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Sacred mountains, ancient ruins, Amazon rainforest, coastal deserts and one of the world’s best cuisines. Peru has everything, but it can also test you: from altitude sickness in Cusco to unexpected flight delays at Lima Airport. That’s why, before starting your adventure, there’s one thing you must do: choose one of the many travel insurance policies for Peru available.

Travelling insured lets you explore Machu Picchu, trek in Huaraz or sail Lake Titicaca peacefully, knowing that if anything happens you’ll get immediate assistance without spending a fortune. In this guide, we’ll explain what good insurance for this destination should include, which are the best on the market, and how to pick the right one for your trip.

the best travel insurance for Peru

Why take out travel insurance for Peru?

Peru combines altitude, variable weather and intense experiences. That makes it fascinating — but also a country where an incident can easily disrupt your trip (and your wallet). Therefore, buying travel insurance for Peru isn’t just recommended — it can make the difference between solving a problem in minutes or losing thousands of dollars (€920).

If you’re still unsure, here’s a list of reasons why choosing reliable travel insurance for Peru is always the smart move:

1– Medical care at high altitude: costly and limited

If you plan to visit Cusco, Huaraz or the Sacred Valley, you’ll be over 2,500 m above sea level. Altitude sickness is common and may require urgent care. Public hospitals vary in quality, while private ones can be expensive: a short hospital stay in Lima or Arequipa may exceed $1,000 (€920).

2– Medical transport and evacuations

In regions like the Amazon or the Cordillera Blanca, transfers to specialised medical centres can involve air ambulances or helicopter evacuations. Without insurance, those costs are yours and may exceed $15,000 (€13,800).

4– Theft and loss in major cities

Lima, Cusco and Arequipa are generally safe destinations, but theft or lost luggage can happen. A good policy protects you against stolen belongings, flight delays, lost bags or last-minute cancellations. As you can see, this protection goes far beyond just medical assistance.

5– Weather risks and cancelled flights

During the rainy season (December to March), domestic flights can face delays or cancellations, especially around Cusco, Juliaca or Puerto Maldonado. A solid policy compensates you for those setbacks and covers extra accommodation and meal costs.

6– Entry requirements for certain activities

Although Peru doesn’t require insurance to enter, some organised tours or extreme-sport excursions do. Multi-day treks or jungle expeditions often ask for it as mandatory proof. In some cases, you’ll also need insurance to apply for specific visas.

By the way, if you’d like to learn more about entry requirements for travelling to Peru, here are some useful articles:

  • Requirements for travelling to Peru from Chile
  • Requirements for travelling to Peru from Colombia
  • Requirements for travelling to Peru from Mexico
  • Requirements for travelling to Peru from Argentina
  • Requirements for travelling to Peru from Spain
reasons to take out travel insurance for Peru
Travel insurance for Peru lets you enjoy the country’s scenic beauty with peace of mind – @Shutterstock

What coverage should travel insurance for Peru include?

When comparing travel insurance for Peru, remember it’s not like choosing one for Europe or an urban trip. The altitude, outdoor activities and distance between hospitals mean you’ll need a more complete policy. When choosing, make sure it includes these essential coverages:

  • Medical care for illness or accident: the foundation of any insurance. Ensure it covers at least $200,000 (€184,000), especially if you’ll visit remote areas. This includes everything from a stomach infection in Lima to a fall on the Inca Trail.
  • Evacuation and repatriation: essential if you’re trekking, exploring the jungle or visiting rural zones. Medical evacuation from the Amazon or the Andes can cost over $15,000 (€13,800), and without insurance, that’s hard to manage.
  • 24/7 assistance in Spanish: many insurers offer support only in English or by phone. It’s best to have an app or chat available in your language, especially during stressful moments.
  • Trip cancellation or interruption: whether due to personal reasons or weather events, cancelling your trip to Peru can mean losing flights, hotels or tours. A good policy should refund you fully or partially, depending on the reason and plan chosen.
  • Theft, loss or damage to luggage: local airlines like LATAM Peru, Sky or JetSMART don’t always offer quick compensation for damaged or lost bags. A good policy covers between $1,000 (€920) and $3,000 (€2,760) for these cases.
  • Expenses from delays or rebookings: during rainy seasons or transport strikes, delays are common. Some policies cover meals, accommodation and extra transfers if your flight’s delayed more than six or twelve hours.
  • Outdoor activity coverage: if you plan to hike the Inca Trail, visit Rainbow Mountain, explore the jungle or surf in Máncora, make sure your insurance includes sports and recreational activities. Some plans require an add-on to cover these experiences.
  • Civil liability: if you accidentally cause damage to another person or property, this coverage handles legal costs and compensation.

