Best Travel Insurance for Visiting Samoa in 2025
- The best travel insurance plans for Samoa
- Is it currently safe to travel to Samoa?
- Is travel insurance legally mandatory for Samoa?
- Why take out travel insurance for Samoa?
- What should travel insurance for Samoa cover?
- The cost of travel insurance for Samoa
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Samoa
- Will my current insurance cover me in Samoa?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Samoa: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Samoa covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen travel-related incidents.
2. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory but is highly recommended due to limited local medical facilities.
3. Healthcare cost: Medical facilities are limited; evacuation to New Zealand or Australia can cost over $50,000.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance plan for Samoa typically costs between $30 and $60.
5. Good to know: Ensure your policy covers adventure sports and disruptions during the November-April cyclone season.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in the US, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Samoa.
The best travel insurance plans for Samoa
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.1M | Excellent choice for Samoa, providing strong worldwide medical and repatriation support. - high medical limit - medical evacuation - reliable guarantees |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.1M | Reliable protection for Pacific trips like Samoa. - 24/7 helpline - cancellation benefit - easy medical claims |
| Tourist Card | $0.54M | Good option for travelers needing solid basics. - decent coverage ceiling - emergency assistance - clear conditions |
| Travel Pass Monde | $0.76M | Balanced cover for extended stays or active travel. - hospital fees included - repatriation assistance - worldwide service scope |
| Globe Partner | $0.32M | Trusted for short international visits to Samoa. - essential medical benefits - civil liability - simple process |
| Globe Traveller | $0.54M | Cost-effective for brief or low-risk trips. - basic hospital cover - responsive claims - clear benefit limits |
- high medical limit
- medical evacuation
- reliable guarantees
- 24/7 helpline
- cancellation benefit
- easy medical claims
- decent coverage ceiling
- emergency assistance
- clear conditions
- hospital fees included
- repatriation assistance
- worldwide service scope
- essential medical benefits
- civil liability
- simple process
- basic hospital cover
- responsive claims
- clear benefit limits
Is it currently safe to travel to Samoa?
As of June 2025, the US Department of State advises travelers to Samoa that the overall safety level remains favorable, with only routine precautions required. There are no official restrictions in place for US travelers at this time.
- Security risks: petty theft and opportunistic crime can occur, particularly at night or around markets in Apia. Travelers should not leave valuables unattended, especially on beaches or in vehicles.
- Health risks: mosquito-borne illnesses including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika are present year-round. Outside the capital, medical facilities are limited and emergency medical evacuation may be necessary for serious conditions.
- Environmental hazards: Samoa is prone to cyclones between November and April, and experiences periodic earthquakes. Tsunami evacuation zones are clearly marked in coastal areas around Apia and Savai’i.
- Legal considerations: modest dress is expected in rural villages and near churches. Homosexual acts are criminalized under local law, and customs checks are strict regarding medications and imported goods.
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 Samoa.
Is travel insurance legally mandatory for Samoa?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for US travelers to enter Samoa.
However, it is strongly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergency evacuation. Medical facilities in Samoa can be limited, especially outside the capital Apia, and emergency medical evacuations to Australia or New Zealand are often very expensive.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Samoa, mainly because of the high cost of overseas medical care and evacuations in the Pacific region.
Why take out travel insurance for Samoa?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Samoa.
In Samoa, medical facilities are limited, especially outside Apia, and many treatments require evacuation to New Zealand or Australia for proper care. Private clinics like Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital in Apia can charge high fees for consultations and urgent procedures, and public hospitals may lack critical medicines or equipment.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transport, and emergency repatriation to the US in case of a serious issue.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Samoa.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 5,000 WST (about $1,800 USD) | 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 3,500 WST (about $1,250 USD) | 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 60,000 WST (about $21,500 USD) | 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 7,000 WST (about $2,500 USD) | 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 Samoa cover?
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers doctor visits, hospital costs, prescribed medications, and medical evacuation. We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of $100,000 for Samoa. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Reimburses pre-paid, non-refundable expenses if you must cancel for a covered reason (e.g., illness, severe weather). Choose at least $5,000 per traveler. |
| 🛄 Baggage loss/delay | Payment for lost, stolen, or delayed luggage or personal items. A limit of $1,500 per traveler is recommended. |
| 🚑 Emergency evacuation | Pays for your transfer to the nearest medical facility or back to the US if serious injury or illness occurs. Minimum recommended limit: $250,000. |
| 🦷 Dental emergencies | Covers dental care needed due to sudden pain or accident. Suggested minimum: $500 coverage for dental emergencies. |
| 🗺️ Personal liability | Protection if you accidentally cause injury or property damage to others. A limit of $50,000 is recommended for international travel. |
| 📞 24/7 assistance | Access to emergency hotline for help with claims, lost documents, or urgent issues. Look for round-the-clock worldwide service. |
| 🏄♂️ Activities coverage | Covers injuries from adventure sports or excursions commonly offered in Samoa. Check that dangerous or water-based activities are not excluded. |
We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of $100,000 for Samoa.
Choose at least $5,000 per traveler.
A limit of $1,500 per traveler is recommended.
Minimum recommended limit: $250,000.
Suggested minimum: $500 coverage for dental emergencies.
A limit of $50,000 is recommended for international travel.
Look for round-the-clock worldwide service.
