Travel Insurance for Jamaica
If you are looking for a holiday destination that is overflowing with culture and excitement, Jamaica could be the ideal holiday destination for you. The country has become increasingly popular with tourists and it’s not surprising when you know what awaits you there. The unique culture, delicious cuisine, and white sand beaches are only a few of the reasons why people visit this country. Not to mention the warm weather all year round, which makes Jamaica a great place to go if you crave some winter sun.
There are so many beautiful aspects to Jamaica, some that are only seen in a few locations across the world. For example, The Glistening Waters in Falmouth are a natural phenomenon that occur because of microorganisms that glow in the water at night. This illumination only occurs in a few places across the world, which is why it is so special in Jamaica.
There is so much to do and see in Jamaica, if you visit, you will be spoiled for choice. Many people who visit enjoy the thrilling water sports and activities that they have to offer. Snorkelling and scuba diving are two of the most popular activities, where you can swim with an abundance of tropical sea life.
When visiting Jamaica, you will be met by friendly people looking to share their culture and customs with you. Jamaicans often host vibrant street parties where you can get together with the locals and other tourists to enjoy the food and music, and dance the night away! Why not look into staying in the beautiful town of Ocho Rios, with lovely beaches and plenty of hotels to choose from, you’re sure to meet some friends whilst abroad. You won’t struggle to find things to do or places to stay in Jamaica.
The official language in Jamaica is English, however, Jamaican Patois is the most widely spoken language used by the people who live there. Before you travel, don’t forget to change your currency to the Jamaican Dollar.
No matter your plans whilst you are in Jamaica, it is important that you take out travel insurance to protect yourself against any unforeseen eventualities.
Below is some information about our products, for which Terms & Conditions apply. Please visit the policy information hub for full details.
Why may I need travel insurance for Jamaica?
Although purchasing travel insurance for your trip to Jamaica isn’t a legal requirement, it should still be considered as essential for your trip. Many tourists visit Jamaica every year and most visits are trouble-free. However, it is important to protect yourself as much as possible, should many unforeseen circumstances occur.
Throughout Jamaica, there are high levels of crime and violence, especially in the capital city of Kingston. According to the FCO, there are currently areas of Jamaica that have a military presence, in order to help to reduce and police the crime rates in those areas. Furthermore, demonstrations do occur across Jamaica, you should avoid all of these as they have the potential to turn violent and have seen cases of robbery and theft in the past.
There is a risk of transmission of the Zika virus in Jamaica. For further information and advice on this topic, please visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.
If you do find yourself in need of medical care, travel insurance can help protect you against the high cost of medical care in Jamaica.
It is also worth noting that the hurricane season in Jamaica runs from June to November each year. If you are travelling to Jamaica during these months, keep an eye on the weather predictions in the area that you are visiting both before your departure and during your stay.
What’s covered with a Travel Insurance policy for Jamaica?
Our Single Trip, Annual Trip, and Backpacker policies are designed to help protect you when you visit Jamaica on holiday. Across our Single Trip and Annual policies, we also offer three levels of cover: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Depending on the level of cover you choose, you’ll be protected against:
- *Not available with Bronze level cover
- **Only available with Gold level cover
- Terms and Conditions apply.
If you are choosing an Annual policy, Jamaica being a Caribbean island currently falls in the Worldwide excluding USA and Canada, although this is likely to change in the near future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many tourists are concerned about the high crime levels in Jamaica. You should always aim to be safe when travelling, and that is the same for this country. Although it can be dangerous in Jamaica, it is important to remember that many tourists visit each year, and most of their trips are trouble-free and enjoyable. However, Jamaica as a whole can be more violent than some other countries, therefore it is important to keep your wits about you, and actively keep safe at all times.
- Be vigilant at all times, but especially when you are out of your resort
- Do not travel through areas such as beaches or open spaces when there are no other people, as you will be at risk
- If travelling by taxi only use ones approved by the Jamaican Tourist Board (JTB). The drivers will carry photo ID and will display a blue JTB sticker in the front windscreen.
- Do not wear expensive jewellery for people to see
- Be sure to keep your accommodation secure at all times
- Be aware that same sex activity is illegal in Jamaica. If seen, it can initiate violence amongst the people that live there. Be extremely careful if travelling as a same sex couple in Jamaica
A flight to Jamaica from the UK is almost 10 hours long. So you should account for recovering from jet lag when you arrive.
Depending on how much you want to do and see, between 1-2 weeks would generally be a great length of time to visit Jamaica and experience a lot of what the country has to offer. Although, you can stay for longer if you wish.
There are so many incredible places to visit in Jamaica. Here are some of the few that we would recommend and why:
Negril: For its beautiful beaches
Montego Bay: For its beach resorts
Falmouth: For its history and culture
Nine Mile: For music and waterfalls
Port Antonio: For its coastline and famous river tour
Ocho Rios: To see the Dunn’s River Falls and other natural beauties
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