An aerial panorama view over the island of Grand Turk

Redpoint Destinations

Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos Travel Insurance

Why Travel Insurance is Essential for Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos is a hugely popular tourist destination thanks to its laid-back vibes, stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and rich culture. From exploring the Conch Bar Caves to relaxing on Grace Bay Beach and eating at a traditional island fish fry, a Turks and Caicos trip can be the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, which makes it one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean.

Travelers heading on a Turks and Caicos trip certainly need to look into travel insurance. A Turks and Caicos Islands travel insurance plan will help you get reimbursement for non-refundable trip costs should anything happen before or during your trip. This can include trip cancellation or delay due to extreme weather events like hurricanes, or if you need to access medical care while you're there.

Health & Safety in Turks and Caicos

Medical Care and Hospitals

Like many countries, Turks and Caicos has a mix of both public and private healthcare facilities. Private care is more expensive and is typically found at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales or Cockburn Town Medical Centre in Grand Turk. These are modern but limited hospitals compared to U.S. standards. They can handle urgent stabilization and minor to moderate cases of accident and injury.

Patients requiring advanced or specialized care are often airlifted to the U.S., typically to Florida. Whether it’s private or public, medical care is not free for visitors, which is why travel medical insurance for Turks and Caicos is so essential, as well as emergency medical evacuation cover. Costs can add up quickly, especially if you require advanced care: Air ambulances to the U.S. typically cost $20,000. Always carry proof of your insurance coverage as well as any emergency contact numbers.

Safety Advice for Turks and Caicos

When it comes to travel safety, Turks and Caicos is a relatively safe destination that millions of tourists enjoy without incident. The main risk comes from water sports, which can carry a higher risk of injury, particularly if you don’t seek out reputable operators. The U.S. State Department has warned that jet skis and boating in the region are not regulated, and deaths and injuries can occur due to unsafe weather conditions, poor equipment, or recklessness. In addition, there is a fair amount of petty crime directed at tourists, such as theft. This predominantly happens in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos’ main island.

Turks and Caicos is also prone to hurricanes and extreme tropical weather events. Hurricane season is from June to November. If you are visiting during this time, pay attention to all local advisories and be aware of your accommodation’s evacuation plan

Vaccinations and Health Risks

There are no vaccinations required to visit Turks and Caicos. The CDC recommends being up to date on all routine vaccinations, and also being vaccinated against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, typhoid and measles, which is on the rise worldwide. In addition, the CDC recommends travelers take steps to prevent insect bites, as mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and zika are present in the region. Finally, it’s also wise to carry a basic medical kit with common over-the-counter medication, as well as spare prescription medication or copies of your prescriptions.

Insurance Benefits & Coverage for a Trip to Turks and Caicos

What Does Turks and Caicos Travel Insurance Cover?

When considering travel insurance for Turks and Caicos, you will want to make sure your policy covers all the areas below so that you’ll be prepared, no matter what happens during your trip. Here’s a look at what comprehensive travel insurance plans should offer:

Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance:

Trip cancellation insurance reimburses your non-refundable trip expenses if your trip to Turks and Caicos is canceled or cut short due to a covered reason, like illness, severe weather, family emergencies, or certain government advisories. The region is known for its changeable weather and hurricanes, so it’s wise to be covered in case of a catastrophic weather event.

Travel medical insurance:

Travel health insurance covers unexpected medical expenses incurred for any injuries or illnesses that happen during your trip. Turks and Caicos has a mix of public and private healthcare facilities. Visitors usually opt for private facilities, and while these are adequate for basic care and minor injuries, they are not free, and more serious emergency situations may require evacuation to the U.S. (see below). That’s why it’s so essential to have emergency medical coverage of at least $100,000. In addition, if you have pre-existing medical conditions, you’ll also need to apply for a waiver when you purchase your policy. Health insurance plans from the U.S. are typically not accepted.

Emergency medical evacuation insurance:

Emergency evacuation coverage reimburses you for transportation to the nearest medical facility or back to the U.S. in extreme or emergency situations. Advanced care in Turks and Caicos is limited, and air ambulances to the U.S. (usually Florida) are expensive, in the range of $20,000. So it’s vital to have this coverage as part of your travel insurance.

Baggage and personal belongings insurance:

Baggage coverage is a benefit that covers loss, theft, or damage to your belongings should they go missing during your trip to Turks and Caicos

Trip delay insurance:

Trip delay insurance compensates for additional expenses if your travel is delayed before it starts or during any connections or transfers. This can be especially useful in Turks and Caicos, where tropical storms and hurricane season last from June until November.

Optional add-ons:

There are several additional policy benefits you can add to your travel insurance depending on the nature of your trip. These include cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage, if you think you may need to cancel for a reason not covered by the typical cancellation policy; extra protection for specialist or expensive gear; adventure sports travel insurance if you plan to do any extreme or dangerous activities; and car rental protection.

