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Bahamas Travel Insurance: Plans & Cost Breakdown (2024)

  • According to our analysis, the best travel insurance plans for the Bahamas come from Detour, Tin Leg, Faye, Seven Corners, and Travel Insured. (Skip ahead to see plans)
  • We recommend buying travel medical coverage at a minimum as traditional US health insurance plans aren’t accepted in the Bahamas.
  • Cheap travel insurance policies can cover most medical needs while in the Bahamas and can cost as low as $1 per day.
  • Ensure you have travel coverage for the risks associated with your trip including coverage for hurricanes during warmer months and coverage for common activities like snorkeling and diving.
  • An online comparison tool is the best way to get price quotes from several companies at once for your trip.

Our top picks for the best Bahamas travel insurance

Advertiser Disclosure
Cheapest comprehensive coverage

Detour Insurance

GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
5
Preferred Plan
The Edge Plus
Covers COVID
Yes
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$100,000 / $1,000,000
Best Rated Travel Insurance Provider

Tin Leg

GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
4.6
Preferred Plan
Luxury
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$100,000 / $250,000
Quick Claims & Easy to Use

Faye Travel Insurance

Check Pricing via the Faye website
4.5
Preferred Plan
Faye Travel Protection Plan
Covers COVID
Yes
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$100,000 / $500,000

Do I need travel insurance to visit the Bahamas?

A travel insurance policy isn’t required to visit the Bahamas. However, your US medical insurance will not apply if you are injured or experience an illness while traveling in the Bahamas. Therefore, it is important to take out a policy that covers emergency medical coverage while on vacation to the Bahamas.

Travel health insurance can help provide some peace of mind and reduce costs if you need medical treatment during your trip. Travel insurance can also help cover a variety of trip costs, including trip cancellation, loss of baggage, and other emergency costs.

Millions of people travel to the Bahamas each year without issues, but it’s important to consider the unique risk factors associated with trips to the country so you can be prepared.

Our top picks for the best Bahamas travel insurance

Advertiser Disclosure

Cheapest comprehensive coverage

Full Policy Details

Detour Insurance

5
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
The Edge Plus
Covers COVID
Yes
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$100,000 / $1,000,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

If you are looking for a budget-friendly alternative to a luxury plan, Detour is a great option.

Detour is a newer provider offering exceptionally cheap travel insurance policies. On top of being affordable, Detour’s policies are very comprehensive.

Detour offers two solid travel insurance policies for the Bahamas: Detour The Edge & Detour The Edge Plus. Both policies are great options for getting comprehensive coverage on a budget. The main difference between them is their trip cancellation and reimbursement limits. The Edge Plus policy is best for expensive trips as it can reimburse you up to $10,000 per person, whereas The Edge policy only offers $5,000.

Apart from this, both offer the same comprehensive medical and medevac coverage limits – $100,000 and $1,000,000 respectively. Both plans also cover sports activities including deep-sea fishing, water skiing and wakeboarding, snorkeling, scuba, and more. Therefore, which plan you choose mainly depends on how much money you want to receive back if you end up needing to cancel or cut your trip short.

Best Rated Travel Insurance Provider

Full Policy Details

Tin Leg

4.6
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Luxury
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$100,000 / $250,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Tin Leg continuously outshines the competition when it comes to offering very comprehensive coverage at affordable prices. It also has some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry.

While there are many popular plans from this provider, we like the Tin Leg luxury plan for trips to the Bahamas as it has high coverage for medical emergencies, including $250,000 for medical evacuations back to the US.

This plan also covers the most common adventure sports people practice in the Bahamas, including deep sea fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, water skiing and wakeboarding, tubing, golf, and more. It also comes with $50,000 of flight accidental death and dismemberment coverage, which is important if you plan to take a small plane to more remote islands like the Abacos.

PROS

  • Coverage for pre-existing conditions
  • Cancelation & interruption coverage
  • Offers hurricane and weather coverage

CONS

  • Cancel for any reason not included standard

Quick Claims & Easy to Use

Full Policy Details

Faye Travel Insurance

4.5
Check Pricing via the Faye website
Preferred Plan
Faye Travel Protection Plan
Covers COVID
Yes
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$100,000 / $500,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Faye is a newer provider that offers great travel coverage that is completely customizable. The coverage limits are high, and it’s well-known for how easy it is to buy and manage your plan through Faye.

They are an app-based service providing a streamlined user experience. The claims process is known for being one of the fastest around, and Faye is quickly growing to be a major contender and disruptor in the travel insurance game.

