- The best travel insurance for Maldives
- Is it currently safe to travel to Maldives?
- Is travel insurance required for the visa to Maldives?
- The importance of travel insurance for Maldives
- What your travel insurance for Maldives should cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Maldives
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Maldives
- Does My Current Insurance Cover Me in Maldives?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Maldives: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for the Maldives covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and potential evacuation costs.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for US citizens, but it is highly recommended for financial protection.
3. Healthcare cost: Medical care is expensive; a hospital stay can cost hundreds of US dollars per night.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for the Maldives typically costs between $40 and $80.
5. Good to know: Ensure your policy includes robust medical evacuation coverage due to the remote island locations.
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 the Maldives.
The best travel insurance for Maldives
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.1M | Top choice for peace of mind in Maldives. - very high medical limit - medical evacuation covered - covers emergencies on remote islands |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.1M | Excellent for Maldives trips with wide support. - 24/7 medical helpline - strong baggage coverage - hotel quarantine expenses covered |
| Tourist Card | $545k | Good value for tourists needing core protection in Maldives. - solid medical cover - assistance abroad - swift claims processing |
| Travel Pass Monde | $765k | Versatile for extended island stays. - hospital fees covered - repatriation included - useful for diverse activities |
| Globe Partner | $328k | Focused essentials for international travel to Maldives. - emergency care abroad - civil liability - straightforward documents |
| Globe Traveller | $545k | Simple and accessible for short stays in Maldives. - basic but sufficient medical cover - fast reimbursement - cost-effective for single trips |
- very high medical limit
- medical evacuation covered
- covers emergencies on remote islands
- 24/7 medical helpline
- strong baggage coverage
- hotel quarantine expenses covered
- solid medical cover
- assistance abroad
- swift claims processing
- hospital fees covered
- repatriation included
- useful for diverse activities
- emergency care abroad
- civil liability
- straightforward documents
- basic but sufficient medical cover
- fast reimbursement
- cost-effective for single trips
Is it currently safe to travel to Maldives?
As of June 2025, the US Department of State recommends travelers exercise increased caution while visiting Maldives, with the destination currently rated at Level 2 for security advisory.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: terrorist groups may target crowded tourist spots with little or no warning.
- For instance, coordinated attacks have occurred in South Asia resorts, and emergency response on remote Maldivian islands may be delayed.
- Health risks:
- while no vaccines are required unless coming from a yellow fever endemic country, tap water is not safe to drink.
- Medical facilities are limited outside Malé, so travelers needing urgent care in areas like Ari Atoll may face significant delays.
- Legal restrictions:
- electronic cigarettes and vaping devices will be confiscated on arrival and are illegal from November 2024.
- Alcohol consumption is allowed only on resort islands.
- public observance of religions other than Islam is banned.
- Cultural sensitivities: dress modestly in public places outside resorts.
- For example, swimwear and revealing clothing may be inappropriate or draw unwanted attention on non-resort islands.
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 Maldives.
Is travel insurance required for the visa to Maldives?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for US nationals to obtain a visa to travel to Maldives.
Travel insurance is still strongly recommended, as medical facilities outside Malé are limited and emergency transport can be expensive. Insurance provides reassurance for medical issues, interruptions, or incidents that might occur on resort islands or during transfers between islands.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Maldives. This high rate is due to the cost of private healthcare and the logistical challenges of medical evacuations from remote islands.
The importance of travel insurance for Maldives
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Maldives.
