Travel Insurance for The Bahamas

For your holidays in the Bahamas and abroad

Welcome to the beautiful Bahamas, a beautiful archipelago known for its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture. From the lively streets of Nassau to the serene shores of the Out Islands, the Bahamas offers a dreamy escape for travelers seeking sun, sand, and relaxation.
 

In this guide, we'll navigate through the ins and outs of travel insurance for the Bahamas, ensuring you're prepared for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise during your tropical adventure.

1. What should your Travel insurance cover for a trip to the Bahamas? 
2. How Does Travel Insurance for Bahamas Work?
3. Do I need Travel Insurance for the Bahamas? 
4. How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost for the Bahamas?
5. Our Suggested AXA Travel Protection Plan
6. What types of medical coverage do AXA Travel Protection plans offer?
7. Are There Any COVID-19 Restrictions for Travelers to Bahamas?
8. Traveling with pre-existing Medical Conditions? 
9. FAQ
    

What should your travel insurance cover for a trip to The Bahamas?

At a minimum, your travel insurance should cover trip cancellation, trip interruption, and emergency medical expenses. When it comes to international travel, the US Department of State outlines key components that should be included in your travel insurance coverage.
AXA Travel Protection plans are designed with these minimum recommended coverages in mind.

• Medical Coverage – The top priority is making sure your health is in order. With AXA Travel Protection, you can have access to quality healthcare during your trip overseas in the event of unexpected medical emergencies.  
   
• Trip Cancellation & Interruptions – Assistance against unexpected trip disruptions can dampen the mood, AXA Travel Protection offers coverage against unforeseen events. 
   
• Emergency Evacuations and Repatriation – In situations where transportation is dire, AXA Travel Protection offers provisions for emergency evacuation and repatriation. 
   
• Coverage for Personal Belongings – AXA offers coverage for your belongings with assistance against lost or delayed baggage. 
   
• Optional Cancel for Any Reason – For added flexibility, AXA offers optional Cancel for Any Reason coverage, allowing you to cancel your trip for non-traditional reasons.  Exclusive to Platinum Plan holders. 

In just a few seconds, you can get a free quote and purchase the best travel insurance for the Bahamas.
 

How Does Travel Insurance for The Bahamas Work?

Imagine you're snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas, marveling at the vibrant marine life below. Suddenly, you feel a sharp pain in your foot. You've stepped on a hidden piece of coral, causing a deep wound. With medical coverage from your travel insurance, you can swiftly seek treatment at a local clinic without worrying about the hefty medical expenses abroad.
Whether the situation goes from bad to worse, AXA is there to help you create a plan of action.

Medical Benefits: 

• Emergency Medical Expenses: Should you fall ill or have an accident during your trip, your policy may offer coverage for medical expenses, including hospital stays and doctor's fees. 
• Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: In case of a serious medical emergency, your policy may include provisions for evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or repatriation. 
• Non-Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: In non-medical crises (e.g., political unrest), your policy may cover evacuation or repatriation, subject to policy terms. 

Baggage Benefits: 

• Luggage Delay: If the airline delays your checked baggage, your policy might offer reimbursement for essential items like clothing and toiletries. 
• Lost or Stolen Luggage: In the unfortunate event of permanent loss or theft of your luggage, your policy may offer reimbursement for its value, assisting you in replacing your belongings. 

Pre-Departure Travel Benefits: 

• Trip Cancellation: You may be eligible for reimbursement if you cancel your trip due to a sudden illness or injury. 
• COVID-19 Travel Insurance: Coverage is available for trip cancellation and medical expenses related to COVID-19, subject to policy terms and conditions. 
• Trip Delay: If your flight faces delays due to unforeseen circumstances, you may have coverage for additional expenses such as meals and accommodations. 

Post-Departure Travel Benefits

• Trip Interruption: In case of an unexpected event, you could be eligible for reimbursement for the unused portion of your trip.
• Missed Connection: If you miss a connecting flight due to delays or cancellations, this coverage may help with expenses like rebooking fees and accommodations.

Additional Optional Travel Benefits 

• Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver): Exclusive to Gold & Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit gives travelers extra coverage on their rental car against damage and theft. 
• Cancel for Any Reason: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders; this optional benefit gives travelers more flexibility to cancel their trip for any reason outside of their standard policy. 
• Loss Skier Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate some costs associated with pre-paid ski tickets that you or your traveling companion cannot use due to specified slope closures. 
• Loss Golf Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate the expenses linked to prepaid golf arrangements that you or your travel companion are unable to utilize due to specified golf closures.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for The Bahamas?

While travel insurance is no longer mandatory for visitors to The Bahamas, it's important to note that many U.S. health insurance plans might not extend coverage abroad. Thus, securing a travel insurance plan remains a wise choice.

