- The best travel insurance plans for Maldives
- Travel safety in Maldives
- Is Travel Insurance Required to Enter Maldives?
- Why you should take out travel insurance for Maldives
- What should travel insurance for Maldives cover?
- The cost of travel insurance for Maldives
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Maldives
- Your Current Insurance Coverage in Maldives
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Maldives: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for the Maldives covers medical costs, trip cancellations, and lost personal belongings.
2. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory but is highly recommended for all travellers from Australia.
3. Healthcare cost: Private healthcare is expensive; a hospital stay can easily exceed AUD 1,000 per night.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for the Maldives costs between AUD 40 and AUD 80.
5. Good to know: Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation and any planned water sports or diving activities.
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 Maldives.
The best travel insurance plans for Maldives
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | AUD 1.6M | Our leading choice for a trip to Maldives. - very high medical cover - medical evacuation included - policy flexibility |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | AUD 1.6M | Excellent support for a smooth stay in Maldives. - 24/7 assistance - broad cancellation cover - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | AUD 800k | Ideal for tourism in Maldives with essential cover. - good medical protection - emergency support - competitive pricing |
| Travel Pass Monde | AUD 1.3M | Well balanced contract for longer trips to Maldives. - strong hospitalisation cover - evacuation included - broad territorial validity |
| Globe Partner | AUD 480k | Dependable for international travel in Maldives. - urgent medical care abroad - repatriation included - civil liability |
| Globe Traveller | AUD 800k | Great solution for short or low risk Maldives travel. - essential medical limit - fast claims process - budget friendly |
- very high medical cover
- medical evacuation included
- policy flexibility
- 24/7 assistance
- broad cancellation cover
- no deductible
- good medical protection
- emergency support
- competitive pricing
- strong hospitalisation cover
- evacuation included
- broad territorial validity
- urgent medical care abroad
- repatriation included
- civil liability
- essential medical limit
- fast claims process
- budget friendly
Travel safety in Maldives
As of June 2025, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Maldives, due to security and health risks as well as seasonal weather threats.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: public demonstrations may occur, sometimes escalating into violence, especially on Malé. Even peaceful gatherings can quickly turn risky, so avoid protest areas at all times.
- Health risks: insect-borne diseases like dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika virus are present, including on resort islands. Emergency medical facilities are limited, and evacuation to another country may be necessary if you require advanced care.
- Legal requirements: local laws prohibit alcohol outside of resorts, and possession of even small quantities can lead to arrest. Strict penalties apply for illegal substances.
- Environmental hazards: strong sea currents and rips are common in the Indian Ocean, especially near popular swimming spots. During the monsoon season from May to November, heavy rain and storms can affect travel plans.
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 Maldives.
Is Travel Insurance Required to Enter Maldives?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for Australian citizens to enter Maldives. You are not required to present proof of insurance upon entry, and there are no official minimum coverage amounts set by Maldivian or Australian authorities.
Despite this, travel insurance is strongly recommended due to the risk of disease, high cost of medical care, and the possibility of needing medical evacuation, which can cost over AUD 50,000. Travel insurance helps protect travellers from unexpected expenses and ensures access to quality care in emergencies.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Maldives. This is mainly because the local health system is limited, and medical evacuation or private care can be extremely costly.
Why you should take out travel insurance for Maldives
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Maldives.
In Maldives, foreign tourists generally rely on private clinics or hospitals in Malé, such as Tree Top Hospital, where fees are high and immediate payment is often required. Facilities outside the capital are very limited, and evacuation to Malé or even abroad, for example to Colombo or Singapore, is sometimes necessary and can cost tens of thousands of Australian dollars.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Maldives.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Tree Top Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 19,000 MVR (about AUD 1,900) | up to AUD 500,000 |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 15,000 MVR (about AUD 1,500) | up to AUD 500,000 |
| I need to be repatriated | 400,000 MVR (about AUD 40,000) | up to AUD 500,000 |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 38,000 MVR (about AUD 3,800) | up to AUD 500,000 |
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 should travel insurance for Maldives cover?
