travel insurance to antarctica

Antarctica Travel Insurance: Get The Right Protection

It goes without saying that Antarctica travel, like all travel, comes with certain risks .

To ensure you understand all of your Antarctica travel insurance options, we have set out the main Antarctica Travel Insurance considerations below.

These include trip cancellation , medical evacuation and repatriation , baggage issues and what Antarctica activities you need cover for.

We have also provided a quick little Antarctica travel insurance calculator from the adventure travel insurance experts – World Nomads . You can use the nifty calculator to get an instant quote for your Antarctica travel journey. We explain the procedure below.

Please note: Antarctica Guide are not insurance experts. The considerations and information presented below are based on our personal experience and research. This page is for information purposes only and should not be relied on upon or construed as a insurance opinion or insurance advice regarding any specific issue or factual circumstance. You should always consult with your insurance provider for accurate information.

Antarctica Travel Insurance

Get an immediate quote from our recommended travel insurance provider, World Nomads.

Key Considerations

Trip cancellation, interruption, delays and policy excess.

Your Antarctica cruise is a big investment and you should therefore get the right Antarctica travel insurance to cover you for any unfortunate circumstances such as long delays or, god forbid, trip cancellation!

Antarctica’s notorious weather often dictates when a ship can depart. Although there is nothing anyone can do, delays are often long and can stop people from actually joining their intended cruise. It’s therefore vital to purchase an Antarctica travel insurance policy that covers you for ‘trip delays’, ‘trip interruptions’ and ‘trip cancellation’.

Trip Delays

The weather waits for no man and this is certainly true for Antarctica where the ships sail to the weathers clock. Most Antarctica travel insurance policies will cover you up to US$500 for trip delays, however, if you can find higher, do, as trip delays in Antarctica are common. In order to avoid disappointment, try to book your cruise with some leeway either side.

Trip Cancellation

If your Antarctica cruise still goes ahead but you have been forced to cancel it because you’re on a tight schedule, then US$500 is hardly going to cover it. This is why trip cancellation is very important. A good Antarctica travel insurance policy will include Trip cancellation cover which includes bad weather ! Trip cancellation generally pays out US$2,500 for standard cover or US$10,000 for advanced cover. If purchasing with World Nomads you’ll need to select the ‘Explorer’ option to get the advanced cover price.

Important Note

Trip cancellation is also important for other issues including unforeseen illness, family death, natural disasters and cruise operator insolvency. Although it sounds unlikely, one of the major Antarctica cruise operators had to cease operations a few years ago due to the economic crisis. People who had not purchased Antarctica travel insurance prior to their trip lost all their money. In terms of financial protection when booking with an operator, you need to make sure they’re ABTA and ATOL protected as this will allow their insurers to pay you out should the company become insolvent.

Trip interruption

Trip interruption cover is also a must as it is not uncommon for a ship to turn around due to rough weather – especially on the notorious Drake Passage . Trip interruption will cover you up to US$5,000 on a standard Antarctica travel insurance policy, however, the explorer option on World Nomads covers you up to US$10,000.

Policy Excess

One of the most common things that drives down the price of Antarctica travel insurance policies is the excess amount. Most insurers will have an excess of roughly US$100-200. This means that any claim you make, you have to pay the excess amount first. World Nomads are one of the few Antarctica travel insurers that have a zero excess policy.

Emergency Evacuation, Repatriation and Medical Expenses

Because of Antarctica’s remote location and the expense of getting someone to a medical facility, every Antarctica operator requires you to be covered for emergency evacuation insurance.

 All vessel companies require you to have insurance that covers air lift evacuation in case of a medical emergency, without this they will refuse you on board.

Most Antarctica operators will require you to have emergency evacuation, repatriation and medical cover up to US$200,000. Generally, the minimum cost of an Antarctica evacuation is US$100,000! Therefore, when it comes to emergency evacuation, medical fees and, in particular, repatriation, the higher the cover amount the better! Evacuation is never cheap, especially from somewhere as remote as Antarctica. Simple hospital operations will cost over US$10,000 and repatriation often costs in the hundreds of thousands.

A good Antarctica travel insurance policy will cover more than US$200,000, particularly in Antarctica where evacuation is very difficult.

Be warned here, many Antarctica travel insurance policies will claim that they cover you for US$10,000,000 or more, however, this rarely includes actual evacuation, especially from remote areas like Antarctica.

Please also note, antarctica travel insurance policies will not cover you for any pre-existing illnesses. Also, please do not rely on your credit card travel insurance or something similar as these policies often will not cover Antarctica expeditions, medical evacuations and trip delays.

Get an Insurance Quote

On-shore and off-shore activity cover.

One of the most important aspects of any Antarctica travel insurance policy is understanding what activities you are covered for.

Insurers will never openly state these activities and it is up to you to read the fine print to make sure you’re covered for the activities you wish to do. Be warned, some Antarctica travel insurance policies stop covering you at any point you leave your cruise ship!

Most policies will cover you for on-shore activities such as wildlife watching, however, if you add an activity on to this, you’ll need to check whether you’re covered, particularly for kayaking , scuba diving , skiing, camping and climbing.

For example, a travel insurance policy with World Nomads (who are particularly good when it comes to activities) cover cruises to Antarctica including zodiac trips, shore-landings, kayaking and paddle-boarding, but not all plans cover overnight or remote expeditions, trekking, climbing, mountaineering or skiing on Antarctica peaks. It may be possible to upgrade your plan or activities cover if you want to scuba dive, snorkel, hike or climb so check your policy carefully when you buy it.  For full details, contact World Nomads as coverage, conditions and exclusions will vary, depending on your country of residence.

Baggage Loss, Theft and Delay

Another important element to any Antarctica travel insurance policy is your baggage cover. This is often particularly important to Antarctica travelers as many of us carry expensive camera gear!

No one wants to turn up for their long-awaited Antarctica journey to find their expensive equipment has been stolen, lost or broken. Luckily, nearly all standard Antarctica insurance policies cover for this, however, it’s important to understand how much your covered for.

