Jamaica Travel Insurance: Plans & Prices
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Reviewed By Last updated: 08/20/2025
Key Takeaways
- Our analysis shows that Travel Insured International, Tin Leg, and IMG offer the best travel insurance for Jamaica
- Jamaica does not accept U.S. health insurance, making it wise to purchase a travel insurance policy that includes strong medical coverage
- If you are visiting Jamaica as part of a cruise, consider cruise-specific travel insurance policies that protect against missed departures, at-sea evacuations, and other costly disruptions
- Popular water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing often require specialized coverage due to the increased risk of injury or medical evacuation
- Travel medical insurance for Jamaica vacations can be an affordable way to protect your trip, with policies averaging less than $8 per day
- Try our online travel insurance comparison tool to get quotes from multiple providers at once. For personal assistance, call our award-winning agents at 1-800-240-0369
Our Top Recommended Jamaica Travel Insurance Plans
- Tin Leg – Gold stands out because it offers among the strongest medical coverage of any comprehensive plan on Squaremouth, as well as generous coverage for adventure sports and activities
- Travel Insured International – FlexiPAX offers customizable coverage, allowing customers to enhance their travel protection with optional add-ons and policy upgrades
- IMG – iTravelInsured Choice is a comprehensive plan with well-rounded coverage and is a popular choice among families and cruisers
Do I Need Travel Insurance for Jamaica?
No, U.S. citizens do not need travel insurance to enter Jamaica. However, as reaffirmed by the U.S. Department of State, purchasing trip insurance is highly recommended due to a significant risk of violent crime and below-average medical facilities.
Since U.S. health insurance is not accepted in Jamaica, buying travel insurance can financially protect you from unexpected medical expenses if you get injured or ill during your trip. Most travel insurance policies will also cover the cost to medically evacuate you back to the United States if it’s necessary to receive adequate treatment.
Most Jamaica travel insurance policies are comprehensive and offer coverage against travel delays, baggage loss, trip cancellations, and more.
Reasons You May Need Travel Insurance for Jamaica
Risk of Violent Crime in Non-Touristy Areas
While resort areas like Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios are safe, travelers should exercise extreme caution when venturing outside of tourist-dense areas. Tourists have historically been targets of violent crimes like armed robbery, assault, and more.
✅ Travel insurance includes Baggage Loss insurance, which can reimburse travelers for items that are lost or stolen during a covered trip. All policies also come with 24/7 emergency assistance, which can assist in filing a police report or replacing stolen travel documents.
Medical Emergencies and Hospital Costs
Jamaica has reputable private clinics in major cities, but medical care in rural areas can be limited. Many Jamaican hospitals and clinics require upfront payment for services, which can be expensive for tourists or non-citizens.
✅ Travel medical insurance includes a variety of benefits designed to cover unexpected medical costs, including hospital stays and doctor visits, in the event of an illness or injury during a covered trip. Some providers can arrange upfront payment on your behalf if required for treatment.
Adventure Activities and Water Sports
From snorkeling in Montego Bay to cliff diving in Negril, Jamaica offers thrilling water sports and outdoor excursions year-round. However, accidents during these activities can lead to expensive medical bills that aren’t always covered by standard travel insurance.
✅ Travel insurance with Sports & Activities coverage can help cover emergency treatment for injuries sustained during high-risk activities like scuba diving, ziplining, and boating.
Hurricane Season Disruptions
Jamaica lies in the Atlantic hurricane belt, with storm season from June to November. Hurricanes and tropical storms commonly delay flights, necessitate hotel evacuations, or cause trip cancellations.
✅ Comprehensive travel insurance can reimburse your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you’re forced to cancel your trip or end your trip early due to a covered weather event.
High (Non-refundable) Trip Costs for Caribbean Cruises and Resorts
From luxury all-inclusive resorts to week-long cruises, most trips to Jamaica involve a lot of planning and costly prepaid expenses. Having to cancel or interrupt your trip due to an injury, illness, family emergency, or other covered reason can result in significant financial loss.
