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Best Travel Insurance for Trips to the Bahamas

  • Based on our research, Tin Leg, Seven Corners, and Travel Insured International offer the best travel insurance plans for the Bahamas. (Skip ahead to see plans)
  • Americans aren’t required to have travel insurance to visit the Bahamas, but it is highly recommended due to the remote location of the Bahamas and its inferior hospital systems.
  • You can find a cheap travel insurance policy to cover most medical needs while in the Bahamas for $2 per day or less. A more comprehensive insurance plan costs around $9 to $11 per day for the Bahamas.
  • Ensure you understand the unique dangers or risks associated with your trip and buy adequate coverage for each. Account for seasonal risks like hurricanes and situational risks like snorkeling and diving.
  • We recommend using an online comparison tool to view coverage options from multiple providers at once and find the best plan to suit your needs.

East of the Gulf of Mexico, millions of people visit the Bahamas each year, whether it be for an island cruise around these islands and others such as the Dominican Republic or a week-long vacation on land. Around 2 million people visited the Bahamas as their first port of entry from cruise ships in the first and second quarters of 2023, according to Tourism Today.

Close to another million people enter per month via other land and sea methods. If you’re eyeing this popular international travel destination for your next getaway, it’s a good idea to consider Bahamas travel insurance.

Find out more about travel insurance for the Bahamas, including whether you are required to have it and what it might cover, below.

Our top picks for the best Bahamas travel insurance

Advertiser Disclosure
Best Rated Travel Insurance

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
Great Value with Robust Coverage

Seven Corners

GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
4.37
Preferred Plan
Trip Protection Choice
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$500,000 / $1,000,000
Best for Medical Evacuation Coverage

Travel Insured International

GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
4.39
Preferred Plan
Worldwide Trip Protector
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$100,000 / $1,000,000

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.

Why you need travel insurance for the Bahamas

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).

Our top picks for the best Bahamas travel insurance

Advertiser Disclosure

Best Rated Travel Insurance

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

PROS

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

CONS

  • Cancel for any reason not included standard

Great Value with Robust Coverage

Full Policy Details

Seven Corners

4.37
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

4.39
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

Average cost of Bahamas travel insurance

Based on sales data from our website, Travel Insurance for the Bahamas typically costs between $9-$11 per day for comprehensive plans that include coverage for medical emergencies, delays, cancellations, and more.

To give you a better example, below are some sample quotes from three popular insurance providers.

The first table shows three quotes for basic medical travel insurance plans without comprehensive cancellation and interruption coverage.

These plans can save you in a medical emergency but won’t reimburse your full trip costs:

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


If you want a policy that includes trip cancellation and interruption coverage, you need to pay a bit more.

The following travel insurance quotes are for the same plans mentioned above but are adjusted to offer additional coverage for things like cancellations and interruptions, baggage loss, and more.

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 prices were quoted for a $2,000 trip to the Bahamas, in September 2024, for a 35-year-old traveler staying 7 days.

Keep in mind that the actual cost of your policy will depend on various factors, like the length of your trip, your age, and the type of coverage you select. We recommend getting an online quote to see plans and prices specific to your trip.

What does travel insurance for the Bahamas cover?

Most travel insurance policies can be broken down into two main categories. However, what your Bahamas travel insurance plan covers will all depend on the type of policy you purchase. Let’s take a look at the two major travel insurance categories:

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

Medical-based travel insurance

Medical-based travel insurance is the most basic level of insurance you should purchase for your trip to the Bahamas. Policies offering just medical-based insurance are also often the cheapest forms of insurance you can buy. Medical travel insurance will protect you should you fall ill or require any emergency medical treatment while visiting the islands.

As government medical insurance such as Medicare and Medicaid will not work while you are in the Bahamas, not having medical insurance will leave you picking up a huge bill.

Medical-based travel insurance policies usually cover two separate coverage limits for medical emergencies and emergency medical evacuations:

Having medical evacuation insurance will ensure you are covered should you need to be transported to the nearest suitable medical facility in an emergency.

Medical plans will not cover you for far more in-depth travel insurance add-ons such as trip cancellations or trip cost reimbursement. If you require this added extra, you should opt for a far more comprehensive travel insurance plan.

Comprehensive travel coverage

When you purchase your travel insurance plan for the Bahamas, you will have the option of choosing plans that reimburse you for non-refundable prepaid trip expenses and plans that don’t. If you require coverage for such things as trip cancellations, trip interruptions, travel delays, and the loss of personal items, you should purchase a policy that covers trip cost reimbursement. 

Your vacation to the Bahamas could easily be interrupted or canceled for unforeseen circumstances such as adverse weather conditions or social unrest. If this is the case, you will need to buy a policy that offers cancellation and interruption coverage for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses to claim your money back. 

Optional add-ons

Some travel insurance policies for the Bahamas will offer to cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance. With this type of coverage, you can cancel your travel plans for any reason at all and still get back around 50% to 75% of your prepaid travel expenses. Including CFAR insurance within your plan will allow you far more flexibility and peace of mind should you change your travel plans.

Passport and Plane Ticket

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.

Pre-existing conditions

Only some travel insurance plans offer coverage for pre-existing conditions. If you have a chronic condition or other health concern it’s important to check the travel insurance policy before buying as some plans exclude medical coverage for pre-existing conditions. Apart from this, elderly travelers with a higher chance of needing medical assistance should consider opting for specialized seniors’ travel insurance plans. These policies are curated specifically for people over a certain age, who are far more susceptible to illness and accidents.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

Over the past 12 years, Sarah has contributed to numerous publications in the personal and small business finance sector, including content on budgeting, bankruptcy, small business accounting, and financial tech. Her writing focuses on making complex or seemingly daunting financial topics more accessible and providing helpful, relevant resources for readers.

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