The Best Travel Insurance Plans for Peru in 2025
- The best travel insurance plans for Peru
- Is it currently safe to travel to Peru?
- Travel Insurance Requirements for Peru
- Why take out travel insurance for Peru?
- What Travel Insurance for Peru Should Cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Peru
- How to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Peru
- The coverage of your current insurance in Peru
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Peru: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Peru covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost personal items.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for Canadians but is crucial for covering potential medical emergencies.
3. Healthcare cost: Private healthcare in Peru is costly, with a hospital night averaging around $1,000 CAD.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Peru typically costs between $40 and $80 CAD.
5. Good to know: Medical evacuation from remote areas like the Andes can be extremely expensive without insurance.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Peru.
The best travel insurance plans for Peru
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.5M CA$ | Our top choice for travel to Peru. - very high ceiling - broad guarantees - coverage includes hospital and repatriation |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.5M CA$ | A suitable plan for all trip lengths. - 24/7 support - covers cancellations - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | 750K CA$ | Ideal for tourist stays in Peru. - generous medical coverage - strong emergency help - attractive premium |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.1M CA$ | Well balanced for Peru’s risks. - repatriation included - hospital fees covered - worldwide presence |
| Globe Partner | 450K CA$ | Good for extended trips abroad. - medical abroad - repatriation coverage - fast claim handling |
| Globe Traveller | 750K CA$ | A value option for temporary visits to Peru. - core medical protection - rapid reimbursement - solid cap |
- very high ceiling
- broad guarantees
- coverage includes hospital and repatriation
- 24/7 support
- covers cancellations
- no deductible
- generous medical coverage
- strong emergency help
- attractive premium
- repatriation included
- hospital fees covered
- worldwide presence
- medical abroad
- repatriation coverage
- fast claim handling
- core medical protection
- rapid reimbursement
- solid cap
Is it currently safe to travel to Peru?
As of June 2025, Global Affairs Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Peru, mainly due to regional security risks and persistent criminal activity in certain areas.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: violent crime, including armed robbery and express kidnapping, is a significant threat in major cities such as Lima and border regions. Rural zones like the VRAEM and Upper Huallaga valleys are affected by domestic terrorism and organized crime.
- Health risks: the risk of diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika exists throughout several regions, particularly in the Amazon basin. Medical care is uneven, and quality is notably lower outside main cities, making comprehensive health coverage essential.
- Legal and entry requirements: Canadians must present a passport valid for 6 months past their stay. Entry may require proof of onward travel or accommodation and registration at border checkpoints.
- Environmental and transportation issues: Peru’s geography exposes travellers to hazards like earthquakes and flooding, while protests can disrupt transportation and tourism infrastructure, especially in the southern Andes or Lima.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by Global Affairs Canada, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Peru.
Travel Insurance Requirements for Peru
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Canadian citizens to enter Peru.
While travel insurance is not a legal entry requirement, it is strongly recommended by both Canadian and Peruvian authorities. Medical care standards can vary greatly in Peru, and access to quality facilities often requires upfront payment. In the event of illness, accident, or theft, travel insurance will help cover high costs for medical emergencies, hospital stays, medications, and even repatriation to Canada.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Peru. This high figure reflects concerns about safety, unpredictable health issues, and the potential expense of private healthcare and evacuation.
Why take out travel insurance for Peru?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Peru.
