Dominican Republic Travel Insurance Requirements

Key Takeaways

• Our analysis shows that Tin Leg, Travel Insured International, and IMG offer the best travel insurance for the Dominican Republic.
• The Dominican Republic is one of the most popular Caribbean destinations, known for its all-inclusive resorts, vibrant culture, and adventurous activities. However, it also faces seasonal hurricane threats and limitations in its healthcare system.
• Water sports, including snorkeling, diving, and jet skiing, are popular but come with injury and liability risks not covered by every plan.
• U.S. health insurance is not accepted in the Dominican Republic, and travelers may be required to pay upfront for medical care.
• Try our online travel insurance comparison tool to compare plans and prices from over 20 providers, or speak to an advisor toll-free at 800-240-0369.

Our Top Recommended Dominican Republic Travel Insurance Plans

• Tin Leg – Gold: With high medical limits and optional adventure sports coverage, Tin Leg Gold is perfect for travelers exploring the Dominican Republic’s beaches, rainforests, and resort activities.
• Travel Insured International – FlexiPAX: FlexiPAX offers cruise-specific benefits and flexible cancellation options, making it a top choice for travelers visiting the DR on a cruise or staying at an all-inclusive resort.
• IMG – iTravelInsured Choice: iTravelInsured Choice provides solid emergency medical and evacuation coverage at an affordable price, ideal for travelers who want peace of mind without overspending.

Do I need travel insurance for the Dominican Republic?

Travel insurance is not required for U.S. citizens visiting the Dominican Republic, but it is strongly recommended due to regional health risks, natural disasters, and activity-specific injuries. The U.S. Department of State recommends travelers obtain medical evacuation coverage insurance because domestic health insurance plans aren’t valid outside the United States. Also, coupled with the variability in local healthcare quality, it’s better to be prepared. We recommend $100,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and $250,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage.

Reasons You May Need Travel Insurance for the Dominican Republic

Medical Emergencies & Limited Healthcare Access

While the Dominican Republic has private hospitals in popular tourist areas like Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, these facilities often require upfront payment before treatment—and may not accept international insurance. In more remote areas, access to care may be limited or delayed.

✅ Travel medical insurance covers hospital stays, doctor visits, ambulance services, and emergency prescriptions, ensuring necessary care without unexpected out-of-pocket costs. This is helpful for travelers with pre-existing conditions or those at all-inclusive resorts away from urban areas.

Water Sports, Excursions & Adventure Activity Risks

From snorkeling in Sosúa to ziplining through rainforest canopies, the Dominican Republic is a hub for adrenaline-packed experiences. However, injuries from these excursions are often excluded from basic insurance policies unless you add adventure sports coverage.

Sports & Activities coverage can reimburse medical expenses and even evacuation if you’re injured during covered activities like scuba diving, jet skiing, or hiking in Jarabacoa. It’s a must-have for active travelers, cruise passengers, or families booking outdoor excursions.

Cruise Disruptions or Missed Port Stops

The Dominican Republic is a common stop on Eastern Caribbean cruise itineraries, with ports in Amber Cove and La Romana. However, port calls can be missed due to weather, mechanical issues, or itinerary changes, leading to the loss of prepaid shore excursions or extra transport costs.

✅ Cruise-specific travel insurance benefits can cover missed port stops, itinerary changes, or even emergency evacuation from a ship—making it an essential add-on for cruisers docking in the DR.

Severe Weather & Hurricane Season Disruptions

The Dominican Republic is squarely in the Atlantic hurricane zone, and storms frequently affect travel between June and November. Tropical weather can cause flight cancellations, hotel evacuations, or delays in returning home.

✅ Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage can reimburse non-refundable expenses if your trip is delayed or canceled due to a named storm. To be eligible for hurricane-related claims, purchase your policy before a storm is forecasted.

Petty Theft and Lost Items

While the Dominican Republic is generally safe for tourists, petty theft does occur in busy areas like beach resorts and historic city centers. Items like phones, passports, and wallets are common targets.

✅ Baggage coverage reimburses for stolen or lost items and replaces essentials if luggage is delayed. This is particularly useful in remote areas where replacements are hard to find.

Illness, Foodborne Issues & Unexpected Cancellations

Travelers to the Dominican Republic sometimes face foodborne illnesses or stomach bugs, which can quickly sideline your plans. If you or a travel companion becomes ill before or during your trip, you could lose hundreds—or thousands—in prepaid expenses.

✅ Comprehensive travel insurance reimburses trip cancellations, hotel stays, and excursion fees due to illness. Most plans cover quarantine and offer 24/7 global assistance for care and rebooking.