Check that dangerous or water-based activities are not excluded.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often offers limited protection, low reimbursement limits, and many exclusions. It’s safer to choose a trusted insurer providing full coverage. Compare top options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Samoa
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $26 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $38 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $56 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $148 |
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 will vary based on several key factors: the traveler's age, the duration of the stay, the destination, desired coverage limits, and any optional add-ons like a cancellation waiver. It's important to consider these elements to select the right 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 Samoa
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Samoa while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🛡️ Level of coverage | Higher coverage for medical emergencies is vital due to limited healthcare in Samoa. | Select only coverage you truly need to avoid overpaying. Compare what’s included, especially for medical evacuation and repatriation. |
| 👥 Number of travelers | Group travel options may lower premium costs per person. | Consider family or group policies if traveling with others. Insurers often offer discounts for groups rather than separate plans. |
| 🗓️ Trip duration | Duration affects price, with longer stays increasing total cost. | Insure only the specific days you’ll be in Samoa. Selecting exact travel dates helps you avoid paying for unnecessary extra coverage days. |
| 👤 Traveler’s age | Some insurers raise rates for older travelers, affecting overall premium. | Insurers like Heymondo do not increase prices for people over 62. Compare age-related costs before you choose a plan. |
| 🌎 Geographic coverage | Wider regional or worldwide coverage can raise costs unnecessarily if only visiting Samoa. | Choose a “Samoa only” or Oceania specific plan. Avoid global coverage if you are not visiting other countries on the same trip. |
| 💳 Deductible amount | Higher deductibles usually lower premium but increase out-of-pocket in emergencies. | Select the highest deductible you are comfortable with. This can significantly reduce your overall insurance cost. |
| 🏥 Pre-existing conditions | Some plans charge more for covering chronic or pre-existing health issues. | Disclose pre-existing conditions only if you need related coverage. If not needed, selecting a plan without this feature lowers your price. |
Will my current insurance cover me in Samoa?
It’s completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing insurance—such as your public or private health plan, or your credit card coverage—will protect you while traveling in Samoa. Unfortunately, these types of coverage are often limited or insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of Insurance | Valid in Samoa? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Health Insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | No, never | No coverage outside U.S. territory. No overseas medical bills or repatriation. | Travel insurance often reimburses over $100,000 for emergency medical and $500,000 evacuation. |
| Private Health Insurance (Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna) | Yes, partly | Emergency care abroad sometimes covered, often capped below $25,000. No return flight or baggage. | Travel insurance provides $100,000+ medical, $300,000+ evacuation, trip interruption and luggage. |
| Classic Credit Card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard) | Yes, partly | Medical less than $10,000; few baggage, delay, or trip cancellation benefits. | Travel insurance reimburses $100,000+ for medical, includes trip interruption and lost luggage. |
| Premium Credit Card (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Mastercard World Elite) | Yes, partly | Medical coverage up to $50,000–$100,000. Some trip delay/loss, rarely includes full evacuation. | Travel insurance can cover $300,000+ evacuation and 24/7 support, with broad trip protection. |
Example
While scuba diving in Samoa, Sarah got decompression sickness. The necessary medical evacuation to New Zealand cost $75,000. Her US health plan offered no coverage abroad, and her Visa Signature card’s travel insurance only paid $10,000. Sarah was left with a shocking $65,000 bill for a dive gone wrong.
Expert advice
Always review your existing insurance for its terms, exclusions, and limits. Critical events, like trip interruption due to a relative's illness or death, might be excluded. Read the fine print 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 Samoa?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Samoa for stays of less than 90 days. Upon arrival, travelers are granted a 90-day Visitor Permit, provided they have a valid U.S. passport, onward or return tickets, proof of sufficient funds, and a confirmed residential address in Samoa.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Samoa?
To buy travel insurance for Samoa, first compare options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, check the coverage and exclusions, paying attention to medical evacuation and tropical disease coverage, which are important for Samoa. Then, purchase the policy online. You will immediately receive your insurance certificate by email.
Is medical evacuation covered by all travel insurance policies for Samoa?
Not all travel insurance policies automatically include medical evacuation. Some basic plans may exclude it or set low limits. Always check that your policy specifically includes medical evacuation coverage, as it can be essential in Samoa where advanced healthcare may require air transfer to another country.
Do travel insurance policies cover adventure activities in Samoa?
Many standard travel insurance plans exclude high-risk activities such as scuba diving, surfing, or hiking in remote areas. If you plan to participate in these activities, confirm your policy includes adventure or sports coverage, or consider purchasing an add-on for those risks.
What should I consider regarding health care in Samoa?
Medical facilities in Samoa are limited, especially outside the capital, Apia. Access to specialized treatment is not guaranteed, and serious illnesses or injuries may require evacuation to New Zealand or Australia. It is crucial to verify that your insurance provides adequate medical coverage and emergency evacuation.
Do I need a visa to travel to Samoa?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Samoa for stays of less than 90 days. Upon arrival, travelers are granted a 90-day Visitor Permit, provided they have a valid U.S. passport, onward or return tickets, proof of sufficient funds, and a confirmed residential address in Samoa.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Samoa?
To buy travel insurance for Samoa, first compare options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, check the coverage and exclusions, paying attention to medical evacuation and tropical disease coverage, which are important for Samoa. Then, purchase the policy online. You will immediately receive your insurance certificate by email.
Is medical evacuation covered by all travel insurance policies for Samoa?
Not all travel insurance policies automatically include medical evacuation. Some basic plans may exclude it or set low limits. Always check that your policy specifically includes medical evacuation coverage, as it can be essential in Samoa where advanced healthcare may require air transfer to another country.
Do travel insurance policies cover adventure activities in Samoa?
Many standard travel insurance plans exclude high-risk activities such as scuba diving, surfing, or hiking in remote areas. If you plan to participate in these activities, confirm your policy includes adventure or sports coverage, or consider purchasing an add-on for those risks.
What should I consider regarding health care in Samoa?
Medical facilities in Samoa are limited, especially outside the capital, Apia. Access to specialized treatment is not guaranteed, and serious illnesses or injuries may require evacuation to New Zealand or Australia. It is crucial to verify that your insurance provides adequate medical coverage and emergency evacuation.
