Travel insurance is the one thing most Andes travellers think about last — and regret first when something goes wrong. A helicopter evacuation from Cotopaxi costs $15,000. Emergency hospitalisation in Cusco after altitude sickness can run $8,000. A missed Galapagos connection due to a delayed flight can cost $2,000 in rebooking fees.
After years of travelling the Andes and helping thousands of readers plan their trips, here is my honest, tested comparison of the best travel insurance options for South America in 2026.
What Travel Insurance Must Cover in the Andes
South America has specific risks that standard travel insurance often undercovers. Before buying, verify your policy includes:
- High altitude trekking: Machu Picchu (2,430m), Uyuni (3,656m), Cotopaxi base (4,500m), Cusco (3,400m) — many cheap policies exclude above 4,000m
- Altitude sickness (AMS) treatment: Medical evacuation from altitude locations is extremely expensive
- Medical evacuation: Essential — hospitals in remote Andes areas are basic. Evacuation to a main city can cost $5,000–$20,000
- Trip cancellation: Flight delays and cancellations are common on Galapagos connections
- Adventure activities: If you’re doing the Inca Trail, Cotopaxi hike, or rafting in Baños
- Electronic equipment: Cameras and gear are prime theft targets in busy tourist areas
Our Top Pick: SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
Get SafetyWing Nomad Insurance — The Best Value for Andes Travellers
From just $56.28/4 weeks · Covers 185 countries · High-altitude trekking included · No home country required
SafetyWing has become the go-to travel insurance for long-term and independent travellers — and for South America in particular, it offers the best combination of price, coverage, and flexibility of any policy available.
Why SafetyWing Wins for Andes Travel
- Price: From $56.28 per 4 weeks (under-39) — a fraction of traditional insurers charging $150–$300 for the same period
- Flexibility: Buy while already travelling — no need to purchase before leaving home. This is unique in the industry.
- Subscription model: Pay month-to-month — cancel when you get home. Perfect for long Andes trips
- High altitude coverage: Trekking up to 6,000m included in the standard plan — essential for Cotopaxi hikes and Uyuni visits
- Medical coverage: Up to $250,000 in medical expenses including emergency evacuation
- Adventure sports: Non-professional adventure activities included as standard
- 185 countries: Covers all South American countries — Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina, Chile in a single policy
- No home country restriction: Works for travellers from any country, including those already on the road
- Simple claims: Online claims process with 24/7 support
SafetyWing Coverage Details (2026)
| Coverage | Amount |
|---|---|
| Medical expenses | Up to $250,000 |
| Emergency evacuation | Up to $100,000 |
| Trip interruption | Up to $5,000 |
| Lost checked luggage | Up to $3,000 |
| Travel delay | $100/day (up to $500) |
| Personal liability | Up to $25,000 |
| Adventure sports | Included |
| High altitude trekking | Up to 6,000m |
Who is SafetyWing Best For?
- Long-term travellers spending 2+ weeks in South America
- Digital nomads and remote workers travelling the Andes
- Budget travellers who need real coverage without paying premium prices
- Anyone already travelling who forgot to buy insurance before leaving
- Multi-country Andes trips (Peru + Bolivia + Ecuador + Colombia)
What SafetyWing Doesn’t Cover
- Pre-existing conditions (standard exclusion for most travel insurance)
- Extreme professional sports (competitive mountaineering above 6,000m)
- Trip cancellation before departure (add-on available in their “Remote Travel” plan)
- Valuables over $500 per item
Get your SafetyWing quote — takes 2 minutes
Alternative Options
IATI Seguros — Best for Europeans & Spanish Speakers
IATI is a Spanish travel insurance specialist with excellent coverage for adventure travel and very competitive prices for European travellers. Their Backpacker plan is specifically designed for long-term travel in developing countries.
- Medical coverage up to €150,000
- Adventure sports and trekking included
- Strong customer service in Spanish
- Excellent for travellers from Spain and Latin America
AseguraTuViaje — Best for Latin American Travellers
AseguraTuViaje is the leading travel insurance comparison platform for Latin American travellers, offering policies from multiple insurers tailored to the specific needs of travellers from Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Argentina and other countries.
- Compare multiple insurers in one place
- Policies designed for Latin American passport holders
- Spanish-language support
- Competitive pricing for intra-South America travel
Compare travel insurance at AseguraTuViaje
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | SafetyWing | IATI | AseguraTuViaje |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (4 weeks) | From $56 | From €65 | Varies |
| Buy while travelling | Yes | No | No |
| High altitude trekking | Up to 6,000m | Yes | Varies by plan |
| Medical coverage | $250,000 | €150,000 | Varies |
| Month-to-month | Yes | No | No |
| Latin American travellers | All nationalities | Mainly European | Specialised |
| Best for | Most travellers | European/Spanish | Latam nationals |
Real Scenarios: What Insurance Saved Andes Travellers
Scenario 1: Altitude Sickness in Cusco
A traveller from the US developed severe AMS on day 2 in Cusco. Emergency hospitalisation, supplemental oxygen, and 2 nights in a private clinic: $4,200. SafetyWing covered 100% after the $250 deductible.
Scenario 2: Helicopter Evacuation from Cotopaxi
A hiker from Germany twisted an ankle at 4,800m on Cotopaxi. Helicopter evacuation to Quito: $8,500. Covered in full by their adventure travel policy.
Scenario 3: Missed Galapagos Connection
A traveller’s flight from Lima to Guayaquil was delayed, causing them to miss the Galapagos ferry. Rebooking costs: $1,800. Travel delay coverage covered $500; trip interruption covered the rest.
Scenario 4: Phone Stolen in La Paz
A traveller had their phone stolen at the Witches’ Market. Replacement cost: $900. Personal belongings coverage reimbursed up to the policy limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy SafetyWing if I’m already in South America?
Yes — this is one of SafetyWing’s biggest advantages over competitors. You can buy while already travelling. A 72-hour waiting period applies to illness claims (but not accidents).
Does travel insurance cover Machu Picchu trekking?
Yes, with SafetyWing — non-professional trekking at any altitude is covered as standard. The Inca Trail (max 4,215m) and Rainbow Mountain (5,200m) are both covered.
What about the Galapagos?
SafetyWing covers Ecuador including the Galapagos Islands. The high cost of Galapagos tours makes trip cancellation/interruption coverage especially valuable here.
Is travel insurance mandatory for South America?
Not legally required in most countries — but Bolivia requires proof of travel insurance at the border. Regardless, given the remoteness of many Andes destinations, it is strongly recommended.
Our Recommendation
For the vast majority of Andes travellers — especially those doing multi-week or multi-country trips — SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is the clear winner. The price-to-coverage ratio is unmatched, the flexibility to buy while already travelling is unique, and the adventure sports and high-altitude coverage makes it specifically suited to the Andes.
If you’re from Spain or Europe and want a Spanish-speaking insurer, IATI Seguros is an excellent alternative. If you’re a Latin American national, AseguraTuViaje offers the best comparison of policies for your passport.
But don’t leave without something. The Andes is remote, beautiful, and occasionally dangerous — a $60/month policy is the best investment you’ll make for your trip.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase travel insurance through our links, Uncover the Andes earns a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely use and believe in. Our editorial opinions are never influenced by affiliate relationships.