PROS

  • Friendly agents
  • Easy-to-use mobile app
  • Fast reimbursements for eligible claims
  • Prompt replies to questions

CONS

  • Long wait times for reimbursement
  • Difficulty reaching Faye outside of email & virtual chat

Great Value with Robust Coverage

Full Policy Details

Seven Corners

4.4
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Trip Protection Choice
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$500,000 / $1,000,000
Why We Like It

PROS

  • Offers coverage for pre-existing conditions
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Cancellation & Interruption coverage standard
  • Covers action sports & equipment

CONS

  • Cancel for any reason not included standard
  • Must meet waiver for pre-existing conditions to be covered

Best for Medical Evacuation Coverage

Travel Insured International

4.4
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Worldwide Trip Protector
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$100,000 / $1,000,000
Why We Like It

PROS

  • Travel delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
  • Generous $150,000 non-medical evacuation coverage
  • 24/7 emergency travel assistance included

CONS

  • CFAR and IFAR coverage not included
  • Baggage delay coverage only kicks in after 12 hours
  • No rental car coverage

Reasons to buy travel insurance for trips to the Bahamas

Apart from US health insurance not working abroad, there are several unique risks that most people may not consider when visiting the Bahamas. This is where travel insurance can come in handy.

Hurricanes and tropical storms

Due to the location of the Bahamas between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the islands are susceptible to yearly hurricanes and tropical storms. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, but the timing and frequency vary each year.

As the US embassy states, the Bahamian government and local communities are well-prepared for hurricanes and have established procedures for monitoring, issuing warnings, and evacuating areas at risk. However, it is important that you have travel insurance that covers you should you have to cancel your trip down to a local storm threatening the islands.

Most comprehensive travel insurance plans reimburse you if your trip needs to be canceled or interrupted due to a hurricane or a tropical storm.

The official tourist board notes that most travelers take one or more boat trips during trips to the Bahamas. Whether it’s traveling between the Bahamas’ numerous islands on a water taxi or taking a boat out for fishing offshore, Travel.state.gov mentions that many of the Bahamas’ tour and boat rental companies are not properly regulated and therefore, Americans should exercise caution.

The Bahamas is also a haven for snorkeling and diving. It is home to a range of marine life, such as the Portuguese Man-of-War jellyfish whose stings have been known to require medical treatment. While all of these are hypothetical scenarios, it’s important to consider these scenarios and ensure you are protected for water-based activities by taking out a basic travel insurance plan.

Travel insurance typically covers medical bills and can send you back to the US for medical treatment if necessary. Some plans also cover accidental deaths related to common carriers such as ferries and more.

Local crime rates

The US Department of State has highlighted that travelers to the Bahamas should be aware of the island nation’s crime rate, stating the following:

“Violent crimes,?such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults,?occur in both tourist?and non-tourist?areas. Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties?where private security companies do?not have a presence.” - Travel.state.gov

Just to be safe, we recommend ensuring you are covered. Opt for plans with emergency medical coverage and emergency evacuation coverage which can offer peace of mind should you fall victim to localized crime.

Travel insurance typically covers the replacement of damaged, stolen, or lost personal items which can come in handy if you are robbed while in the Bahamas. It can also cover medical bills if you are injured as a result of a crime.

Short-distance flights on small planes

With up to 700 hundred islands, visiting the Bahamas often means taking a short flight between islands or across the sea from nearby Florida. Storms are common offshore and small propeller planes can suffer delays as a result of these storms. Having insurance for any cancellations or delays will ensure you are covered for any mishaps should adverse weather ground your flight and stop you from reaching your destination. The Aviation Safety Network notes that although plane accidents are rare in the Bahamas, it’s good practice to ensure you have comprehensive coverage should the worst happen.

Travel insurance can cover flight delays and cancellations and even offer a stipend for expenses while you are delayed. It can also cover accidental death and dismemberment as a result of a common carrier (like airlines).

Average cost of Bahamas travel insurance

The average cost of travel insurance for the Bahamas is $15.80 per day. This number was found using internal sales data from LA Times readers who bought travel insurance for the Bahamas over the past year. On average, Travelers spent 10 days in the Bahamas for a total travel insurance cost of $158.

That said, basic travel medical plans are often much cheaper and can cost as little as $1 per day. To illustrate this, we pulled sample quotes for basic medical travel insurance plans based on a 35-year-old traveler spending 7 days in the Bahamas for a trip costing $2,000.

These plans can save you in a medical emergency but don’t include reimbursements for trip cancellation or interruption coverage:

Provider Plan Name Plan Cost Cancellation /Interruption Limits Medical /Medevac Limits
Tin Leg Standard $5 $0 / $0 $30,000 / $200,000
Trawick International Safe Travels Explorer $19 $0 / $0 $50,000 / $200,000
Seven Corners Trip Protection Basic $25 $0 / $1,000 $100,000 / $250,000


The cheapest plan on this list costs a mere 72? per day whereas the most expensive costs $3.58 per day and also comes with $1000 in interruption benefits. Needless to say, there are affordable options for Bahamas travel insurance.

