- The best travel insurances for Jamaica
- Is it currently safe to travel to Jamaica?
- Is travel insurance required for a visa for Jamaica?
- Why take out travel insurance for Jamaica?
- Travel insurance coverage for Jamaica
- The Cost of Travel Insurance for Jamaica
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Jamaica
- Current insurance coverage in Jamaica
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Jamaica: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Jamaica covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost personal belongings.
2. Warning: The U.S. State Department advises reconsidering travel to Jamaica due to crime.
3. Key protection: Insurance is not required for entry, but it protects against high overseas medical costs.
4. Healthcare cost: Private medical care is costly; a hospital night can exceed $1,000 USD for tourists.
5. Price: A one-week travel insurance plan for Jamaica typically costs between $30 and $60.
6. Good to know: Consider policies with medical evacuation, as local emergency services can be limited outside major areas.
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 everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Jamaica.
The best travel insurances for Jamaica
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.0M | A strong choice for Jamaica, providing high reimbursement and comprehensive assistance. - high medical limit - evacuation covered - straightforward policy |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.0M | Good for travelers needing support at all times, with solid medical and cancellation benefits. - 24/7 medical helpline - cancellation cover - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | $0.5M | Suitable for tourism in Jamaica, offering reliable core health protection. - good medical cover - emergency assistance - clear conditions |
| Travel Pass Monde | $0.7M | Balanced medical coverage plus practical guarantees for routine and urgent care. - repatriation included - hospital costs covered - useful for short trips |
| Globe Partner | $0.3M | Good for basic protection in Jamaica, with essential overseas care. - medical care abroad - repatriation - clear, essential coverage |
| Globe Traveller | $0.5M | Meets basic needs for shorter stays, with quick and simple reimbursement. - core medical cover - fast claims - limited premium features |
- high medical limit
- evacuation covered
- straightforward policy
- 24/7 medical helpline
- cancellation cover
- no deductible
- good medical cover
- emergency assistance
- clear conditions
- repatriation included
- hospital costs covered
- useful for short trips
- medical care abroad
- repatriation
- clear, essential coverage
- core medical cover
- fast claims
- limited premium features
Is it currently safe to travel to Jamaica?
As of June 2025, the US Department of State advises travelers to exercise increased caution when visiting Jamaica due to ongoing violent crime and limitations in local healthcare infrastructure.
- Security risks: crime remains significant and includes armed robbery and sexual assault, especially in Kingston, Spanish Town, and some parishes. Tourist zones have lower crime rates, but visitors should avoid walking at night and using public buses.
- Health risks: access to medical care in Jamaica is limited compared to the US, with slower emergency response and frequent need for cash payments at private facilities. Some medicines like insulin can be scarce, and air ambulance costs to the US may reach $50,000.
- Legal constraints: strict laws prohibit bringing firearms or even ammunition casings into Jamaica, with severe penalties, including lengthy prison terms. Possession of any firearm-related item at customs can result in arrest.
- Other advice: travelers are urged to enroll in the US Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and to prepare contingency plans. Certain neighborhoods are classified as Level 4: Do Not Travel due to safety concerns.
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 Jamaica.
Is travel insurance required for a visa for Jamaica?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for US travelers intending to visit Jamaica.
While it is not required for the visa process, having travel insurance is strongly recommended due to the elevated risk of crime and the high cost of medical evacuation or private healthcare in Jamaica.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Jamaica. This is due to the expensive healthcare system and the need for rapid, quality care in emergency situations.
Why take out travel insurance for Jamaica?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Jamaica.
