- The best travel insurance plans for Peru
- Is it currently safe to travel to Peru?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter 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
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Peru?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Peru: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Peru covers medical emergencies, repatriation, and unexpected travel disruptions.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for Australians but is vital for medical care and evacuations.
3. Healthcare cost: Private hospital care is costly, with a one-night stay potentially exceeding AUD $1,000.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Peru typically costs between AUD $40 and $80.
5. Good to know: Ensure your policy covers activities like trekking and high-altitude sickness (above 2,500 metres).
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 38 travel insurance policies available in Australia, 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 | 1.6M AUD | Strong coverage for Peru. - very high reimbursement limit - repatriation included - broad high-altitude and evacuation support |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.6M AUD | Reliable for all trip types. - 24/7 support - strong medical ceiling - cancellation cover |
| Tourist Card | 800k AUD | Practical for tourism. - good medical cover - emergency support - attractive premium |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.3M AUD | Balanced for longer stays. - hospital and evacuation cover - strong repatriation - good value |
| Globe Partner | 480k AUD | Covers essential medical costs for Peru. - emergency care abroad - repatriation - civil liability |
| Globe Traveller | 800k AUD | Affordable for short visits. - essential medical cover - fast reimbursement - suitable for solo and budget travel |
- very high reimbursement limit
- repatriation included
- broad high-altitude and evacuation support
- 24/7 support
- strong medical ceiling
- cancellation cover
- good medical cover
- emergency support
- attractive premium
- hospital and evacuation cover
- strong repatriation
- good value
- emergency care abroad
- repatriation
- civil liability
- essential medical cover
- fast reimbursement
- suitable for solo and budget travel
Is it currently safe to travel to Peru?
As of June 2025, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Peru due to violent crime, health risks, and civil unrest in certain regions. Some areas, such as the borders with Colombia, Ecuador, and the VRAEM region, are subject to stricter advisories, including advice to reconsider travel.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: robberies, assaults, and even express kidnappings can occur. In areas like Lima’s historic centre and night-time bus terminals, organised pickpocketing and bag snatching remain common.
- Health risks: a dengue outbreak is ongoing in several regions, and altitude sickness poses real risks above 2,500 metres in locations such as Cusco and Lake Titicaca. Emergency medical treatment or evacuation may be required, particularly in remote areas.
- Legal constraints: a valid entry stamp at border crossings is mandatory. Failing to obtain it can lead to a 10-year entry ban. Large cash sums (over US$10,000) must be declared to Peruvian customs.
- Cultural norms: public protests and demonstrations can escalate rapidly and disrupt transport, particularly train access to Machu Picchu. Travellers should use only authorised taxi services due to safety concerns at major transit points.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Peru.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Peru?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Australians entering Peru.
However, it is strongly recommended as medical facilities outside major cities are limited and serious incidents such as altitude sickness or accidents may require costly emergency evacuation. Travel insurance can provide important protection for medical expenses, repatriation, theft, and unexpected trip disruptions that may arise while in Peru.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Peru. This high percentage reflects the significant risks tied to healthcare costs, altitude-related emergencies, and security issues in some regions.
Why take out travel insurance for Peru?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Peru.
In Peru, public hospitals often lack modern facilities and reliable medications, especially outside Lima or Cusco. Private clinics like Clinica Anglo Americana in Lima offer better care but charge high fees, especially for foreigners. Emergency medical evacuation from high-altitude areas can become extremely expensive and almost impossible without immediate payment guarantees.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in case of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Peru.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Clinica Anglo Americana | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 13,000 PEN (about 5,300 AUD) | Up to 1.6M AUD |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 9,000 PEN (about 3,700 AUD) | Up to 1.6M AUD |
| I need to be repatriated | 160,000 PEN (about 65,000 AUD) | Up to 1.6M AUD |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 35,000 PEN (about 14,200 AUD) | Up to 1.6M 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.
