Travel Insurance for the USA

11 minutos de lectura
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Aerial view of New York City skyline with skyscrapers and the East River.

What is the best travel insurance for the USA? It’s no secret that having to pay for any medical expenses during a trip to the USA means shelling out a large sum of money. Therefore getting travel insurance for the USA is essential when preparing for your trip to this country.

The USA of America is a country with countless possibilities for any traveller. Spectacular cities like New York, paradise beaches in Hawaii, epic routes like the famous Route 66, or natural parks like Yellowstone await you to make this trip unforgettable. Therefore, at IATI, we have created international medical policies suitable for this destination. Which will ensure that you don’t have to worry about anything other than having fun.

In this guide, we will show you what the best travel insurance for the USA is, what coverage makes it your best option, and how you can hire it in the simplest way possible.

Your safe trip to the “Land of Uncle Sam” starts now!

Why get travel insurance for the USA

There are countries where it is advisable to travel with travel insurance, others where it is highly recommended, and others, such as the USA, where it is almost mandatory. It is strongly advised for every traveller to have health/travel insurance that covers expenses for any emergency medical situation.

The USA, despite its excellent medical centers and hospitals, is known to be one of the most expensive countries in the world when it comes to healthcare. These high costs are the main cause of bankruptcy for American citizens and require them to have private insurance.

times square new york

How much can a visit to the doctor cost me?

When visiting the US, and in the absence of a medical agreement with almost every country, the risk of bankruptcy is faced by tourists. A simple stumble while walking down a New York sidewalk that results in a sprained ankle, an ambulance ride due to an emergency, the need for something as simple as an X-ray, or even any other unforeseen event that in your country would be less important, in the USA would mean paying a bill of thousands of euros.

To give you an idea, here are some examples of the prices practiced:

  • Ambulance transfer: between $ 400 and $ 1,200
  • Emergency care: between $ 150 and $ 3,000
  • An X-ray: between $ 150 and $ 3,000
  • Surgery for appendicitis: starting at $ 35,000
  • Ankle fracture: between $ 17,000 and $ 35,000

In addition to the high costs of healthcare, there are other reasons to get the best insurance to travel to the USA.

With insurance, you will also be covered in cases such as problems with your luggage, violent theft, delays and flight loss, or even cancellation coverage to recover the money invested in this trip if you are unable to take it.

What is the best travel insurance for the USA?

In the next section of this article, we will show you the coverage that your international medical policy should have for this destination.

We recommend IATI Total Comfort if your country of residence is within the European Union. This is the best international insurance option for the USA, it provides coverage for a wide range of scenarios that may arise during your visit to this country. For example, you will be protected if you have problems with your luggage (lost or stolen), as well as if you are assaulted with violence or intimidation. Another example? You will also be covered in cases of delayed departure of transportation, delayed delivery of your luggage, adventure sports, or, if you wish, trip cancellation for serious reasons.

If you are travelling form outside the European Union, we recommend IATI Star. It has one of the highest medical expenses coverages on the market, €1,000,000 extendable up to €4,800,000 and the largest limits in its wide range of complementary coverages. This policy is specially designed for travel to countries with high medical costs, such as the US.

We will discuss these and other features in the next section dedicated to the coverage of IATI Total Comfort and IATI Star travel insurance for the US, where you will easily see why they are the best-selling insurances for this destination.

What characteristics should the best travel insurance for the USA have?

Each destination requires a very specific type of coverage since a trekking trip to Everest is not the same as a weekend getaway to Paris. The international policy that fits like a glove for one destination may not meet the needs of another.

In the case of travel insurance for the USA of America, it becomes even more evident because, being one of the most expensive destinations in the world in terms of medical assistance, it requires the best coverage. Below, is all coverage you will need, all included in your IATI Total Comfort and IATI Star:

Free assistance in your language 24 hours a day

Something essential in the best travel insurance for the USA is that it makes everything easier for you. If you need urgent help, it would be harder to have to express yourself in a different language, which you may not fully master. How do you feel? What happened to you? Where are you? In a situation where you need help, you need everything to be fluid and even if you can master the language, nervousness can make communication difficult.

Therefore, with your IATI Star, we will always assist you in your first language. We are at your disposal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and, if you contact us by phone, we will refund the value of the international call when you send us the receipt.

Broad medical assistance coverage

As you have seen, healthcare prices in the US are very high and a visit to the doctor often translates into a bill of thousands and thousands of euros.

To ensure that you are covered both in a visit to the doctor or if you need more complex assistance that includes medical tests, we provide travel insurance for New York with very high medical expense coverage.

Thus, thanks to your IATI Star and IATI Total Comfort you will have the protection of up to 10,000,000 euros (with your IATI Total Comfort) that will guarantee you coverage in any situation.

At IATI, we have more than 135 years of experience as leaders in travel insurance and none of our travellers has ever needed medical assistance that reached half of those costs.

Therefore, we can guarantee that with your travel insurance, you will have the best protection on this trip to the USA.

palm trees and cars in a street near a beach in the united states

Adventure sports in the USA

The US is not just about big cities. National Parks and their lush nature await you to have unforgettable experiences. Diving in the idyllic coasts of Hawaii, cycling through Moab, climbing the walls of Yosemite National Park, hiking through Yellowstone, or more common activities such as surfing, kayaking, or canyoning can be part of your plans.

All these activities are considered risky and are generally not covered by international policies, but thanks to the Adventure Sports Coverage included in your IATI Star and IATI Total Comfort travel insurance for the USA, you will also be protected if you embark on any of these adventures.

