Redpoint Destinations

Peru

Travel Insurance for Peru

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Get Protected with the Best Trip Insurance for Peru

From the ruins of Machu Picchu and natural wonders, like the huge Lake Titicaca — aka the birthplace of the Incas — to extraordinary biodiversity and a diverse culture that results in a surprising array of culinary influences, Peru is a truly unique destination. Even veteran travelers are routinely surprised by what it has to offer.

But as you plan your trip to South America, don't forget to look into travel insurance. Peru has some amazing opportunities for adventure travel and exploration, but that also comes with some risk. With travel insurance coverage, you'll offset the chances of having to pay out of pocket for any unexpected events that may arise.

Health & Safety in Peru

Peru is a popular tourist destination, and is generally considered safe for international travelers. That said, it has a moderate amount of petty crime directed at tourists, so travelers should follow common-sense safety precautions in major cities. For Peru travel tips and up-to-date information on security risks, consult the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory before your departure.

While no vaccinations are required to visit Peru, the CDC recommends that, in addition to being up to date on all routine vaccinations, U.S. travelers are vaccinated for yellow fever and Hepatitis A and B before visiting Peru.

If you are traveling to any of the country’s biodiverse landscapes — such as hiking the Inca trail that winds through the Andes Mountains, or visiting the colorful Rainbow Mountains — it’s essential to be adequately prepared for extreme weather conditions and research the appropriate gear and supplies.

Altitude sickness is also a very real concern in Peru’s mountainous regions, so be aware of the symptoms: nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. It’s also important to stay hydrated and avoid ascending to high altitudes too quickly. Keep in mind that Peru does experience natural disasters, such as earthquakes, flooding, and landslides. Always pay close attention to local conditions and reports from the Peruvian government before you head out.

If you’re trekking or mountaineering, Redpoint’s extensive Ripcord policy is a great option for travel insurance for Peru — it’s designed for destinations where medical facilities may be sparse or hard to find, and its emergency evacuation coverage is the best in its class.

Finally, if you’re looking into rental cars and planning on driving in Peru, familiarize yourself with the rules and road signs ahead of time, and keep in mind that most road signs will be in Spanish. Mountainous roads can be treacherous and narrow, so drivers should take great care when in rural areas. Though it’s not required, carrying an International Driving Permit is also recommended.

Insurance Benefits & Coverage for a Trip to Peru

From health coverage for accidents and unexpected illnesses to provisions for travel delays and evacuation in case of medical emergencies and other unforeseen events, the best travel insurance plans all include the same components.

Before you purchase travel insurance for Peru, you want to make sure your policy covers all the areas below so that you’ll be prepared — no matter what happens during your trip.

Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance: Trip cancellation insurance reimburses your nonrefundable trip expenses if your trip to Peru is canceled or cut short due to a covered reason, like illness, severe weather, or family emergencies. If you need more flexibility, you can usually opt to add on cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance for an extra cost.
Travel medical insurance: Travel health insurance covers unexpected medical expenses incurred for any injuries or illnesses that happen during your trip. Foreign visitors to Peru commonly seek out private care if they have a medical emergency and need to see a doctor. Those medical costs can be expensive, which means having Peru travel medical insurance is essential. Keep in mind that your health insurance from home will not be accepted in most cases, and if you have preexisting medical conditions, you’ll also want to apply for a waiver.
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. If you’re doing any adventurous travel, such as trekking in the Andes, emergency evacuation coverage is essential.
Baggage and personal belongings insurance: This covers loss, theft, or damage to your belongings should they go missing during your trip.
Trip delay insurance: Trip delay insurance compensates for additional expenses if your travel is delayed before it starts or during any connections or transfers.

For adventure travelers, Ripcord — an extensive plan with high coverage limits and enhanced coverage — is the best Peru travel insurance.

If you’re sticking to the major cities, like Lima and Cusco, Redpoint’s other travel insurance plans, Cavalry and Harbor, are going to be better options. Cavalry is particularly suited for urban travel and luxury cultural experiences, while Harbor offers robust coverage to the budget-minded leisure traveler.

For travel insurance costs and more information on insurance for Peru specifically, check out our [TK page] and get a quote today.

FAQs for Peru Travel Insurance

Do I need travel insurance for Peru?

While travel insurance is not mandatory to enter Peru, it is highly recommended. It's a risk to travel anywhere without coverage, particularly a foreign country, where you could face medical emergencies — and as a result, exorbitant medical expenses — without a good travel insurance plan.

How much is travel insurance for Peru?

Most of Redpoint's insurance plans for travel to Peru range from 6% to 15% of total trip costs.

What should your travel insurance cover for a trip to Peru?

Before you buy Peru travel insurance, make sure you select a quality plan.

A comprehensive 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.

Are there any COVID-19 restrictions for travelers to Peru?

COVID-19 entry requirements for Peru have relaxed in recent years, and travelers are no longer required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter. However, if you are worried about a COVID infection upsetting your travel plans, it may be a good idea to add cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage to your travel insurance policy.

What happens if a tourist gets sick in Peru?

In Peru's larger cities, like Lima and Cusco, there are well-equipped private hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff that offer a high standard of care. (Spanish is an official language of Peru, and the one primarily used.) Receiving medical care in these facilities can be costly, so having travel insurance that includes medical coverage will usually help with those expenses.

In rural or hard-to-reach regions, medical facilities may be more limited, so if that's where you'll be visiting, it's highly recommended to buy travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage.

If you are traveling in a remote area and have trouble accessing care or need medical evacuation, Redpoint's 24/7 assistance line can provide help and guidance at +1-415-481-0610.

Are the hospitals good in Peru?

Yes, many hospitals and clinics in Peru, particularly private ones in Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, and other major cities, provide a good standard of care. They often have modern equipment and trained medical professionals, and some even cater to international tourists.

Public hospitals can be more crowded and may have fewer resources, so many travelers visiting Peru choose private healthcare for better service. That's why it's a good idea to have travel health insurance — Peru can be a costly place to seek private care.

What documentation is needed to visit Peru?

U.S. citizens traveling to Peru need a valid passport, and it must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. A tourist visa isn't necessary if you're entering Peru for visits of up to 90 days, but immigration authorities may ask for proof of return or onward travel, as well as sufficient funds to last you during your stay.

Is Peru safe to visit?

Yes, it's generally safe to visit Peru, especially in tourist areas, like Lima, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley. The U.S. State Department does currently advise against travel to two particular areas of Peru, due to an enhanced risk of crime and terrorism: the Colombian-Peruvian border area in the Loreto region, and the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM).

Is Peru safe for female travelers?

Peru is generally safe for female travelers, though taking standard precautions is advised. Solo female travelers should avoid walking alone at night, especially in less busy areas, and consider using taxis or ride-sharing services for transportation.

While most locals are friendly and helpful, instances of street harassment can occur. Always keep someone informed of your itinerary, and check in about any changes.

How do I contact the U.S. Embassy in Peru?

The U.S. Embassy in Lima can help with a range of issues, from lost passports to emergency situations. You can contact them at the address and phone number below:

Avenida La Encalada, Block 17, Santiago de Surco, Lima

Tel: +51-1-618-2000

Protect Your Trip With Redpoint Travel Insurance

Redpoint is known for comprehensive, easy-to-understand travel insurance policies that can suit any type of trip, from an urban exploration of Lima’s unique food and culture to an adventurous trek through Peru’s historical landscapes. Explore our three international travel insurance plans Ripcord, Cavalry, and Harbor and get a quote today.