The Best Travel Insurance Plans for Sri Lanka in 2025
- The best travel insurance plans for Sri Lanka
- Is it currently safe to travel to Sri Lanka?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Sri Lanka?
- Why take out travel insurance for Sri Lanka?
- What should travel insurance for Sri Lanka cover?
- The cost of travel insurance for Sri Lanka
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Sri Lanka
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Sri Lanka?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Sri Lanka: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Sri Lanka covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost personal belongings.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but is vital for covering potential medical evacuation costs.
3. Healthcare cost: Private hospital care in Colombo can be expensive, costing over AUD $150 per night.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Sri Lanka typically costs between AUD $30 and $60.
5. Good to know: Ensure your policy covers activities like scooter rental, a popular way to explore the island.
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 Sri Lanka.
The best travel insurance plans for Sri Lanka
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.6M AUD | Top-tier protection for trips to Sri Lanka. - high medical limits - repatriation included - adaptable to complex risks |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.6M AUD | Favourable for short stays and emergencies. - 24/7 medical helpline - cancellation cover - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | 0.8M AUD | Smart option for tourism-focused protection. - good medical cover - access to emergency assistance - practical for ETA travellers |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.1M AUD | Well-balanced for diverse trips to Sri Lanka. - strong hospital and evacuation cover - wide territorial scope - good for families |
| Globe Partner | 0.5M AUD | Budget-friendly for essential needs. - core medical protection - civil liability included - simple claims process |
| Globe Traveller | 0.8M AUD | Accessible for brief trips or lower-risk stays. - medical and repatriation - moderate ceiling - fast reimbursement |
- high medical limits
- repatriation included
- adaptable to complex risks
- 24/7 medical helpline
- cancellation cover
- no deductible
- good medical cover
- access to emergency assistance
- practical for ETA travellers
- strong hospital and evacuation cover
- wide territorial scope
- good for families
- core medical protection
- civil liability included
- simple claims process
- medical and repatriation
- moderate ceiling
- fast reimbursement
Is it currently safe to travel to Sri Lanka?
As of June 2025, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Sri Lanka, mainly due to the ongoing risk of public demonstrations and security concerns.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: the situation in Sri Lanka remains volatile with regular protests and the risk of terrorist attacks in tourist areas. For example, large gatherings in Colombo or Kandy may turn violent or prompt sudden government restrictions.
- Health risks: dengue fever is present year-round, especially during monsoon seasons, and medical facilities are below Australian standards outside of Colombo. Access to quality care may be very limited if you fall ill in rural regions.
- Legal requirements: carry your passport and ETA approval at all times as police checks are frequent, especially during curfews or emergencies. There are also restrictions on photography around military sites.
- Environmental hazards: landmines still exist in northern and eastern provinces, so travellers should keep to main roads. Monsoon periods can also cause flooding and landslides that affect both infrastructure and travel plans.
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 Sri Lanka.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Sri Lanka?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Australian travellers entering Sri Lanka for short stays or tourism.
Despite not being a legal requirement, travel insurance is strongly recommended due to limited medical facilities outside Colombo, high costs for emergency care, and the risk of serious illnesses such as dengue fever or rabies. Medical evacuation to Australia can be extremely expensive if needed.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Sri Lanka. This high percentage is due to healthcare costs and the unpredictability of health risks and accidents abroad.
Why take out travel insurance for Sri Lanka?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Sri Lanka.
In Sri Lanka, most hospitals outside Colombo, such as Kandy General Hospital, lack advanced equipment and specialist care. Foreigners often use private clinics in Colombo like Lanka Hospitals or Nawaloka Hospital, where fees can be high and payment is required before treatment. Emergency medical evacuation to Australia may be necessary for serious cases, adding extra expense.
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 Sri Lanka.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Lanka Hospitals | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 450,000 LKR (approx 2,200 AUD) | up to 1,000,000 AUD |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 320,000 LKR (approx 1,600 AUD) | up to 1,000,000 AUD |
| I need to be repatriated | 12,000,000 LKR (approx 59,000 AUD) | up to 1,000,000 AUD |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 1,100,000 LKR (approx 5,400 AUD) | up to 1,000,000 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.
What should travel insurance for Sri Lanka cover?