Bodily injuries in motor vehicles

Another classic plan on a trip like this is renting a car and driving hundreds of kilometers, exploring the country, whether on Route 66 or connecting points such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or the Grand Canyon of Colorado.

A very common question that usually comes to mind is, “What happens if I have an accident? Am I also covered?” And the answer is simple, IATI Star and IATI Total Comfort are the best insurances for travelling to the USA because they cover you in any circumstance.

So, you will also be guaranteed hospitalization if you have an accident with a motor vehicle.

signs in route 66 in the united states

Without deductibles, you won’t have to pay anything out of your pocket

Many insurers hide in fine print that their policies have deductibles. This means that, for example, in the case of a deductible of 100 euros, every time you need any kind of medical assistance, you will have to pay the first 100 euros, even if you already paid for the policy.

At IATI, we do not work with deductibles and always assist from the first cent of your medical assistance to the last, so you do not have to worry about money.

No advance payment for medical assistance during your trip

Another very common case is if you need private medical insurance which, despite offering some coverage during the trip, requires you to pay the expenses and then initiate a lengthy process to recover your money. If this happens to you in the USA, it could ruin your trip if you faced a bill for thousands of euros.

With your IATI insurance, this will not happen. If you need assistance contact us, and we will direct you to the most appropriate health center. As soon as you arrive, they will be waiting for you, and we will take care of the expenses of your visit, as well as any medical tests or medication that may be prescribed for you.

If due to an emergency, you cannot contact us before receiving medical attention, it will not be a problem. You can then send us the medical reports and invoices, and we will reimburse you as soon as possible.

Loss of baggage and theft included

On vacation, many things can happen besides health problems. For this reason, our travel insurance for the USA has also been designed to cover these types of cases. For example, you will have coverage of up to 2,500 euros, with your IATI Star, and up to 1,500 euros with your IATI Total Comfort for cases such as problems with your luggage or theft with violence.

In addition, you will also have other coverages that we will be happy to attend to, such as delayed delivery of checked baggage, or delayed departure of transportation.

Cancellation option – cancelling your trip to the USA

Travelling to the USA is not cheap. The planning of this trip is linked to flight and accommodation bookings and activities that increase the cost of this experience. It is entirely normal for you to ask questions like: “What happens if I cannot travel due to a serious unforeseen event? Will I lose all the money invested in this dream trip?”

To answer these questions, we were the first ones to offer the Travel Cancellation Supplement. Thanks to this, we will reimburse you a certain amount of expenses that you cannot recover directly from your travel provider if you must cancel the trip for any of the reasons considered in the policy.

You can obtain this supplement, with a single click during the process of hiring your travel insurance for the USA.

beach in hawaii with surfers

Travel insurance coverage for the USA

Now that you know the coverage your travel insurance for the USA should have, you may be interested in learning more about the features offered by the most popular policies among travellers heading to this destinations. On the IATI Total Comfort and IATI Star pages, you can find detailed information about our policy and its benefits.

In the following table, as a summary, we show you some of the coverages if you are travelling from the EU:

Travel Insurance for the USAMedical Expenses CoverageTheft and baggage damageAdventure SportsCancellation coverage (optional)Repatriation
IATI Total Comfort€10,000,000€1,500100%€2,000100%

If you are travelling from outside the EU, here is the summary of the features of the best travel insurance:

Travel Insurance for the USAMedical Expenses CoverageTheft and baggage damageAdventure SportsCancellation coverage (optional)Repatriation
IATI Star€1.000.000€2,500100%€5,000100%

How much does travel insurance for the USA cost?

The cost of your travel insurance for Cuba, is what will convince you of the great quality/price ratio.

As you can see, the price of a two-week trip is lower than the price of one night in a medium hotel in areas like Varadero, which means that your international insurance will be a minimal cost in your travel budget.

In addition, this is an expense that will turn into a huge saving in case you need any type of assistance:

International health insurancePrice for 1 week2 weeks3 weeks
IATI Total Comfort82 €120 €198,69 €

International health insurancePrice for 1 week2 weeks3 weeks
IATI Star63,44€99,38 €123,62 €

How to hire the best travel insurance for the USA

Buying your travel insurance for Cuba through our intuitive menu is quick and easy, following the steps below.

In the menu, you should enter your travel details:

  • Your place of origin
  • The destination of the trip: in this case, the USA
  • The start and end dates of the trip
  • The number of travellers
  • Type of insurance: travel insurance

After filling out these fields and clicking on “Get a quote”, select IATI Total Comfort or IATI Star and then click on “Contract”. At this point, you can add the Travel Cancellation Option that we mentioned above, which will allow you to recover up your travel expenses if you cannot travel for any of the reasons mentioned above.

Simply fill in your personal information, make the payment, and within minutes you will receive an email with the details of your policy, including contact information for when you need assistance. It’s incredibly easy to get travel insurance for Cuba – the whole process can take as little as 3 minutes!

Useful information for a safe trip to the USA

Best time to travel to the USA

The USA is a huge country, and that makes it difficult to give a concrete answer to the question “What is the best time to travel to the USA?” In general, most travellers tend to avoid winter, as in many parts of the country, it is normal for the temperature to drop below zero, but on the other hand, many others make the most of this season where the snow and Christmas decorations give a magical touch to cities like New York.

July and august are the hottest months, becoming even hotter in places like Miami.