Why? There are several reasons:
 

1. Medical Emergencies: The Bahamas is known for its adventurous activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and water sports. In case of an accident or sudden illness during these activities, having coverage for emergency medical expenses can offer peace of mind.
    

2. Lost Baggage: Airlines sometimes mishandle baggage, and the last thing you want is to be without your essentials in an unfamiliar place. Travel insurance offers to cover the cost of replacing necessary items, allowing you to continue.
    

3. Trip Cancellation: The Bahamas is located in the hurricane belt, making it susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season from June to November. Trip cancellation coverage becomes crucial in such situations, offering reimbursement if travelers need to cancel their trip.
    

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost for The Bahamas?

In general, travel insurance costs about 3 – 10% of your total prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses. The cost of travel insurance depends on two factors for AXA Travel Protection plans:
 

Total Trip cost: The total amount of non-prepaid and non-refundable costs you have already paid for your upcoming trip. This includes prepaid excursions, plane tickets, cruise costs, etc.

Age: Like any other insurance type, the correlation is rooted in increased health risks associated with older individuals. It's important to note that this doesn't make travel insurance unattainable for older individuals.
 

With AXA Travel Protection, travelers to the United Kingdom will be offered three tiers of insurance: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each provides varying levels of coverage to cater to individual's preferences and travel needs.

Our Suggested AXA Travel Protection Plan

AXA presents travelers with three travel plans – the Silver Plan, Gold Plan, and Platinum Plan, each offering different levels of coverage to suit individual needs. Given that The Bahamas hospitals often do not accept U.S. health insurance or Medicare, we recommend that travelers consider purchasing any of these plans, particularly for the crucial coverage they offer for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses.

The Platinum Plan is your go-to choice if you're looking for extra coverage for The Bahamas’s experience. "Cancel for Any Reason" offers greater flexibility for those unexpected twists in your travel plans and the "Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver)" offers assistance when you're out exploring The Bahamas's stunning landscapes in a rental car.
 

What types of medical coverage do AXA Travel Protection plans offer?

AXA covers three types of medical expenses:

• Emergency Medical

• Emergency evacuation & repatriation

• Non-medical emergency evacuation & repatriation
   

Emergency medical: can cover unexpected incidents like broken bones, burns, sudden illnesses, and allergic reactions that may occur during your trip.

Emergency evacuation and repatriation: can cover your immediate transportation home in the event of an accidental injury or illness.

Non-medical emergency evacuation and repatriation: can offer coverage for assistance in leaving a destination promptly due to non-medical events. These events may include natural disasters or civil unrest.
 

Are There Any COVID-19 Restrictions for Travelers to The Bahamas?

No. All visitors, whether vaccinated or not, are welcome to travel freely to and within The Islands of The Bahamas.

Are you traveling with pre-existing Medical Conditions?

Traveling with preexisting medical conditions can complicate your plans, but with AXA Travel Protection, we're here to support you during your trip.

Our Gold and Platinum Plans offer coverage for preexisting medical conditions.
The Platinum plan, in particular, is our highest-offered choice for travelers who want our highest coverage limits and optional add-ons,

What does this mean for you? If you've got a medical condition that's been hanging around, you can qualify for coverage under our Gold and Platinum plan with a pre-existing medical condition, so long as it’s within 14 days of placing your initial trip deposit and in our 60 day look back period. We're here to make sure you travel with ease, no matter your health situation.

FAQ
 

1.Can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight?

You can buy travel insurance even after your flight is booked.

2.When should I buy Travel Insurance to The Bahamas?

It's advisable to purchase travel insurance for your trip as soon as you have made your initial trip deposit (prepaid and non-refundable trip costs.)

AXA Travel Protection offers coverage as soon as you purchase your protection plan. We can give coverage against unforeseen events before you leave for your trip.

Additionally, our policies offer coverage for preexisting medical conditions and Cancel for Any Reason if you purchase your protection within 14-days of making your initial trip deposit.

3.Do Americans need travel insurance in The Bahamas?

American citizens are not obligated to have travel insurance to enter the Bahamas. However, while there are no legal mandates, getting a good policy is often a wise investment, especially if you have high trip costs.

4. What is needed to visit The Bahamas from the USA?

U.S. citizens traveling to the Bahamas typically need a valid passport with at least two blank pages. A tourist visa isn't needed for stays up to 90 days. You might also need to show proof of your planned departure, such as a return flight ticket.

5.What happens if a tourist gets sick in The Bahamas?

If you become sick in The Bahamas, travelers with AXA Travel Protection can contact the AXA Assistance hotline 855-327-1442. Contact information is typically provided within the insurance documentation. Please ensure to read through your policy details and information.
 

Disclaimer: It is important to note that Destination articles are for editorial purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Specifics of travel coverage for your destination will depend on the plan selected, the date of purchase, and the state of residency. Customers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy. Contact AXA Travel Insurance if you have any questions. AXA Assistance USA, Inc.© 2023 All Rights Reserved.