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Home to white sand beaches, an impressive range of flora and fauna and a lively cultural scene, Honduras has long drawn backpackers and travelers looking for adventure. However, while stunningly beautiful, the country is far from risk-free. Before you pack your bags, make sure you pack the most important thing — a comprehensive travel insurance policy to keep you safe on your travels.
The US government has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Honduras as of March 2021. Read the fine print of your travel insurance policy to learn whether it covers emergencies, evacuations, interruptions or cancellations for your Honduras getaway during the pandemic. Learn more about restrictions and requirements for US travelers by country.
Coverage varies from policy to policy and will depend on what types of activities you intend to engage in while in Honduras, but basic things to look for when choosing a plan include:
Medical care. Basic medical coverage is a necessity, given the lack of physicians in Honduras — particularly in more remote areas. If you get sick or injured while on vacation, medical bills can quickly become unmanageable without insurance coverage. When choosing a plan, focus on what the deductible is — insurance is useless if you can’t afford the deductible.
Trip cancellations or delays. If your trip is canceled, your insurer can reimburse you. If your trip is delayed, or if you get stuck in Honduras longer than expected, your insurer can cover the cost of additional accommodations, plus any lost deposits or cancellation fees.
Lost or stolen belongings. If the airport loses your luggage or if your wallet is stolen, your insurer can reimburse you. Some policies will also offer coverage for delayed luggage, which can help cover the cost of toiletries and clothes if your luggage is delayed by more than a few hours.
Comprehensive. If you plan on being away for an extended period or intend to participate in a wide variety of activities, comprehensive coverage can take care of it all under one policy.
Extras
Honduras is full of beauty and excitement, not all of which will be covered on a basic insurance policy. These activities might require you to take out extra coverage:
Adventure activities. Ziplining, bungee jumping, skydiving and other adventurous pastimes in Honduras give you a chance to get your blood pumping for a thrill to remember. Riskier activities are sometimes excluded from basic insurance policies, so if you plan to get your adrenaline flowing, check with your insurer to see if you need to purchase extra coverage.
Scuba diving, snorkeling and water sports. Honduras is a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. Note that travel insurance conditions for scuba diving can vary between providers, especially in regards to depths covered.
Museums and historical sites. Some of the unique archaeological attractions in Honduras highlight the blend of colonial and traditional influences that have shaped the nation. Many can be found in the big cities, but others are more far-flung. If you’re prebooking your visits or going with a tour group, consider tour cancellation coverage.
Evacuation and repatriation. Finding quality medical care in Honduras can be challenging even in populated areas. Should you become ill or injured in more rural areas of the country, you could require transfer to the US. Under most circumstances while traveling in Honduras, evacuation coverage is highly recommended.
Exclusions vary from policy to policy, but you generally won’t be covered if:
You’re inebriated. If you injure yourself or someone else while drunk or on drugs not prescribed by a doctor, your insurer can deny your claim.
You traveled to an unsafe area. If you travel to an area that the US Department of State has issued an advisory against, your claim can be denied. At the time of writing, they recommend that you reconsider the need to travel to Honduras because of its high crime rate. This means that certain protections travel insurers usually offer — such as political evacuation — may not apply.
You acted irresponsibly. If your luggage is stolen while left unattended in a public place, you injure yourself doing something reckless or you file a claim resulting from any other irresponsible action, your claim can be denied.
How to stay safe in Honduras
Honduras is a beautiful country, but it’s also one that can be a bit risky for travelers. While caution is always your best first line of defense, travel insurance can help protect you from any financial liabilities. Issues to watch out for include:
Crime. Violent crime remains an issue in Honduras, including gang violence, carjackings, murder, armed robbery and assault. If an assailant confronts you, assume they’re armed and don’t resist.
Weather events. Hurricane season in Honduras is from June to November. This is when flooding, landslides, heavy rains, road closures and service disruptions are more likely to occur. Monitor local media for weather news and updates, and if you travel during hurricane season familiarize yourself with evacuation plans.
Transportation risks. If possible, travel in daylight as the risk of carjacking and robbery sharply increases after dark. Keep your windows closed and doors locked, and be wary of roadside robberies, particularly when driving from the airport or in a rental car, as tourists may find themselves targeted. Poorly maintained roads and vehicles and unpredictable local driving habits may contribute to the dangers, as can farm animals and pedestrians on the road. Avoid unlicensed taxis and don’t pick up hitchhikers.
Disease. Mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever, Zika and malaria, are present in Honduras, with a particular risk during the rainy season from May to November. Consult your doctor prior to traveling, and consider deferring travel plans if you’re pregnant. Water and foodborne illnesses are common and travelers are advised to avoid ice cubes and raw foods and drink only boiled or bottled water.
Seismic activity. Honduras is located in an active earthquake zone, and as a coastal region may also be subject to tsunamis. Check reports before heading to Honduras and cancel or delay your trip if an earthquake is expected.
What happens if I have a medical emergency in Honduras?
In the event of a medical emergency in Honduras, your number-one priority is to ensure your own safety and seek medical attention.
The standard of medical services in Honduras is highest in the major cities of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, but it’s still limited even there. Outside these areas, health services become very sparse— this is where evacuation and repatriation insurance coverage comes into play.
Doctors and hospitals will generally require payment up front, even for life-threatening conditions. It’s important to make sure your travel insurance policy pays for medical emergencies up front, especially if you don’t have enough in your account to pay potentially thousands or tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket and then claim it back later.
Who should I contact if something goes wrong?
In the event of an emergency in Honduras, you have several important points of contact.
Your insurer. Your travel insurance provider should operate a 24-hour claims helpline. Contact them as soon as you are reasonably and safely able in the event of any claim.
Police. You can reach the police in Honduras by dialing 119.
US embassy or consulate. If you get into legal trouble, lose your passport or if there’s a countrywide emergency, contact the nearest US embassy or consulate.
Bottom line
As a well-established tourist destination, Honduras boasts a wide range of museums, archaeological tourist sites, resorts and natural attractions, including world-renowned dive sites. Before you start planning everything you want to do on your vacation, think about what you don’t want. A travel insurance policy can keep you — and your bank account — safe from any mishaps on your trip.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for Honduras?
Honduras is part of the Central American Border Control Agreement (CA-4) along with Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala. This means that if you have a valid entry card for one of these countries you can use it for all them.
US citizens don’t require a visa to enter Honduras. Instead a passport valid for at least six months from date of entry is all you require. You can stay for up to 90 days.
When is the best time to visit Honduras?
The best time to visit Honduras is in February and March, when the weather is predictably warm and dry, the attractions are open and the forests are still lush. April to June has similar advantages but with somewhat wetter and less predictable weather.
Travel is not advisable during the wet season as you will likely encounter road closures, including those resulting from collapsed bridges.
When is the best time to purchase travel insurance?
Purchase your travel insurance for Honduras when you buy your plane ticket so that you’re covered if your trip is canceled.
Andrew Munro is the cryptocurrency editor at Finder. He was initially writing about insurance, when he accidentally fell in love with digital currency and distributed ledger technology (aka “the blockchain”). Andrew has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New South Wales, and has written guides about everything from industrial pigments to cosmetic surgery.
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