Discover the Best Travel Insurance for Puerto Rico in 2025
- The best travel insurances for Puerto Rico
- Is it currently safe to travel to Puerto Rico?
- Is travel insurance required for the visa to Puerto Rico?
- Why take out travel insurance for Puerto Rico?
- What should travel insurance for Puerto Ricos cover?
- The cost of travel insurance for Puerto Rico
- How can you pay less for your travel insurance to Puerto Rico?
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Puerto Rico?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Puerto Rico: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Puerto Rico covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and lost baggage.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but is vital for covering unexpected medical and travel costs.
3. Healthcare cost: Healthcare costs are high, with a hospital stay costing thousands of dollars per night.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Puerto Rico typically costs between $30 and $60.
5. Good to know: Confirm your domestic health plan provides full coverage in Puerto Rico before you travel.
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 Puerto Rico.
The best travel insurances for Puerto Rico
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.0M | Our recommendation for trips to Puerto Rico. Comprehensive, adaptable coverage. - high medical ceiling - repatriation included - excellent for major medical events |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.0M | A solid choice for reliable protection during your stay. - strong medical limits - 24/7 medical helpline - cancellation included |
| Tourist Card | $500K | Practical package for tourists visiting Puerto Rico. - substantial medical coverage - emergency assistance included - attractive simplicity |
| Travel Pass Monde | $700K | Good balance of coverage and support abroad. - repatriation - hospital fees included - fits medium-length trips |
| Globe Partner | $300K | Dependable base protection for any international stay. - covers foreign medical costs - repatriation - easy claims process |
| Globe Traveller | $500K | Affordable for short and low-risk trips to Puerto Rico. - essential medical cover - quick reimbursement - streamlined design |
- high medical ceiling
- repatriation included
- excellent for major medical events
- strong medical limits
- 24/7 medical helpline
- cancellation included
- substantial medical coverage
- emergency assistance included
- attractive simplicity
- repatriation
- hospital fees included
- fits medium-length trips
- covers foreign medical costs
- repatriation
- easy claims process
- essential medical cover
- quick reimbursement
- streamlined design
Is it currently safe to travel to Puerto Rico?
As of June 2025, the US Department of State maintains a normal precaution advisory for travel to Puerto Rico. No restrictions or formal discouragement currently apply, but travelers are advised to remain aware of local risks.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: petty theft and pickpocketing do occur in tourist areas such as Old San Juan or Condado. Visitors should be cautious in crowded markets, public transit, and beaches.
- Health risks: Puerto Rico is experiencing a dengue outbreak, particularly after rain or during warmer months. Mosquito protection is essential, and medical care is generally available but can be expensive for nonresidents.
- Environmental hazards: Puerto Rico’s hurricane season runs from June to November, with risks of flight disruptions and service interruptions. In 2017, Hurricane Maria caused widespread power and water outages.
- Travel formalities: for air travel after May 2025, REAL ID-compliant identification or a valid US passport is required. Non-US citizens must comply with standard mainland US visa requirements.
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 Puerto Rico.
Is travel insurance required for the visa to Puerto Rico?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for travelers from the US to visit Puerto Rico.
However, it is strongly recommended to take out travel insurance, as medical care and emergency evacuation can be very expensive and Puerto Rico is currently experiencing a dengue outbreak. Insurance can offer protection for unexpected events, particularly during hurricane season, and ensure access to quality medical care without financial strain.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Puerto Rico. This high rate reflects the importance of being protected in a territory with a costly health system and notable weather risks.
Why take out travel insurance for Puerto Rico?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Puerto Rico.
In Puerto Rico, access to high-quality medical care for travelers is usually through private facilities such as Ashford Medical Center in San Juan, where costs can be significant. Public hospitals may have longer wait times and fewer services, especially outside San Juan.
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 Puerto Rico.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Ashford Medical Center | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | $4,000 | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | $2,500 | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | $45,000 | up to $45,000 |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | $9,000 | 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 should travel insurance for Puerto Ricos cover?