A standard amount for lost or stolen baggage is US$1,000. If like us, you’re carrying expensive camera gear, this amount won’t really cut it! We suggest therefore getting a premium plan or the ‘Explorer’ plan with World Nomads that covers you up to US$3,000 for lost and stolen baggage and US$750 for delayed baggage (over 12 hours).

An important note here is that many Antarctica travel insurance policies will state that they cover you for millions and that you’ll get thousands and thousands back for your lost, damaged or stolen gear , however, this is not entirely true. This is why the wording of the policy is key. Most policies will not actually cover you for optic gear or any electronic gear! Most policies will also not cover you for any items bought second-hand.

We always recommend to travelers to bring a small lock to secure your baggage. Although theft is certainly not a problem in Antarctica or on any Antarctica cruises , Ushuaia is a busy city in which crime does happen.

Please also remember that you will be travelling in several countries, not just Antarctica and that you’ll need to take out insurance for these places also. If you are leaving from Ushuaia for example, you’ll need a Antarctica travel insurance policy that covers you for both Antarctica and Argentina.

World Nomads Insurance Calculator

Below is a very quick calculator by World Nomads which you can use to get your Antarctica travel insurance quote.

The quote that will initially be provided  to you will be for World Nomad’s ‘standard’ policy option. However, depending on your country of residence, you may see both the ‘Standard’ and ‘Explorer’ options on your screen.

If you just wish to purchase the standard option then all you need to do is fill out the form and then follow the instructions. If you wish to purchase the advanced ‘Explorer’ policy, then just follow the instructions below.

STEP 1: FILL OUT THE FIELDS IN THE CALCULATOR BELOW AND CLICK ‘GET A PRICE’ (REMEMBER TO PUT IN BOTH ANTARCTICA AND ANY OTHER COUNTRY YOU VISIT)

STEP 2: CLICK ON THE ACTIVITIES LIST TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE COVERED FOR THE ACTIVITIES YOU ARE PLANNING

Depending on your country of residence, the activities you are covered for on a standard policy will change. For example, a standard policy for a US citizen will not cover snorkeling, however, for a UK or Australian citizen, snorkeling is covered as standard. 

The activities button is located just above the ‘Buy It Now’ button on each policy option. See Image below marked in red:

When you click the activities option you’ll be greeted with a blue page that has every activity World Nomads cover. 

Activities with the number 1 after them are covered in your particular policy as standard whereas the activities with a number 2 after them are only covered if you select the ‘Explorer’ option. See Image below:

For non US citizens, there will also be the chance to ‘upgrade’ your policy. This means you can add certain activities onto your policy and also take out higher coverage for your personal items and gear.

If you would like to know more about Antarctica travel insurance please leave a comment below and we will endeavor to get back to you within 24 hours! Alternatively, please see our FAQ page here . If you would like to get a cruise quote, please use this form.

Thank you - AntarcticaGuide Team

Tags: Antarctica travel insurance, do you need travel insurance for Antarctica, travel insurance Antarctica

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• Travel Guide

How To Find The Best Antarctica Travel Insurance For You

Key considerations for antarctica travel insurance, geographical coverage, trip delays, missed flight/connection, trip cancellation, trip interruption, policy excess, medical emergency evacuation, repatriation and expenses (including covid-19), on-shore and off-shore adventure activity cover, baggage loss, theft and delay, frequently asked questions about antarctica travel insurance, why should i purchase travel insurance for my polar expedition, when should i arrange my travel insurance, what is the difference between medical insurance and emergency evacuation insurance, what part of my expedition do i need to cover with travel insurance, what if i have travel insurance through my own credit card benefits, what if i already have a worldwide travel insurance policy, can you not choose and book my travel insurance for me, what is the best travel insurance for antarctica, antarctica travel insurance providers, antarctica travel insurance for north american travelers, antarctica travel insurance for uk travelers, antarctica travel insurance for australian travelers, questions you may like to ask your insurer, i’ve bought my insurance. what next.

Travel insurance is not just important when visiting Antarctica due to its extreme isolation, conditions, and the considerable costs associated, but some levels of coverage—especially with regards emergency evacuation, repatriation, and medical cover—are a mandatory requirement for travelers.

As with any form of travel, insurance to protect you, your belongings, and your investment, is a wise choice, but perhaps never has it been more apparent than when booking an Antarctica expedition where the risk-reward relationship is higher than most.

Modern explorers certainly have it easier than those in whose wakes they follow, with the latest state-of-the-art expedition vessels arguably the safest found anywhere on the seven seas, but it would be foolhardy to take a trip to this wild and unpredictable part of the world without adequate protection.

Here we’ll take a look at how travel insurance for Antarctica—like the continent itself—is unlike anything else, and point out what makes a good policy to give you the peace of mind to embark on your expedition with only excitement and without any apprehension.

While most cruises tend to visit the Antarctic Peninsula region, some visit more remote reaches of the continent, and other trips even venture into the depths of the Antarctic interior. So whilst an insurance policy may state it covers Antarctica, please do check it covers the entire continent or at a minimum your chosen expedition route.

Operator requirements regarding travel insurance covering Antarctica’s interior are normally even greater than those for Antarctica cruises given the extra logistical complications, higher costs associated with evacuation, your likely participation in more adventurous (and subsequently hazardous) activities, and the added danger of higher altitude—as Buzz Aldrin, the second man on the Moon, will attest after having to be evacuated from the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station to McMurdo Station on the south tip of Ross Island and on to Christchurch, New Zealand, after succumbing to its effects.

So if you are planning a visit to the South Pole or spending some significant time camping on the White Continent, be prepared for higher minimum coverage requirements for Medical Evacuation Insurance—anywhere from USD$150,000, but as high as USD$300,000 for expeditions outside of the Ellsworth Mountains—and also be aware that policies often need to be not just for the duration of your expedition but at least 7 days beyond your return flights home to ensure you’re covered in the event of any unforeseen delays.