Depending on your itinerary through the country, you should pay attention to how the weather will be like during the period you plan to travel.

san francisco bride

Security in the USA

The USA is considered a relatively safe country for tourists. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to take precautions.

Health in the USA

The USA is one of the countries with the most expensive healthcare in the world. Even US citizens are required to have private health insurance to help cover bills that often exceed thousands of euros.

This also makes it essential for travellers to have international insurance that guarantees coverage in any circumstance. IATI Star and IATI Total Comfort are the best travel insurances for the USA.

Get yours now and enjoy the trip you deserve with the peace of mind of having the best protection.

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Travel Insurance for the Maldives

Travel Insurance for the Maldives

10 minutos de lectura

What is the best travel insurance for the Maldives? The Maldives is the dream destination of thousands of travellers who seek to relax on white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. To enjoy the comfort of their luxurious resorts, or, for example, enjoy the incredible biodiversity of their underwater environments. If you have already started organizing this adventure, you must have begun to look at flight options to the country, accommodations, and travel insurance for the Maldives that will protect your health and wallet, so that nothing ruins this unique experience that you are about to embark on. In this guide, we will focus on the last point and give you all the necessary information so that you can choose the best travel insurance for the Maldives. We will discuss the coverage you need in the country, its price, and how easy it is to get this insurance. Are you ready to start this journey to paradise? Why get travel insurance for the Maldives? The Maldives is a clear example of a country where having travel insurance is essential, as it is one of the countries where a doctor visit is costly, which makes it essential to have adequate travel insurance. As you can imagine, in a country with over 1,000 islands, it is not always easy to find a medical center, let alone one of good quality. Sometimes, depending on the urgency, it may even be necessary to be transported to another nearby country where you can be treated with the best guarantees. Therefore, it is essential to have the best travel insurance for the Maldives. The Importance of Travel Insurance This spectacular archipelago awaits you with many spectacular activities. A simple stumble while walking the streets of the capital, Malé, can end in a minor ankle sprain; indigestion from trying the typical cuisine; a cut from coral while snorkelling or diving in its incredible underwater world, or simply any problem that would be less serious in our own country (an infection, back problems, routine medical care…) without travel insurance for the Maldives could result in a high bill and a visit to a medical center that is likely below the quality standards we are used to. But your international medical insurance for the Maldives must go far beyond health-related issues and be by your side in case of any incident. IATI Total Comfort and IATI Star are the best policies for this trip. If your country of residence is within the European Union your best ally for this trip is IATI Total Comfort. If your country of residence is outside the European Union we recommend IATI Star.They take into consideration many more aspects and protect you in cases that may occur on a trip like this, such as problems with your luggage or theft. You will travel with serenity and if something happens, you can continue your journey. What is the best travel insurance for the Maldives? In the next section of this guide to getting your travel insurance for the Maldives, we will detail the characteristics that your policy should have. All of these, and many more, are included in the IATI Total Comfort and IATI Star travel insurances for the Maldives. So, if you are already aware of the importance of having the best policy for this trip, don’t wait any longer and get it now. What features should the best travel insurance for the Maldives have? Your travel insurance for the Maldives must have extensive financial coverage to ensure your safety. In addition, it should come with specific coverage for a trip to this destination. Each trip is different and just as you would need specific coverage to travel to a European city, for a trip to the Maldives, your policy should have the following characteristics, all included in your IATI Total Comfort and IATI Star policies: Free assistance in your language 24 hours a day The official language of the country is Dhivehi, but most workers in tourist accommodations and activities you will engage in speak fluent English. Have you ever imagined needing some kind of assistance and not being able to request it in your language? It would be a big waste of time and in certain situations, it can be extremely necessary for someone to speak the same language as us. That’s why with your travel insurance for the Maldives, we will always assist you in your language. In addition, we will be available to you 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, and you can contact us for free. If you do it by phone from abroad, you only need to send us the receipt for your international call, and we will reimburse you as soon as possible. High Medical Coverage Due to the archipelago’s topography and deficiencies in terms of medical centers on most islands, in severe cases, you may even have to be taken to another country. Therefore, having the best travel insurance for the Maldives is the best guarantee, both for its high coverage and the possibility of medical transfer if necessary. That’s why we’ve provided the IATI Total Comfort travel insurance for the Maldives with up to €10,000,000 to cover any medical situation you may face and IATI Star with up to €1.000.000 to cover any health situation. Additionally, you will always receive this attention in the best medical centers and hospitals in the country. Adventure sports in the Maldives A trip to a “beach” destination like this is synonymous with water sports and adventure. As you may be surprised, most international medical insurance does not cover this type of activity. The IATI Backpacker travel insurance for the Maldives, thanks to its Adventure Sports coverage, will protect you when you are enjoying popular activities in this destination. Such as diving up to 40 meters, surfing, windsurfing, beach games, paddle