- The best travel insurances for Peru
- Current Travel Safety in Peru
- Is travel insurance required for the visa to Peru?
- Why you need travel insurance for Peru
- Travel Insurance Coverage for Peru
- The cost of travel insurance for Peru
- How to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Peru
- Your current insurance coverage in Peru
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Peru: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Peru covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen travel-related incidents.
2. Warning: The U.S. State Department advises increased caution in Peru due to crime and civil unrest.
3. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory for U.S. citizens but is highly recommended for medical emergencies.
4. Healthcare cost: Private healthcare in Peru is costly; a hospital night can exceed $500 for foreign visitors.
5. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Peru typically costs between $30 and $60.
6. Good to know: Ensure your policy covers high-altitude activities and potential medical evacuation from remote 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 here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Peru.
The best travel insurances for Peru
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.0M | Comprehensive protection for trips to Peru with strong health coverage and support. - high medical limit - evacuation included - policy flexibility |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.0M | Well-suited for travelers seeking 24/7 support, medical and cancellation benefits. - 24/7 medical helpline - cancellation cover - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | $0.5M | Practical for Peru, covers core health needs and emergencies. - robust medical cover - emergency assistance - clear conditions |
| Travel Pass Monde | $0.7M | A balanced policy combining adequate coverage with useful travel guarantees. - repatriation included - hospitalization covered - suitable for short stays |
| Globe Partner | $0.3M | Good for essential protection, suitable for Peru’s main travel zones. - basic medical care - repatriation - civil liability |
| Globe Traveller | $0.5M | Adapted to short, lower-risk travel in Peru, with quick claims. - essential medical cover - fast reimbursement - limited ceiling |
- high medical limit
- evacuation included
- policy flexibility
- 24/7 medical helpline
- cancellation cover
- no deductible
- robust medical cover
- emergency assistance
- clear conditions
- repatriation included
- hospitalization covered
- suitable for short stays
- basic medical care
- repatriation
- civil liability
- essential medical cover
- fast reimbursement
- limited ceiling
Current Travel Safety in Peru
As of June 2025, the US Department of State maintains a Level 2 advisory for Peru: exercise increased caution due to risks that include crime, protests, and localized instability.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: crime such as petty theft and kidnapping can occur, especially in Lima and transport hubs. Avoid demonstrations and regions near the Colombia-Peru border, where armed groups are present.
- Health risks: certain regions have diseases like dengue, malaria, and yellow fever. Medical services are adequate in Lima, but limited elsewhere. Altitude sickness is a risk in Cusco and Puno.
- Legal constraints: travelers must declare cash exceeding $10,000 upon entry. There are increased legal risks related to the use of ayahuasca or kambo in unregulated tours, which have led to several incidents.
- Environmental advice: avoid nighttime driving outside cities due to accident risk and scarce roadside help. Always use licensed tour operators for activities such as visiting the Inca Trail.
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 Peru.
Is travel insurance required for the visa to Peru?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for US travelers to obtain a visa to visit Peru.
However, travel insurance is strongly recommended due to the risk of crime, limited health facilities outside major cities, and the potential for high costs if emergency medical care or evacuation is needed.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Peru. This high percentage reflects concerns about healthcare access, altitude sickness, and the expenses associated with emergencies in remote regions.
Why you need travel insurance for Peru
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Peru.