Whichever part of the White Continent you’ll be exploring, you’ll likely be traveling to several countries en route to Antarctica so you will need to ensure your policy covers these destinations too. For example, if your cruise departs from Ushuaia, you’ll need a policy that covers you for both Argentina and Antarctica, or if you are booked on a fly-cruise from Punta Arenas you will require a policy covering Chile and Antarctica.

Related to this, it is also important to check whether your insurance will still cover you in the event of any changes to governmental travel advisories relevant to your trip, such as a Level 4 travel advisory being announced unexpectedly before or during your travels.

Nowhere else but Antarctica can the weather conditions actually dictate when your ship or aircraft can depart, and delays due to dangerous flight or unsailable sea conditions can be long, sometimes even days. It’s therefore vital to purchase an Antarctica travel insurance policy that covers you for trip delays.

Most Antarctica travel insurance policies will cover you up to somewhere in the region of USD$500 for trip delays, however, if you can find higher, do so, as trip delays in Antarctica are not uncommon. In order to avoid disappointment it’s best to book your Antarctica cruise with some leeway either side to give yourself the flexibility to adjust your travel plans as required.

While travel delay typically covers a daily amount for unplanned accommodations and other costs incurred as a result of a delay, missed flight/connection cover—often available as an add-on—additionally reimburses you for potentially expensive transportation costs required to “catch up” to your trip in the event of a covered delay. This may be very useful for those with short lay-overs or anyone considering a fly-cruise itinerary where the connecting flight is crucial to the experience.

Whilst Trip Cancellation insurance isn’t a requirement as such, given the high cost of Antarctica expeditions we strongly advise that you do purchase it to protect yourself against any event which may force you to cancel your trip before departure, including unforeseen illness, family death, or natural disasters.

Equally unlikely, potential cruise operator insolvency is also a possibility. Indeed, one of the major Antarctica cruise operators was forced to cease operations a few years ago and anyone who had not purchased Antarctica travel insurance prior to their trip lost any monies they had already paid. A good Antarctica trip cancellation policy will also include cover for the continent’s capricious weather conditions.

Trip cancellation generally pays out anywhere from USD$2,500 – USD$10,000 depending on the policy level, so if your trip costs more than the limit specified you may wish to consider purchasing a “top-up” policy to cover the difference.

A trip interruption normally occurs when a traveler unexpectedly has to cut short their trip and return home—like trip cancellation but after you have already begun your trip—so it is equally sensible to protect yourself for any events that may cause you to leave your polar experience part-way through.

Conversely, trip interruption can also encompass events which may cause you to have to stay in your destination longer than you’d originally planned. If you are sailing the notorious Drake Passage, trip interruption cover would be sensible as it is not unheard of for a ship to have to turn around due to high winds and rough seas. Trip interruption normally covers you up to USD$5,000 on a standard Antarctica travel insurance policy.

One tool at your disposal for reducing the price of your Antarctica travel insurance policy is by raising your policy excess—the amount you are willing to pay first as part of any claim. Most insurers will have a compulsory excess of roughly USD$100 – USD$200. If you wish to remove such an excess, note that only a few Antarctica travel insurers offer zero excess policies.

Because of Antarctica’s remote location and the expense of getting someone to a medical facility, every Antarctic tour operator requires you to have a certain level of medical emergency (air-)evacuation insurance before you can embark your expedition vessel. (Medical repatriation is slightly different to medical emergency evacuation as it covers travelers who’d prefer to be taken home to have medical treatment rather than just be taken to the nearest hospital.)

Given the cost of an Antarctica evacuation is upwards of USD$100,000 and simple hospital operations costing in excess of USD$10,000, it’s perhaps unsurprising that Antarctica operators typically require you to have a minimum emergency evacuation, repatriation and medical cover of USD$100,000 – USD$250,000 (or even higher for trips to the Antarctic interior outside of the Ellsworth Mountains). It is important that you check this minimum amount in advance. Be warned that while many Antarctica travel insurance policies may claim they cover you for USD$5,000,000 or more, this rarely includes any actual evacuation so do check the wording carefully.

Closely linked to the topic of geographical coverage, Argentina and Chile (or any other country you may be traveling through to get to Antarctica) may also have their own medical insurance requirements for entry into the country. For example, during the pandemic, both these countries required foreign nationals to have medical insurance that explicitly covered any expenses relating to COVID-19 (medical costs, quarantine, trip delay, etc.) upon entry, indeed Chile required a fixed level of medical insurance with a minimum claim value of USD$30,000.

Whilst these may no longer be applicable currently, the situation may revert back so we have included this point to raise awareness. Please be aware that whilst we make every effort to ensure the latest requirements are reflected here, it is your responsibility to check they haven’t changed before you travel.

Also note that, as with all medical insurance, Antarctica travel insurance policies will not cover you for any pre-existing medical conditions or illnesses.

One of the most important aspects of any Antarctica travel insurance policy is understanding what activities you are covered for. Some policies may stop covering you the moment you leave your cruise ship, others however may cover you (as standard or via an add-on) for some but not all polar pursuits you’ll be partaking in. Even if they do in fact cover every adventure, activity, insurers rarely openly state every covered activity so it will be up to you to read the fine print to make sure you’re covered.

Most policies will cover you for on-shore activities such as wildlife watching, but activities such as kayaking, scuba diving, camping and hiking are typically not covered as standard but easily added on for a premium. More hazardous activities or trips to the Antarctic interior like mountaineering, skiing, and skydiving may require separate specific coverage or higher minimum medical evacuation limits.

Another important consideration for your Antarctica travel insurance is your baggage cover—particularly important for the many Antarctica travelers planning to take high-end camera gear with them. No one wants to turn up for their once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica expedition to find their expensive equipment has been lost in transit, damaged, or worse still, stolen. Luckily, all standard Antarctica insurance policies cover for such scenarios to some extent, however, it’s important to understand how much you are covered for.

A standard amount for lost or stolen luggage is USD$1,000, but if you’re carrying expensive camera gear, this amount won’t really cut it! Also note that many policies will not actually cover you for any optic or electronic gear, or any items that have been bought second-hand.