In Maldives, most islands do not have hospitals, and even Malé, the capital, has limited public facilities. Foreigners usually need to visit private clinics such as ADK Hospital in Malé, where healthcare can be very expensive. In case of serious illness, medical evacuation to another country, like Sri Lanka or Singapore, is often necessary and involves substantial costs.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalization costs, medications, ambulance transportation, and repatriation costs to the US in case of a serious issue.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Maldives.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at ADK Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 26,000 MVR (approx. $1,690) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 19,000 MVR (approx. $1,230) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 390,000 MVR (approx. $25,300) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 48,000 MVR (approx. $3,110) | 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 your travel insurance for Maldives should cover
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| ? Medical expenses | Covers illness, accidents, or hospitalization on all islands. We recommend at least $100,000 in medical coverage due to the high cost of private care. |
| ? Medical evacuation | Pays for air ambulance or transfer to a hospital outside Maldives if necessary. Recommended limit: $100,000 or more due to remote island locations. |
| ? Lost or delayed baggage | Reimburses losses or delays for checked bags, important as seaplane connections increase the risk. Suggested limit: $1,500 or more per traveler. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Recovers costs if your trip is interrupted or canceled for covered reasons. Set coverage limit to match your trip value, usually $2,000-$5,000. |
| ? 24/7 Assistance | Provides English-speaking support for medical help, rebooking, or emergencies. Choose a plan with unlimited worldwide assistance. |
| ? Personal liability | Covers you if you accidentally injure someone or damage property. Recommended minimum: $50,000 in liability coverage. |
| ? Pre-existing conditions | Limited coverage for emergency relapse, if included. If needed, consider at least $10,000 coverage for stabilized pre-existing conditions. |
We recommend at least $100,000 in medical coverage due to the high cost of private care.
Recommended limit: $100,000 or more due to remote island locations.
Suggested limit: $1,500 or more per traveler.
Set coverage limit to match your trip value, usually $2,000-$5,000.
Choose a plan with unlimited worldwide assistance.
Recommended minimum: $50,000 in liability coverage.
If needed, consider at least $10,000 coverage for stabilized pre-existing conditions.
Travel insurance from local providers or credit cards typically has low coverage limits and many exclusions.
It’s safer to select a reputable insurer with full international coverage.
Compare the best options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for immediate certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Maldives
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $35 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $55 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $90 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $175 |
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 policy is shaped by several key variables: your age, the duration of your trip, your destination, the coverage amount, and any optional add-ons like cancellation coverage. It's essential to consider these factors to select the right plan that fits your needs and budget 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 to pay less for your travel insurance to Maldives
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Maldives while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| ?️ Level of coverage | Medical facilities are limited outside Malé, so medical evacuation coverage is important. | Select a plan with adequate medical and evacuation coverage, but avoid high add-ons to reduce cost. |
| ??? Number of travelers | Family or group travel can lead to higher costs if not bundled under one policy. | Look for family or group travel policies for lower per-person rates compared to individual plans. |
| ⏳ Trip duration | Longer trips increase insurance cost, especially with coverage for remote islands. | Insure the exact days you are traveling to avoid paying for unnecessary coverage. |
| ? Activities coverage | Certain water activities or tours may need specific coverage, which can impact pricing in Maldives. | Opt out of optional adventure or water activity coverage if it is not relevant to your itinerary. |
| ? Pre-existing conditions | Inclusion for pre-existing conditions can increase premium costs if not needed. | Select a standard plan if you do not require coverage for pre-existing medical issues to lower your cost. |
| ? Deductible amount | Plans with higher deductibles typically have lower premiums, but you pay more if you claim. | Choose a higher deductible only if you are comfortable with higher potential out-of-pocket costs. |
| ? Traveler’s age | Premiums often increase for older travelers, but some insurers maintain stable rates. | Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62, which may benefit senior travelers. |
Does My Current Insurance Cover Me in Maldives?