In Peru, foreigners are often directed to private clinics, like Clínica Anglo Americana in Lima or Clínica San Pablo in Cusco, where care is modern but costs are high. Public hospitals may lack English-speaking staff or specialized equipment, and access can be limited in remote regions.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transport, and emergency repatriation to the US in case of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Peru.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Clínica Anglo Americana | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 7,000 PEN (about $1,850 USD) | Up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 4,200 PEN (about $1,100 USD) | Up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 140,000 PEN (about $37,000 USD) | Up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 17,500 PEN (about $4,600 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 Peru
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Peru.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🩺 Medical expenses | Covers emergency doctor visits, hospitalization, surgery, treatment for altitude sickness or infections. We recommend at least $75,000 in coverage due to costs in Lima or tourist cities. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Pays for air ambulance or emergency transport to Lima or back to the US, especially important for remote areas. A minimum of $150,000 coverage is advisable due to Peru's challenging geography. |
| 🏥 Hospitalization | Includes overnight stays, tests, and specialist fees in hospitals or clinics. We recommend a limit of $50,000 for hospitalization. |
| 👨⚕️ Repatriation of remains | Handles arrangements and costs for returning a body to the US in case of death abroad. A minimum benefit of $25,000 is recommended. |
| 💼 Personal liability | Covers costs if you unintentionally injure someone or damage property. A limit of $50,000 is advisable. |
| 👜 Baggage and personal effects | Insurance for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage, gear, or valuables. Opt for a limit of $2,000 or more, especially if carrying electronics or sports equipment. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation/interruption | Reimburses prepaid expenses if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip for medical, family, or travel disruptions. Limit should match the value of your bookings (flights, tours, hotels). |
| 🐍 Adventure sports coverage | Covers incidents during activities such as hiking, rafting, or trekking at Machu Picchu. Make sure your policy includes this if you plan adventure excursions, recommended coverage varies according to activity risk. |
We recommend at least $75,000 in coverage due to costs in Lima or tourist cities.
A minimum of $150,000 coverage is advisable due to Peru's challenging geography.
We recommend a limit of $50,000 for hospitalization.
A minimum benefit of $25,000 is recommended.
A limit of $50,000 is advisable.
Opt for a limit of $2,000 or more, especially if carrying electronics or sports equipment.
Limit should match the value of your bookings (flights, tours, hotels).
Make sure your policy includes this if you plan adventure excursions, recommended coverage varies according to activity risk.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often provides limited coverage, low reimbursement limits, and multiple exclusions. For better protection, choose a reputable insurer with comprehensive policies. Compare offers on HelloSafe and buy online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Peru
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $21 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $33 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $49 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $100 |
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 policy is determined by several key elements. Be sure to consider the traveler's age, the length of your trip, your destination, the amount of coverage you select, and any add-ons like trip cancellation. Keeping these factors in mind will help you find the best plan for your needs and budget.
💡 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 Peru
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Peru while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🧑💼 Traveler's age | Age can influence the cost of coverage, especially for travelers 60 and over. | The insurer Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62; always check age brackets. |
| 📅 Trip duration | Prices rise with trip length, making this a key factor if you plan longer stays. | Compare daily and weekly rates, as policies may become cheaper per day for longer stays. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Higher medical expense limits may increase costs, but are essential due to Peru’s remote areas. | Choose a plan covering at least $100,000 in medical expenses, but avoid unnecessary upgrades. |
| 🌎 Geographic coverage | Some plans are global, others are regional—choose based on your itinerary in Peru and possible side trips. | Select “Latin America only” if you are not leaving the region, it can be less expensive. |
| ✈️ Activities covered | Trekking, hiking, and adventure sports are common in Peru but not always included in standard coverage. | Avoid adding adventure sports unless actually needed, as this increases premiums. |
| 🧳 Deductible amount | The amount you pay out of pocket affects the annual premium. | Opt for a higher deductible if you’re comfortable paying more in case of a claim, to lower cost. |
| 👨👩👦 Number of travelers | Group plans and family deals can be cheaper if you are traveling with others. | Ask for group discounts when insuring multiple family members or joining a group tour. |
Your current insurance coverage in Peru
It’s reasonable to wonder if your existing coverage, such as private health insurance or credit card benefits, can protect you during a trip to Peru. Unfortunately, these options are often limited or insufficient for international travel. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Peru? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance | No, never | No coverage outside the US; medical treatment and evacuation not included | Travel insurance covers up to $100,000+ for local medical expenses and evacuation |
| Private health insurance | Yes, partly | Some emergency medical bills reimbursed after return. Often limited to $5,000–$10,000; no evacuation | Travel insurance includes up to $100,000–$500,000 for medical and full repatriation support |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard) | Yes, partly | Limited emergency medical ($2,500–$10,000); no routine care, baggage, or adventure activity cover | Travel insurance covers up to $100,000+ for health, baggage, and 24/7 global assistance |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Preferred, Amex Gold, Citi Premier) | Yes, partly | Medical emergencies often max out at $25,000–$50,000; limited evacuation; exclusions for many risks | Travel insurance provides $100,000–$500,000 medical, $5,000+ trip issues, and evacuation |
Example
While trekking the Inca Trail, Sarah developed severe altitude sickness, requiring an emergency helicopter evacuation to Cusco. The total cost hit $25,000. Her Chase Sapphire card's travel insurance only covered $2,000, and her US health plan didn't cover international evacuations, leaving her with a staggering $23,000 bill.