It’s always advisable to bring a lock to secure your luggage. Although theft is not a problem in Antarctica or on any Antarctic expedition cruises, like any busy city the world over, Ushuaia and other South American cities you may visit or transit through are not exempt from crime and sensible precautions should be taken.

Here is a list of the most common questions we receive with regards travel insurance for Antarctica cruises and expeditions. Should you have any additional questions that aren’t covered here, feel free to get in touch with our specialists who will endeavor to answer your queries.

Given the remote regions you’ll be visiting, the unpredictable weather and sea conditions, and the high cost of a polar expedition, comprehensive travel insurance is not only strongly recommended to protect yourself, your belongings, and your investment, but certain levels of coverage is also a stipulation of cruise operators in order to embark on an expedition.

It is best practice to arrange any travel insurance at the same time as you book your trip (or as soon after booking as is feasible) not only to ensure your investment is protected for trip cancellation as soon as possible, but also because some insurance policies actually offer a reduced level of coverage—or none at all in the case of “Cancel for Any Reason” policies—if not bought sufficiently soon after paying for your cruise deposit.

Emergency Evacuation Insurance covers the incurred transportation costs associated with getting you to the nearest location with a medical facility for your needs, whereas Medical Insurance takes over once you get to that facility to cover your medical expenses, such as medical procedures, doctor/hospital fees, prescriptions, etc.

It is recommended you purchase travel insurance coverage for the entire cost and duration of your travel plans, including any countries you’ll be visiting or traveling through before and after your expedition. If you are planning to visit the Antarctic Interior you may even need to get coverage for up to a week after your scheduled return date in the event of any unforeseen delays.

Credit card travel insurance policies often exclude Antarctica expeditions, medical evacuations, and trip delays, but it is your responsibility to find out what travel insurance coverage and benefits you may have through your credit card provider to see if it is suitable and sufficient for your and any tour operator requirements.

Despite being called ‘worldwide’ policies, many do not include Antarctica so it is always advisable to check the geographical coverage of your policy. Even if they do, such policies rarely have the requisite levels of coverage for emergency evacuation, or indeed the desired trip cancellation amounts either. It may however be possible to top up an existing policy with your current or a separate provider, but do be aware that top up insurance is contingent on your base insurance paying out.

Antarctica Cruises are not insurance experts and are not legally permitted to provide insurance advice. Any considerations and comments here are solely based on our personal experiences and research, and should not be relied upon or construed as insurance advice in any way. Each traveler is individually responsible for arranging their own insurance and should always consult with an accredited insurance provider or broker for accurate information.

Really this question should be, “what is the best travel insurance policy for my Antarctica trip?” as everyone’s personal circumstances, age, health, belongings, route, activities, historical claims, affluence levels, and risk appetite are unique to them.

For example, someone may be too old, be wanting to bring too expensive camera equipment, or take part in too hazardous an activity for some underwriters to insure for a reasonable price or at all. Other travelers may be wanting to visit more remote locations than someone else, and may be willing to pay much more in excess in the event of a claim for a lower premium.

All this goes to highlight that the best Antarctica travel insurance policy for you will always be the one which provides you personally with sufficient peace of mind, whilst still satisfying the requirements of the tour operator you’ll be traveling with. For more detailed information on what is required for your specific expedition please refer to your tour operator’s terms and conditions.

We have provided a list of well-known Antarctica travel insurance providers below to assist you in finding and researching those Antarctica insurance policies we are aware of. As our expertise lies in Antarctic expedition cruises and not the nuances of insurance—not to mention that legally we are not permitted to provide any insurance advice—please address any specific questions you may have about your particular requirements to them.

Given insurance typically has to be bought in your country of residence, it may be worthwhile contacting a local insurance broker who has a thorough understanding of the options available in your region, as they may be able to match you up to a suitable policy.

Always take the time to thoroughly review any prospective policy and its exclusions before purchasing. Again, for legal reasons we are unable to check the wording or suitability of any policies you are considering, so  should you have any queries needing clarification please contact the relevant insurer directly.

If your locale is not listed below then unfortunately we are unable to provide any insurer information.

Please note that many standard US-based insurance policies will cover you for travel to a Level 4 travel advisory country, but not for cancellation because of a state advisory change prior to entering the country or for “fear of travel” reasons. Known Antarctica travel insurance providers serving North America residents who you may like to contact for a quote include:

Cat70 Tin Leg HTH Travel Insurance Travel Guard Travelex Arch – RoamRight Allianz Squaremouth (comparison site)

Please note that standard UK insurance policies often have insufficient cancellation coverage to fully protect most trips to Antarctica, so you may need to consider purchasing an additional “top-up” policy. Known Antarctica travel insurance providers serving UK residents who you may like to contact for a quote include:

PJ Hayman Campbell Irvine Travel + General

Known Antarctica travel insurance providers serving Australia residents who you may like to contact for a quote include:

NIB Travel insurance

Here are some important points you may like to discuss with your insurer prior to purchasing your Antarctica travel insurance policy. We strongly recommend phoning insurers to discuss your requirements as it can prove difficult finding all the necessary answers online, not to mention time consuming.

Please note this list of questions is not exhaustive and you should ensure you also discuss any relevant personal circumstances which apply to you.

• Does the policy cover cruising or travel to countries that are subject to a travel advisory? For example, for US-based travelers it’s important to ask about scenarios around US State Department travel advisory Level 4, both prior to booking or during your trip.
• What coverage does this policy include in relation to COVID-19? For example, cancellation coverage for the full value of the trip should you test positive prior to departure, and travel delay, interruption, and medical coverage should you test positive during travel and need medical costs?
• Does the policy cover you for any missed flights, connections, or airline delays which may have a detrimental knock-on effect to your trip?
• Will the policy cover you for any lost or curtailed cruise days as a result of inclement weather, along with any charges for rescheduling other impacted travel arrangements such as hotels and flights.
• Does the cancellation coverage amount actually cover the full cost of the expedition cruise plus any flights and hotel arrangements that you may have booked separately?
• Is a “Cancel for Any Reason” policy available and, if so, what are its terms and conditions?
• Does the policy sufficiently cover all the requirements set out by your tour operator? This may include mandatory emergency evacuation coverage to a certain value.
• Are all the adventure activities I’ll be participating in covered?

