Peru Travel Insurance: Plans & Prices
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Reviewed By Last updated: 08/18/2025
Key Takeaways
- Our analysis shows that Tin Leg, Travel Insured International, and IMG offer the best travel insurance for Peru.
- Travel in Peru often involves participating in adventurous, high-risk activities like trekking, zip-lining, or river rafting that require activity-specific coverage.
- A budget-friendly medical-only plan to Peru averages about $4.39 per day, which is ideal for healthy, experienced travelers who just want peace of mind in case a medical emergency occurs during their trip.
- Travelers exploring the Andes or Amazon Basin should prioritize medical evacuation coverage, as remote areas lack access to advanced medical care.
- 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 Peru Travel Insurance Plans
- Tin Leg — Gold Ideal for thrill-seekers exploring Peru’s Sacred Valley or jungle regions, this plan covers 250+ activities, such as hiking the Inca Trail, sandboarding in Huacachina, and more, with up to $500,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage.
- Travel Insured International – FlexiPAX Best for high-altitude destinations like Machu Picchu or Cusco, FlexiPAX offers customizable protection for complex itineraries, cruise add-ons, and Cancel For Any Reason upgrades.
- IMG — iTravelInsured Choice is ideal for hiking groups or family travel. It offers emergency medical protection, trip cancellation, evacuation, and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.
Do I Need Travel Insurance for Peru?
No, Peru does not require travel insurance to enter. However, the U.S. State Department and tourism experts strongly recommend it, especially if you’re heading to high-altitude regions, participating in adventure sports, or traveling during social unrest. Medical care isn’t free for foreigners, and U.S. health plans generally don’t extend coverage abroad, but travel health insurance can help prevent out-of-pocket expenses. You can always stay on top of any new reasons or risks on the U.S. Department of State website. As of now, Peru has a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory due to civil unrest in some areas.
Reasons You May Need Travel Insurance for Peru
Adventure Activities
Peru’s epic, physically demanding experiences or high-risk adventures, like zip-lining in the Andes, rafting the Urubamba River, or ATVing near Arequipa, aren’t always included in an insurer’s standard coverage, meaning you won’t be protected by default.
✅ Choose a plan that includes Adventure Sports or hazardous activity upgrades.
Remote Terrain and Evacuation Risks
From catching wild illnesses in Huaraz to accidents on the Inca Trail, emergency care in Peru, especially outside Lima, can be expensive and limited. Airflights may be required to reach appropriate care, especially in remote areas like the Amazon or the Andes.
✅ We suggest looking for plans that offer at least $250,000 in Emergency Evacuation coverage. Our recommended plans are great options offering this coverage amount.
Altitude-Related Medical Events
Altitude sickness is common when hiking the Inca Trail above 8,000 feet. Symptoms can escalate quickly, leading to canceled tours, extra hotel nights, or ER visits in Cusco or Huaraz.
✅ Plans should offer primary medical coverage and trip delay reimbursement.
Trip Cancellation and Interruption
Strikes, protests, illness, or a missed flight connection in Lima could cut your trip short. Having coverage in place means you won’t lose your investment in hotels, flights, and prepaid tours.
✅ Plans should offer 100% Trip Cancellation and 150% Trip Interruption coverage; luckily, each plan recommended for a Peruvian vacation provides these limits.
Unpredictable Protests or Strikes
Transportation and tourism services can be disrupted due to civil unrest or protests, a common occurrence in Peru. So if you can’t make it to your destination because of turmoil, your trip cancellation benefit might not be enough, but using your Cancel for Any Reason benefit can help. Suppose your trip needs to be cut short because of the unrest for non-medical reasons. You can use your Interruption for Any Reason benefit or Non-Medical Evacuation coverage in that case.
✅ Consider trip interruption coverage and CFAR for maximum flexibility.
Lost Baggage and Theft Protection
Petty theft can be an issue in places like Miraflores (Lima), Plaza de Armas (Cusco), or crowded markets. Travel insurance can reimburse you for stolen electronics, passports, and personal belongings.
✅ Baggage Delay benefits can help you manage if your luggage is rerouted between domestic flights or bus routes in Peru.
More Details on the Best Travel Insurance for Peru
Tin Leg — Gold
- Emergency Medical: $500,000
- Medical Evacuation: $500,000
- Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
- Covers over 250+ sports and activities, including mountain biking, hiking, and rafting, to name a few.
Travel Insured International – FlexiPAX
- Emergency Medical: $100,000
- Medical Evacuation: $500,000
- Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
- Flexible benefit upgrades, including Cancel For Any Reason and medical, can be increased to $250,000 for medical and $1,000,000+ for Evacuation, based on your needs.
IMG — iTravelInsured Choice
- Emergency Medical: $100,000
- Medical Evacuation: $500,000
- Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
- Trip Interruption: 150%
- Cruise compatible, making it practical and reliable for port changes, ship delays, and missed excursions.