More details on the best travel insurance for Dominican Republic

Best Luxury Travel Insurance

Tin Leg

• Recommended Plan: Gold
• Emergency Medical: $500,000
• Medical Evacuation: $500,000
• Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
• Covers a wide-range of adventure sports & activities

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Best Cruise Insurance

Travel Insured International

• Recommended Plan: FlexiPAX
• Emergency Medical: $100,000
• Medical Evacuation: $500,000
• Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
• Optional Cancel For Any Reason upgrade available

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Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

IMG

• Recommended Plan: iTravelInsured Choice
• Emergency Medical: $100,000
• Medical Evacuation: $500,000
• Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
• Offers Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation

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How Much Does Dominican Republic Travel Insurance Cost?

According to internal data from Squaremouth travelers over the last year, comprehensive travel insurance to the Dominican Republic will average $21.52 per day, which is typical for most destinations. For context, this plan and daily rate were based on a policy of $172.12 for an 8-day trip to the Dominican Republic and approximately $3,100 in trip costs. That said, a Medical-only plan that excludes cancellation benefits averages around $5 daily.

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What Travel Coverage Do You Need for the Dominican Republic?

Whether you’re lounging at an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, exploring the cobblestone streets of Santo Domingo, or docking at Amber Cove on a cruise, having the right travel insurance can protect you from costly surprises. Here’s what to look for when choosing coverage:

Travel medical coverage

The Dominican Republic does not accept U.S. health insurance or Medicare; even private clinics in tourist areas often require upfront payment. Medical costs can rise quickly in an emergency, especially if hospitalization or surgery is needed. Look for a policy that offers at least $100,000 in Emergency Medical coverage, though frequent travelers and older adults may prefer $250,000. Some plans cover pre-existing condition flare-ups,which is particularly useful for retirees and travelers managing chronic health issues.

Medical evacuation coverage

While there are hospitals in larger cities, high-level care may not be available in more rural or beach resort areas. If you’re seriously injured or ill, you may need to be airlifted to a hospital in the U.S. or another nearby country.

✅ Choose a plan with at least $250,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage, mainly if your trip includes remote excursions, cruises, or areas outside major cities. Without insurance, emergency evacuation flights from the Caribbean can cost upwards of $50,000.

Sports and Activities coverage

The Dominican Republic is a hotspot for adventure—snorkeling, parasailing, horseback riding, ziplining, and diving. However, many basic policies exclude injuries sustained during these excursions unless you upgrade your plan.

✅ Opt for a policy with Adventure Sports coverage if your itinerary includes guided excursions or outdoor activities. Plans like Tin Leg Gold or IMG iTravelInsured Choice allow you to add this protection for peace of mind while exploring.

Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance

From hurricane season delays to last-minute illnesses, there are many reasons your trip might not go as planned. Flights to the Dominican Republic are often non-refundable, and all-inclusive resorts or cruise excursions may have strict cancellation policies. So when you’re spending a 12-day trip to the Dominican Republic and approximately $4,684.73 in trip costs, Trip Cancellation can help save you a lot.

✅ Look for plans that offer 100% reimbursement for trip cancellations and at least 125–150% for trip interruption since these benefits protect prepaid hotel nights, flights, resort packages, and tours. Our recommended plans provide these amounts.

Insurance for baggage and personal items

Popular resort towns and busy airports can be hotspots for lost or delayed luggage, and tourist-heavy areas may see occasional petty theft. Replacing essentials like medications, swimwear, or electronics can be expensive and inconvenient abroad.

✅ Select a plan that includes baggage loss and delay coverage, providing reimbursement for essential purchases or stolen belongings. Plans offering higher limits for electronics or valuables are perfect for travelers bringing phones, cameras, or costly equipment.

Cruise-Specific Coverage

If you’re visiting the Dominican Republic as part of a cruise, your coverage needs are slightly different. Missed port stops, itinerary changes, or onboard medical care can lead to unexpected costs not covered by standard policies.

✅ Look for plans with cruise-specific benefits, such as:

• Missed Connection: Reimburses costs if you miss your cruise departure due to a delay.
• Missed Port of Call: Offers compensation if your cruise skips the Dominican Republic or another port due to weather or ship issues.
• Shipboard Medical Coverage: Covers medical treatment received while onboard.
• Itinerary Change Protection: Helps recover prepaid excursion costs for canceled shore tours.

What Isn’t Covered by Dominican Republic Travel Insurance Plans?

Even the most comprehensive travel insurance plans have exclusions—and in a destination like the Dominican Republic, ignoring them could be costly. Here are the most common situations that might not be covered:

Adventure Activities Without Add-On Coverage

Snorkeling in Sosúa, ziplining in Samaná, or taking an ATV ride through jungle terrain might be the highlight of your trip—but they also come with risk. Most basic plans won’t cover injuries from these high-risk excursions unless you select optional Adventure Sports coverage.

If your itinerary includes excursions booked through your cruise or resort, double-check that your plan covers them—or add the appropriate upgrade.