Having the right travel insurance for you and your Antarctic adventure will give you peace of mind before and during your travels, so be sure to take your time to research the options available and scrutinize the fine print.

Once you have booked your trip with us and bought an appropriate insurance policy to comprehensively cover your full itinerary and any associated activities, your Antarctica specialist will request a copy, usually several weeks in advance of travel, to submit to the relevant tour operators for review and filing as proof of coverage. After that, you can concern yourself with packing your bags and building up the excitement for your trip of a lifetime.

When it comes to actually traveling, we recommend not only having your policy easily accessible on your phone, but also carrying a printout (or two) to show at airline counters when boarding your flight(s) if requested, and storing both your policy number any relevant claim hotline numbers in your contacts for ease of reference. Hopefully you’ll be among the throngs of Antarctic travelers who won’t be in need of any of them, but in the unlikely event a situation arises that you do need to make a claim for, be sure to inform your insurer immediately and adhere to any specific process they require you to follow as specified in their policy wording.

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Our travel guides are for informational purposes only. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, Antarctica Cruises makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information in our guides or found by following any link on this site.

Antarctica Cruises cannot and will not accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies, or for any consequences arising therefrom, including any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the display or use of this information.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

Get in touch with us via phone or form today and you’ll be assigned a dedicated Antarctica specialist who’ll be with you every step of the way to help you choose, book and plan the right Antarctica cruise for you. Here’s how it works:

Listen & Match

We’ll carefully listen to your aspirations and curate an impartial shortlist of personalized polar cruise recommendations—and pre- and post-cruise extensions—to match your desired experience.

Reserve & Relax

Next we’ll place a free, no obligation, 24-hour cabin hold on your preferred cruise option whilst we discuss the final details. Book and relax safe in the knowledge you’ll be paying the lowest price guaranteed.

Prepare & Travel

Then we’ll provide you with our expert packing advice, insider travel tips, and more to ensure you are fully prepared for—and maximize your enjoyment of—your once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica expedition.

• With Partner/Friend
• With Family
• As Part Of A Group
• Emperor Penguin
• Photography
• Exploration Heritage
• Antarctic Peninsula
• Antarctic Circle
• Falklands/S. Georgia
• Weddell Sea
• Ross Sea/E. Antarctica

6 Best Antarctica Travel Insurance Plans for US Citizens in 2024

Updated on January 10, 2024 by Matthew H. Nash – Licensed Insurance Agent

• SwiftScore Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Antarctica travelers. Learn more at the end of this page.

STARTING PRICE FOR 2-WEEK TRIP TO THE ANTARCTICA

CAN YOU CANCEL YOUR TRIP FOR ANY REASON? 

BEST  WEBSITE FOR

Comparing Policies

• Compare dozens of the best Antarctica travel insurance policies from all the major providers in one place
• Easily filter for the features you want and get support from their award-winning customer service team
• Founded in 2013, TravelInsurance.com has helped hundreds of thousands of travelers find affordable insurance coverage

BEST  POLICY FOR

Fastest Claims

• Super fast claims via their 100% digital platform with a helpful mobile app
• Faye makes it easy to add-on coverage for vacation rentals, adventure/extreme sports, pet emergencies, and “cancel for any reason” at competitive prices
• Underwritten by Crum & Forster, Faye is known for its exceptional customer support, with 4.8/5 stars on Trustpilot

• SwiftScore Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to travelers. Learn more at the end of this page.

BEST POLICY FOR

Travelers Aged 55+

• Pre-existing medical conditions are covered for a reasonable fee and they offer “cancel for any reason” as an add-on
• $2,000 COVID quarantine coverage available w/ Safe Travels Voyager plan
• Founded in 1998 and underwritten by Nationwide and GBG Insurance

BEST WEBSITE FOR

Filtering Plans

• This comparison website has the most comprehensive filters especially for Covid-19 which helps you search for the specific benefits you need
• They have “Zero Complaint Guarantee” which promises a fair claims process
• Established in 2003, Squaremouth has consistently been recognized for it’s exceptional customer service

BEST POLICY FROM

An Established Brand

• Well rounded, inexpensive travel insurance plans from an established and top rated global insurance company
• AXA has plans that cover pre-existing conditions and their “Platinum” plan covers “cancel for any reason” with an optional add-on. They also offer helpful 24/7 Worldwide Travel Assistance Services
• Founded in 1959 and underwritten by Nationwide

Long-term Travel

• Ideal for digital nomads and long-term travel, available to anyone anywhere
• Scored lower because short-term travel coverage isn’t as robust as competitors
• Founded in 2018 and is underwritten by Lloyds of London

CAN YOU CANCEL YOUR TRIP FOR ANY REASON?

Antarctica travel insurance FAQs

Is antarctica travel insurance worth it.

Antarctica travel insurance is worthwhile because it shields you against the financial costs that come with trip interruption, cancellation, damaged or lost luggage, medical emergencies, and evacuations. It also covers you for reasons beyond the scope of your policy’s standard benefits if you purchased an optional “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) upgrade. Travel insurance plays a crucial role in assisting you and your travel companions through medical emergencies by arranging airlifts or other means of evacuation and that you receive top-level care. My experiences have shown that travel insurance gives travelers peace of mind that they wouldn’t otherwise have, making it beneficial for a destination like Antarctica, where you confront the harshest climate. It is worth mentioning that travel insurance is highly affordable, usually costing only 2-3% of your overall trip cost (differs by age).

What qualifies as a trip interruption?

Trip Interruption is when an unforeseen emergency forces you to cut your trip short and fly home. Events that often fall under coverage include terrorist attacks, extreme weather, and the injury, death, or illness of a traveler insured on your policy. Since coverage kicks in once your trip starts, Trip-Interruption is considered a post-departure benefit.

When should I purchase Antarctica travel insurance?