Health care costs can be high in Jamaica. Foreigners are often referred to private facilities like Andrews Memorial Hospital in Kingston or UHWI, where charges for consultations, hospital stays, and emergency procedures are substantial. Public hospitals face overcrowding and limited resources, especially outside major cities.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transport, and repatriation to the US in the event of a severe illness or accident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Jamaica.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Andrews Memorial Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | JMD 230,000 (approx. $1,500) | Up to $1,500 or 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | JMD 195,000 (approx. $1,300) | Up to $1,300 or 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | JMD 7,350,000 (approx. $48,000) | Up to $48,000 or 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | JMD 375,000 (approx. $2,400) | Up to $2,400 or 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 Jamaica
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers hospital stays, doctor visits, and emergency care if ill or injured. We recommend at least $200,000 in medical reimbursement for Jamaica. |
| ✈️ Emergency medical evacuation | Pays for air ambulance or repatriation to the US in case of serious injury or illness. Minimum recommended limit: $100,000. |
| 🚑 Repatriation of remains | Covers the cost if it is necessary to return remains to the US. Recommended minimum: $50,000. |
| 💊 Medications and treatment | Includes prescription drugs and outpatient treatments needed during travel. At least $5,000 recommended, especially for chronic conditions. |
| 📅 Trip cancellation | Refunds non-refundable travel costs if plans are disrupted for covered reasons. Minimum $5,000 suggested to cover flights and hotels. |
| 🎒 Baggage and personal effects | Reimburses for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and items. A limit of $1,500 is typically suitable for most travelers to Jamaica. |
| 🧑⚖️ Personal liability | Protects against accidental damage or injury caused to third parties. Choose a policy with at least $100,000 coverage. |
We recommend at least $200,000 in medical reimbursement for Jamaica.
Minimum recommended limit: $100,000.
Recommended minimum: $50,000.
At least $5,000 recommended, especially for chronic conditions.
Minimum $5,000 suggested to cover flights and hotels.
A limit of $1,500 is typically suitable for most travelers to Jamaica.
Choose a policy with at least $100,000 coverage.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often includes low coverage limits and many exclusions. It is safer to choose a trusted insurer with broad, reliable coverage. Compare the best options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The Cost of Travel Insurance for Jamaica
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $23 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $42 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $67 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $149 |
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 is determined by several variables. It's important to consider the traveler's age, the duration of the trip, the destination, the desired coverage amount, and any optional add-ons like a cancellation waiver. Factoring these in will help you select the most appropriate and cost-effective policy for your journey.
💡 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 Jamaica
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Jamaica while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🏖️ Trip duration | Insurance costs grow with longer trips, especially in high-risk or remote Jamaica regions requiring possible medical evacuation. | Choose precise travel dates, avoid overestimating duration for best pricing. |
| 👤 Traveller’s age | Older travelers sometimes pay more due to increased health risks. | Some insurers, like Heymondo, do not raise prices for those over 62, so always compare offers. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Over-insuring can raise costs, but minimum requirements are vital due to expensive private health in Montego Bay or Kingston. | Select a plan that covers major risks and medical evacuation, not excessive extras unrelated to your trip. |
| 👫 Number of insured people | Family or group policies may offer discounts compared to individual contracts, saving money for groups visiting tourist zones. | Choose a group plan where possible, especially if traveling with family or friends. |
| 💰 Deductible/Excess | Higher deductibles lower premiums, but increase your out-of-pocket if you make a claim in Jamaica. | Opt for a higher deductible only if you can afford a possible larger upfront medical payment. |
| 💳 Payment and loyalty methods | Single payment and some loyalty programs can result in lower premiums. | Pay in full when possible and look for loyalty or multi-trip discounts from insurers or banks. |
| 🏄♂️ Activities planned | Adventure and water sports, popular in Jamaica, can increase premiums. | Only add extra cover for activities you truly plan to do, not all possible optional extras. |
Current insurance coverage in Jamaica
It is completely reasonable to check if your current coverage, such as credit card protection or a public health insurance plan, will protect you on your trip to Jamaica. Unfortunately, these options usually offer limited or no coverage. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Jamaica? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | No, never | No coverage abroad, neither for medical expenses nor repatriation. | Travel insurance covers $100,000+ in urgent care and evacuation. |
| Private health insurance (Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare) | Yes, partly | Possible out-of-network emergency coverage, rarely covers evacuation, limits under $20,000. | Travel insurance includes $100,000+ in overseas care and medevac. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard, Wells Fargo Platinum) | Yes, partly | Accident/illness cover below $5,000, often excludes repatriation and luggage. | Travel insurance adds $100,000+ medical, baggage, 24/7 support. |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Citi Prestige) | Yes, partly | Travel medical under $50,000, baggage delay or trip delay only after strict conditions. | Travel insurance covers $100,000+, evacuation, and trip interruption. |
Example
After a scooter crash near Montego Bay, Sarah needed emergency surgery for a broken femur, costing $20,000. Her Chase Sapphire Reserve card's travel insurance only covered $2,500. Her US health plan considered the Jamaican hospital out-of-network, leaving her with a massive bill for what was supposed to be a simple vacation.