Alcohol- or Drug-Related Incidents

Sipping cocktails by the resort pool is all part of the Caribbean vibe—but if you’re injured or fall ill while under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs, your claim could be denied. This includes medical costs, liability coverage, or evacuation tied to intoxication.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

If you have a known medical condition—like high blood pressure, asthma, or diabetes—and it flares up during your trip, it might not be covered unless your policy includes a Pre-Existing Condition Waiver. These waivers are usually only available if you purchase the plan within 14–21 days of your initial trip deposit.

Non-covered cancellation reasons

Cancelling your beach vacation because you’re nervous about the weather, concerned about political unrest, or simply changed your mind won’t be covered under standard Trip Cancellation benefits.

Travel to Areas Under a Level 4 Advisory

While the Dominican Republic is a Level 2 advisory overall as of 2025, certain areas may shift in risk level due to crime, natural disasters, or political unrest. Traveling to an area flagged as “Do Not Travel” by the U.S. State Department could void your insurance coverage.

Tips for Finding the Best Travel Insurance for the Dominican Republic

Choosing the right plan isn’t just about finding the cheapest policy—it’s about aligning your coverage with your trip. Here’s how to find a plan that keeps up with your Dominican Republic adventure:

Use a comparison Tool

Not all policies are created equal. Use a tool like Squaremouth’s quote engine to compare plans from over 20 top-rated providers. You can filter by cruise coverage, COVID benefits, adventure sports, or high medical limits—perfect for beach vacations, group travel, or multi-island cruises.

Read the fine print and policy exclusions

Many travelers assume they are covered for everything. However, coverage for parasailing, scuba diving, or even poolside slip-and-falls may be excluded unless you add protection for sports or resort activities. Carefully review the Certificate of Insurance (COI) to understand what is included—and what is not.

Match Your Plan to Your Itinerary

The risks of an all-inclusive resort differ from those of a cross-country eco-tour or a cruise in Amber Cove. Higher emergency medical and evacuation limits are necessary for excursions, remote stays, or off-the-grid hikes. We recommend at least $100,000 in Emergency Medical and $250,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage in the Dominican Republic, especially for older adults, families with children, or during hurricane season.

Look for Cruise-Specific Benefits

Cruising to the Dominican Republic? Not all plans cover missed ports or itinerary changes. Look for plans with cruise-specific benefits like Missed Port, Trip Delay at Sea, and Medical Evacuation, such as those from Travel Insured FlexiPAX or Seven Corners Trip Protection Choice.

Consider Weather and Seasonal Risks

If traveling from June to November, pay attention to hurricane and tropical storm coverage. Travel insurance must be purchased before a storm is named to qualify for trip cancellation benefits. Look for plans with strong interruption coverage or Cancel For Any Reason add-ons for better storm protection and flexibility.

Is Travel Insurance for the Dominican Republic Worth It?

Absolutely—especially if you’re investing in a resort stay, cruise, or outdoor excursion. For less than $30 a day, travel insurance can protect against thousands in potential medical bills or trip losses.

FAQ: Dominican Republic Travel Insurance

Is travel insurance mandatory for the Dominican Republic in 2025?

No, but it’s recommended by both the U.S. State Department and the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism.

Will my U.S. Health Insurance Work in the Dominican Republic?

Typically no. Most U.S. plans, including Medicare, do not offer coverage abroad.

Should I buy cruise insurance for travel to the Dominican Republic?

Purchasing cruise-specific travel insurance is wise if your itinerary includes the Dominican Republic, like Amber Cove or La Romana. Cruise travel carries unique risks, including itinerary changes, missed port calls, and onboard medical emergencies.

Comprehensive insurance covers trip cancellations, medical expenses, emergency evacuations, and missed connections due to flight delays. For example, if you fall ill at sea, onboard medical costs can be high, and standard health insurance may not apply.

What is the Tourist Entry Tax for the Dominican Republic?

The Dominican Republic requires most foreign visitors to pay a $10 tourist entry fee, known as the “Tourist Card.” This fee is typically included in airline tickets for air travelers, eliminating extra payment at arrival, but it’s good to know that land or sea arrivals must purchase it separately. The tourist card allows a single entry for up to 30 days, and if you extend it, there are additional fees upon departure, depending on the overstay duration. You can obtain the Tourist Card online from the General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII) or buy it at entry points.

What documents are required to travel to the Dominican Republic?

A valid passport. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for visits under 30 days.

Is the Dominican Republic safe to visit?

The country is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime in tourist hubs is common. Always stay alert and avoid isolated areas at night. Check current travel advisories before your trip.

Does the Dominican Republic require COVID insurance?

Not currently, but this is subject to change. Check GoDominicanRepublic.com for the latest updates.

Helpful Links

• Dominican Republic Immigration Information