I recommend buying your Antarctica travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. Once you have a policy in place, your Trip Cancellation benefits go into effect, protecting you and any other insured travelers on your policy from the financial loss that may result from unexpected events before or during your vacation. Keep in mind that should you wish to purchase a “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) add-on plan or a Pre-Existing Condition package, you can only do so within 14-21 days of when you paid your trip deposit. This window differs between providers, so check your policy’s full details for more information.

How can I find the cheapest Antarctica travel insurance plan?

I recommend that travelers search for travel insurance plans on a comparison site. You can filter through policies based on your specific needs and sort them from cheapest to most expensive. My preferred comparison site for travel insurance is WithFaye.com .

How can I file a claim with my insurance provider?

Travel insurance companies have claim portals on their website, usually linked in the footer. It will say something along the lines of “Make a claim,” “Submit a claim,” or “Claims.” Click the link, and follow the steps as instructed. You will be asked for several pieces of information and upload all relevant documentation. Most companies will also allow you to submit claims via mail as well.

How long does the claim process take?

After you file a claim and submit all of the requisite documentation, expect it to take 6 to 8 weeks to be processed, with reimbursement to follow shortly after that. Of course, this varies from one provider to the next.

Do I have any recourse if my travel insurance claim is rejected?

If your claim gets rejected, it’s always important to review the following criteria to ensure it is valid. Did you follow the required procedures for claim submissions? Did you fail to disclose a pre-existing medical condition for you or one of your insured travel companions? Did you forget to state trip costs accurately when you purchased your travel insurance plan? Does the claim you are filing fall under the provisions of your policy? If, after reviewing these criteria, you still feel your claim is valid, the insurance company will give you potential follow-up steps that you can take.

How is “total trip cost” defined when it comes to buying travel insurance?

Total trip cost is essential in determining Trip Interruption and Trip Cancellation benefits, so you must calculate this accurately. Total trip cost is defined as the full cost of all non-refundable costs you prepaid. These include cruises, plane tickets, hotel or accommodation packages, retreats, event tickets, tours, and more. Always include everything you have prepaid that you would not be able to get a full refund for should you have to cancel your trip. Also, you will need to add any penalties you would be required to pay if you cancel your trip, even if you did not have to prepay anything. Remember, to qualify for the benefits in your policy, round your total trip cost up to the nearest dollar. And more importantly, never list your trip as being cheaper than it is just to secure a cheaper policy. Doing so will automatically disqualify you from receiving benefits.

Common problems tourists experience in Antarctica and how to avoid them:

Seeing as almost all tourists visit Antarctica via cruise or research boat, you will face the typical illnesses that come with living in such close quarters with hundreds or thousands of people. Another concern is the cold and potentially harsh weather conditions. Follow your tour operator’s packing instructions to the letter. Many tour operators will also provide each traveler with the essential dry gear. All ships have their own dynamic medical staff living aboard.

Aside from sightseeing, Antarctica’s most common tourist activity is sea kayaking. Of course, accidents may result, but the ship/boat you’re aboard has a highly trained medical team to take care of you. Keep in mind that severe injuries may require air evacuations, which can be costly. A good travel insurance plan can shield you against such expenses and ensure you get the best care possible.

Since Antarctica has no public infrastructure, you will be keeping your most valuable possessions on the boat. To protect your belongings, keep your cabin locked at all times. Beyond this, theft most likely will not be an issue on your trip.

Emergency resources for Antarctica

Phone numbers.

Most emergencies, particularly medical ones, can be handled by your tour operator as they all have highly-skilled medical teams. However, on the rare occasion, they are not equipped to handle something, dial 911. Your call will run through the United States’ McMurdo Station’s fire and emergency dispatch. Help will come from the nearest island or country with the necessary resources.

US embassy or consulate details

Since Antarctica does not have a government or permanent residents, there is no embassy or consulate on the continent. Any matters pertaining to citizen services will have to be dealt with once you return to Argentina or Chile after your cruise around Antarctica.

Additional information to help travelers have a better experience in Antarctica:

The Antarctic dollar is merely a collectible item and not used as legal tender. If you are fortunate enough to be on a boat with less than 500 passengers, you’ll be able to go on land in Antarctica and even buy some postcards and souvenirs at one of the major research stations. An ATM at the United States’ McMurdo Station dispenses dollars, and Euros or British Pounds are also used at other stations.

Etiquette & Local Customs

Antarctica may not be a country with its own people and culture, but there is undoubtedly a “wilderness etiquette” that you will be expected to follow. Every species has a specific distance you must keep from them. Please adhere to these distances strictly; they are not only for the safety of the wildlife but you too! Another expectation is that you take no natural souvenirs with you, including rocks, eggs, bones or other pieces of nature. A third rule is to leave no trace. Do not disturb the natural environment by making too much noise, leaving behind litter, altering any sites or smoking. Last but equally as important is that you wash and sterilize all of your gear before leaving for Antarctica. If you don’t, you may unwittingly bring pests from home that can adversely affect the White Continent’s fragile ecosystem. Your tour operator will spell out all rules and expectations before you disembark from the ship.

Food & Drink

Your meals will be limited to whatever is available on the ship you’re living aboard for this vacation. How many dining venues and styles of food will vary depending upon the cruise line you’re traveling with and the size of your ship. That said, most cruises offer a vast and delicious selection of meals, allowing you to never eat the same thing each time you sit down during your Antarctica cruise. They also have an array of menu items to suit most preferences, and you are free to eat until your heart’s content. The same usually goes for drinks, but you might want to take it easy on the alcohol or hydrated and ill, especially after a long day of being outdoors.

Getting Around

While you will spend much time sightseeing aboard your cruise ship or research boat, your excursions will usually occur via zodiacs or sea kayaks.

Immigration

Since Antarctica is not a country or a territory of another country, you do not need a visa. That said, the US was one of forty signers of the Antarctic Treaty’s Protocol on Environment Protection, meaning that all Americans are required to get permission to visit the White Continent. The good news is that your tour operator almost always takes care of this.