boarding, kayaking/canoeing, jet skiing, zip-lining… and even snorkelling! That’s right, activities that at first glance may seem so simple and that you may think are included in any travel policy, would not be included without the Adventure Sports coverage in your travel insurance to the Maldives. No deductibles, you don’t pay anything out of your pocket Many insurers offer prices that hide in the small print that they work with deductibles. If there is a deductible of 100 euros and you need some medical assistance, you will have to pay the first 100 euros (even though you have already paid the policy), and the insurer will cover the rest of the bill if it is higher than 100€. At IATI, we do not work with deductibles, and we cover every penny of your medical assistance. No need to advance money for medical assistance On the other hand, there are private health insurances that, when you travel abroad and need medical assistance, in addition to covering only a part, require you to make the payment and only weeks later reimburse you. This could mean that you must pay thousands of euros in the middle of your trip to the Maldives for an emergency and only get it back weeks later. With your IATI travel insurance, you won’t have to worry about that, we’ll take care of everything. The process to use your travel insurance for the Maldives is simple: when you need it, just contact us, and explain what type of assistance you need. We will quickly refer you to a quality medical center nearby, where they can help you. Once you get there, they will be waiting for you and, after your visit, we will take care of the costs of the consultation and any possible exams and medications prescribed by the professional. Similarly, if due to an emergency, you cannot contact us before visiting the medical center, we will also be there to support you. Just send us the bills and medical reports and we will reimburse the costs as quickly as possible. Lost luggage and theft included The best travel insurance for the Maldives should go beyond high medical coverage. You and your luggage are going to the Maldives, and that’s why we’ll also take care of protecting your belongings. Thanks to your IATI Total Comfort insurance, you will have up to 1,500 euros of coverage for cases such as robbery with violence or problems with your luggage. With IATI Star you will also be protected in such cases and you will have up to 2,500 euros of coverage. Cancellation option – cancelling your trip to the Maldives On a trip like this, there is a considerable economic investment. Buying tickets to the country, reserving hotels and transportation, booking activities… So, it is possible that, like many other travellers, you may wonder: “What if I couldn’t make this trip for a serious reason? Will I lose all the Money invested?” At IATI, we have over 135 years of experience, we are innovation leaders and have adapted all our products to the needs of our travellers. To address this concern, we introduced the option of Trip Cancellation Supplement. Thanks to this coverage, if you cannot take your trip due to one of the many causes considered in the conditions, we will reimburse you up to 2,000 euros to recover travel expenses that you cannot receive from official suppliers. Therefore, if you wish, you can use this money to visit this paradisiacal destination when you can. When you purchase your medical insurance to travel to the Maldives, you can easily add the Cancellation Supplement with a single click. Travel Insurance Coverage for the Maldives Now that you know the coverage your travel insurance for the Maldives should have, you may be interested in learning more about the features offered by the most popular policies among travellers heading to this destination. On the IATI Total Comfort and IATI Star pages, you can find detailed information about our policy and its benefits. In the following table, as a summary, we show you some of the coverages if you are travelling from the EU: If you are travelling from outside the EU, here is the summary of the features of the best travel insurance: How much does travel insurance for the Maldives cost? The cost of your travel insurance for the Maldives, is what will convince you of the great quality/price ratio. As you can see, the price of a two-week trip is lower than the price of one night in a medium hotel, which means that your international insurance will be a minimal cost in your travel budget. In addition, this is an expense that will turn into a huge saving in case you need any type of assistance: How to hire the best travel insurance for the Maldives Thanks to the intuitive menu, you will quickly see how easy it is to get travel insurance for the Maldives: Simply enter the following information: • Your place of departure for the trip; • Travel destination: Maldives; • Start and end dates of the trip; • Number of travellers; • Type of insurance: travel insurance. After filling in this menu and clicking on “Get a quote”, select your IATI Total Comfort or IATI Star insurance and click “Contract”. This is where, with just one more click, you can add the Cancellation Supplement, as we explained earlier, you can recover up to 2,000 euros in case you have to cancel your trip for any of the reasons considered. Just enter your personal information, make the payment and in your email, you will receive the Maldives travel insurance details you just hired, with all the information to contact us if you need assistance. And that’s it! In just 3 minutes, you have already ensured the tranquillity of your trip with the best coverage and the best price! Useful information for travelling safely to the Maldives Best time to travel to the Maldives In terms of climate, the best time to travel to the Maldives is between january and april, thanks to its good temperatures and low presence of rain. Between May and August, there is intense rainfall, although it is still possible to enjoy a safe trip to the Maldives. The average annual temperature is around 28-29 degrees, so you have no excuse not to make this trip at any time! Security in the Maldives The Maldives is a very safe country for travellers within their tourist areas. Health in the Maldives As it is an archipelago with more than a thousand islands, you may not always have quality health posts nearby. In addition, medical care in the country is very expensive for tourists. That’s why IATI Total Comfort and IATI Star, the best travel insurances for the Maldives, is essential to visit this paradise. With its coverage in medical assistance, theft, adventure sports, or lost luggage, it ensures that you are protected throughout your trip. Get your travel insurance now!