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Comparison of the five best travel insurance options for Peru

Choosing the right travel insurance is essential if you want to enjoy Peru without worries. The country combines jungle, coastal desert, mountains and beautiful Pacific beaches, so plan what you’ll do and where you’ll go to find the policy that fits your trip best.

Not sure which coverage to choose? We’ve prepared a comparison of five recommended travel insurance options for Peru. Remember, prices are approximate and depend on the traveller’s age, trip length and other factors. It’s best to check each insurer’s website for an accurate quote.

CoverageIATI Backpacker / StarHeymondo Top / TranquilityIntermundial (Travel)†AXA Total PlusChapka Cap Trip Plus
Approx. price for 7 days (USD)US$ 60 (Backpacker) / US$ 105 (Star)US$ 32–36 (Top) / US$ 18–22 (Tranquility)US$ 35–45 (medium coverage)$40 (€2,775)US$ 55–70 (with adventure cover included)
Medical expensesBackpacker: €700,000 / Star: €1,000,000Up to €1,000,000 (Tranquility) or €5 million (Top)Up to $325 (€1,000,000) depending on planUp to $3,240 (€1,000,000)Up to €2,000,000 with sports
Repatriation / evacuationIncluded, no excessIncluded in all plansIncluded in standard planIncludedIncluded, with mountain rescue
Luggage theft / lossBackpacker: €1,500 / Star: €2,500Up to €2,000, including electronicsUp to $3,240 (€1,500)Up to $3,240 (€1,500)Up to $3,240 (€2,000)
24/7 assistance in SpanishYes, no upfront payment or excessYes, via app and Spanish chatYes, Spanish assistance availableYes, multilingualYes, telemedicine available
Delays / cancellations includedOptional cancellation (up to several thousand €)Included up to €7,000 (Top)Included in intermediate planIncluded for delays and cancellationsIncluded, optional CFAR (cancel for any reason)
Excess / deductibleNo deductibleNo excess on any planMay apply depending on planVariable depending on planVariable (high coverage level)
Outdoor activities:Trekking up to 5,400 m, hiking, moderate adventureRecreational activities included, check Top limitsAdventure packs available as add-onsBasic sports included, moderate trekkingTrekking, canopy, rafting and mountain sports included

Comparison of the five best travel insurance options for Peru

Full analysis of the five best travel insurance options for Peru

Now that you know what each travel insurance option for Peru offers, let’s look deeper. Here we explain each plan’s advantages, points to improve, and current approximate prices. Remember, these are estimates that may vary. Travelling insured is always the smartest choice — Peru deserves to be enjoyed fully, knowing that you’ll have assistance whenever needed.

1– IATI Insurance: strong coverage for every kind of trip in Peru

IATI is one of the best-known insurers among Spanish-speaking travellers, offering plans suitable for both backpackers and those seeking maximum medical protection and comfort. Its customer support in Spanish and no need for upfront payment during medical emergencies make it a clear favourite.

Recommended plans for Peru

  • IATI Backpacker: ideal for trekkers, outdoor lovers or long trips through Peru. Covers up to €600,000 ($650,000) in medical expenses and up to €1,500 ($1,625) for lost luggage. Perfect for Andean or Amazon routes. No excess. Estimated price for seven days: €55 ($60).
  • IATI Star: the most complete plan, with up to €1,000,000 ($1,085,000) in medical coverage, unlimited repatriation, optional cancellation up to €6,000 ($6,510), and adventure sports included by default. No excess. Estimated price for seven days: €55 ($105).

Strengths of IATI

  • 24/7 assistance fully in different languages.
  • High medical coverage with no excess and no need for advance payment.
  • Ideal for altitude destinations and activities like hiking, climbing or rafting.
  • Cancellation add-on available even days after purchasing the policy.