Antarctica has no permanent residents, but it has approximately 1,000 temporary residents from all over the world for scientific research purposes. While English is the de facto language of science, the most represented populations are from the US, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, China and Japan. Most staff members will speak English and possibly other languages regarding your cruise ship.

All services that require tipping will be on your cruise ship or organized by your tour operator. Tip $6-7/person/day for cabin attendants and waiters, $4-5/person/day for assistant waiters, 15-18% of the bill for bartenders and deck stewards and $5-$10 for the maitre d’ should they provide you with any special services, a $5 to $10 tip is adequate.

Packing advice for Antarctica

Apart from Travel Insurance, we recommend you bring the following items for maximum health, safety, and enjoyment of your trip to Antarctica.

A final note about travel insurance for the Antarctica

I have spent dozens of hours researching travel insurance, including getting quotes and comparing coverage from all the most popular brands. Regardless of where you’re going I am confident that you will also find that WithFaye.com offers the best way to compare policies with the ideal combo of coverage and price.

I wish you and yours an incredible journey.

SwiftScore Ranking Methodology

• Average price for a 2-week vacation based on a 35-year-old California resident traveling to the Antarctica with a $3,500 trip cost
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• Cancel for any reason (CFAR)
• AM Best rating of the underwriter
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• Key takeaways

What to consider when taking a trip to Antarctica

What antarctica travel insurance coverage do i need, what isn’t covered by travel insurance for antarctica, how much does travel insurance for antarctica cost, tips for getting the best antarctica travel insurance, faq: antarctica travel insurance, related topics.

Antarctica Travel Insurance: Tips & Requirements for US Visitors

• There are no major medical facilities in Antarctica , so medical emergencies require medical evacuation to another country.
• Medical evacuations from Antarctica are expensive and require a huge effort, so tour operators typically require you to have at least $100,000 in travel medical and at least $250,000 in medical evacuation coverage .
• In addition to medical coverage, more comprehensive travel insurance plans will also include trip cancellation and interruption coverage, baggage insurance and more .
• According to our research, the top travel insurance plans come from AXA, Tin Leg and IMG ( skip ahead to view these plans ).
• Our sales data shows that travel insurance costs around $19 per day .
• We recommend using our online comparison tool to view multiple plans at once and find the best coverage to suit your needs.

If you’re feeling adventurous, a trip to Antarctica is the perfect way to get a much-needed adrenaline fix. 

Located in the Southern Hemisphere, the icy continent is the last frontier for travelers looking to get a head start on their bucket lists. If you already have a trip in the works, don’t let an emergency ruin your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Purchase an Antarctica travel insurance policy.

To give you more time to pack for your trip and think about all the penguins you’ll see, we did the legwork of researching the insurance requirements and comparing the cost of insurance plans from multiple providers. Join us for an in-depth overview of travel insurance for Antarctica expeditions.

Our top picks for the best antarctica travel insurance

• AXA Assistance USA: Best Value on a Budget
• Tin Leg: Top Customer Satisfaction Ratings
• IMG: Best for Premium Inclusions

Our top picks for travel insurance for Antarctica

Axa assistance usa.

Due to its isolated location and harsh natural environment, Antarctica is unlike any other travel destination. 

If you plan to visit, keep the following in mind.

Antarctica medical insurance is a legal requirement

According to the U.S. Department of State , Antarctica doesn’t have a single public hospital, so the only way to get medical treatment is to evacuate to Argentina, Australia or another country with modern health care facilities.

Medical evacuation is extremely expensive, so all tour operators require travelers to maintain Antarctica travel insurance. Your insurance plan must include emergency medical care and medical evacuation services. 

Trips to Antarctica are expensive

Because it’s so remote and is vulnerable to damage caused by human activity, Antarctica is one of the most expensive destinations in the world. Only certain companies are allowed to operate tours and this limited competition drives up prices and makes even a short expedition much more expensive than the average vacation. It’s important to have Antarctica travel insurance to protect your investment.

Traveling to Antarctica

Another factor to consider is that you can’t travel to Antarctica directly from the United States. Most tours depart from Ushuaia in southern Argentina. Several also leave from Punta Arenas in southern Chile.

Tours from Ushuaia leave via boat, while tours from Punta Arenas depart via flight. Therefore, it’s important to purchase a robust travel insurance policy instead of a bare-bones policy with limited coverage.

Antarctica cruises

In many cases, the best way to see Antarctica is to take a cruise. The best travel insurance for an Antarctica cruise includes higher limits for missed connections and medical emergencies. Cruise insurance may also protect you against unexpected delays and cancellations.

A comprehensive travel insurance policy combines several types of coverage to give you the greatest amount of protection available.

Consider getting these types of coverage for your trip.

Emergency medical insurance

U.S. health insurance doesn’t cover medical expenses incurred in Antarctica. This includes Medicaid, Medicare and other government health insurance programs. Due to the lack of medical infrastructure in Antarctica, you should aim for at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage .

Medical evacuation insurance

This is one of the most important components of an Antarctica travel insurance plan. Because Antarctica is extremely remote and has no medical infrastructure, it costs a significant amount of money to evacuate in the event of a medical emergency.

Aim for at least $250,000 worth of medical evacuation (medevac) coverage . Some policies include up to $1 million in medevac coverage.

Trip delay insurance

You can’t just get on a plane and land in Antarctica a few hours later. You may have to take multiple flights, board a cruise ship or hop on a boat to get to your destination. From your initial flight to South America to the 48-hour boat ride to Antarctica, trip delay insurance protects you in the event of an airline or boat delay.

Trip cancellation insurance

The Southern Ocean is known for its volatile weather conditions. It’s not unusual for tour operators to cancel with little notice due to inclement weather or other safety issues. Many tour operators also require nonrefundable deposits, making it even more important to protect your investment.

If you cancel for a covered reason , your insurance provider will reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable costs. Covered reasons include sudden illness, the death of a travel companion and natural disasters.

Cancel-for-any-reason insurance

Cancel-for-any-reason coverage is more flexible than standard trip cancellation insurance. Many providers will reimburse up to 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs, regardless of your reason for cancellation. 