In Peru, foreigners often need to access private clinics such as Clínica Anglo Americano in Lima or Clínica Ricardo Palma, where even routine treatments can be expensive and pre-payment is required. Public hospitals can be crowded and lack resources, especially outside Lima.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transport, and emergency repatriation to Canada in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Peru.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Clínica Anglo Americano | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | PEN 7,500 (approx. 2,700 CA$) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | PEN 4,800 (approx. 1,720 CA$) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | PEN 130,000 (approx. 46,500 CA$) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | PEN 19,000 (approx. 6,800 CA$) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What Travel Insurance for Peru Should Cover
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Peru.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers the cost of treatment if you get sick or injured during your trip, including hospitalization and outpatient care. Recommended limit: at least CA$200,000. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Pays for emergency transportation to a hospital or back to Canada if local facilities are inadequate. Recommended limit: at least CA$500,000. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental | Reimburses urgent dental care in case of accident or serious pain. Recommended limit: at least CA$2,000. |
| 🧳 Baggage insurance | Provides compensation for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage during your trip. Recommended limit: at least CA$2,000. |
| 🛫 Trip interruption/cancellation | Covers non-refundable travel costs if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip for covered reasons. Recommended limit: at least CA$7,500. |
| 👨⚖️ Personal liability | Protects you if you accidentally injure someone or damage property. Recommended limit: at least CA$1 million. |
| 🤕 Accidental death & dismemberment | Pays a benefit in case of severe injuries or death during your trip. Recommended limit: at least CA$50,000. |
| 💊 Prescription drugs | Reimburses the cost of necessary medications prescribed during your trip. Recommended limit: at least CA$10,000. |
Recommended limit: at least CA$200,000.
Recommended limit: at least CA$500,000.
Recommended limit: at least CA$2,000.
Recommended limit: at least CA$2,000.
Recommended limit: at least CA$7,500.
Recommended limit: at least CA$1 million.
Recommended limit: at least CA$50,000.
Recommended limit: at least CA$10,000.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often offers limited coverage, with low limits and many exclusions. It is safer to choose a trusted insurer who provides full and relevant coverage. You can compare the best options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Peru
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | CA$30 – CA$50 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | CA$50 – CA$85 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | CA$80 – CA$135 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | CA$170 – CA$290 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of travel insurance for Canadians depends on several factors: your age, trip duration, destination, desired coverage amount, and any add-ons like trip cancellation. Keeping these elements in mind is key to selecting the right plan for your travels, ensuring you have adequate protection without any surprises should you need to make a claim.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Peru
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Peru while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🗓️ Trip duration | Insurance prices are higher for longer stays, and Peru itineraries can vary greatly in length. | Limit coverage to your exact dates in Peru and avoid insuring days spent in other countries. |
| 👥 Traveller's age | Older travelers often face higher premiums, particularly for international destinations such as Peru. | Compare multiple providers. The insurer Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 🌎 Geographical coverage | Regional policies are less expensive than worldwide ones, so focus only on where you will travel. | Select South America or Peru-only coverage to get the best rate for your route. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Medical costs in Peru can be high for serious cases. Too much coverage, however, can lead to higher premiums. | Choose medical limits between CA$100,000 and CA$250,000 for adequate protection at an optimal price. |
| 🧳 Baggage insurance | Baggage loss, theft, or delay is common, but high limits come with extra cost. | Insure only important belongings, such as your passport and essential electronics. Skip luxury add-ons. |
| 👪 Family/group policy | Joint plans are more economical for multiple travelers heading to Peru together. | Buy a group or family policy for everyone traveling with you. Premiums per person are often much lower. |
| 🏄 Activity coverage | Adventure sports like trekking or hiking in Peru add risk and increase the policy cost. | Exclude adventure sports or high-risk activity add-ons if not required for your planned trip. |
The coverage of your current insurance in Peru
It is reasonable to wonder if your current insurance—such as credit card insurance or your public health plan—will provide enough coverage when traveling to Peru. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient, especially for medical emergencies and evacuation. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Peru? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (provincial health plan) | Never | No coverage for medical care, hospitalizations, or repatriation outside Canada | Travel insurance covers up to CA$1M–CA$2M for medical expenses, hospitalization, and medical evacuation. |
| Private health insurance | Limited coverage | Possible partial reimbursement after return, usually excludes evacuation and direct payment. Amounts generally limited. | Travel insurance includes direct settlement, up to CA$2M, and guarantees for emergencies, repatriations, and more. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard) | Limited coverage | Medical expenses often CA$10K–CA$25K, no guaranteed repatriation, trip delay or baggage coverage often excluded. | Travel insurance offers higher limits (CA$1M+), covers repatriation, trip cancellation, and lost baggage. |
| Premium credit card (Visa Infinite, Platinum Mastercard) | Limited coverage | Most cover medical expenses up to CA$100K–CA$250K and limited trip delay/baggage loss, but strict conditions apply. | Travel insurance covers CA$1M–CA$2M medical care, evacuation, and features fewer restrictions and broader support. |
Example
While trekking near Cusco, Liam suffered a severe leg fracture. The helicopter evacuation and surgery cost CA$30,000. His RBC Avion Visa’s included insurance was capped at CA$5,000, and his provincial health plan covered almost nothing abroad. He was left personally responsible for the remaining CA$25,000 bill.