Policies that include trip cancellation and interruption coverage cost a bit more.

Cost example of comprehensive travel insurance with trip reimbursement.

Provider Plan Name Plan Cost Cancellation /Interruption Limits Medical /Medevac Limits
Tin Leg Standard $62 $2,000 / $2,000 $30,000 / $200,000
Trawick International Safe Travels Explorer $63 $2,000/ $2,000 $50,000 / $200,000
Seven Corners Trip Protection Basic $75 $2,000 / $2,000 $100,000 / $250,000

The above plans range from $8.85 per day to $10.70 per day. This table demonstrates that for a few extra dollars per day, you can access additional coverage for things like cancellations and interruptions, baggage loss, and more.

Keep in mind that these prices are for example purposes only, and that the final cost of your specific policy depends on your unique trip parameters. Various factors affect the final cost of travel insurance, including the length of your trip, your age, and the type of coverage you select.

We recommend using an online comparison tool for travel insurance plans to see policies and prices specific to your trip.

Passport and Plane Ticket

Types of travel coverage for trips to the Bahamas

What your Bahamas travel insurance policy covers depends on the type of plan you choose. Most travel insurance policies can be broken down into two main categories:

  1. Medical-only travel insurance
  2. Comprehensive travel insurance

Medical-only travel insurance

Emergency travel medical insurance is the most basic level of insurance you should purchase for your trip to the Bahamas. As demonstrated above, medical travel insurance is the cheapest type of coverage available and covers emergency medical treatment and medical evacuations.

US health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, doesn’t work in the Bahamas, so it’s best to have medical travel insurance at a minimum.

Comprehensive travel coverage

A comprehensive travel insurance plan includes medical coverage and other benefits such as reimbursements for trip cancellations and interruptions, lost or delayed baggage, travel delays, missed connections, and more.

Since the Bahamas is susceptible to weather events like hurricanes, and you may participate in water-based activities such as snorkeling, boating, scuba, and more, we recommend you opt for a comprehensive policy that can cover you for medical emergencies, cancellations, and travel interruptions.

Optional coverage and upgrades

Apart from medical coverage and comprehensive travel coverage, each plan has unique exclusions and inclusions. Here are some important coverages to consider that may be excluded or offered as an add-on to some policies.

Adventure sports

Many travel insurance policies have exclusions related to common activities they denote as “adventure sports”. These can include common activities like tubing, water skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, offshore fishing, parasailing, and more.

Since most travelers to the Bahamas participate in one or more of these activities while in the country, it’s important to ensure your travel insurance policy will cover accidents, injuries, and accidental death relating to these adventure sports.

Pre-existing conditions

Not all plans offer travel coverage for pre-existing conditions. If you have a chronic illness or other health condition it’s important to verify that your travel insurance policy covers pre-existing conditions to ensure you are fully covered while in the Bahamas.

Apart from this, elderly travelers who have a higher chance of needing medical assistance should consider opting for specialized senior travel insurance policies that are tailored to the needs of senior travelers.

Cancel For Any Reason

Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage is one of the most common upgrades offered with travel insurance policies. This type of add-on allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and receive up to a 75% reimbursement for the cost of your trip. While this coverage may not be necessary for all travelers, it can be extremely helpful if you need to unexpectedly cancel an expensive trip, such as one to the Bahamas.

What isn’t covered by travel insurance for the Bahamas?

The specific details regarding what’s covered by your travel insurance depend on your policy.

However, travel insurance, in general, doesn’t cover:

Trip cancellation insurance may not cover your losses if you buy the plan when a tropical storm or hurricane has already been named. Hurricane travel insurance only covers you if the storm is named after you book the policy. If there’s already a forecasted hurricane in the area, it’s reasonable for you to expect your trip to be at risk. Therefore, booking travel insurance as soon as possible is key to staying fully covered.

Known epidemics

Although COVID coverage now comes standard, most travel insurance plans exclude coverage for costs associated with illnesses if they come from a known epidemic. If you choose to book travel in an area with an epidemic, you may take that risk on yourself.

Your travel insurance may not cover medical costs associated with injuries you incur during so-called “dangerous activities.” This can include drug or alcohol-induced injuries as well as motorbike injuries. Each plan has different wording on what is considered dangerous, therefore we recommend having a look over the policy exclusions before buying.

Sports and adventure activities

Extreme sports like bungee jumping, skydiving, and scuba diving may also be included in the exclusions. You need to check to make sure your plan covers things like snorkeling, diving, deep-sea fishing, boating, etc. With our comparison tool, there is a filter that lets you easily select plans that cover your planned activities.