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers doctor fees, hospitalisation, medication and emergency care for accidents or illness. We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least AUD 500,000 for Maldives due to high local and evacuation costs. |
| 🛩️ Emergency evacuation | Pays for air or sea evacuation to Malé or abroad if needed. Choose a limit of at least AUD 300,000 to cover medical flights, which can be expensive in remote island locations. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refunds pre-paid travel and accommodation if you need to cancel your trip due to illness, accident or major unforeseen events. A reimbursement limit of AUD 10,000 is recommended. |
| 💼 Baggage and valuables | Covers theft, loss or damage of baggage or valuables during transit or on site. Recommended limit: AUD 5,000. |
| 🚑 Repatriation to Australia | Arranges and pays for your transportation home if you suffer a serious health issue. Reimbursement limit should be no less than AUD 300,000. |
| 🤕 Personal liability | Covers legal or compensation costs if you unintentionally injure someone or damage property. Recommended limit: AUD 2,500,000. |
| 🪁 Sports and activities cover | Pays for injuries incurred during common water sports or excursions (snorkelling, diving). Ensure specific activities you plan are covered, with a limit of AUD 250,000. |
| 🦟 Infectious diseases | Covers costs for treatment of illnesses such as dengue or Zika, which are present in Maldives. Suggested minimum reimbursement: AUD 100,000. |
We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least AUD 500,000 for Maldives due to high local and evacuation costs.
Choose a limit of at least AUD 300,000 to cover medical flights, which can be expensive in remote island locations.
A reimbursement limit of AUD 10,000 is recommended.
Recommended limit: AUD 5,000.
Reimbursement limit should be no less than AUD 300,000.
Recommended limit: AUD 2,500,000.
Ensure specific activities you plan are covered, with a limit of AUD 250,000.
Suggested minimum reimbursement: AUD 100,000.
Travel insurance offered by local providers or bank cards often has limited coverage, low reimbursement limits and many exclusions. It is safer to select a trusted insurer with full coverage. You can compare the best options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Maldives
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AUD 55 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AUD 90 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AUD 120 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AUD 200 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
Your travel insurance price for the Maldives depends on several factors: your age, trip duration, level of cover (especially for medical evacuation), and any planned activities. Given the local risks like strong currents and limited medical services, it's crucial to keep these in mind to choose the right policy for your holiday.
💡 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 Maldives
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Maldives while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🏝️ Destination risk | Medical costs and emergencies can be expensive in island resorts far from main hospitals. | Select a plan with strong medical and evacuation coverage but avoid unnecessary extra options for regions not visited within Maldives. |
| 🕒 Duration of stay | The longer you stay, the higher the premium, especially for trips over 30 days. | Pay only for the exact number of travel days. Shorten your insured dates if you have fixed travel plans rather than choosing a rounded-up period. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Traveller’s age | Age can significantly affect pricing, especially for those over 60. | Compare providers. Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62, which can lower your premium if you are in this age group. |
| 🧳 Level of coverage | High limits are vital in Maldives due to hospitalisation and emergency evacuation costs. | Tailor coverage to your actual needs and activities, but do not sacrifice essential protection to save costs in a remote island setting. |
| 👫 Number of travellers | Family or group policies can offer savings compared to individual contracts for each person. | Look for family or group rates to reduce the overall cost, especially if you travel with children or relatives. |
| 💳 Payment method | Some bank cards include basic travel insurance, but conditions and limits are often restrictive. | If you use a bank card’s cover, read all details and consider additional top-up insurance for adequate protection in Maldives. |
| 📅 Booking timing | Early booking can help lock in lower rates before prices rise near holiday periods. | Purchase insurance as soon as you book your trip, especially in peak travel seasons for Maldives. |
Your Current Insurance Coverage in Maldives
It’s completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage—such as credit card insurance or your public health system—can protect you during a trip to Maldives. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Maldives? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | Covers health costs in Australia only. No support for medical or hospital expenses in Maldives. | Travel insurance can reimburse up to AUD 1,500,000 for medical emergencies, evacuation, and repatriation, all not covered by Medicare overseas. |
| Private health insurance | Limited coverage | Some may offer international travel, but limits are low (usually AUD 50,000–100,000). No evacuation or trip cancellation. | Travel insurance typically covers medical expenses up to AUD 1,500,000, including emergency evacuation and local hospitalisation, which most private plans miss. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard) | Limited coverage | May cover accidents or lost luggage, usually up to AUD 2,500. Little or no medical coverage abroad. | Travel insurance can provide AUD 1,500,000 medical cover, repatriation, rescue at sea, plus trip interruption, none of which classic cards offer comprehensively. |
| Premium credit card (Visa Platinum, Amex Platinum, Mastercard World) | Limited coverage | Higher limits (AUD 20,000–AUS 50,000) for some medical or theft issues, but strict conditions apply. | Travel insurance covers medical up to AUD 1,500,000, with reliable repatriation and 24/7 emergency support, and broader coverage than premium cards. |
Example
Diving in the Maldives, Chloe suffered decompression sickness. The necessary medical evacuation and hyperbaric treatment cost AU$80,000. Her CommBank card’s included insurance only covered AU$5,000, and her Australian health policy was invalid overseas. Without specific travel insurance, she had to pay the remaining AU$75,000 out-of-pocket.