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What to see and visit in Cancun, Mexico

What to see and visit in Cancun, Mexico

12 minutos de lectura

What to see and visit in Cancun? Surely the first thing that comes to mind is the beach and a great hotel. However, there is so much more to experience in the bustling city of Quintana Roo, known as the gateway to the famous Riviera Maya. At IATI, we have been fortunate enough to explore this part of Mexico on multiple occasions, and we are excited to share everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Cancun. Let’s get started! 1. Explore Cancun’s finest beaches: Delfines Beach, Langosta Beach, and more With over 20 kilometres of coastline and numerous all-inclusive hotels, you will have plenty of options to find a spot to relax. Most of Cancun’s beaches are known for their pristine white sand and turquoise waters. However, certain areas within the “hotel zone” may have waves that make swimming challenging, and in recent years, there has been an issue with sargassum seaweed. The presence of waves depends on your location and the wind conditions, but you can find helpful information on websites like this one that provides updates on the sargassum situation. To make your decision a little easier, here are some of the most captivating beaches to see and visit in Cancun: • Playa Delfines: It is renowned as one of Cancun’s best and most famous beaches. You can find the iconic colourful Cancun sign, perfect for a memorable photo here. However, be aware that this beach often has waves and currents, so swimming should be done with caution. • Playa Langosta: This beach is known for its comfort, especially if you are visiting Cancun with children. The water is shallow, making it a safer option for swimming. • Playa Marlín: This beach offers a more secluded and intimate atmosphere, although the waves can be strong. • Playa Gaviota Azul (or Playa Forum): As one of the well-known beaches in the hotel zone, this beach is known for its high waves, attracting surfers. It is also close to bars, creating a lively atmosphere if you’re interested in some nightlife. • Chac Mool Beach: Another popular beach in Cancun, offering various opportunities for water activities. • Caracol Beach: Although smaller in size, it has calmer waters. Walking towards the Hyatt Ziva hotel, you can reach the charming lighthouse. • Tortugas Beach: This beach is usually calm and shallow, making it ideal for a family visit. 2. Excursion to Chichen Itza: A must-do when in Cancun One of the essential activities to do in Cancun is a visit to Chichen Itza. This iconic site needs little introduction, as it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Undoubtedly, a visit to this renowned Mayan archaeological site will be on your mind. You can reach the famous Pyramid of Kukulkan in approximately 3 hours from Cancun by renting a car or taking one of the ADO buses. However, considering the historical significance and convenience, we highly recommend joining one of the many tours that depart from the hotels in the city. 3. Visit Isla Mujeres Another place to see and visit in Cancun, while enjoying the beaches in Cancun is a top priority, is exploring the beautiful beaches of Isla Mujeres as well. Located just off the coast of Cancun and only a 20-minute boat ride away, Isla Mujeres is home to one of the most renowned beaches in the Riviera Maya: Playa Norte. Its crystal-clear waters and stunning beauty make it feel like you’ve stepped into a natural swimming pool. It is entirely feasible to explore Isla Mujeres in a day due to the frequent ferry services. Once you arrive, renting a golf cart to tour the island from end to end is a fun and popular option. Aside from Playa Norte, other must-see spots on the island include Punta Sur, Lancheros Beach, and Parque de los Sueños. Travelling safely in Mexico IATI Backpacker (click here if your country of residence is within the European Union; click here if your country of residence is not part of the European Union) is highly recommended as the best insurance option for this destination. With its comprehensive health care coverage, you will have access to top-notch specialists without incurring any out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, the insurance provides coverage for theft, adventure sports, luggage issues, transportation incidents, and repatriation if needed. Don’t take any risks while in Mexico; ensure your safety by obtaining your insurance now! 4. Explore Cancun City and dine at Palapas Park To be honest, the city of Cancun itself may not boast the same level of beauty as Merida, Campeche, or Valladolid, which are also located on the Yucatan Peninsula. However, if you plan to spend a few days in Cancun, we encourage you to take a stroll through the city center and enjoy a meal at Palapas Park to get a sense of its atmosphere. Avenida Tulum serves as the main thoroughfare and is adorned with parks, shops, restaurants, and, of course, affordable taco stands. Among the well-known places to purchase handicrafts is Mercado 28, but for a livelier experience, visit Parque de las Palapas, which is a popular gathering spot for locals (one of our favourites, Taqueria Coapeñitos, is located nearby), particularly on weekends. If you’re in the mood for more shopping, Plaza las Americas (located in the city) or La Isla Shopping (in the hotel zone) are the places to visit. 5. Archaeological Sites to Explore in Cancun: El Rey Archaeological Zone, Cancun Mayan Museum, and San Miguelito Archaeological Zone You may not be aware, but Cancun offers several intriguing archaeological sites to visit, and they are for sure something to see and do in Cancun. While they may not reach the same level of grandeur as other Mayan ruins in Yucatan or the Riviera Maya, such as Chichen Itza, Coba, or Uxmal, they are still worth exploring, particularly if you seek a break from the beach. Among the most recommended sites are: • Archaeological Zone of El Rey: This precinct derives its name from a sculpture of an unknown monarch discovered here. It is believed to have been one of the significant ports for the Mayans and is considered the most interesting archaeological zone to visit in Cancun. With 47 structures, the highlight is pyramid number 2, a temple where the remains of a high-ranking individual were found, along with a copper axe, a bracelet, and shell and bone ornaments. Admission fee is 70 pesos per person. • Mayan Museum of Cancun and Archaeological Zone of San Miguelito: Arguably one of the top attractions in Cancun, this museum boasts an extensive collection of Mayan culture, featuring significant artefacts not only from the state of Quintana Roo but also from other sites such as Palenque, Chichen Itza, and Comalcalco. The entrance fee is 85 pesos and includes access to the San Miguelito archaeological site, where you can still observe a small Mayan pyramid. These sites are conveniently located in the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone. • Archaeological Zone of El Meco: You will be amazed at how beautiful and well-kept these Mayan ruins are. It is believed to have been an important fishing, commercial and religious centre for the Mayas. It is made up of 14 structures with a main temple, El Castillo, and a 5-level pyramid. Access costs only 70 pesos and they are full of iguanas. • Yamil Lu’um: located in the middle of Cancun’s hotel zone, it is a group of two temples, the main one being the Temple of the Scorpion. It receives this name because the structure of this animal was found in one of its walls. It is believed to have been built between the 12th and 16th centuries. Admission is free. 6. Visit the Tulum Archaeological Zone You have likely seen the iconic postcard image of El Castillo, the most emblematic building in the Tulum Archaeological Zone, against the backdrop of the vibrant Caribbean Sea along the Riviera Maya. Therefore, a visit to the Tulum ruins should be on your list of things to visit in Cancun, as they are among the best-known Mayan ruins in Mexico, second only to Chichen Itza. Formerly known as Zamá, this walled city thrived between 1200 and 1450 as an important center of worship for the revered ‘descending god’. Exploring the site will take approximately a couple of hours, and be sure to visit the Templo de los Frescos, adorned with grey and blue-toned paintings on its interior walls. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit, as there is a beautiful beach right next to the archaeological site where you can take a refreshing dip. The most convenient way to reach Tulum from Cancun is by hiring an excursion, which includes transportation and a guide. However, it is also feasible to visit Tulum independently by renting a car or taking one of the ADO buses. If you choose the latter option, allocate at least 2.5 hours for the journey. While you’re there, we highly recommend visiting Playa Paraíso, one of the most breathtaking beaches in the Riviera Maya. 7. Scenic Tower at the Embarcadero of Cancun If you desire a bird’s-eye view of Cancun, the best place to experience it is the Scenic Tower at the Embarcadero of Cancun. Standing 85 meters tall, this tower offers a panoramic view of the sea, the hotel zone, and the picturesque mangrove landscapes, as it is situated at the point where the Nichupte Lagoon meets the sea. The tour is quite comfortable, as you simply board a circular cabin (with a capacity of up to 60 people) that spirals its way to the top. Once at the summit, the cabin continues to rotate while you receive explanations (available in both English and Spanish) about Cancun and the Riviera Maya. It’s important to note that the activity has a short duration of only 10 minutes, and the current entrance fee is $20, which may not provide the best value for money. 8. Diving and Snorkelling: Two Exciting Activities in Cancun Thanks to its Caribbean location and proximity to the 12-mile-long Manchones Reef, Cancun offers a plethora of snorkelling and diving opportunities. The visibility remains good throughout the year, and the water temperature ranges from 25ºC to 28ºC. With minimal currents, it’s an ideal destination for both beginners and experienced divers, as well as those looking to try snorkelling for the first time. One of the notable dive sites in the area is the MUSA (Museo Subacuático de Arte), which is among the few underwater art galleries in the world. Situated between Isla Mujeres and Cancun, this unique attraction can be explored through diving or snorkelling. The Manchones Gallery within the museum is particularly famous, with 473 sculptures, including a house and a Beetle car, submerged at a depth of 8 meters. 9. Renting a car and exploring the rest of the Riviera Maya Okay, we acknowledge that our list of things to do in Cancun includes several highlights of the Riviera Maya, such as Chichen Itza and Tulum. However, we couldn’t omit them because many travellers have limited time to explore the area and choose Cancun as their base for excursions – these experiences are a must-see. If you have more time and are willing to do some additional research, we highly recommend renting a car. While ADO buses cover most routes to destinations like Merida, Valladolid, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, travelling in a rental car is completely safe and much more comfortable. This way, you’ll have the flexibility to explore the multitude of cenotes and beaches in the Yucatán, as well as lesser-known archaeological sites like Calakmul or Uxmal, and charming villages along the Convent Route. Although distances are generally relatively short, if you have several days, we suggest considering Valladolid, Bacalar, Tulum, or Merida as possible bases. You could even spend a few nights on Cozumel or Holbox, two of Mexico’s stunning islands. 10. Party at Coco Bongo We conclude our list of things to do in Cancun with something more lively. If you’re in the mood to party, Coco Bongo is the most well-known option. This large-scale nightclub (which also has branches in Playa del Carmen and Punta Cana) offers almost daily parties with impressive tropical-themed shows. It’s important to note that the atmosphere is predominantly international, so don’t expect to interact much with the locals. If you prefer a more relaxed ambience with a diverse crowd, a good alternative is Mora Mora, located relatively close to Mercado 28. Here, along with great food and drinks, you can enjoy live music on many nights and other alternative activities that may suit your taste. Keep in mind that Mora Mora closes at 1 am. What not to do in Cancun: It’s important to be aware of certain activities that promote irresponsible animal tourism in Cancun. Examples include dolphinariums, bird shows, and fish feeding. We strongly discourage participating in these activities and urge you to be a responsible traveller. It is our duty to research and understand the potential mistreatment involved before engaging in any experiences involving animals or visiting theme parks in the Riviera Maya. By avoiding these activities, we can contribute to the protection and welfare of animals in these areas. How many days are needed to visit Cancun? The number of days needed to visit Cancun will vary depending on your itinerary and travel plans in Mexico. If you intend to explore other destinations in the Riviera Maya and use Cancun as a base for excursions around the Yucatan Peninsula, we recommend allocating at least 5 days. This will allow you to visit incredible places like Chichen Itza, Tulum, Coba, Cozumel, and various cenotes in the area. On the other hand, if you view Cancun primarily as a beach destination or as a starting point for visiting Isla Mujeres, 3 days should be sufficient. Here is a suggested breakdown of how to plan your days in this part of Mexico. What to visit in Cancun in 3 days We recommend spending the first day relaxing and exploring the various beaches in the hotel zone. If you want to do some more sightseeing, you can visit the Archaeological Zone of El Rey and the Mayan Museum of Cancun. In the evening, head to Palapas Park and Market 28 to enjoy the sunset and explore the local market. On the second day, you have the option to take a trip to Isla Mujeres or go on a snorkelling excursion, depending on your preference. On the third day, it will depend on whether you feel like resting or if you have other activities planned. If you don’t plan to visit Chichen Itza at another time, don’t miss the opportunity to do so. What to visit in Cancun in 5 days With 5 days in Cancun, in addition to the activities mentioned above, we recommend trying scuba diving or renting a car to explore other areas of the Riviera Maya such as Playa del Carmen or Tulum. You can also visit the cenotes of Dos Ojos and Jardin del Eden, which are two of the best cenotes in the Riviera Maya.