✅ Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits can reimburse up to 100% of your prepaid, non-refundable expenses, from airfare to cruise bookings, if you must cancel before departure or shorten your trip.
Remote Excursions and Emergency Evacuations
Exploring Jamaica’s waterfalls, jungles, or secluded beaches can distance you from the country’s adequate medical facilities. The cost to be airlifted to a local hospital from a remote destination can sometimes exceed $100,000, depending on your condition and location.
✅ Medical Evacuation insurance covers the cost of emergency air transport services to transfer you to the nearest adequate medical facility or back to your home country.
More Details on the Best Travel Insurance for Jamaica
Recommended Plan: FlexiPAX
Emergency Medical: $100,000
Medical Evacuation: $500,000
Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
Offers Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade for extra flexibility
Best for travelers booking Caribbean cruises or flexible itineraries in Jamaica
Recommended Plan: Gold
Emergency Medical: $500,000
Medical Evacuation: $500,000
Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
Ideal for active travelers planning excursions like waterfall hikes, snorkeling, and parasailing
Recommended Plan: iTravelInsured Choice
Emergency Medical: $100,000
Medical Evacuation: $500,000
- Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
A budget-friendly solution to travel’s worst moments, boasting comprehensive coverage and flexibility
How Much Does Jamaica Travel Insurance Cost?
The average cost of Jamaica travel insurance is roughly $23 per day.
This figure is based on thousands of travelers who have purchased trip insurance on Squaremouth for their Jamaica vacations over the past year. On average, travelers spend $187 on their policies with an average trip length of 8 days.
A medical-only plan may be ideal if you’re looking for affordable coverage and are not concerned about protecting your travel expenses. Travel medical plans cost less than $8 per day on average.
The pricing examples below are based on quotes for a solo 35-year-old traveler taking a $3,000, 10-day trip to Jamaica.
Medical-Only Travel Insurance Cost Example
| Provider | Plan Name | Plan Cost | Cancellation / Interruption Limits | Medical/Medevac Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Insured International | FlexiPAX | $27 | $0 / $0 | $100,000 / $500,000 |
| Tin Leg | Gold | $28 | $0 / $0 | $500,000 / $500,000 |
Comprehensive Travel Insurance Cost Example
| Provider | Plan Name | Plan Cost | Cancellation / Interruption Limits | Medical/Medevac Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Insured International | FlexiPAX | $113 | $3,000 / $4,500 | $100,000 / $500,000 |
| Tin Leg | Gold | $160 | $3,000 / $4,500 | $500,000 / $500,000 |
| IMG | iTravelInsured Choice | $88.20 | $3,000 / $3,750 | $100,000 / $500,000 |
Quote Jamaica Travel Insurance
What Travel Coverage Do You Need for Jamaica?
Whether heading to Jamaica for a relaxing beach escape, preparing to charge up your adrenaline with ziplining through jungle canopies, or cruising to Falmouth, the right Jamaica travel insurance plan can protect you from unexpected expenses due to unforeseen circumstances.
When comparing polices, consider the following:
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
Jamaica’s tropical climate can lead to sudden storms or hurricanes that affect travel, especially from June to November. Trip Cancellation and Interruption coverage reimburses non-refundable costs if you cancel or shorten your trip due to illness, severe weather, or other covered reasons. This coverage is especially beneficial for travelers reserving prepaid resorts, cruises, or guided tours.
Look for plans that cover 100% of your trip cost and offer generous interruption coverage if plans are disrupted after departure. These benefits are included in most comprehensive travel insurance plans.
Travel medical coverage
Jamaica has private medical facilities in major cities such as Kingston and Montego Bay, but access to healthcare in rural or remote regions may be restricted. Many hospitals expect upfront payment, and U.S. health insurance generally does not apply overseas.
We recommend a minimum of $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage to cover expenses related to an unexpected illness or injury. Further coverage may be necessary if you are visiting Jamaica as part of a cruise, exploring remote parts of the country, or participating in high-risk activities.