Weaknesses:

  • The Star plan can be expensive for short or low-risk trips.
  • Refunds for cancellations may take time if documents aren’t correctly submitted.

2– Heymondo: medical assistance via app and great prices for Peru

Heymondo has become a top choice among young and digital travellers. Its greatest strength is its app, which offers medical chat, incident management and Spanish-language support 24/7. It’s perfect for those who want convenience, fast help and competitive prices.

Recommended plans for Peru

  • Heymondo Tranquility: the most affordable plan, ideal for non-risk travellers. Includes up to €1,000,000 ($1,085,000) in medical cover, 24/7 multilingual assistance and luggage cover up to €1,500 ($1,625). No excess. Estimated price for seven days: €16–20 ($18–22).
  • Heymondo Top: mid-range option with up to €5,000,000 ($5,425,000) in medical cover, trip cancellation up to €7,000 ($7,595), repatriation, and recreational activity cover. No excess. Estimated price for seven days: €16–20 ($32–36).

Strengths of Heymondo

  • Excellent value for money.
  • Medical chat via app with immediate response in different languages.
  • Very high medical coverage even for budget plans.
  • No excess in any plan.
  • Perfect for destinations like Cusco, the jungle or Machu Picchu without extreme sports.

Weaknesses:

  • Doesn’t include adventure sports such as high-altitude trekking, rafting or cycling unless you add a supplement.
  • Refunds may take longer if not processed directly through the app.

3– Chapka Cap Trip Plus: ideal for adventure sports and long stays in Peru

Chapka, a French insurer popular in Europe and Latin America, stands out for its strong coverage for medium and long-term travel. The Cap Trip Plus plan is its flagship product for international trips, and it already includes adventure sports like trekking, hiking, rafting or canopy without extra cost.

Recommended plan for Peru

  • Cap Trip Plus: valid for trips up to 90 days, covering up to €2,000,000 ($2,170,000) in medical expenses, repatriation, civil liability, optional cancellation and luggage cover up to €2,000 ($2,170). Can be purchased even one day before departure. No excess. Estimated price for seven days: €16–20 ($55–70).

Strengths of Chapka

  • High medical coverage, adapted for remote areas.
  • Adventure and outdoor sports included at no extra charge — ideal for the Inca Trail or Rainbow Mountain.
  • Multilingual-speaking medical support and emergency orientation.
  • Optional “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage available.
  • Can be purchased while already abroad (in some cases).

Weaknesses:

  • Variable excess in certain cover types.
  • Initial policy documents may come in French or English, though assistance is in Spanish.
  • Not the cheapest option if your trip is short or low-risk.

4– Intermundial: balanced coverage and flexible add-ons

Intermundial is a Spanish insurance company with extensive experience in the international travel segment. Its Totaltravel plan (available in several versions) offers a solid combination of good medical coverage, baggage protection, and assistance in Spanish — all at accessible prices. It’s a solid choice for leisure or study trips to Peru.

Recommended plan for Peru

  • Totaltravel Mini / Totaltravel: both provide up to €1,000,000 ($1,085,000) in medical cover, repatriation, 24/7 assistance, protection against lost or stolen luggage, and optional cancellation or adventure sports cover. No excess. Estimated price for seven days: €16–20 ($35–45).

Strengths of Intermundial

  • Excellent balance between price and benefits.
  • Strong medical cover, even in remote areas.
  • Flexible add-ons for cancellation or sports.
  • Spanish-language support with an easy-to-use online platform.
  • Available for purchase abroad.

Weaknesses:

  • Some plans include excess on luggage or liability cover.
  • Advanced coverage (sports or full cancellation) requires extra payment.
  • Refunds can take longer compared to more automated insurers.

5– AXA Total Plus: international support and multilingual attention throughout Peru

AXA,is one of the world’s best-known insurers. Their Total Plus plan combines a solid global reputation with high medical cover, multilingual support and excellent emergency response. It’s an interesting option if you value institutional backing and the flexibility to travel across multiple countries on the same trip.

Recommended plan for Peru

  • AXA Total Plus: offers up to €1,000,000 ($1,085,000) in medical cover, repatriation and evacuation, luggage cover up to €1,500 ($1,625), cancellation and multilingual 24/7 support. Also includes civil liability and delay compensation. No excess. Estimated price for seven days: €55 ($40).