What Travel Insurance for Peru Should Cover
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| Medical expenses | Covers doctor consultations, emergency care, hospital stays, operations and prescription drugs. Recommended limit: at least AUD 100,000. |
| Medical evacuation and repatriation | Pays for emergency medical evacuation to Australia or a nearby country if specialist care is needed. Recommended limit: AUD 250,000 or more. |
| Baggage and valuables | Compensation for loss, theft or damage to your luggage and personal items, including passports and electronics. Recommended limit: AUD 5,000 minimum. |
| Trip cancellation and interruption | Reimburses non-refundable costs if you must cancel, delay or cut short your travel due to covered events. Recommended limit: AUD 10,000 minimum. |
| Personal liability | Covers you if you accidentally injure others or damage their property. Recommended limit: AUD 1 million. |
| Infectious and tropical disease cover | Medical and evacuation cover for dengue, malaria, yellow fever and other endemic conditions. Recommended limit: AUD 50,000 minimum. |
| Search and rescue | Costs of rescue operations if you encounter trouble in remote, high-altitude or jungle areas. Recommended limit: AUD 30,000 minimum. |
Recommended limit: at least AUD 100,000.
Recommended limit: AUD 250,000 or more.
Recommended limit: AUD 5,000 minimum.
Recommended limit: AUD 10,000 minimum.
Recommended limit: AUD 1 million.
Recommended limit: AUD 50,000 minimum.
Recommended limit: AUD 30,000 minimum.
Travel insurance offered by local providers or bank cards usually has low limits and several exclusions. For full security, choose a reliable insurer with broad cover. Compare leading insurers on HelloSafe and subscribe online for immediate certificate delivery.
The cost of travel insurance for Peru
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AUD 40 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AUD 75 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AUD 120 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AUD 260 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of your travel insurance for Peru will vary. Key factors include your age, the length of your stay, the level of cover you choose, and any pre-existing medical conditions. Activities like trekking to Machu Picchu might also affect the price. Keeping these in mind helps you find the right cover for your Peruvian adventure without any nasty surprises.
💡 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 👥 Number of travellers | Family or group plans can provide discounts per person and simplify policy management. | If travelling as a couple or family, select a group policy to maximise savings. |
| 🗓️ Trip duration | Premiums grow with longer stays, especially for coverage beyond 30 days in South America. | Insure only the exact dates you will be in Peru to avoid paying extra days. |
| 🌍 Level of coverage | Adequate medical and evacuation cover is crucial as remote clinics may require airlift to Lima. | Choose emergency medical and medical evacuation cover, but avoid expensive extras unless truly needed. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses | High-altitude areas see more trekking accidents or illness, sometimes needing private clinic or helicopter. | Select a policy with sufficient medical limits, but higher coverage is only necessary for strenuous activities. |
| 💼 Optional add-ons | Adventure sports (like trekking, rafting) attract high premiums; not all add-ons are needed for every tourist. | Only pay for sports or luggage cover if you plan to use them during your trip. |
| 🎂 Traveller’s age | Insurers typically increase premiums after age 60; age brackets impact final price a lot. | Compare policies by age—Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 💳 Payment flexibility | Some insurers provide discounts for upfront payment; monthly payment may be more costly overall. | Choose upfront payment if your budget allows, as it usually results in a lower total cost. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Peru?
It’s completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage—such as public health insurance, private health insurance or credit card insurance—can protect you during a trip to Peru. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient, especially outside Australia.
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 (Medicare) | Never | No coverage for medical expenses or hospitalisation outside Australia. | Travel insurance can offer up to AUD 1.6M for medical expenses, including repatriation, hospital, and rescue. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa, Medibank, NIB) | Limited coverage | May cover emergencies abroad for short trips, but limits often apply (AU$50K–AU$100K). No ongoing care or evacuation. | Travel insurance covers much higher limits, often AUD 1.6M+, and includes services like evacuation and assistance. |
| Classic credit card (ANZ, Westpac, NAB) | Limited coverage | Basic emergency cover if trip is paid with the card. Limits A$20K–A$50K. May not cover high-altitude or adventure sports. | Travel insurance extends to emergencies, adventure sports, baggage, and cancellations up to AUD 1.6M. |
| Premium credit card (Amex Platinum, ANZ Black) | Limited coverage | Better protection than classic cards, with limits up to AU$500K for medical. May exclude pre-existing conditions or risky zones. | Travel insurance provides broader cover, up to AUD 1.6M, with fewer exclusions and support for all emergencies. |
Example
While trekking near Cusco, Chloe suffered severe altitude sickness, requiring an emergency air evacuation to Lima. The total cost hit AU$45,000. Her CommBank credit card insurance only paid AU$2,000, and her standard health insurance covered nothing overseas, leaving her with a crippling AU$43,000 bill for a common travel ailment.