Cruise-specific benefits
Jamaica is a popular Caribbean cruise stop, but cruise travel poses unique risks that standard travel insurance might not cover. Some policies offer cruise-specific benefits for common disruptions, protecting travelers from missed ports due to weather, itinerary changes, or onboard illness.
Cruise Insurance is a type of coverage specifically designed to cover a wide range of disruptions that occur on land or at sea. These plans can also cover multiple destinations, which is ideal for travelers who are taking a cruise that includes multiple Caribbean stops.
Medical Evacuation coverage
Staying at a remote beach resort or the Blue Mountains could put you far from a major hospital. In a serious emergency, evacuation to a better-equipped medical facility or back to the U.S. may be necessary. Overseas evacuation services are often expensive and are not covered by standard U.S. health insurance.
Choose a policy that provides at least $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage to avoid significant out-of-pocket expenses, or at least $250,000 in coverage if your trip involves a cruise, remote locations, or adventure activities.
Insurance for baggage and personal items
Whether you’re passing through the busy Montego Bay airport or exploring a crowded market, delayed or stolen baggage can derail your plans. Tourist hotspots in Jamaica are known for petty theft targeted towards visitors.
Baggage coverage reimburses for personal belongings that are lost or stolen during a covered trip. In the event of a theft, a policy report may be required when submitting a claim.
Sports and Activities Coverage
Snorkeling, scuba diving, ATV tours, and cliff diving are popular activities for travelers to Jamaica, but many of these are considered high-risk and not included in standard insurance. Even motorcycle rentals may void coverage.
Choose a plan that includes Adventure Sports coverage if your trip involves water activities, excursions, or equipment rentals. Carefully check your policy for exclusions before participating in high-risk recreation.
What Isn’t Covered by Jamaica Travel Insurance Plans?
Even the best-laid plans and comprehensive policies have exclusions, and understanding them can help you avoid surprises, denied claims, or out-of-pocket expenses.
Here are some of the most common exclusions to watch out for:
Adventure Activities Without Coverage Add-Ons
Cliff diving in Rick’s Café, jet skiing in Montego Bay, or ATV riding through the hills can be highlights of your trip—but they’re also considered high-risk activities. Many basic plans exclude injuries from these kinds of excursions.
To be covered, you may need to purchase an Adventure Sports rider or select a plan that already includes active excursions. Injuries from unlisted activities may not be reimbursed.
Medical Claims Related to Pre-Existing Conditions
If you have asthma, diabetes, or a heart condition that flares up during your trip, your medical treatment may not be covered unless you have a Pre-Existing Condition Waiver.
Most insurers require that you purchase your plan within 14 to 21 days of your first trip payment to qualify for this benefit. If you manage a chronic condition, prioritize plans that include this waiver.
Alcohol- or Drug-Related Incidents
Sipping a rum cocktail at a beach bar is part of the authentic Jamaican experience, but if you’re injured while under the influence, your claim could be denied.
Most policies exclude coverage for accidents or injuries where alcohol or drugs were a contributing factor. This includes medical bills, evacuation, and personal liability.
Weather-Related Claims for Named Storms Purchased Too Late
Travel insurance is designed to protect you from unforeseen events that impact travel. If a hurricane or tropical storm has been named before purchasing your policy, you are not eligible for reimbursement for subsequent trip disruptions relating to the weather event.
Buy your travel insurance early, ideally after making your first trip deposit. Waiting until a storm is forecasted or named can disqualify you from receiving benefits tied to weather disruptions.
Non-Covered Cancellation Reasons
Standard trip cancellation policies do not cover changing your mind about traveling, canceling due to fear of flying, or deciding to reschedule for personal reasons.
For added cancellation flexibility, consider adding Cancel For Any Reason coverage to your policy. This benefit allows you to cancel your travel plans for any reason and get partial reimbursement of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs, usually between 50–75%.