Choosing the Right Plan

Ripcord has a variety of plans suited for different trips to Turks and Caicos, as well as policies that can cover you for multiple destinations. For adventure travelers who want to explore the islands’ caves, or do adventure water sports, Ripcord is an extensive plan with high coverage limits and enhanced coverage, such as emergency evacuation and repatriation — perfect for trips to remote islands. Cavalry is suited for urban travelers who are seeking luxury and cultural experiences, while broadly sticking to major cities and established destinations such as the many high-end resorts in Turks and Caicos. Meanwhile, Harbor offers robust coverage to the budget-minded leisure traveler who may be backpacking through the Caribbean or going on a cruise. You can compare all of Redpoint’s comprehensive plans and figure out which one might be right for your trip here.

Entry Requirements & Practical Information

Entry and Visa Requirements

No tourist visa is required for Americans who visit Turks and Caicos for less than 90 days. Visitors will need a passport with three months’ validity and two empty pages. It is no longer a requirement to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival, and no other vaccines are required. It’s always a good idea to enroll in the State Department’s Safe Traveler Enrollment Plan (STEP) for up-to-date information on changing requirements and safety during your trip

What To Do in an Emergency

If you have an emergency in Turks and Caicos and require assistance, emergency services can be contacted by dialing 911. In addition, Redpoint offers 24/7 support on its helpline to travelers who have an emergency or need assistance. If you are having trouble locating help locally, Redpoint’s associates can help connect you to the help you need on the ground.

The U.S. Embassy in Providenciales is no longer open. If you need assistance while in Turks and Caicos, the nearest embassy is located in Nassau, and all consular services (such as passport issues, emergency assistance, and help with legal issues) can be provided for you there.

#42 Queen Street
Nassau, The Bahamas

Telephone: +(242) 322-1181
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(242) 322-1181

Popular Activities and Adventure Travel in Turks and Caicos

There is no shortage of adventure travel in Turks and Caicos. From world-class snorkeling and scuba diving along vibrant coral reefs to kiteboarding, parasailing, or jet skiing across turquoise seas. Don’t forget to explore hidden caves, serene nature reserves, and fascinating historical sites like Cheshire Hall. You can also go boating to secluded cays or spot wildlife in protected marine parks.

You need to make sure your travel insurance policy will cover any extreme or adventure travel activities you plan to do. You will also need emergency evacuation coverage if you plan to do any water sports, which are higher risk.

FAQs for Turks and Caicos Travel Insurance

Is travel insurance mandatory for Turks and Caicos?

Travel insurance is not mandatory to enter Turks and Caicos but it is always a risk to embark on overseas travel without adequate coverage. Should anything go wrong during the course of your trip, such as a medical emergency or a disrupted itinerary, your out-of-pocket costs can easily exceed the price of a travel insurance policy. Plus, Turks and Caicos doesn't have much advanced medical treatment, so air ambulance evacuation to the U.S. is more common than to other destinations for serious accidents and emergencies.

What does Turks and Caicos travel insurance cover?

A comprehensive Turks and Caicos travel insurance policy should include medical care and emergency medical coverage (at least $100,000 to cover medical emergencies and unexpected costs), emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage, and baggage loss protection. You should also look for a policy with 24/7 assistance services, which all of Redpoint's policies offer.

How much does travel insurance cost for Turks and Caicos?

Your travel insurance policy will be priced based on a range of factors including trip length, cost, age, and activities. Most of Redpoint's insurance plans range from 6% to 15% of total trip costs.

What happens if a tourist gets sick in Turks and Caicos?

The Turks and Caicos islands' healthcare system is a mix of public and private facilities, however, neither of them is free for visitors from the U.S. Most visitors seek out care from private facilities because it is faster and more reliable. More severe cases are frequently airlifted to the U.S. for advanced care after being stabilized locally. That is why it's so important to have travel medical insurance to recoup the cost of any emergency medical expenses.

Does travel insurance cover trip cancellations due to government advisories?

Some travel insurance plans offer coverage for cancellations due to government-issued travel advisories, but this depends on the timing and nature of the advisory, as well as when you purchase your policy. If you're worried about political conditions or you suspect you may need to cancel your trip, it's wise to add-on cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage for added flexibility.

Can I get coverage for pre-existing conditions?

This will vary from policy to policy and by insurance company. Redpoint allows you to apply for a waiver for any pre-existing medical conditions if you purchase your insurance policy within 15 days after making your initial trip deposit.

Can I buy travel insurance after arriving in Turks and Caicos?

Typically, you need to purchase travel insurance prior to departure for your trip, and ideally, as soon as possible after booking your trip. Some providers may issue policies once you're already in the country, but those policies may be costlier and have more exclusions.

Protect Your Trip With Redpoint Travel Insurance

Protecting yourself on your trip to Turks and Caicos requires comprehensive travel insurance, and Redpoint Travel Protection has a global reputation for providing high-quality policies to fit every traveler. It also offers 24/7 support to give travelers peace of mind and help them enjoy their trips. Explore Redpoint’s policies here.

School of fish beneath the Thunder Dome in Turks & Caicos