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Travel Insurance for Cuba

Travel Insurance for Cuba

10 minutos de lectura

What is the best travel insurance for Cuba? If you have already started planning your trip to this incredible Caribbean Island, you are probably asking yourself this question. As you may already know, international health insurance is the third pillar on which a trip is built along with your accommodation and flight reservations. In this specific case, it happens that travel insurance for Cuba is mandatory for travelling, as established by the country’s authorities. Cuba awaits you with history and culture that can still be felt daily in cities like Santiago or Havana. White sand beaches where you can lay in the sun, places where you can dive and discover the underwater world, or areas like Viñales where you can’t miss the trails. This guide will provide information on the best travel insurance for Cuba, including its coverage, cost, and how to obtain it. Once you have secured your travel insurance, you will be one step closer to realizing your dream of visiting this amazing destination. So pack your bags and get ready to explore Cuba in just a few minutes. Why should you get travel insurance for Cuba? Receiving healthcare abroad is always associated with very expensive bills which, in some cases, can ruin the entire trip. In Cuba, while its citizens have access to free healthcare, tourists are required to use a separate medical circuit, which requires having medical insurance that meets the country’s standards. Cuba is generally a safe country for tourists, but that doesn’t mean you won’t require medical assistance at any time. Even a minor stumble while walking through the cobblestone streets of Old Havana, issues while snorkelling in Cayo Jutías, a bump while travelling on a truck across the country, or any other mishap that can happen anywhere (cuts, illnesses, muscle or joint pain, infections… or even surgery!) can result in a visit to the emergency room and a hefty bill of thousands of euros if you don’t have adequate travel insurance for Cuba. Travel Insurance for Cuba When it comes to travel insurance for Cuba, it’s essential to protect not only your health but also other factors that can impact your trip. That’s why we recommend IATI Total Comfort if your country of residence is within the European Union. This is the best international insurance option for Cuba, it provides coverage for a wide range of scenarios that may arise during your visit to this country. For example, you will be protected if you have problems with your luggage (lost or stolen), as well as if you are assaulted with violence or intimidation. Another example? You will also be covered in cases of delayed departure of transportation, delayed delivery of your luggage, adventure sports, or, if you wish, trip cancellation for serious reasons. If you are travelling form outside the EU, we recommend IATI Star. It has one of the highest medical expenses coverages on the market, €1,000,000 extendable up to €4,800,000 and the largest limits in its wide range of complementary coverages. This policy is specially designed for travel to countries with high medical costs, such as the US. We will discuss these and other features in the next section dedicated to the coverage of IATI Total Comfort and IATI Star, the best travel insurances for Cuba. What is the best travel insurance for Cuba? In the following section, we will discuss in detail the coverage that makes IATI Star and IATI Total Comfort the best travel insurances for Cuba. Designed so that you can make the most of this destination and enjoy everything it has to offer, without worrying about anything else other than living that unique experience you deserve. As you already know, travel insurance for Cuba is mandatory. If you’re ready to purchase your insurance and continue planning your adventure, don’t hesitate any longer and click here (EU) and here (outside EU) to easily contract your insurance now. What features should the best travel insurance for Cuba have Similar to how international insurance for a city like New York requires specific coverage, travel insurance for Cuba also needs to be tailored to meet all of your needs and ensure that nothing is left out. In Cuba, you will go on strolls, taste new flavours, use local transportation, and, among many other plans, enjoy nature and the Caribbean seabed. For this reason, your insurance should consider the following coverage, all included in your IATI Total Comfort and IATI Star: High medical assistance coverage As we mentioned above, Cuba has a health system dedicated to tourists whose prices are very high. In addition to this high cost, you may not find quality centers prepared for all types of incidents throughout the country. For this reason, it is necessary to have travel insurance for Cuba with extensive medical assistance coverage and to ensure that you get transferred to a location in the country where you can receive the care you need. Your IATI Total Comfort medical insurance will cover you for up to €10,000,000, more than enough for any healthcare you may need, and will ensure that you can be treated at a good quality center that can help you the best. Your IATI Star, besides having one of the highest medical expenses coverages on the market (€1,000,000 extendable up to €4,800,000) it also includes the option to cover adventure sports and cruise ships, beyond many other features. Free 24-hour care You’ll be travelling around the clock, so we won’t rest for a minute either. You can count on us 24/7 for any assistance you may need, whether it’s related to a health issue, a problem with your luggage, or a missed transportation that could impact your trip. And you don’t have to worry about the cost of the call if you contact us from abroad, we will take care of it too. Just send us proof of the cost of the call to our assistance center and we will reimburse you. Adventure sports in Cuba A trip to Cuba offers a wide range of possibilities in terms of activities and sports. Most activities are not covered by normal travel insurance policies, but with both IATI Total Comfort and IATI Star you can enjoy your time abroad with the best protection. Kayaking along the coast of your resort, discovering the breathtaking underground caves scattered throughout the island, exploring areas like Viñales by bike or on foot, enjoying activities like surfing, kite surfing, or admiring the underwater world through snorkelling or diving up to 40 meters. These are just a few of the many activities that