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 subscribe a dedicated travel insurance tailored to the trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Jamaica?
U.S. citizens traveling to Jamaica for tourism generally do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, you must have a valid passport at the time of entry. If you plan to stay longer or for purposes other than tourism, check the requirements with the Jamaican consulate before you travel.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Jamaica?
First, compare policies by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool for unbiased options. Next, carefully check what is covered and excluded, paying attention to guarantees like medical evacuation and special risks relevant to Jamaica. After choosing, complete your purchase online. You will then receive your insurance certificate by email.
What medical costs could I face in Jamaica?
Medical care in Jamaica is more limited than in the United States. Private hospitals require upfront payment, and serious cases may need costly evacuation, sometimes between $30,000 and $50,000. Travel insurance can provide financial protection for hospitalization, emergencies, or air ambulance expenses that your regular plan might not cover.
Does travel insurance cover trip cancellations due to safety concerns in Jamaica?
Most travel insurance plans cover trip cancellations if the U.S. State Department issues a major travel warning or if unpredictable incidents occur after booking. Always check your policy’s language, as restrictions and covered reasons can vary between insurers and individual plans.
Are adventure activities in Jamaica included in standard travel insurance?
Standard travel insurance may exclude coverage for risks associated with adventure sports such as scuba diving or zip lining. If you plan on these activities, select a policy that specifically includes them. Read the terms carefully to ensure full coverage for medical care or accidents related to excursions.
Is my travel insurance valid in areas of Jamaica with Level 4 warnings?
Travel insurance is usually valid nationwide, but some policies may exclude coverage for high-risk areas explicitly listed as “Do Not Travel” by the State Department. Review your policy's exclusions list, especially if your itinerary covers areas like parts of Kingston or Spanish Town.
Do I need a visa to travel to Jamaica?
U.S. citizens traveling to Jamaica for tourism generally do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, you must have a valid passport at the time of entry. If you plan to stay longer or for purposes other than tourism, check the requirements with the Jamaican consulate before you travel.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Jamaica?
First, compare policies by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool for unbiased options. Next, carefully check what is covered and excluded, paying attention to guarantees like medical evacuation and special risks relevant to Jamaica. After choosing, complete your purchase online. You will then receive your insurance certificate by email.
What medical costs could I face in Jamaica?
Medical care in Jamaica is more limited than in the United States. Private hospitals require upfront payment, and serious cases may need costly evacuation, sometimes between $30,000 and $50,000. Travel insurance can provide financial protection for hospitalization, emergencies, or air ambulance expenses that your regular plan might not cover.
Does travel insurance cover trip cancellations due to safety concerns in Jamaica?
Most travel insurance plans cover trip cancellations if the U.S. State Department issues a major travel warning or if unpredictable incidents occur after booking. Always check your policy’s language, as restrictions and covered reasons can vary between insurers and individual plans.
Are adventure activities in Jamaica included in standard travel insurance?
Standard travel insurance may exclude coverage for risks associated with adventure sports such as scuba diving or zip lining. If you plan on these activities, select a policy that specifically includes them. Read the terms carefully to ensure full coverage for medical care or accidents related to excursions.
Is my travel insurance valid in areas of Jamaica with Level 4 warnings?
Travel insurance is usually valid nationwide, but some policies may exclude coverage for high-risk areas explicitly listed as “Do Not Travel” by the State Department. Review your policy's exclusions list, especially if your itinerary covers areas like parts of Kingston or Spanish Town.
On the same topic
