THE Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands previously required visitors to obtain travel authorization and travel insurance to cover potential medical expenses related to COVID-19, including hospitalization, doctor’s visits and prescriptions if ill. These requirements have since been lifted, so you no longer need travel insurance to visit the country. (Although you do not need travel insurance, you must present proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.)
However, getting travel insurance is always a good idea to give you peace of mind when planning a big trip out of the country. If you use your credit card to book the vacation, you may automatically qualify for certain travel protections, such as trip cancellation and lost baggage insurance, so check your card benefits before purchasing separate coverage. .
When looking for travel protection, below are coverage options that may be available through your credit card or a separate insurance policy.
Cancel coverage for any reason
Cancel coverage for any reasonor CFAR, is often sold as an additional policy option that reimburses non-refundable travel expenses when you cancel a trip for any reason, unlike standard travel insurance which has a number of exclusions for the type refundable cancellations.
CFAR has its own rules, however. Coverage generally must be purchased within a certain number of days of booking the trip, and you may need to cancel the trip within 48 hours of departure to qualify for a refund.
Equipment theft protection
Many travelers will want to bring gear on their trip, such as their phone, laptop, or camera. A travel insurance policy can cover lost or damaged equipment, but up to a limit that can be as low as $1,000.
Homeowners or renters insurance can further protect your belongings when traveling around the world, so consider those policy protections as well. Since belongings like your computer, camera, headphones and other gadgets can be expensive to replace, consider leaving some at home or buying an anti-theft travel bag to protect them.
Emergency medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation
Emergency Medical Insurance and Medical Evacuation Protection provides coverage if you become ill or have an accident during your trip and need to be medically evacuated from the country.
If you have health insurance, this coverage may not extend to out-of-network providers outside of the United States. Travel medical insurance can ensure you get the care you need without paying the entire bill.
Rental car protection
Rental Car Protection is coverage provided by some travel insurance providers and credit card companies that helps pay for damage to the rental car and, in some cases, accidental death or dismemberment if you have an accident. Coverages vary by policy, and best travel insurance companies clearly define what is covered and what is not when driving abroad.
Trip cancellation insurance
A standard travel insurance policy usually provides for reimbursement of money lost after a trip cancellation up to a limit — but you can’t cancel for any reason. Suppose you have to cancel a trip because your babysitter or dog walker goes down the drain. You would likely be responsible for non-refundable travel expenses. With a standard travel insurance policy, the events eligible for cancellation coverage are usually emergencies, such as:
- Adverse weather (may exclude some natural disasters)
- Sickness or illness of a travel partner
- Hospitalization
- Death of a family member
- Legal Department
- Military orders