not need a tourist visa to enter Guyana for stays of up to three months. Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your planned departure, and you must have at least one blank page for an entry stamp. Entry requirements can change, so always verify before departure.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Guyana?
Start by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to find tailored offers. Make sure you review the coverage and exclusions that are especially relevant for travel to Guyana, such as emergency evacuation and tropical disease risks. Complete your purchase online and receive your insurance certificate for travel documentation.
What medical risks should I be aware of in Guyana?
Guyana presents health risks including malaria, dengue, yellow fever, Zika, and chikungunya. Medical care is limited and may not meet U.S. standards, especially outside cities. It is important to travel with insurance that covers medical evacuation, hospital stays, and emergency treatment in case healthcare is not available locally.
Does travel insurance cover emergency evacuation from remote areas?
Most comprehensive travel insurance plans include coverage for emergency evacuation, which is highly recommended for Guyana since much of its territory is remote and difficult to access. Carefully review your policy to ensure it covers air or land evacuation and related transport costs, as these can be expensive.
Are travel insurance claims easy to make from within Guyana?
You should contact your insurer as soon as possible if you encounter an emergency in Guyana. Reliable insurers provide 24/7 assistance hotlines and guidance for accessing local medical or support services. Keep all travel documents and receipts, as they are typically required for successful claims processing.
How much does travel insurance for Guyana typically cost?
The price for travel insurance to Guyana usually ranges from $40 to $100 per person for a two-week stay. Costs depend on your age, trip length, and the level of coverage you select. Policies that include medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and higher medical limits will be priced at the upper end.
Do I need a visa to travel to Guyana?
U.S. citizens do not need a tourist visa to enter Guyana for stays of up to three months. Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your planned departure, and you must have at least one blank page for an entry stamp. Entry requirements can change, so always verify before departure.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Guyana?
Start by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to find tailored offers. Make sure you review the coverage and exclusions that are especially relevant for travel to Guyana, such as emergency evacuation and tropical disease risks. Complete your purchase online and receive your insurance certificate for travel documentation.
What medical risks should I be aware of in Guyana?
Guyana presents health risks including malaria, dengue, yellow fever, Zika, and chikungunya. Medical care is limited and may not meet U.S. standards, especially outside cities. It is important to travel with insurance that covers medical evacuation, hospital stays, and emergency treatment in case healthcare is not available locally.
Does travel insurance cover emergency evacuation from remote areas?
Most comprehensive travel insurance plans include coverage for emergency evacuation, which is highly recommended for Guyana since much of its territory is remote and difficult to access. Carefully review your policy to ensure it covers air or land evacuation and related transport costs, as these can be expensive.
Are travel insurance claims easy to make from within Guyana?
You should contact your insurer as soon as possible if you encounter an emergency in Guyana. Reliable insurers provide 24/7 assistance hotlines and guidance for accessing local medical or support services. Keep all travel documents and receipts, as they are typically required for successful claims processing.
How much does travel insurance for Guyana typically cost?
The price for travel insurance to Guyana usually ranges from $40 to $100 per person for a two-week stay. Costs depend on your age, trip length, and the level of coverage you select. Policies that include medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and higher medical limits will be priced at the upper end.
