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Ecuador travel insurance

Ready to get moving? See quotes and compare travel insurance policies for Ecuador from over 15 brands

Exercise a high degree of caution
Updated by Smartraveller on 26 Sep 2024

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Why do I need travel insurance in Ecuador?

  • It can cover you for emergency medical treatment.
  • It can cover medical expenses caused by injuries and accidents, unless it's from an excluded activity.
  • It can pay for transport to hospital by helicopter or ambulance, as well as medical evacuations back to Australia.
  • If you're renting a car in Ecuador, make sure you have car rental excess cover.
  • Theft can occur in Ecuador. Travel insurance can cover you for lost or stolen valuables. This could include rings, necklaces, phones and watches.
  • Ecuador is home to active volcanoes. Travel insurance can cover travel disruptions caused by natural disasters.
  • Terrorism is a risk in Ecuador. A few insurers provide cover for medical and hospital expenses caused by an act of terrorism, including the cost of bringing you back home.

Looking for the best travel insurance for Ecuador? Check out our award winners in 2023

Ecuador travel insurance: Common exclusions

Every travel insurance policy has things you won't be covered for. Common exclusions include:

  • If you purchase cover after the incident has occurred. For example, if you take cover out after you've been injured and need medical attention.
  • Pre-existing medical conditions. If you have any major medical conditions, make sure you let your insurer know before taking out a policy. Otherwise you won't be covered for claims related to that condition.
  • You travel despite government travel advice. For example, if you travel to areas that have a warning from Smartraveller, such as Sucumbios and Esmereldas provinces and Guayaquil City, travel insurance may not cover you.
  • Incidents that occur while you're under the influence of drugs or alcohol. For example, if you go out drinking in Quito, get injured and need medical attention, travel insurance won't cover you.
  • Driving vehicles without a licence. Like Australia, you won't be covered for medical costs or personal liability expenses if you drive without a licence in Ecuador.

What add-ons should I look for?

  • If you have plans to zoom around Ecuador on a scooter or motorbike, make sure to have the right license, and the right policy.
Washing machine on fire
Did you know?
Natural disasters such as flooding, bushfires, earthquakes, tsunamis and landslides can occur in Ecuador.

Will I be covered for COVID-19?

Travel insurance can cover you for COVID-19 in Ecuador. A policy can cover you for the following:

  • Rearrangement costs if you catch the virus and need to change your plans. Lots of comprehensive travel insurance policies let you claim up to $5,000 towards these expenses.
  • Medical costs due to COVID-19. This can include hospital expenses and RATs if you catch COVID-19 while overseas (but you won't be covered for mandatory PCRs).
  • Expenses if you need to isolate. For example, if you catch COVID while you're overseas and need to push back your flight and stay in your accommodation longer.

How do I get cheap travel insurance for Ecuador?

  • Medical only or basic policies will generally be the cheaper policies on the market.
  • Use exclusive deals or promo codes to get a discount.
  • Opt for a higher excess. This will make your policy cheaper but more expensive if you have to claim.
  • Compare across a handful of travel insurers – they're not all the same.
  • Get the most value by buying your policy early. It means you're covered for longer while paying the same price.
Our best travel insurance policies
Gary Ross Hunter's headshot
Our expert says

"When I travel, I don't want to fork out a lot for travel insurance. I always get something above the bare minimum though which usually only covers medical-only expenses. Flight disruptions and delayed luggage are really common, so look for a cheap policy that covers me for these things."

Editor, Insurance

What do I do in emergencies?

For emergencies: call 911 (police), 911 (ambulance) or 911 (fire).

In a medical emergency, call for help and then contact your insurer on their emergency assistance line.

Gary Ross Hunter's headshot
Our expert says

"Civil unrest, security risks, threat of terrorist attack and crime are a concern in Ecuador, but you should still be eligible for travel insurance. It won't cover all of these situations but it can help cover medical costs, stolen belongings and much much more."

Editor, Insurance

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FAQs about Ecuador

Gary Ross Hunter's headshot
Editor, Insurance

Gary Ross Hunter was an editor at Finder, specialising in insurance. He’s been writing about life, travel, home, car, pet and health insurance for over 6 years and regularly appears as an insurance expert in publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Guardian and news.com.au. Gary holds a Kaplan Tier 2 General Advice General Insurance certification which meets the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146). See full bio

Gary Ross's expertise
Gary Ross has written 670 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Health, home, life, car, pet and travel insurance
  • Managing the cost of living

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