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers consultations, hospitalisation, emergency treatment and prescription drugs. Recommended reimbursement limit: 500,000 AUD. |
| ✈️ Medical evacuation and repatriation | Covers transport to Australia or another country if critical care is required. Minimum suggested limit: 500,000 AUD. |
| 🛌 Daily hospital cash | Provides a daily allowance during hospital stays to cover extra expenses. Recommended amount: 150 AUD per day for at least 30 days. |
| 💼 Luggage and personal belongings | Covers lost, stolen or damaged items during your trip. Recommended minimum: 5,000 AUD. |
| 🚑 Emergency assistance 24/7 | Access to support for medical, legal and practical problems at all hours. Unlimited assistance recommended. |
| ⛔ Trip cancellation or interruption | Reimburses non-refundable costs if you must cancel or cut short your trip for covered reasons. Minimum cover: 10,000 AUD. |
| 🚗 Personal liability | Covers damage or injury to others caused by you abroad. Minimum recommended coverage: 1,000,000 AUD. |
| ⚖️ Legal fees and advance of bail | Support in case of legal trouble, including language assistance and bail advances. Minimum recommended cover: 15,000 AUD. |
Recommended reimbursement limit: 500,000 AUD.
Minimum suggested limit: 500,000 AUD.
Recommended amount: 150 AUD per day for at least 30 days.
Recommended minimum: 5,000 AUD.
Unlimited assistance recommended.
Minimum cover: 10,000 AUD.
Minimum recommended coverage: 1,000,000 AUD.
Minimum recommended cover: 15,000 AUD.
Travel insurance from bank cards or local providers often covers very limited amounts and exclusions are frequent. For better protection, choose a trusted insurer with full coverage. Compare top offers on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Sri Lanka
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | 33 AUD |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | 56 AUD |
| 1 month | 35 years old | 82 AUD |
| 1 month | 70 years old | 210 AUD |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of your travel insurance for Sri Lanka depends on several factors. These include your age, trip duration, your destination, the level of cover you choose, and any pre-existing conditions. It's crucial to consider these to pick the right policy, ensuring you're covered for the specific risks mentioned.
💡 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 Sri Lanka
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Sri Lanka while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 👤 Traveller's age | Insurance costs often rise with age, especially for older travellers. Sri Lanka has no age-based entry rule. | Compare age brackets for best deals. Heymondo keeps premiums stable for those over 62. |
| 🌍 Level of coverage | Emergency hospital treatment and medical evacuation may be required, especially outside Colombo. | Choose a plan with medical and evacuation only if extra features are not essential for your trip. |
| 📅 Trip duration | Longer stays mean higher premiums. Sri Lanka usually sees visitors for two weeks to a month. | Limit your cover to actual travel dates and avoid over-insuring for unused days. |
| 🛡️ Excess amount | The amount you pay upfront affects your premium. Medical bills in Sri Lanka can be substantial. | Select a moderate excess to balance premium savings against affordability of paying in an emergency. |
| 🧳 Activities covered | Risk activities, such as trekking or scuba diving, may require higher cover. | Only add hazardous activity options if you actually need them on your trip. |
| 👪 Family/group plan | Group insurance can offer per-person savings for families or friends. | Look for group policies if travelling with others for lower average costs per traveller. |
| 🏥 Pre-existing conditions | Declare these if you need cover for treatment while abroad. In Sri Lanka, many facilities require advance payment. | Check for optional medical extensions and select only if necessary to keep costs down. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Sri Lanka?
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether your current insurance, such as credit card insurance or Australia's public health system, will protect you during a trip to Sri Lanka. 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 Sri Lanka? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance | Never | No reimbursement for medical expenses or hospitalisation abroad. | Travel insurance can pay up to 1.6M AUD for hospitalisation, medical evacuation and trip interruption. |
| Private health insurance | Limited coverage | Medical costs with strict annual limits (10k–100k AUD), usually no cover for lost luggage or delays. | Travel insurance offers higher limits, pays direct to foreign hospitals and includes loss or theft cover. |
| Classic credit card (Commonwealth Bank, NAB, ANZ) | Limited coverage | Accidents or hospitalisation only if trip paid on card, limit from 20k–50k AUD. Excess often high. | Travel insurance covers medical up to 1.6M AUD, plus evacuation and emergency support, without card restrictions. |
| Premium credit card (Amex Platinum, Visa Signature) | Limited coverage | Medical and baggage claims (up to 250k AUD), often excludes pre-existing conditions and pandemics. | Travel insurance includes full emergency cover, trip cancellations and known medical conditions (with disclosure). |
Example
While in Ella, Chloe contracted severe dengue fever, requiring a medical flight to Colombo costing AU$45,000. Her Platinum bank card's insurance only paid AU$5,000, and her standard Aussie health cover offered nothing overseas. Without specific travel insurance, she was left with a crippling AU$40,000 bill for a mosquito bite.