Expert advice
Many bank cards and provincial health plans exclude key coverage like trip interruption for a relative’s illness. Always read your policy's fine print to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your specific trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Peru for tourism stays of up to 90 days within a 365-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Peru. You may also be asked to show proof of onward travel, accommodation, and sufficient funds upon arrival.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Peru?
1/ Compare: Use the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to compare different providers and policies for Peru.
2/ Check cover and exclusions: Carefully review coverage details, especially for medical care, repatriation, and adventure sports exclusions.
3/ Buy online: Complete your purchase through the provider’s secure online platform.
4/ Receive your certificate: Your insurance documents and certificate are sent to your email.
Are there specific health risks in Peru that travel insurance should address?
Yes, Peru poses risks including altitude sickness, yellow fever, malaria, dengue, and limited access to quality medical care, especially outside Lima. Comprehensive travel insurance should cover treatment for these risks, emergency evacuation, and medical repatriation to Canada, as hospital bills or air ambulances can cost thousands of dollars.
What do I do if I lose my travel insurance documents in Peru?
Contact your insurer immediately for a copy of your documents. Most insurance providers offer digital access through email or customer portals. It is advisable to keep your insurer’s emergency contact details saved on your phone and written down separately while travelling.
Is adventure tourism in Peru covered by standard travel insurance?
Activities such as trekking to Machu Picchu, mountain biking, or river rafting are popular in Peru but may not be covered by all travel insurance policies. Always check whether your plan includes adventure sports coverage, and consider adding it for an extra cost if needed. Exclusions apply if you participate without proper coverage.
Can I extend my travel insurance if I decide to stay longer in Peru?
Many insurers allow policy extensions before your original policy expires, but conditions may vary. You should contact your insurer early to discuss extension options and ensure uninterrupted coverage; rates for extensions are typically similar to your original daily cost and paid in CA$.
Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Peru for tourism stays of up to 90 days within a 365-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Peru. You may also be asked to show proof of onward travel, accommodation, and sufficient funds upon arrival.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Peru?
1/ Compare: Use the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to compare different providers and policies for Peru.
2/ Check cover and exclusions: Carefully review coverage details, especially for medical care, repatriation, and adventure sports exclusions.
3/ Buy online: Complete your purchase through the provider’s secure online platform.
4/ Receive your certificate: Your insurance documents and certificate are sent to your email.
Are there specific health risks in Peru that travel insurance should address?
Yes, Peru poses risks including altitude sickness, yellow fever, malaria, dengue, and limited access to quality medical care, especially outside Lima. Comprehensive travel insurance should cover treatment for these risks, emergency evacuation, and medical repatriation to Canada, as hospital bills or air ambulances can cost thousands of dollars.
What do I do if I lose my travel insurance documents in Peru?
Contact your insurer immediately for a copy of your documents. Most insurance providers offer digital access through email or customer portals. It is advisable to keep your insurer’s emergency contact details saved on your phone and written down separately while travelling.
Is adventure tourism in Peru covered by standard travel insurance?
Activities such as trekking to Machu Picchu, mountain biking, or river rafting are popular in Peru but may not be covered by all travel insurance policies. Always check whether your plan includes adventure sports coverage, and consider adding it for an extra cost if needed. Exclusions apply if you participate without proper coverage.
Can I extend my travel insurance if I decide to stay longer in Peru?
Many insurers allow policy extensions before your original policy expires, but conditions may vary. You should contact your insurer early to discuss extension options and ensure uninterrupted coverage; rates for extensions are typically similar to your original daily cost and paid in CA$.