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Puerto Rico.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers hospital stays, doctor fees, and prescriptions in case of accident or illness. Minimum recommended reimbursement limit: $100,000. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Pays for emergency transport to the nearest hospital or back to the US if medically needed. Minimum recommended limit: $100,000. |
| 📦 Baggage loss or delay | Compensates for personal items lost, stolen, or delayed by an airline or carrier. Minimum recommended limit: $2,000. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation or interruption | Reimburses non-refundable travel expenses if you cancel or cut short your trip for covered reasons. Minimum recommended coverage: $5,000. |
| 🏝️ Natural disaster/hurricane coverage | Protects against unexpected expenses due to hurricanes or severe weather disrupting your stay. Minimum recommended limit: $5,000. |
| 👨⚖️ Personal liability | Covers costs if you unintentionally injure someone or damage property. Minimum recommended coverage: $100,000. |
| 💉 Emergency dental treatment | Pays for urgent dental care needed during your trip. Minimum recommended coverage: $1,000. |
| 📞 24/7 assistance services | Offers round-the-clock emergency support and coordination. Always included in reputable plans. |
Minimum recommended reimbursement limit: $100,000.
Minimum recommended limit: $100,000.
Minimum recommended limit: $2,000.
Minimum recommended coverage: $5,000.
Minimum recommended limit: $5,000.
Minimum recommended coverage: $100,000.
Minimum recommended coverage: $1,000.
Always included in reputable plans.
Travel insurance included with local providers or bank cards usually comes with low maximums and significant exclusions. It is far safer to select a trusted insurer offering comprehensive protection. You can compare excellent options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for quick certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Puerto Rico
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $18 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $33 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $55 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $120 |
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 factors: your age, trip duration, destination, coverage limits, and optional add-ons like trip cancellation. It's important to keep these elements in mind when comparing policies to find the best value and ensure you have the right protection for your specific travel plans.
💡 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 can you pay less for your travel insurance to Puerto Rico?
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Puerto Rico while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🕒 Trip duration | The longer your stay, the higher the insurance cost. Adjusting dates can help manage your budget effectively. | Buy insurance only for the exact dates needed, including travel days, to avoid paying for unnecessary coverage. |
| 🧑🤝🧑 Number of travelers | Insuring a group or family can increase rates, but group packages may offer lower per-person costs. | Look for family or group policies, which often provide discounts compared to individual plans. |
| 🧳 Level of coverage | Puerto Rico has accessible healthcare and limited medical risks, so standard coverage is usually enough. | Opt for a plan covering essentials like medical care, emergency evacuation, and baggage, then skip high-value add-ons. |
| 💵 Deductible amount | Choosing a higher deductible usually results in lower premiums, but ensure it's affordable if you need care. | Consider a deductible that balances a lower premium with what you could reasonably afford in an emergency. |
| 📱 Purchase timing | Buying early can provide access to more choices and better rates before prices rise close to departure. | Buy insurance soon after booking your trip to take advantage of early purchase benefits and possibly better rates. |
| 👥 Traveller’s age | Age can impact pricing, especially for seniors, though risk is lower within the US. | With some insurers like Heymondo, rates do not increase for those over 62, so compare different providers before purchasing. |
| ⚕️ Pre-existing medical conditions | Additional coverage may be required for travelers with medical issues, raising the overall price. | If you need coverage for pre-existing conditions, seek out insurers that offer this specifically at the best rate for your needs. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Puerto Rico?
