Do I Need Travel Insurance for a Virgin Islands Sailing Trip?
Is travel insurance a great investment or a waste of money? Here’s our take on whether or not to buy travel insurance for your Virgin Islands sailing trip.
Is Travel Insurance Required in the Virgin Islands?
No, it is not required to buy travel insurance in order to visit the Virgin Islands. This might come as a surprise if you visited the Virgin Islands during the COVID pandemic. The British Virgin Islands required travel insurance until June 15, 2022. However, now you can travel freely to both the U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands without purchasing travel insurance for your sailing trip.
Should I Still Buy Travel Insurance for my Virgin Islands Sailing Trip?
Even though travel insurance isn’t required for a Virgin Islands sailing trip (or any other type of trip, for that matter), it is still an investment worth considering. Travel insurance can save you a substantial amount of money in the case of any unexpected emergencies or mishaps. For example, most worthwhile travel insurance plans cover trip cancellations, delays, baggage losses, and medical expenses.
How Much Will Travel Insurance for my Virgin Islands Sailing Trip Cost?
A good rule of thumb is to expect to spend about 5% of your total trip cost on travel insurance. However, you may spend more to receive more coverage. For example, some insurance companies offer “cancel for any reason” plans that allow you to cancel your trip within 48 hours of departure. Generally, you won’t get a full refund for your trip with a plan like this but somewhere between 50-75% of your total costs.
Where Should I Buy Travel Insurance for my Virgin Islands Sailing Trip?
The best way to choose the best travel insurance for your Virgin Islands Sailing Trip is to compare a few different plans and see which one best fits your needs. Pay attention to coverage limits and details of what’s covered and when. For example, some plans may offer $1 million in medical evacuation coverage while others may only offer half that or even less.
Pro Tip: Check What Your Renters or Homeowners Insurance Covers Before Buying Travel Insurance for your Virgin Islands Sailing Trip
Did you know that your homeowners or renters insurance will likely cover you even when you aren’t at home? Before buying travel insurance for your Virgin Islands sailing trip, check your homeowners or renters insurance policy. Oftentimes, there will be coverage included for things like items stolen on vacation or lost baggage. While this insurance won’t be as extensive as travel insurance for a Virgin Islands sailing trip, it likely comes with some great travel perks!
Have More Questions about Travel Insurance for your Virgin Islands Sailing Trip?
Go Sail Virgin Islands is happy to help you navigate the basics of travel insurance for your trip. If you have questions about specific coverage concerns with sailing or just want to know about which insurance companies offer coverage in the areas we sail, we can give you a quick rundown after you book your trip! Book your trip here and we’ll be in touch soon to answer any questions you may have about your Virgin Islands sailing trip.