- The best travel insurance plans for Dominican Republic
- Is It Currently Safe to Travel to Dominican Republic?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Dominican Republic?
- Why take out travel insurance for the Dominican Republic?
- Travel Insurance Coverage for the Dominican Republic
- The cost of travel insurance for the Dominican Republic
- How can you pay less for your travel insurance to the Dominican Republic?
- Using your current insurance in Dominican Republic
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Dominican Republic: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for the Dominican Republic covers medical emergencies, repatriation, and unforeseen travel incidents.
2. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory, but it is essential for accessing local medical care.
3. Healthcare cost: Private healthcare is expensive, with a hospital night costing upwards of AUD $1,000.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for the Dominican Republic costs around AUD $50 to $100.
5. Good to know: A mandatory electronic entry and exit form (E-Ticket) must be completed before you travel.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for the Dominican Republic.
The best travel insurance plans for Dominican Republic
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | AUD 1.6M | Good for stress-free trips to Dominican Republic. - very high medical cover - emergency evacuation - 24/7 assistance |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | AUD 1.6M | Well-adapted to active travel in Dominican Republic. - high limits - medical helpline anytime - covers cancellations |
| Tourist Card | AUD 800k | Works for classic tourism needs in the Dominican Republic. - core medical protection - basic repatriation - competitive rates |
| Travel Pass Monde | AUD 1.1M | Useful for wide-ranging travel in Dominican Republic. - hospital treatment - global assistance - no deductible |
| Globe Partner | AUD 480k | Good for long stays, students, or volunteers. - essential guarantees - overseas medical care - includes personal liability |
| Globe Traveller | AUD 800k | For simple, short trips to Dominican Republic. - basic medical support - rapid claim handling - capped overall benefits |
- very high medical cover
- emergency evacuation
- 24/7 assistance
- high limits
- medical helpline anytime
- covers cancellations
- core medical protection
- basic repatriation
- competitive rates
- hospital treatment
- global assistance
- no deductible
- essential guarantees
- overseas medical care
- includes personal liability
- basic medical support
- rapid claim handling
- capped overall benefits
Is It Currently Safe to Travel to Dominican Republic?
As of June 2025, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) advises Australians to exercise a high degree of caution in the Dominican Republic, particularly due to the prevalence of violent and opportunistic crime affecting tourists.
- Security risks: crime such as armed robbery, assaults, and incidents in taxis are reported, especially in urban centres like Santo Domingo and tourist zones in Punta Cana. Use only accredited airport taxis and avoid public transport.
- Health risks: mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue, Zika, and malaria, are present, especially during the wet season. Medical services are limited outside major cities, and rabies risk from animal bites is high.
- Entry and legal requirements: travellers must complete an electronic E-Ticket form before arrival and departure. A valid Australian passport with at least six months’ validity and a tourist card are required on entry.
- Environmental hazards: the hurricane season runs from June to November, with severe storms and flooding possible. Evacuations and shelter orders may be issued for coastal resorts.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Dominican Republic.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Dominican Republic?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Australian citizens to enter the Dominican Republic for short tourist stays.
It is still strongly recommended to have travel insurance. Medical care in the Dominican Republic can be expensive, especially in private hospitals, and immediate payment or proof of insurance may be required before any treatment or hospitalization.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to the Dominican Republic. This is because the country has notable health risks and healthcare costs are high for foreigners, especially in case of emergencies or serious health issues.
Why take out travel insurance for the Dominican Republic?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Dominican Republic.
In Dominican Republic, public hospitals are often overcrowded, particularly outside Santo Domingo or Santiago, and treatment for foreigners is usually provided exclusively at private clinics such as Hospiten Santo Domingo, where costs can be high. Payment is commonly required upfront, and access to care in rural areas is limited, making emergencies riskier and expensive.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Dominican Republic.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Hospiten Santo Domingo | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 95,000 DOP (approx. AUD 2,550) | up to 1,600,000 AUD |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 66,000 DOP (approx. AUD 1,770) | up to 1,600,000 AUD |
| I need to be repatriated | 380,000 DOP (approx. AUD 10,200) | up to 1,600,000 AUD |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 125,000 DOP (approx. AUD 3,350) | up to 1,600,000 AUD |
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.
