Have you already booked your trip to Sri Lanka? Great! Now, all you have to do is purchase your travel insurance before leaving.
If you’re unsure where to start, in this guide, we’ll go over why you need this kind of travel insurance, where the best place to buy it is, how much it will cost you, and what it offers you.
Is Travel Insurance Mandatory to Visit Sri Lanka?
Travel health insurance is not mandatory when visiting Sri Lanka. That being said, you’re highly recommended to carry a travel insurance policy with you, since unexpected things can always happen while travelling, such as medical emergencies or travel disruptions.
Why Travel Insurance Matters?
Sri Lanka has diverse terrain and unpredictable weather, particularly during the monsoon season. Some illnesses are more prevalent at certain times of the year. For example, dengue fever cases can spike during the monsoon due to increased mosquito activity.
Other than this, travel insurance also comes with the added benefit of covering your in-trip related losses, such as trip cancellations, luggage loss, medical evacuation, and such.
Please note that travel insurance is vital for you if you plan on partaking in adventure or extreme sports while you’re in Sri Lanka.
What Does a Sri Lanka Travel Insurance Policy Cover?
Here’s a brief overview of what your travel insurance might cover:
| Coverage: | What It Means: |
| Emergency medical service | It gives you coverage and reimbursement for unexpected injuries or illnesses. |
| Medical evacuation | It covers the cost for medical evacuation either in other countries close to Sri Lanka or back to your home country. |
| Trip cancellation or interruption | Reimbursement for the financial costs of a canceled trip or a trip that was cut short. |
| Lost or stolen luggage | Compensation for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage. |
| Travel delays | It covers meals, accommodation, or other expenses during extended delays. |
Optional Add-Ons
Some benefits can be included if you want to pay extra for those, such as
- Coverage for COVID-19 issues.
- Rental car protection.
- Coverage for personal liability.
Exclusions: What’s Not Covered?
Your travel insurance will not cover the following events:
- Medical services incurred due to drug usage or intoxication.
- Self-inflicted harm.
- Accidents after violating local laws.
- Pre-existing conditions that were not disclosed when purchasing the policy.
- Routine medical check-ups.
Best Travel Insurance for Sri Lanka
Some of the best international travel insurance for Sri Lanka include the following:
| Company | Policy | Coverage
Highlights |
Ideal For | Extra Features |
| Allianz | Single Trip Insurance | Emergency medical, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage loss, travel delay | Individuals or families on a one-time trip | 24/7 travel assistance, customizable options |
| Sri Lanka Insurance | Travel Protect Asia 25 | Medical expenses, personal accident cover, trip delay, lost baggage, and personal liability | Sri Lankan residents traveling within Asia | Affordable premiums, cashless hospital admission |
| World Nomads | Standard & Explorer Plans | Emergency medical, trip cancellation, theft of gear, adventure sports coverage | Backpackers, adventure travelers, digital nomads | Extendable while traveling, 24/7 emergency support |
| IMG | iTravelInsured (Lite, SE, LX Plans) | Emergency medical, evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost luggage | Travelers, missionaries, students, and temporary expats | Renewable up to 24 months, multilingual service |
For more options, you can look into using marketplaces like Insubuy, which allows you to compare in real time different policies, insurance companies, and their benefits for your destination in Sri Lanka.
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost for Sri Lanka?
A travel insurance policy for a one-week trip, for a healthy individual, starts at a range between $12 to $14.
However, the overall costs of your policy depend on the following:
- Your age.
- Trip duration.
- The coverage area.
- Add-ons.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Buy My Travel Insurance?
It’s best to buy your insurance policy after you’ve booked your trip. Most travel insurance will cover you for any trip cancellations or trip delays that happen after you buy your insurance and before you depart for Sri Lanka.
However, if you buy your insurance after departure, then your insurance won’t cover you for any situation that happened before you bought your policy.
Can’t I Just Use Insurance from My Home Country in Sri Lanka?
It depends on the kind of insurance you have in your home country. If your domestic insurance covers you for trips outside of your country, then you don’t have to buy a new policy— but this rarely happens.
You can also use credit card insurance, if it’s something that’s offered by your credit card company, in which case you must verify it with them before traveling.
Can I Extend My Travel Insurance if I Decide to Stay Longer?
While this depends on the kind of insurance you have, in most cases, you can extend your policy to accommodate your stay in the country.
That being said, you have to pay extra costs the longer you extend your travel insurance policy.
Can I Get Travel Insurance If I Have a Pre-Existing Medical Condition?
Travel insurance rarely covers you for a pre-existing condition. However, some policies may cover the acute onset of a pre-existing condition, meaning an unexpected and sudden flare-up of a known issue.
But even in this case, you have to be up-front with the insurance company regarding your health status to avoid extra fees.