Expert advice
Always check the terms, exclusions, and limits of your existing insurance. Critical situations, like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness, might be excluded. Read the fine print carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to purchase dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Peru for tourism if their stay is under 90 days. You must have a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity upon your arrival. Make sure your passport also has at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Peru?
Start by comparing offers on the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to find the best fit. Carefully review coverage and exclusions, focusing on specific needs for Peru, such as medical evacuation and coverage for outdoor activities. After you choose a plan, buy online and you'll receive your insurance certificate by email.
Does travel insurance for Peru cover medical evacuation?
Many travel insurance plans for Peru include coverage for medical evacuation, which is essential due to limited facilities in rural and remote areas. Evacuation to the U.S. or a major city can cost tens of thousands of dollars, so confirm the policy covers at least $100,000, especially if visiting high-altitude regions.
Are altitude sickness and local diseases covered by travel insurance?
Most travel insurance plans will cover emergency medical treatment, including issues related to altitude sickness, dengue, or other local health risks, as long as the illness is unexpected. Check your plan’s exclusions for pre-existing conditions and ensure it covers hospital stays and urgent medical care in both cities and remote areas.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my trip to Peru?
Refunds for trip cancellation depend on the specific terms and reasons covered by your travel insurance policy. Typical covered reasons include unforeseen illness, a family emergency, or major civil unrest after booking. Review the cancellation section carefully to know what is included and if proof or documentation is needed.
What should I do if I need emergency assistance while in Peru?
If you face an emergency, contact your insurance provider’s assistance hotline immediately. They can help coordinate medical evacuation, hospital admission, or arrange for necessary transport. It’s important to carry your insurance certificate and contact details with you at all times while in Peru.
Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Peru for tourism if their stay is under 90 days. You must have a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity upon your arrival. Make sure your passport also has at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Peru?
Start by comparing offers on the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to find the best fit. Carefully review coverage and exclusions, focusing on specific needs for Peru, such as medical evacuation and coverage for outdoor activities. After you choose a plan, buy online and you'll receive your insurance certificate by email.
Does travel insurance for Peru cover medical evacuation?
Many travel insurance plans for Peru include coverage for medical evacuation, which is essential due to limited facilities in rural and remote areas. Evacuation to the U.S. or a major city can cost tens of thousands of dollars, so confirm the policy covers at least $100,000, especially if visiting high-altitude regions.
Are altitude sickness and local diseases covered by travel insurance?
Most travel insurance plans will cover emergency medical treatment, including issues related to altitude sickness, dengue, or other local health risks, as long as the illness is unexpected. Check your plan’s exclusions for pre-existing conditions and ensure it covers hospital stays and urgent medical care in both cities and remote areas.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my trip to Peru?
Refunds for trip cancellation depend on the specific terms and reasons covered by your travel insurance policy. Typical covered reasons include unforeseen illness, a family emergency, or major civil unrest after booking. Review the cancellation section carefully to know what is included and if proof or documentation is needed.
What should I do if I need emergency assistance while in Peru?
If you face an emergency, contact your insurance provider’s assistance hotline immediately. They can help coordinate medical evacuation, hospital admission, or arrange for necessary transport. It’s important to carry your insurance certificate and contact details with you at all times while in Peru.
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