can be covered by the Adventure Sports coverage included in your policy. No deductibles, you don’t have to pay anything out of your pocket A policy that includes a deductible, such as 100 euros, will require you to pay the first 100 euros of any medical expenses, even if you’ve already paid for the full amount of your travel insurance to Cuba. Unfortunately, this condition is often hidden in the fine print and disguised as a lower price, ultimately resulting in a much more expensive policy. At IATI, we’re proud to offer policies without any deductibles. That means we’ll cover every euro of your medical expenses. No advance payment for medical care Some travellers purchase their travel insurance for Cuba without taking the time to read the policy conditions, only to realize their mistake when it’s already too late. Those with similar policies, although they may cover expenses, often require travellers to make payments upfront, with reimbursement only coming weeks or even months later. At IATI, this does not happen and, thanks to your IATI Total Comfort and IATI Star travel insurance for Cuba, we will pay all expenses without you having to pay anything in advance. The process is very simple. When you need medical assistance, just contact us and we will refer you to the nearest quality center, where you can receive the best care. When you get there, they will be waiting for you and, once your visit is over, we will pay for the medical care and any tests or medications prescribed by the specialist. If, due to an emergency, you are unable to contact us and must go directly to the hospital to receive assistance, do not worry. Just keep the invoices, receipts, and medical reports, and once you send them to us, we will reimburse you as quickly as possible. Lost luggage and theft included During your trip, you may be confronted with incidents that go beyond health, and the best travel insurance for Cuba should also have support for these types of cases. Therefore, if you have problems with lost or stolen luggage during your trip, thanks to our travel insurances, you will be protected for up to €2,500 with your IATI Star and up to €1,500 with your IATI Total Comfort. If the problem is a delay in the delivery of your luggage, you can count on up to 300 euros (with IATI Star policy) and 120 euros (with IATI Total Comfort policy) to cover basic needs that you may need, within the clauses of the conditions. Cancellation option – cancelling your trip to Cuba For many people, a trip to Cuba is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This adventure is tied to flight expenses, accommodation reservations in the country, activity bookings, excursions, etc. But what would happen if you had to cancel your trip for a serious reason? Would you lose all the money you had invested? Not at all! With over 135 years of experience in the travel insurance industry, at IATI, we’re constantly striving to provide innovative products that meet the needs of modern travellers. That’s why we were the first to introduce the Cancellation Option to our policies. By choosing an IATI Total Comfort policy, you’ll receive double protection, and if you’re unable to travel for any covered reason, we’ll reimburse you for up to 2,000 euros in expenses that you’re unable to recover directly from your travel suppliers. Don’t worry, if you are travelling with IATI Star you will also be protected and we’ll reimburse you up to 5000 euros in expenses. Travel Insurance Coverage for Cuba Now that you know the coverage your travel insurance for Cuba should have, you may be interested in learning more about the features offered by the most popular policies among travellers heading to this Caribbean island. On the IATI Total Comfort and IATI Star pages, you can find detailed information about our policy and its benefits. In the following table, as a summary, we show you some of the coverages if you are travelling from the EU: If you are travelling from outside the EU, here is the summary of the features of the best travel insurance: How much does travel insurance for Cuba cost? The cost of your travel insurance for Cuba, is what will convince you of the great quality/price ratio. As you can see, the price of a two-week trip is lower than the price of one night in a medium hotel in areas like Varadero, which means that your international insurance will be a minimal cost in your travel budget. In addition, this is an expense that will turn into a huge saving in case you need any type of assistance: How to buy the best travel insurance for Cuba Buying your travel insurance for Cuba through our intuitive menu is quick and easy, following the steps below. In the menu, you should enter your travel details: • Your country of residence • The destination of your trip: in this case, Cuba • The start and end dates of your trip • The number of travellers • Type of insurance: travel insurance After filling out these fields and clicking on “Get a quote”, select IATI Total Comfort or IATI Star and then click on “Contract”. At this point, you can add the Travel Cancellation Option that we mentioned above, which will allow you to recover up your travel expenses if you cannot travel for any of the reasons mentioned above. Simply fill in your personal information, make the payment, and within minutes you will receive an email with the details of your policy, including contact information for when you need assistance. It’s incredibly easy to get travel insurance for Cuba – the whole process can take as little as 3 minutes! Useful information for a safe trip to Cuba Best time to travel to Cuba The best time to travel to Cuba in terms of weather is between november and april, which is commonly referred to as the “dry season”. During this period, the weather is slightly cooler without the intense heat of other months and there is significantly less rainfall. Additionally, hurricanes are very rare during this time of the year. Safety in Cuba Cuba is one of the safest destinations in the region, and people are usually friendly, open, and willing to help visitors. This is a safe trip, and if necessary, precautions are taken. Health in Cuba Cuba has a world-renowned healthcare system. It is free for its citizens but involves a high cost for tourists. For this reason, and to ensure that you receive the quality care you deserve on a trip like this, it is essential (and mandatory) to have travel insurance for Cuba. Get your travel insurance now and travel with the protection offered by the best insurance for Cuba!

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