It’s completely reasonable to wonder if your existing plans such as private health insurance or credit card coverage are enough for a trip to Maldives, but in reality these options are often too limited. As a traveler from the US, travel insurance is not required for a short-stay visa in Maldives, but only full travel insurance provides adequate international protection. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Maldives? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | No, never | No coverage for care or hospitalization abroad. | Travel insurance covers $100,000+ for medical expenses worldwide. |
| Private health insurance (Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna) | Yes, partly | Emergency medical may be $25,000–$50,000. No medical evacuation, travel delays, or luggage coverage. | Travel insurance covers $100,000+ medical care, repatriation, and lost baggage. |
| Classic credit card (Chase Freedom, Citi Simplicity, Amex Blue) | Yes, partly | Medical emergencies under $2,500; rarely anything for trip cancellation, lost luggage, or evacuation. | Travel insurance covers trip cancellation up to $5,000+ and full hospital care. |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Mastercard World Elite) | Yes, partly | Medical care up to $10,000–$25,000; some trip delay/lost baggage benefits, but limits apply. | Travel insurance covers $100,000+ in medical plus $1,500+ for trip interruptions and emergencies. |
Example
While scuba diving in the Maldives, Sarah suffered from decompression sickness. The emergency air evacuation and hyperbaric treatment cost $30,000. Her Chase Sapphire card's insurance had a $2,500 limit, and her US health plan didn't cover international evacuations, leaving her with a staggering $27,500 bill for this critical medical emergency.
Expert advice
Always check the terms, exclusions, and limits of your existing insurance. Critical situations, like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness, may be excluded. Read the conditions carefully to avoid 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 Maldives?
U.S. citizens do not need to obtain a visa before traveling to Maldives. A free 30-day tourist visa is issued upon arrival at the airport as long as you have a valid passport, proof of onward or return travel, and a completed Traveler Declaration form. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your departure date from the Maldives.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Maldives?
Begin by comparing different travel insurance options, which you can do using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Carefully review the policy coverage and exclusions to make sure it meets your specific needs for a trip to Maldives. Once you have chosen a suitable plan, purchase it online. You will then receive your certificate by email, often within minutes.
Are there health risks in Maldives that travel insurance should cover?
Although there are no required vaccinations for U.S. visitors unless arriving from a yellow fever country, travelers should note that tap water is not safe to drink and healthcare facilities are limited outside Malé. Comprehensive travel insurance ideally covers emergency medical care, evacuation, and transport to better-equipped hospitals if needed during your stay.
What restrictions or legal considerations should I know about?
Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are strictly banned and will be confiscated on arrival. Alcohol is available only in designated resort areas, and public expressions of religions other than Islam are prohibited. Ensure your travel insurance covers loss or delays caused by confiscations or issues that may arise from local laws and customs.
What should I do if I need medical attention while in Maldives?
If you require medical care, contact your travel insurer’s emergency hotline for a referral to the appropriate medical facility. Most medical services are centralized in Malé, and evacuation to another country may be necessary for serious conditions. Always retain copies of medical bills and reports for your insurance claim process.
Do I need a visa to travel to Maldives?
U.S. citizens do not need to obtain a visa before traveling to Maldives. A free 30-day tourist visa is issued upon arrival at the airport as long as you have a valid passport, proof of onward or return travel, and a completed Traveler Declaration form. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your departure date from the Maldives.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Maldives?
Begin by comparing different travel insurance options, which you can do using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Carefully review the policy coverage and exclusions to make sure it meets your specific needs for a trip to Maldives. Once you have chosen a suitable plan, purchase it online. You will then receive your certificate by email, often within minutes.
Are there health risks in Maldives that travel insurance should cover?
Although there are no required vaccinations for U.S. visitors unless arriving from a yellow fever country, travelers should note that tap water is not safe to drink and healthcare facilities are limited outside Malé. Comprehensive travel insurance ideally covers emergency medical care, evacuation, and transport to better-equipped hospitals if needed during your stay.
What restrictions or legal considerations should I know about?
Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are strictly banned and will be confiscated on arrival. Alcohol is available only in designated resort areas, and public expressions of religions other than Islam are prohibited. Ensure your travel insurance covers loss or delays caused by confiscations or issues that may arise from local laws and customs.
What should I do if I need medical attention while in Maldives?
If you require medical care, contact your travel insurer’s emergency hotline for a referral to the appropriate medical facility. Most medical services are centralized in Malé, and evacuation to another country may be necessary for serious conditions. Always retain copies of medical bills and reports for your insurance claim process.