Expert advice
Don't rely solely on your bank card or health insurance. Key situations, like trip interruption for a family emergency, are often excluded. Scrutinise your policy's fine print to avoid costly surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to take out dedicated travel insurance for your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Sri Lanka?
Yes, Australian travellers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering Sri Lanka. The ETA can be applied for online before departure, and it is valid for a maximum stay of 30 days. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Sri Lanka?
Begin by comparing policies with the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Carefully check the cover and exclusions, focusing on protections relevant to Sri Lanka, such as medical evacuation, dengue or political unrest. Purchase your chosen policy online, then receive your insurance certificate by email. Always keep it accessible during your trip.
Are medical services expensive for Australians in Sri Lanka?
Medical care in Sri Lanka, especially outside Colombo, is often below Australian standards, with shortages of medication and facilities. Private hospitals in Colombo provide a better standard, but costs for treatment, tests, and hospital stays can be several thousand AUD. Emergency evacuation to Australia may exceed 35,000 AUD.
Does travel insurance cover strikes, protests or political unrest?
Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include cover for travel disruptions or cancellations due to strikes, demonstrations, or civil disorder. However, not all policies will reimburse changes in plans if you travel against government advice, so read the policy wording closely to understand the limitations.
What health risks should I be aware of in Sri Lanka, and can insurance help?
There are ongoing risks of dengue fever, rabies, and other insect-borne diseases in Sri Lanka. Travel insurance can cover treatment costs for certain illnesses and accidents, as well as emergency evacuation if necessary. Always take precautions, such as using insect repellent and avoiding contact with animals.
What should I do in the event of a medical emergency in Sri Lanka?
Contact your insurer's emergency medical assistance number as soon as possible. Most insurers require pre-approval for hospital admission or evacuation. Use private facilities in Colombo if possible, and always keep the embassy's contact details and your insurance certificate with you.
Do I need a visa to travel to Sri Lanka?
Yes, Australian travellers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering Sri Lanka. The ETA can be applied for online before departure, and it is valid for a maximum stay of 30 days. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Sri Lanka?
Begin by comparing policies with the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Carefully check the cover and exclusions, focusing on protections relevant to Sri Lanka, such as medical evacuation, dengue or political unrest. Purchase your chosen policy online, then receive your insurance certificate by email. Always keep it accessible during your trip.
Are medical services expensive for Australians in Sri Lanka?
Medical care in Sri Lanka, especially outside Colombo, is often below Australian standards, with shortages of medication and facilities. Private hospitals in Colombo provide a better standard, but costs for treatment, tests, and hospital stays can be several thousand AUD. Emergency evacuation to Australia may exceed 35,000 AUD.
Does travel insurance cover strikes, protests or political unrest?
Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include cover for travel disruptions or cancellations due to strikes, demonstrations, or civil disorder. However, not all policies will reimburse changes in plans if you travel against government advice, so read the policy wording closely to understand the limitations.
What health risks should I be aware of in Sri Lanka, and can insurance help?
There are ongoing risks of dengue fever, rabies, and other insect-borne diseases in Sri Lanka. Travel insurance can cover treatment costs for certain illnesses and accidents, as well as emergency evacuation if necessary. Always take precautions, such as using insect repellent and avoiding contact with animals.
What should I do in the event of a medical emergency in Sri Lanka?
Contact your insurer's emergency medical assistance number as soon as possible. Most insurers require pre-approval for hospital admission or evacuation. Use private facilities in Colombo if possible, and always keep the embassy's contact details and your insurance certificate with you.