Travel Insurance Coverage for the Dominican Republic
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Dominican Republic.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Pays for hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescriptions if you get sick or injured. We recommend a limit of at least 1,000,000 AUD. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Provides emergency transport to a suitable hospital or back to Australia if needed. Recommended minimum: 500,000 AUD. |
| ✈️ Repatriation | Covers the cost to return you or your remains to Australia in the event of a serious incident. Recommended minimum: 250,000 AUD. |
| 💼 Baggage and personal items | Protection for loss, theft or damage to baggage, electronics or travel documents. Recommended minimum: 10,000 AUD. |
| 💳 Trip cancellation/curtailment | Reimburses non-refundable travel costs if your trip is cancelled or interrupted due to unforeseen situations. Recommended minimum: 10,000 AUD. |
| 🏠 Personal liability | Covers accidental damage or injury you may cause to others. Recommended minimum: 2,000,000 AUD. |
| 🌪️ Natural disaster cover | Covers unexpected expenses related to hurricanes, floods or earthquake disruption. Recommended minimum: 10,000 AUD. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental | Pays for urgent dental treatment while abroad. Recommended minimum: 1,000 AUD. |
We recommend a limit of at least 1,000,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 500,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 250,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 10,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 10,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 2,000,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 10,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 1,000 AUD.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards may only provide basic cover, low limits and several exclusions. You are safer with a comprehensive policy from a reputable insurer. Compare leading options on HelloSafe and subscribe online to get instant proof of insurance.
The cost of travel insurance for the Dominican Republic
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AUD 38 – AUD 58 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AUD 67 – AUD 97 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AUD 118 – AUD 165 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AUD 278 – AUD 400 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
Good to know
Heads up, mate! The price of your travel insurance for the Dominican Republic can change based on a few things: your age, how long you're going for, the destination's risk level, and your chosen cover options. Keeping an eye on these will help you pick the best policy for your needs and budget.
How can you pay less for your travel insurance to the Dominican Republic?
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Dominican Republic while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🗓️ Trip duration | Insurance costs depend on the length of your trip. You only need cover for the dates you are actually in Dominican Republic. | Set coverage dates to match your plans. If your flights change, update your policy to avoid unnecessary extra cost. |
| 👤 Traveller's age | Age is a key factor for premium. Older travellers often pay much higher rates, especially after age 60 with most Australian insurers. | Compare age brackets carefully. The insurer Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 🧳 Level of coverage | Higher medical or lost property limits mean higher premiums. Healthcare in Dominican Republic is costly, but excessively high limits are not needed. | Customise medical and baggage cover. Select cover levels that reflect local costs, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. |
| 🏝️ Planned activities | If you plan adventure sports, diving or excursions, extra cover may be needed. For standard visits, this usually adds little value in Dominican Republic. | Omit adventure cover if not required. Only include if your itinerary needs it, otherwise save on the premium. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Number of travellers | Family or group policies often cost less per person. This is efficient for groups holidaying together in Dominican Republic or similar destinations. | Use group or family policies. These often provide a better rate than individual policies for each person. |
| 🚑 Excess/deductible | Higher excess means lower upfront premium. Consider this if you are most concerned about large, unexpected emergencies rather than small claims. | Set a higher excess if affordable. Choose a level you can manage in case you do have to claim. |
| 💻 Purchase timing | Early booking can give access to discounts. Comparing several policies in advance ensures you meet all requirements for Dominican Republic entry. | Buy early and shop around. Advance purchases and online buying often secure the best prices. |
Using your current insurance in Dominican Republic
It is legitimate to wonder if your public or private health insurance, or even your credit card insurance, can cover you during a trip to Dominican Republic. Unfortunately, these solutions are often inadequate or offer very limited protection for travel risks. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Dominican Republic? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | No cover for medical expenses, repatriation, lost baggage, or emergencies overseas. | Travel insurance covers up to AUD 5,000,000 for emergency care, repatriation, and support abroad. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa, Medibank, NIB) | Limited coverage | May cover brief medical emergencies with restrictions, excludes baggage loss, major repatriation, and personal liability. | Travel insurance includes robbery, cancellations, and evacuation up to AUD 10,000 or more per section. |
| Classic credit card (Commonwealth Gold, ANZ Low Rate) | Limited coverage | Basic medical (up to AUD 2,500), possible flight delay or baggage loss, but strict eligibility rules and many exclusions apply. | Travel insurance may pay up to AUD 15,000 for lost bags, extended stays, or health emergencies with fewer exclusions. |
| Premium credit card (Westpac Altitude Black, NAB Signature) | Limited coverage | Higher cover limits for medical (up to AUD 20,000), occasional trip cancellation, but strict card and booking conditions, and pre-existing not covered. | Travel insurance provides broad protection, pre-existing cover, liability, and emergency evacuation up to AUD 5,000,000. |
Example
After a stray dog bite in Punta Cana, Liam required urgent rabies treatment costing AU$15,000. His CommBank card's complimentary insurance only covered AU$2,000, and his domestic health fund offered no overseas cover. He had to pay the remaining AU$13,000 upfront before the clinic would treat his potentially fatal exposure.