Expert advice
Crucial cover, like trip interruption due to a relative's illness, is often excluded from bank card and health insurance policies. Always check the fine print to avoid costly surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?
Australian passport holders do not need a visa for tourist visits to Peru of up to 90 days within a 183-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date. Always ensure you receive the correct entry stamp at border crossings, as failure to do so can result in long-term bans.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Peru?
To buy travel insurance for Peru, first compare providers using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, check policy coverage and exclusions, especially for Peru-related risks like altitude sickness or emergency evacuation. Once you choose, complete your purchase online. You will then receive your insurance certificate by email.
What specific health risks should I be aware of when travelling to Peru?
Travellers to Peru should be aware of altitude sickness above 2,500 metres, dengue outbreaks, and risks such as yellow fever or malaria in certain regions. It's important to ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation, especially if you plan to visit high-altitude places like Cusco or Lake Titicaca.
Does travel insurance cover adventure activities in Peru, like hiking and trekking?
Many travel insurance policies cover common activities such as hiking the Inca Trail or trekking in the Andes. However, some high-risk or extreme sports, like mountaineering above certain altitudes, may require additional coverage or come with exclusions. Always check your policy's adventure sports section.
Can I purchase travel insurance after arriving in Peru?
It is recommended to purchase travel insurance before leaving Australia. While some companies may allow you to buy insurance after arriving in Peru, coverage for incidents that occurred before the policy start date will be excluded. Insurance purchased after arrival may also have restricted benefits.
How much does travel insurance for Peru typically cost?
For most Australians, travel insurance for a two-week trip to Peru generally ranges from AUD 90 to AUD 180 per traveller, depending on age, pre-existing medical conditions, trip duration and the level of cover selected. Costs are higher if you include cover for high-risk activities or valuable items.
Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?
Australian passport holders do not need a visa for tourist visits to Peru of up to 90 days within a 183-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date. Always ensure you receive the correct entry stamp at border crossings, as failure to do so can result in long-term bans.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Peru?
To buy travel insurance for Peru, first compare providers using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, check policy coverage and exclusions, especially for Peru-related risks like altitude sickness or emergency evacuation. Once you choose, complete your purchase online. You will then receive your insurance certificate by email.
What specific health risks should I be aware of when travelling to Peru?
Travellers to Peru should be aware of altitude sickness above 2,500 metres, dengue outbreaks, and risks such as yellow fever or malaria in certain regions. It's important to ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation, especially if you plan to visit high-altitude places like Cusco or Lake Titicaca.
Does travel insurance cover adventure activities in Peru, like hiking and trekking?
Many travel insurance policies cover common activities such as hiking the Inca Trail or trekking in the Andes. However, some high-risk or extreme sports, like mountaineering above certain altitudes, may require additional coverage or come with exclusions. Always check your policy's adventure sports section.
Can I purchase travel insurance after arriving in Peru?
It is recommended to purchase travel insurance before leaving Australia. While some companies may allow you to buy insurance after arriving in Peru, coverage for incidents that occurred before the policy start date will be excluded. Insurance purchased after arrival may also have restricted benefits.
How much does travel insurance for Peru typically cost?
For most Australians, travel insurance for a two-week trip to Peru generally ranges from AUD 90 to AUD 180 per traveller, depending on age, pre-existing medical conditions, trip duration and the level of cover selected. Costs are higher if you include cover for high-risk activities or valuable items.
On the same topic