How Much Does Peru Travel Insurance cost?
Travelers heading to Peru using Squaremouth for their travel insurance needs typically spend an average of $355.74 on a comprehensive travel insurance plan. That means a two-week trip, with cancellation and medical benefits, costs about $25.41 per day, for an average total trip cost of $5,807.90\.
Travel insurance protections can be even less if trip cancellation protection isn’t needed and only medical evacuation and safety are required. A medical-only plan for a 16-day trip costs just $4.39 per day, or $70.26 in total premium cost.
Medical-Only Travel Insurance Cost Example
| Provider | Plan Name | Plan Cost | Cancellation / Interruption Limits | Medical/Medevac Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tin Leg | Gold | $28 | $0 / $0 | $500,000 / $500,000 |
| Travel Insured International | FlexiPAX | $27 | $0 / $0 | $100,000 / $500,000 |
| Seven Corners | Trip Protection Choice | $57 | $0 / $1,000 | $500,000 / $1,000,000 |
Comprehensive Travel Insurance Cost Example
| Provider | Plan Name | Plan Cost | Cancellation / Interruption Limits | Medical/Medevac Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tin Leg | Gold | $160 | $3,000 / $4,500 | $500,000 / $500,000 |
| Travel Insured International | FlexiPAX | $113 | $3,000 / $4,500 | $100,000 / $500,000 |
| IMG | iTravelInsured Choice | $88.20 | $3,000 / $3,750 | $100,000 / $500,000 |
What Travel Coverage Do You Need for Peru?
Travel Medical Coverage
U.S. coverage is not applicable in Peru, and private hospitals typically demand upfront payment, particularly in remote areas. Common issues like altitude sickness, gastrointestinal illness, or minor injuries can become expensive setbacks if uninsured.
✅ We suggest considering at least $100,000 in Emergency Medical coverage to help with doctor visits, hospital stays, and any unexpected treatments you might encounter while traveling abroad.
Medical Evacuation Coverage
Emergency care in Peru, especially outside Lima, can be costly and scarce. Issues range from altitude sickness in Huaraz to accidents on the Inca Trail. In remote areas like the Amazon or the Andes, airlifts may be necessary to access suitable medical services.
✅ Select a plan with at least $250,000 in Medical Evacuation benefits, especially if you’ll be in remote regions or at high altitudes.
Sports and Activities Coverage
Peru’s diverse terrain attracts adventurers to engage in activities typically not covered by standard travel insurance. Suppose you plan to hike at elevations over 10,000 feet, such as on the Inca or Salkantay Trails, or participate in exciting pursuits like whitewater rafting, mountain biking, sandboarding, zip-lining, or horseback riding near archaeological sites.
✅ Choose a plan with Adventure Sports coverage or optional activity-specific upgrades to ensure protection if something goes wrong on the trail, river, or slopes. Review your policy’s fine print to confirm it covers altitude-related ailments, guided trips, and strenuous activities.
Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance
Even carefully planned trips to Peru can face disruptions, such as airline delays in Lima or civil protests in Cusco. If you need to cancel or cut your trip short due to illness, injury, or political unrest, cancellation and interruption coverage reimburse non-refundable costs, including flights, hotels, and prepaid excursions.
✅ Select a policy that reimburses 100% of your trip costs for cancellations and 150% for trip interruptions, particularly if you’ve reserved guided tours or timed entry to popular sites like Machu Picchu.
Insurance for Baggage and Personal Items
According to the State Department, petty theft can be an issue in areas like Miraflores (Lima), Plaza de Armas (Cusco), or crowded markets. Travel insurance can reimburse you for stolen electronics, passports, and personal belongings.
✅ Look for plans with baggage loss and delay benefits, particularly if you’re taking multiple domestic flights or long-haul bus rides.
What Isn’t Covered by Peru Travel Insurance Plans?
Even the most comprehensive travel insurance policies come with exclusions. Understanding what’s not covered is as important as knowing what is covered, as it can help you avoid denied claims and costly lessons.
High-Risk Activities Without Proper Add-Ons
Trekking the Inca Trail, zip-lining in the Sacred Valley, and sandboarding in Huacachina are popular adventures. However, insurers are likely to deny coverage for these activities as they are considered high-risk. Without proper coverage, you could be responsible for paying for emergency treatment or evacuation if you’re injured. Choose a plan that includes or allows for an Adventure Sports rider to ensure you stay protected. Activities involving altitude, speed, or wilderness may be excluded without this coverage.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Without a Waiver
Altitude and physical activity can worsen health issues like asthma, high blood pressure, or heart conditions. However, if your policy lacks a waiver for pre-existing conditions, related medical care won’t be covered. To qualify, buy your policy within 14 – 21 days of your initial trip deposit. Plans like IMG iTravelInsured Choice and Tin Leg Gold offer this option.
