Dominican Republic Travel Insurance

Author: Melissa A.

Published: July 22nd, 2024 | Updated: July 22nd, 2024
Read time: 5 mins

More and more Canadians travel to the Dominican Republic each year. On average, the Dominican Republic welcomes one million Canadian visitors annually, with approximately 50% Ontarians and 30% Quebecers. This makes the Dominican Republic the second most visited destination in the Caribbean by Canadians. Punta Cana attracts nearly 60% of Canadian tourists alone. It’s no wonder that the Dominican’s white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, palm tree-lined coastline, 30-degree weather, mountainous landscape, rich culture, array of resorts and golf courses and ease of flight access draw Canadians in. Whichever the reason for your trip, prepare for it. This includes planning for unpredictable events that could happen before or during your trip, such as travel disruptions, adverse weather conditions and medical emergencies, by covering yourself with travel insurance.

Do I need travel insurance for the Dominican Republic?

Dominican Republic entry requirements do not include having travel insurance for Dominican Republic. According to the Canadian government, Canadian resident tourists travelling to the Dominican Republic for less than 30 days or who are travelling through must do so with a passport that has a minimum validity of six months following the date of arrival, as well as a return or onward ticket, tourist card and an electronic ticket for entry and exit. When travelling, especially out of the country, you can never be too prepared; therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended. It’s essential to protect the financial investment you made on your trip when there are costs on the line that you cannot afford to lose. For example, if you paid a sizeable, non-refundable trip deposit. Or in a case where you are travelling outside Canada where your government health insurance coverage most likely will not cover you, and you get ill or injured and are faced with hefty medical expenses that you must pay for yourself.

What does Dominican Republic travel insurance cover?

Dominican Republic travel insurance can cover various risks and losses you are not financially prepared to pay for upfront and out of pocket if something unexpected happens that spoils your international travel plans. It can cover risks and losses associated with trip cancellation, interruptions, delays, medical emergencies, emergency evacuations and repatriation, baggage and personal effects, and provide 24/7 travel assistance. Some travel insurance plans can even cover you for pre-existing conditions, high-risk and adventure sports activities, rental car damage and more. It all depends on your travel needs and what travel concerns are most important to you to have coverage for before and during your trip abroad.

Do I need travel health insurance for the Dominican Republic?

Travel health insurance for Dominican Republic is not required, but it is crucial, especially when travelling internationally. Your Canadian Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP) will cover little to none of your medical bills, including emergency evacuation and repatriation if you experience an unexpected medical emergency while visiting the DR. International medical expenses can cost in the tens of thousands to millions of dollars range and often require cash payment immediately in order to be treated. Therefore, not having emergency medical insurance and having to cover unanticipated financial losses all on your own could not only ruin your trip but also ruin you financially long after your trip return if you don’t have travel medical insurance for Dominican Republic or the funds to pay out of pocket.

How much is travel insurance to the Dominican Republic?

Travel insurance to Dominican Republic will cost anywhere from 4% to 10% of your total trip cost, depending on your travel needs and critical risk factors. Critical risk factors that affect the price of travel insurance include traveller(s) age, number of travellers, trip duration and level of coverage. Other risk factors that can increase the price are the destination itself, whether high-risk or remote, as well as limits, deductibles, and the options and plan add-ons you choose. To keep the cost of Dominican Republic trip insurance cheap, consider coverages you may already have, such as through your company benefits plan or travel rewards credit card, as you might only need top-up travel insurance. To get a clear picture of the price you will pay for your travel insurance, visit us online to get a quote and compare plans.

What is the best travel insurance for the Dominican Republic?

For your trip to the Dominican Republic, the best travel insurance to buy is a plan that meets all your travel needs and concerns. Take a moment to think about it and consider any coverage you may already have through your employee benefits plan or travel rewards credit card because you may only need supplemental coverage for what’s missing. When shopping for travel insurance, look at plans that contain coverage benefits for trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical, emergency evacuation and repatriation, baggage and personal effects, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) and 24/7 emergency assistance. If the plans you look at don’t happen to include all the coverage benefits you need, for example, coverage for pre-existing conditions, COVID-19, high-risk and adventure sports activities, rental car damage, cyber-attacks, Cancel for Any Reason, etc., you can add them on. An all-inclusive plan is a fantastic option because it is cost-effective and contains many of the coverages mentioned bundled together. No matter which travel insurance plan you choose, closely read its terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions to know what you will and will not be covered for.

Do visitors from the Dominican Republic to Canada need travel insurance?

Visitors from the Dominican Republic who are transiting through Canada or coming to vacation, tour, visit family, work, or study are only required to have travel insurance if they are applying for a super visa (parent and grandparent visa). However, travel insurance for all visitors to Canada is strongly recommended. As a visitor, you are ineligible for enrollment into Canada’s Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP); therefore, having travel insurance with emergency medical coverage is essential for your stay. When you have visitors to Canada travel insurance, you can be covered for costly medical expenses you could incur if you experience an unexpected medical emergency during your visit that you would otherwise have to pay upfront and out of pocket.