Strengths of AXA

  • Strong, reliable coverage throughout Peru.
  • Support in several languages (including Spanish), ideal for international travellers.
  • Excellent response to delays and cancellations.
  • Perfect for multi-country South American trips.

Weaknesses:

  • Adventure sports not included in standard plan (extra required).
  • Initial purchase can be slightly more bureaucratic than digital insurers like Heymondo.
  • Some excesses vary by country of purchase.

Which is the best travel insurance for Peru?

The 5 best travel insurances for Peru
Choosing the right travel insurance for Peru depends on the kind of trip you’re planning – @Shutterstock

Choosing the best travel insurance for Peru depends on the experience you have in mind. If you’re visiting major cities, enjoying cultural tourism and staying in accessible areas, several affordable options will suit you well. However, if you’re combining altitude, trekking and remote zones, you’ll need a much more comprehensive policy.

Among all analysed options, the most complete travel insurance for Peru — in terms of medical coverage, adventure sports and Spanish assistance — is IATI Star. It’s perfect if you plan to hike the Inca Trail, visit Huaraz or Puerto Maldonado, or simply want total peace of mind during your trip.

Meanwhile, if you’re after a reliable yet more affordable option, Heymondo Top is excellent: it includes trip cancellation, an app with instant Spanish support and solid medical protection. Finally, for travellers focused on outdoor or adventure activities from day one, Chapka Cap Trip Plus stands out as one of the few insurers covering risk sports without add-ons — a huge plus in a destination like Peru.

In short, any of these insurers will let you explore Peru knowing you’re fully covered for unexpected events.

Connectivity while travelling in Peru

Staying connected across Peru is almost as important as having good insurance. Distances are long, mobile coverage can drop in remote areas, and many excursions require you to stay reachable. That’s why travelling with an eSIM is one of the smartest choices you can make, so you won’t rely on hotel Wi-Fi or physical SIM cards.

Holafly offers two great options to enjoy internet in Peru without unexpected costs:

  • Holafly’s daily plans for Peru: Perfect if your trip is short or your travel dates are fixed. They include unlimited data and even let you share your connection. Holafly daily plans for Peru
  • Holafly’s global monthly plans: ideal if you’ll be abroad for a longer period or plan to cross borders into other South American countries. With a single plan, you get unlimited data in over 170 destinations.

Both plans activate in minutes, don’t require a physical SIM and let you connect the moment you land in Lima, Cusco or any other city. Plus, you’ll use apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, Airbnb and Uber smoothly, without interruptions.

Travel insurance for Peru: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it mandatory to have travel insurance to enter Peru?

No, Peru doesn’t require mandatory travel insurance to enter the country. However, it’s strongly recommended, especially if you’ll visit high-altitude zones, rural areas or plan outdoor activities like hiking, cycling or rafting. In fact, some adventure tours demand it as a requirement.

Can I buy travel insurance once I’m already in Peru?

It depends on the insurer. Some, like Chapka or Heymondo, allow you to buy a policy after arriving at your destination, though they may apply waiting periods (for example, 72 hours before coverage starts). Ideally, buy it before leaving your country to stay protected from day one.

Which insurance covers activities like the Inca Trail or Rainbow Mountain?

Both IATI Backpacker or Star and Chapka Cap Trip Plus cover mountain trekking and outdoor adventures. In Heymondo’s case, you’ll need to add an extra option if you plan to do adventure sports or hikes above 3,000 metres.

What should I do if I have a medical emergency in a remote area of Peru?

The best insurers provide evacuation and repatriation without you paying upfront. If you’ve bought a policy from IATI, Heymondo or Chapka, contact them by phone or through their app. They’ll coordinate transport, medical care and even flights if required.

Does travel insurance for Peru cover thefts in cities like Lima or Cusco?

Yes, as long as it’s a documented theft (for instance, a police report or airline claim). Plans like Heymondo Top, IATI Star and Chapka Cap Trip Plus cover between €1,500 ($1,630) and €2,500 ($2,720) for lost or stolen luggage or belongings. Some also include electronic devices.