Accidents Involving Alcohol or Drugs
A celebratory Pisco Sour or a cleansing ayahuasca ceremony can make the trip unique and delicious, but also expensive. If you’re injured or ill due to alcohol or drugs, your claim may be denied, leaving you to cover medical or evacuation costs. Knowing this exclusion helps ensure safety and decision-making.
Travel to Restricted or Advisory Areas
Peru recently declared a state of emergency in the country’s capital due to a severe wave of violent crimes. Travel advisories are in effect, so if you visit an area under a government warning, your coverage may not apply if something goes wrong. Before you go, stay updated with the U.S. State Department travel advisory for Peru and check it frequently for any changes.
Weather Events That Are Already Known
Heavy rainfall and flooding can affect regions such as the Amazon or the Andes. If you purchase your insurance after a named storm or weather event is announced, you likely won’t be covered for any related delays or cancellations. The best way to avoid this is to obtain your plan early, just as you plan your first trip.
Tips for finding the best travel insurance for Peru
Use a Comparison Tool
Peru showcases striking contrasts; one minute, you might be trekking among ancient ruins, and the next, you’re exploring shopping spots in Lima or navigating jungle rapids. A universal travel plan doesn’t exist. Utilize Squaremouth’s comparison tool to sort plans based on coverage limits, medical needs, and activity preferences, and review prices from more than 20 highly rated providers.
Read the Fine Print
Many travelers think their plans account for every scenario, yet exclusions are standard. This is especially true for altitude sickness, adventure sports, or tours arranged by non-licensed operators. For example, suppose you rent a motorcycle in Arequipa or book a trek with a local guide who is not affiliated with a licensed company. In that case, your policy might not cover any incidents that occur.
Consider Add-Ons for Flexibility or Activities
Peru offers serene experiences, such as sunrises at Lake Titicaca and quiet evenings in the Sacred Valley, while appealing to thrill-seekers. Our recommended plans for Peru trips, like Tin Leg Gold and IMG iTravelInsured Choice, offer various options and add-ons to ensure total protection if your vacation includes adventure sports activities, jungle trekking, or remote hikes.
Plan for Weather and Travel Disruptions
Landslides in the Andes or fog disruptions at Jorge Chávez Airport can result in major schedule adjustments. Opt for a plan that includes Trip Interruption and Travel Delay benefits to recover expenses from canceled flights, missed hotel stays, or prepaid activities.
Is travel insurance for Peru worth it?
Absolutely. Travel insurance can protect your health, gear, and investment in this once-in-a-lifetime trip for less than the cost of a souvenir alpaca sweater daily. Whether hiking ancient trails or hopping between cevicherías, the peace of mind is priceless.
FAQ: Peru travel insurance
Is Peru safe to visit?
Yes, but it requires awareness. Most travelers enjoy Peru without incident, though pickpocketing and civil demonstrations occur from time to time. Stay in well-lit tourist areas at night and keep your valuables secure.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Peru in 2025?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for Peru, but we recommend it. Medical care isn’t free for foreigners, and U.S. health plans generally don’t extend coverage abroad. You can always stay on top of any new reasons or risks on the U.S. Department of State website. As of now, Peru has a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory due to civil unrest in some areas.
Will my U.S. Health Insurance Work in Peru?
Most U.S. health plans, including Medicare, do not offer international coverage. You’ll need to pay out of pocket unless you have travel insurance.
What documents are required to travel to Peru?
If you’re a U.S. citizen planning a trip to Peru, have a passport valid for at least six months! It’s also a good idea to have proof of your return or onward travel ready, as authorities from Migraciones might ask for it. When you arrive, border officials will let you know how long you can stay, which typically ranges from 30 to 183 days. While getting extensions for tourists is usually tough, remember that overstaying can lead to fines, so it’s best to plan your visit carefully.
Do I need a visa or passport to travel to Peru?
U.S. citizens need a valid passport for entry, but do not need a visa for tourism stays under 90 days. You must also provide proof of onward travel.
Does Peru require COVID insurance?
As of 2025, COVID insurance is not mandatory, but it’s often included in most plans. Travel Insured, IMG, and Tin Leg offer coverage for COVID-related illness, cancellations, and quarantine expenses.
What is the best insurance for trekking in Peru?
Tin Leg Gold and IMG iTravelInsured Choice are our top picks and highly recommended from our point of view. Both cover high-altitude activities and emergency evacuation, making them ideal for Machu Picchu, Ausangate, or Choquequirao treks.
How do I find insurance for activities like rafting or zip-lining?
Suppose you’re looking for travel insurance that covers adventurous activities like rafting or zip-lining. In that case, Squaremouth offers a handy filtering tool to help you find policies that include Adventure Sports Coverage. Check the Certificate of Insurance to verify that your planned activities, such as whitewater rafting, zip-lining, or high-altitude hiking, are covered. Remember that not all plans automatically include these activities, so we recommend double-checking your policy before purchasing. If you don’t see your activity listed, look for plans that offer optional upgrades for high-risk sports.