It is completely reasonable to wonder if your existing coverage, such as public or private health insurance or credit card insurance, will protect you during a trip to Puerto Rico. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient for key travel needs. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Puerto Rico? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | Yes, partly | Emergency care at Medicare-approved facilities only. No evacuation, limits set by U.S. program, no trip interruption. | Travel insurance covers $100,000+ for medical care, repatriation, and trip cancellation in Puerto Rico. |
| Private health insurance (Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna) | Yes, partly | Emergency services, may have high deductibles or network restrictions. May exclude medevac. Limited baggage/trip delay cover. | Travel insurance offers $100,000+ worldwide care, $500+ baggage, $5,000 trip cancellation, emergency evacuation, no network limits. |
| Classic credit card (Chase Freedom, Citi Double Cash, Capital One Platinum) | Yes, partly | Emergency medical may be $2,500–$10,000, no trip cancellation, little to no baggage cover. Many exclusions. | Travel insurance includes $100,000+ medical, trip cancellation, baggage, and strong 24/7 local assistance. |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Preferred, AmEx Gold, Capital One Venture X) | Yes, partly | Emergency medical usually $25k–$100k, trip interruption low, baggage max $1,000, strict conditions. | Travel insurance medical up to $1M, $2,000+ baggage, $5,000–$10,000 cancellation, worldwide assistance, fewer exclusions. |
Example
While surfing in Rincón, Mike suffered a severe spinal injury. The emergency surgery and care cost $45,000. His US-based HMO plan considered the hospital out-of-network, covering nothing. His Chase Sapphire card's travel benefit was limited, leaving him with a crippling $40,000 bill for his dream 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 or death, might be excluded. Read the conditions carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Puerto Rico?
No, U.S. citizens and permanent residents do not need a visa to travel to Puerto Rico. Travel is considered domestic, so you only need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a valid U.S. passport for air travel. Non-U.S. citizens follow the same visa requirements as for mainland United States.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Puerto Rico?
To buy travel insurance for Puerto Rico, first compare available plans using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, carefully review the coverage and exclusions, especially for hurricane and health-related risks. Then, purchase your chosen plan securely online. Once purchased, you will receive your insurance certificate, typically by email.
Should I consider travel insurance if I have U.S. health insurance?
Yes, it is advisable. While most U.S. health insurance works in Puerto Rico, it typically does not cover non-medical risks such as trip cancellation or lost baggage. Specialized travel insurance can offer emergency assistance and protection for unexpected disruptions.
Does travel insurance cover weather-related disruptions in Puerto Rico?
Many travel insurance policies offer coverage for trip interruptions or cancellations due to extreme weather, including hurricanes. Always check your policy’s terms to ensure hurricane-related events are included, and be sure to buy coverage before a storm is forecasted.
Can I buy travel insurance if my trip has already started?
Some travel insurers allow you to purchase a plan after your journey begins, but options are limited and coverage may be restricted. It is always best to arrange travel insurance before departure to ensure the full range of protection and emergency benefits.
Do I need a visa to travel to Puerto Rico?
No, U.S. citizens and permanent residents do not need a visa to travel to Puerto Rico. Travel is considered domestic, so you only need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a valid U.S. passport for air travel. Non-U.S. citizens follow the same visa requirements as for mainland United States.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Puerto Rico?
To buy travel insurance for Puerto Rico, first compare available plans using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, carefully review the coverage and exclusions, especially for hurricane and health-related risks. Then, purchase your chosen plan securely online. Once purchased, you will receive your insurance certificate, typically by email.
Should I consider travel insurance if I have U.S. health insurance?
Yes, it is advisable. While most U.S. health insurance works in Puerto Rico, it typically does not cover non-medical risks such as trip cancellation or lost baggage. Specialized travel insurance can offer emergency assistance and protection for unexpected disruptions.
Does travel insurance cover weather-related disruptions in Puerto Rico?
Many travel insurance policies offer coverage for trip interruptions or cancellations due to extreme weather, including hurricanes. Always check your policy’s terms to ensure hurricane-related events are included, and be sure to buy coverage before a storm is forecasted.
Can I buy travel insurance if my trip has already started?
Some travel insurers allow you to purchase a plan after your journey begins, but options are limited and coverage may be restricted. It is always best to arrange travel insurance before departure to ensure the full range of protection and emergency benefits.