Passport and Plane Ticket

Tips for getting the best Bahamas travel insurance

Getting the best deal on travel insurance for the Bahamas — and buying the right coverage — takes a bit of homework.

These tips can help you find the best travel insurance for your Bahamas vacation:

1

Shop around and compare policies

Just because a plan is more expensive doesn’t mean it offers the best coverage. Try using the LA Times online comparison tool to find a plan that suits your travel needs and your budget.

See More See Less
2

Consider any additional coverages you may need

Travel insurance won’t typically cover adventure activities, such as parasailing or scuba diving. You should look for extra coverage if you plan to do this sort of activity.

See More See Less
3

Carefully select your transportation plans

Some travel insurance policies will only cover trip delays if you’re traveling via a public airline, passenger railway or other common carrier.

See More See Less
4

Consider what other options you have for covering your losses

If you’re booking airfare and hotel stays with a travel rewards credit card, for example, you might have built-in coverage for trip cancellation. Many travel rewards credit cards will refund your purchases in this case.

See More See Less
5

Purchase travel insurance early

You can often get a better deal if you purchase your travel insurance policy right after making your initial trip deposit.

See More See Less

The Bahamas travel information & requirements

Query Details
Is a tourist visa required? No
How long can you stay without a visa? Up to eight months
Passport requirements Must be valid at time of entry through departure
Local currency Bahamian Dollar ($)
Primary language(s) English, though many people speak a Bahamian Creole dialect
Average 5-year exchange rate 1 US dollar to 1 Bahamian Dollar
Are there any vaccine requirements for travel? No, but some are recommended
Is a COVID test required? No
What is the travel advisory level? As of July 2023, the U.S. Department of State issued a
Level 2: Exercise Increase Caution travel advisory for U.S. travelers in this area
Emergency services phone number 911 or 919
US Embassy emergency number: 242-322-1181
Do providers in the Bahamas accept U.S. health insurance? No
Is travel insurance required? No

Are there COVID-19 restrictions for U.S. tourists?

The Bahamas lifted COVID restrictions in October 2022. Unvaccinated travelers are allowed in the country, and there is no requirement for a pre-arrival COVID-19 test. Since the fallout from the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of travel insurance plans now include COVID-19 coverage just as they would with any other medical treatment.

Do I need a visa or passport to travel to the Bahamas?

Entry requirements for American citizens do not include visas as long as you are not staying for longer than eight months as a traveler. You do need a valid passport to enter the Bahamas. It must be valid throughout the duration of your stay. Two pages are also required for your entry stamp.

Is it safe to visit the Bahamas?

The U.S. Bureau of Consumer Affairs issued a Bahamas travel advisory in January 2024 that called for American travelers to exercise increased caution due to some issues with crime.

This advisory is a Level 2 on a scale with four levels:

  • Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
  • Level 2: Exercise increased caution
  • Level 3: Reconsider travel
  • Level 4: Do not travel

The Bureau advises taking precautions, such as not opening hotel doors unless you know who it is, not resisting if you are robbed, having a contingency plan for medical and other emergencies, and enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so you can receive up-to-date travel advisories.

Bahamas travel insurance FAQs

Do I need travel insurance to visit the Bahamas?

You do not need travel insurance to visit this location. However, because your regular car, health, and other U.S. insurance policies likely won’t apply if you need them, travel insurance is recommended.

How much is Bahamas travel insurance?

The cost of your insurance depends on a variety of factors, including how long you’re traveling for and what type of coverage you purchase. While the most basic coverage can cost as little as around $1 per day, you can expect to pay $9 to $11 per day for more comprehensive coverage.

Can I use my U.S. insurance in the Bahamas?

It is unlikely that you will be able to use your U.S.-based health insurance for services in the Bahamas. You can always check with your plan before you travel to ensure this is the case.

Can U.S. citizens get free health care in the Bahamas?

While the Bahamas has medical programs that provide a number of services for its legal residents, these services are not typically available for free for visitors. You should be prepared to pay for medical services should you need them when traveling. Medical travel insurance can help reduce such costs.

About the Author

Sarah Stasik
Sarah Stasik Personal Finance

Sarah Stasik is well versed in personal finance thanks to her previous role as a Revenue Cycle Manager for a Fortune 500 healthcare company. Using her inside knowledge and expertise, Sarah often covers topics ranging from insurance and the economics of private healthcare to personal finance and small business management.

With more than a dozen years of writing experience, Sarah has tackled niches that range from technical advances in fintech to personal budgeting challenges. She has covered topics such as insurance and the economics of private healthcare, small business management and accounting, and credit and savings. Her writing focuses on making complex or seemingly daunting financial topics more accessible and providing helpful and relevant resources for readers.

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