Expert advice
Critical cover, like trip interruption for a family emergency, is often excluded from credit card and health insurance policies. Always check the fine print to avoid getting caught out overseas. In any case, buying dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip is safer and more reassuring.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Maldives?
Australian passport holders do not need to apply for a visa in advance to visit the Maldives for tourism. You will receive a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival, provided you hold a valid passport with at least one month’s validity, proof of accommodation, and a return or onward ticket.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Maldives?
First, compare different providers using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, check cover limits and exclusions, focusing on Maldives-specific risks like medical evacuation and water activities. Then, buy your policy online. Finally, you’ll receive your certificate by email, which you should print and keep for your trip.
Does travel insurance cover medical evacuation from Maldives?
Most comprehensive travel insurance policies for Australian travellers cover medical evacuation from Maldives to a hospital in a nearby country if necessary. This coverage is crucial, as Maldives has limited emergency medical facilities and evacuation can cost upwards of AUD 30,000. Always confirm the evacuation limit before purchasing your plan.
Do I need travel insurance for scuba diving and water sports in Maldives?
If you plan to go scuba diving, snorkelling, or participate in other water sports, check that your policy specifically covers these activities. Some insurers include these automatically, but others exclude them or require you to pay extra. Make sure your cover includes emergency medical and evacuation related to water sports.
What happens if I need urgent medical care in Maldives?
Emergency medical care in Maldives can be limited, especially on smaller islands. In serious cases, you may need to be transported to Malé or even overseas for treatment. Good travel insurance can pay for treatment costs, hospitalisation, and the costs of medical evacuation, sparing you potentially high out-of-pocket expenses.
Are natural disasters covered by travel insurance in Maldives?
Most travel insurance policies cover events related to natural disasters, such as cyclones or torrential monsoon rains. This may include reimbursement of cancelled flights, extra accommodation, and emergency evacuation. Review your policy wording carefully to ensure natural disaster cover is included and understand the conditions that apply.
Do I need a visa to travel to Maldives?
Australian passport holders do not need to apply for a visa in advance to visit the Maldives for tourism. You will receive a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival, provided you hold a valid passport with at least one month’s validity, proof of accommodation, and a return or onward ticket.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Maldives?
First, compare different providers using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, check cover limits and exclusions, focusing on Maldives-specific risks like medical evacuation and water activities. Then, buy your policy online. Finally, you’ll receive your certificate by email, which you should print and keep for your trip.
Does travel insurance cover medical evacuation from Maldives?
Most comprehensive travel insurance policies for Australian travellers cover medical evacuation from Maldives to a hospital in a nearby country if necessary. This coverage is crucial, as Maldives has limited emergency medical facilities and evacuation can cost upwards of AUD 30,000. Always confirm the evacuation limit before purchasing your plan.
Do I need travel insurance for scuba diving and water sports in Maldives?
If you plan to go scuba diving, snorkelling, or participate in other water sports, check that your policy specifically covers these activities. Some insurers include these automatically, but others exclude them or require you to pay extra. Make sure your cover includes emergency medical and evacuation related to water sports.
What happens if I need urgent medical care in Maldives?
Emergency medical care in Maldives can be limited, especially on smaller islands. In serious cases, you may need to be transported to Malé or even overseas for treatment. Good travel insurance can pay for treatment costs, hospitalisation, and the costs of medical evacuation, sparing you potentially high out-of-pocket expenses.
Are natural disasters covered by travel insurance in Maldives?
Most travel insurance policies cover events related to natural disasters, such as cyclones or torrential monsoon rains. This may include reimbursement of cancelled flights, extra accommodation, and emergency evacuation. Review your policy wording carefully to ensure natural disaster cover is included and understand the conditions that apply.
