
Worried about COVID-19?
You're not the only one. Travel insurance companies are now offering some cover for coronavirus. So you can travel with more peace of mind.
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Guatemala attracts more than 2 million tourists each year from all over the world. Many are drawn by its sweeping beaches, reefs, abundant flora and fauna, and some of the most remarkable Mayan architecture ever discovered.
This guide will explore some of the main risks that face travellers visiting Guatemala and what features you should look for in your policy to ensure adequate protection is in place.
Made a search before? Retrieve your search results
Popular Destinations
You're not the only one. Travel insurance companies are now offering some cover for coronavirus. So you can travel with more peace of mind.
Travel insurance is not compulsory for Guatemala but the Australian Government does strongly suggest you purchase cover for overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation as a minimum. A holiday in Guatemala is the top of many bucket lists but when compared to Australia, travellers to Guatemala will have to take certain safety precautions that they are not used to.
A fully comprehensive policy will cover you for many scenarios but even the most comprehensive of covers will not include everything under the sun. It's a good idea to review the product disclosure statement and if you find your policy lacking in any must-have areas, consider a different policy or paying an additional premium to add on extra cover.
The standard of health care in Guatemala City is generally adequate, but outside the capital it can be much more limited. Quality of treatment, equipment and staff may vary widely between hospitals, even between seemingly equivalent private facilities. Doctors and hospitals will often require cash payment prior to providing treatments, even in emergencies.
Contact your insurer as soon as you are able to let them know what happened and that you will be making a claim. If your policy pays up-front you may be able to let your insurer and hospital staff negotiate treatment costs directly. If it does not pay up-front then you will need to pay for all medical treatments and claim the costs back later if possible.
Your main points of contact in the event of an emergency are the Australian consulate in Guatemala, your insurer and relevant local authorities or travel organisers.
Details for the Australian Consulate in Guatemala
Address | 2a Calle 23-80 Zona 15, Edificio Avante, Oficina 701, Guatemala City, Guatemala |
---|---|
sdr@australianconsulate.com.gt,mlazzo@australianconsulate.com.gt | |
Phone | +502 2328-0300 x 102 |
Guatemala is part of the Central American Border Control Agreement (CA-4) along with Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua. This means that a valid entry card for one of these countries can be used for all of them.
Australian visitors to Guatemala are not required to have a visa. Instead, you just need an Australian passport that's valid for at least six months.
Your adventures in Guatemala are just a few clicks away. Find savings on accommodation, holiday packages and tours.
Ready to get travel insurance?
Picture: Shutterstock
Icons made by mavadee from www.flaticon.com
Here's how travel insurers are responding to the pandemic.
Over 70 and need travel insurance? Compare your options to get affordable cover for what matters.
Travel insurance is an essential expense for anyone planning a trip overseas, though sometimes it can be difficult to find cover if you are over 80 years of age.
Guide to finding travel insurance if you're over 85 years of age.
Trek confidently with one of these 10+ brands that offer trekking insurance.
Are you an Australian currently residing overseas and looking for travel insurance cover? Find cover options from international travel insurance providers and make a secure enquiry for cover.
We take a look to see if you are fully protected by insurance if your Airbnb trip goes wrong.
Finder's Travel Report explores what Australians want from travel, how they’re paying for it, and how COVID has changed their holiday habits.
A handful of countries, including Indonesia, have made COVID travel insurance a mandatory requirement.
Check out our coupon codes for Southern Cross Travel Insurance. You can conveniently plan your next trip's coverage for as little as $15.