Expert advice
Many bank card and health fund policies won't cover trip interruptions for a relative's illness or death. Scrutinise your policy's fine print to avoid nasty surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to take out dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Dominican Republic?
Australian citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 30 days in Dominican Republic. You will need a valid passport, proof of return travel, and to complete an electronic entry/exit form (E-Ticket) before arrival. A tourist card must be purchased upon entry, usually included in your airfare.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Dominican Republic?
Use the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to compare different policies. Carefully check the coverage and exclusions for medical care, theft, and natural disasters in Dominican Republic. Once you select a policy, you can buy it online. Your travel insurance certificate will be sent to your email, typically within a few minutes.
Are medical costs high in Dominican Republic for Australians?
Medical care in Dominican Republic can be expensive, especially in private hospitals where upfront payments are required. Some treatments and evacuation to another country may cost thousands of Australian dollars. Comprehensive travel insurance will cover these unexpected expenses, helping to avoid significant out-of-pocket payments.
What forms and documents do I need to enter Dominican Republic?
You will need a passport valid for at least six months, a completed E-Ticket, return or onward ticket, a tourist card, and proof of accommodation. You may also be asked to show proof of sufficient funds to support your trip. Entry requirements can change, so check before you travel.
Does travel insurance cover weather disruptions such as hurricanes?
Most policies offer cover for travel delays, cancellations, or changes caused by natural disasters like hurricanes. Check if your policy excludes hurricane-related events or offers cover for the region specifically. The wet season runs from May to November, so robust protection for weather impacts is highly advisable.
Can I get cover for high-risk activities in Dominican Republic?
Adventure sports and high-risk activities are popular in Dominican Republic, but standard travel insurance may not cover injuries from them. You should check your policy’s exclusions and consider an add-on or specialist cover if you plan to go scuba diving, surfing, or take part in adventure tours.
Do I need a visa to travel to Dominican Republic?
Australian citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 30 days in Dominican Republic. You will need a valid passport, proof of return travel, and to complete an electronic entry/exit form (E-Ticket) before arrival. A tourist card must be purchased upon entry, usually included in your airfare.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Dominican Republic?
Use the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to compare different policies. Carefully check the coverage and exclusions for medical care, theft, and natural disasters in Dominican Republic. Once you select a policy, you can buy it online. Your travel insurance certificate will be sent to your email, typically within a few minutes.
Are medical costs high in Dominican Republic for Australians?
Medical care in Dominican Republic can be expensive, especially in private hospitals where upfront payments are required. Some treatments and evacuation to another country may cost thousands of Australian dollars. Comprehensive travel insurance will cover these unexpected expenses, helping to avoid significant out-of-pocket payments.
What forms and documents do I need to enter Dominican Republic?
You will need a passport valid for at least six months, a completed E-Ticket, return or onward ticket, a tourist card, and proof of accommodation. You may also be asked to show proof of sufficient funds to support your trip. Entry requirements can change, so check before you travel.
Does travel insurance cover weather disruptions such as hurricanes?
Most policies offer cover for travel delays, cancellations, or changes caused by natural disasters like hurricanes. Check if your policy excludes hurricane-related events or offers cover for the region specifically. The wet season runs from May to November, so robust protection for weather impacts is highly advisable.
Can I get cover for high-risk activities in Dominican Republic?
Adventure sports and high-risk activities are popular in Dominican Republic, but standard travel insurance may not cover injuries from them. You should check your policy’s exclusions and consider an add-on or specialist cover if you plan to go scuba diving, surfing, or take part in adventure tours.