Tips for Finding the Best Travel Insurance for Jamaica
Selecting the best travel insurance plan goes beyond simply looking for the lowest premium. Taking time to find a policy that aligns with your specific Jamaican itinerary can help save you from costly out-of-pocket expenses if your trip takes a sudden turn for the worse.
Whether you plan on relaxing on the beach at an all-inclusive resort or sailing into port on a week-long cruise, follow these tips to find the best plan for your journey:
Use a Comparison Tool
Different travel insurance policies offer varying levels of protection, making it essential to get multiple quotes in your search for the perfect policy. Squaremouth’s quote engine allows you to compare plans from over 20 highly-rated providers, helping you compare plans based on coverage limits, benefits, reviews, and other factors. This is especially helpful for budget-conscious travelers or those with specific travel needs.
Read the Fine Print
Many people think their insurance covers all situations, but exclusions are common, particularly for high-risk activities. Most standard travel insurance plans do not cover cliff diving, jet skiing, ATV riding, or snorkeling injuries without adequate safety measures. Renting mopeds or booking local adventure excursions without licensed guides may jeopardize your coverage. Therefore, reviewing the Certificate of Insurance (COI) of each plan can help you identify the options that will cover the entirety of your itinerary.
Match Your Plan to Your Itinerary
Traveling in Jamaica may involve flights, ferry rides, or visits to remote areas like Port Antonio or the Blue Mountains, where quality medical services are limited. We recommend plans with at least $50,000 for Emergency Medical coverage and $100,000 for Medical Evacuations.
Consider Add-Ons for Adventure Activities
Whether snorkeling in Montego Bay, marveling at waterfalls in Ocho Rios, or ziplining through the rainforest, ensure your insurance covers high-risk outdoor adventures. Plans like Tin Leg Gold and IMG iTravelInsured Choice offer Adventure Sports coverage for those eager to embrace the excitement!
Plan for Weather and Travel Delays
Jamaica’s position within the Caribbean hurricane belt makes it susceptible to travel disruptions caused by tropical storms, particularly from June to November. Such weather may result in canceled flights, missed cruise departures, or resort evacuations. Choose a plan that includes Trip Interruption and Travel Delay benefits, or consider adding Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, like the plans above, to provide maximum flexibility if you need to alter your plans due to weather issues or safety alerts.
Is Travel Insurance for Jamaica Worth It?
Jamaica travel insurance is worth it. Given the potential for medical emergencies, weather disruptions, and the cost of evacuations from island resorts, it is a smart safeguard. At about 4-10% of your trip cost, which tends to be less than $25 a day for comprehensive coverage and less than $10 for Medical-Only coverage, insurance can protect your wallet and your peace of mind.
FAQ: Jamaica travel insurance
How do I find the best cruise insurance for my trip to Jamaica?
Look for plans that include missed port protection, shipboard medical care, and itinerary change benefits, such as FlexiPAX and Tin Leg Gold.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Jamaica in 2025?
Travel insurance isn’t required for U.S. citizens visiting Jamaica, but it’s advised because of the risks related to health, finances, and travel. Travel medical insurance helps cover expenses, trip interruptions, or losses from non-refundable activities. Remember, U.S. health insurance isn’t valid internationally, which may result in high out-of-pocket costs that travel insurance can help avoid.
Will my U.S. Health Insurance Work in Jamaica?
Generally, no. U.S. health insurance usually does not offer coverage outside the country, and Medicare typically does not cover expenses incurred abroad.
What documents are required to travel to Jamaica?
A valid passport is required. U.S. citizens don’t need a visa for tourist stays under 90 days. Proof of departure from Jamaica may also be requested at immigration.
Do I need a visa or passport to travel to Jamaica?
No, Americans planning short-term travel to Jamaica, less than 90 days, will not be required to acquire a tourist visa to enter the country.
Does Jamaica require COVID insurance?
As of 2025, Jamaica does not require COVID-specific travel insurance. However, many travelers choose plans that include Jamaica COVID travel insurance benefits for extra protection. Our recommended plans offer COVID protections, if that worries you.