Ecuador is a must-see destination, known for its stunning landscapes and rich culture. But to explore it, you need security. In this post, we will talk about the importance of taking out adequate travel insurance, with information on how to save money on the purchase and select the best option to cover all the activities you plan to carry out during your Ecuadorian adventure.
Let’s go?
Is Ecuador travel insurance mandatory?
No more. In 2018, the government of Ecuador made this insurance mandatory, but the law that established this obligation was revoked. According to the Consulate of Ecuador in São Paulo, travel insurance for Ecuador is no longer mandatory.
However, it is not recommended that you travel without one. It ensures that you are protected against unforeseen events, such as health problems, accidents, lost luggage or flight cancellations.
Furthermore, adequate travel insurance provides you with peace of mind, allowing you to fully enjoy the natural beauty, rich culture and unique experiences that Ecuador has to offer.
Attention: In 2018, the Ecuadorian government also increased the length of stay for tourists in the country, from 90 to 180 days.
Read too:
• What to do in Quito: attractions and itineraries in the capital of Ecuador
• What to do in Cuenca: the beautiful colonial city of Ecuador
Mandatory documents to enter Ecuador
To go through Ecuador immigration without a headache, print and take the following documents with you:
- Valid passport or Brazilian identity document in good condition (ID only, not valid for CNH)
- International yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Preencher the “Traveller Health Declaration” form
Why take out Travel Insurance for Ecuador?
But if insurance is not mandatory on a trip to Ecuador, wouldn’t it be better to cut this expense?
Well, let’s go! In a simulation on the Seguros Promo website, 15-day travel insurance for Ecuador starts at R$127. That’s less than R$9 per day.
Let’s face it, it’s not this expense that will make your trip more expensive, right? And, when making this investment, you receive the following assistance:
- Health care: Ecuador has a variable healthcare system, with urban areas offering better medical facilities than rural areas. Travel insurance will ensure that you receive the best medical assistance available in the event of illness or accident, without having to pay the costs of treatment.
- Emergencies and medical evacuation: Depending on the activities you plan to undertake, such as hiking, climbing or exploring the Amazon rainforest, there may be risks involved. Good travel insurance will cover the costs of an emergency medical evacuation, if necessary, as well as guaranteeing fast and efficient care.
- Trip cancellation or interruption: Unexpected situations may occur before or during the trip, such as flight cancellations, personal problems or adverse weather conditions. Travel insurance can help recover the costs of canceling reservations, accommodation and other services, minimizing the financial impact of these unforeseen events.
- Loss of luggage or documents: Lost or stolen luggage and travel documents can be a stressful experience. Travel insurance can cover the costs of replacing lost items, as well as help resolve issues related to lost documents such as passports or visas.
- Financial protection: In addition to providing coverage for medical and logistical issues, travel insurance also offers financial protection against other unforeseen events, such as civil liability or damage to third parties.
Taking out travel insurance for Ecuador is a decision that can save you a lot of headaches and unexpected expenses.
It’s a way to ensure you can make the most of your trip, knowing you’re protected in case of emergencies or unforeseen events.
Ecuador travel insurance: which is the best?
Choosing insurance coverage goes through three steps:
1) your profile, travel style and budget;
2) the cost of living and medical care in the country visited;
3) what you intend to do during your vacation.
As Ecuador is not a very expensive country, there is no need for you to take out super coverage.
On the other hand, If you intend to go hiking and other adventure sports, you need a policy that includes accidents related to this type of activity.
To find insurance that meets these points and still be sure that you are getting the best value for money, we recommend Seguros Promo, one of the main search engines on the market that compares prices and coverage from hundreds of travel insurers.
There are two advantages to using an insurance comparator. The first, obvious one, is to simplify the process. Instead of going to several websites from different insurance companies, you can compare prices and coverage in one place.
Furthermore, don’t be surprised if you realize that the prices found by Seguros Promo are much lower than those offered directly by insurance companies. This is due to the large volume of sales recorded by the comparator, which is able to negotiate better prices than if you obtained the quote yourself, on an insurance company’s website (you can check). So let’s go step by step:
- Click here.
- Enter your destination and travel dates.
- Provide your details. Click continue.
- Seguros Promo will compare prices at the largest insurance companies in the country. Just choose the best option for you (the cheapest or the one with the best cost/benefit). You can divide the amount into up to twelve interest-free installments.
- If you pay with a bank slip or PIX you get a discount.
The receipt and policy will be sent by email. Take this document with you. It will contain channels to contact you in the event of an emergency.
How much does Ecuador travel insurance cost?
The price varies – and has increased in recent years, due to the value of the dollar and, of course, Covid. The table below gives an idea of some prices, per day of travel.
To give you a boost, you can reduce prices by at least another 10%: to do this, choose payment by bank slip or PIX, which guarantees you a 5% discount.
You can get the other five using an exclusive discount coupon for blog readers: 360MERIDIANOS05.
Click to get a quote for the best cost/benefit insurance
Best travel insurance for Ecuador
Some good insurance options that offer coverage against Covid-19.
- O Affinity 60 It has coverage of up to 60 thousand dollars and has coverage for Covid. This insurance company currently owns the best price and value for money among the options that cover Covid-related issues.
- GTA 75 Euromax has coverage of up to 75 thousand euros, which is very good. It also guarantees coverage for covid-19.
- The Intermac 60 Silver also has great coverage and a competitive price, as well as coverage against Covid.
Click to get a quote for the best cost/benefit insurance
Is Ecuador safe?
Yes! Ecuador is considered a safe country for tourists, with most tourist areas well protected and monitored.
However, it is always important to take precautions and follow common sense to ensure your safety, just like anywhere in the world.
Here are some things to keep an eye on:
- Petty crimes: Theft and robbery can occur, especially in busy tourist areas. To minimize risks, avoid displaying valuables such as jewelry or electronic equipment, and keep your documents and money in a safe place, such as a money belt or hotel safe.
- Security in cities: Quito and Guayaquil, Ecuador’s two largest cities, experience higher crime rates than other areas. However, by taking basic precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and not traveling alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods, you can significantly reduce your risks.
- Transport: Only use official and reliable taxis or app-based transport services, and avoid accepting rides from strangers. When using public transport, always be aware of your belongings. The government has a Safe Transport program, so it’s easy to recognize the correct vehicles.
- Outdoor Activities: If you plan to explore the mountains, volcanoes, or the Amazon rainforest, it is recommended that you hire an experienced guide and follow the directions provided. This will ensure you enjoy the country’s natural beauty in a safe and responsible way.
- Earthquakes and natural disasters: Ecuador is located in a seismically active area and occasionally experiences earthquakes and natural disasters. It doesn’t happen every day and it probably won’t happen to you, but it’s worth being aware of what to do if you’re unlucky.
And, as mentioned previously, taking out adequate travel insurance can help ensure that you are protected and prepared to face any unexpected situation that may arise during your trip.