Baggage insurance

If you’re visiting Antarctica, you can’t get away with a tiny suitcase filled with a few essentials. You’ll need a heavy jacket, thermal underwear, expedition gear and other items to protect your body from the elements. Many people also bring expensive camera equipment to capture the penguins, leopard seals and whales in all their glory.

Baggage insurance reimburses you for losses related to lost, stolen and damaged luggage. For example, if one of your bags goes missing between Argentina and Antarctica, your insurance provider may reimburse you accordingly. Note that this type of insurance usually has a limit of a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Your insurer probably won’t reimburse you for $10,000 in specialized photography equipment, so pack accordingly.

Baggage delay insurance protects you in the event of unexpected delays. To qualify for reimbursement, you must be traveling via a common carrier. If you arrive before your baggage, your insurer may cover the cost of purchasing clothing, toiletries and other items to tide you over until your suitcase arrives.

Typically, a delay must last for several hours before your baggage delay insurance kicks in. For example, some insurers don’t reimburse travelers unless a delay lasts for at least 12 hours.

Adventure insurance

If trekking to an ice-covered continent doesn’t satisfy your appetite for adventure, you’re in luck. Antarctica offers plenty of opportunities for kayaking, skiing and sledding. If you plan to participate in an adventure activity, consider upgrading your Antarctica travel insurance policy to cover any resulting emergencies.

Even the most comprehensive policies typically exclude the following.

• Foreseeable events: To qualify for coverage, an event must be unforeseeable. That means you don’t know about it ahead of time. Travel insurance doesn’t cover foreseeable events, which are events that a reasonable person traveling to your destination would know about. For example, if the Air Line Pilots Association announces a strike, you have reasonable knowledge that your flight is likely to be grounded.
• Natural disasters that occur before you purchase travel insurance: If an earthquake hits after you’ve already purchased a travel insurance policy, your insurer should reimburse you for your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses. If it hits before you purchase insurance, however, you won’t be covered.
• Preexisting medical conditions: A preexisting medical condition is a condition that you had before you purchased travel insurance. For example, if you’ve had diabetes for years, you have a preexisting condition. Travel insurance typically doesn’t cover any medical costs associated with these health issues. However, you may be able to purchase a preexisting condition waiver , giving you extra coverage during your trip.
• Normal pregnancy: If you’re pregnant on your trip , your insurance plan won’t cover routine obstetric care. Some insurers cover the cost of treating pregnancy-related complications, but it depends on the terms of your policy.
• Risky/illegal activities: Travel insurance doesn’t cover losses associated with criminal activity, alcohol consumption or the use of illicit substances. Standard plans also exclude adventure sports. If you plan to participate in adventure activities, consider purchasing an add-on. A travel insurance add-on augments the coverage bundled into your original policy.
• Claims without adequate documentation: If you can’t prove that you suffered a covered loss, your insurance company may deny your claim. Therefore, it’s important to keep receipts, medical records and other documents. For example, if you have a medical emergency requiring evacuation, you should keep copies of your medical bills.

Based on our sales data, visitors who purchased travel insurance through our website paid an average of $324 for a 17-day trip to Antarctica. Therefore, we can assume that a plan costs around $19 per day .

To give you more insight into how much travel insurance costs for a trip to Antarctica, we got quotes from some of the top providers. All of our quotes follow the guidelines of having at least $100,000 in emergency medical and at least $250,000 in medical evacuation coverage.

We used these parameters for our quotes:

• Age: 50 years old
• State of residency: California
• Destination: Antarctica
• Trip Length: 14 days
• Time of trip: November 2024
• Trip cost: $8,000

In this first example below, we’ve displayed quotes for basic travel insurance coverage. These plans cost around $3 to $5 per day.

Example Where Plan Doesn’t Reimburse the Full Antarctica Trip Cost

This next example shows our quotes for more comprehensive travel insurance that include trip cancellation and interruption coverage. These plans range from around $26 to $58 per day .

Example Where Plan Does Reimburse the Full Antarctica Trip Cost

Factors that impact the cost include:

• Age . Older people have an increased risk of chronic health conditions. Therefore, it’s more expensive to insure an older person than it is to insure someone in their 20s or 30s.
• Trip length . Long trips cost more than short trips, so you need additional coverage to ensure you have the right amount of protection.
• Add-ons . If you purchase add-ons, your plan will cost more than a basic insurance plan.
• Number of travelers . It costs more to cover multiple people than it does to cover one person.
• Coverage limits . If you choose a plan with high coverage limits, you’ll pay more than someone who selected a plan with low limits. For example, it costs less to insure 75% of your trip than it does to insure 100% of your trip.

Follow these tips to find the best travel insurance for Antarctica.

Think about how you’re getting there.

Antarctica is a remote destination, so each trip includes multiple legs. The more complicated your itinerary, the more likely it is that something will go wrong, whether it’s a baggage delay or a medical emergency.

Make a list of the activities you plan to do.

If any of them qualify as adventure activities, you may need to purchase an add-on. Otherwise, your standard plan won’t cover any expenses arising from your participation in adventure sports.

Buy insurance as soon as possible after you book your trip.

The longer you wait, the more likely it is that something will happen, rendering you unable to get coverage for certain events. For example, if a landslide occurs before you buy a policy, you won’t be eligible for reimbursement if you have to cancel due to landslide damage.

Request quotes from multiple companies.

Our online comparison tool makes it easy to compare cost and coverage details.

Is travel insurance required for Antarctica?

Yes. Because it costs so much money to get there, all tour operators require travelers to carry medical insurance. We recommend purchasing additional coverage to ensure you don’t lose a significant amount of money due to unforeseen events.

What is the average cost of a cruise to Antarctica?

A standard cruise to Antarctica costs anywhere from $3,000 to $20,000. It may cost much more if you book a luxury cruise. This doesn’t include transportation to the departure port or activities that aren’t part of the cruise package.

Can tourists fly to Antarctica?

No commercial airline offers flights to Antarctica. To get to your destination, you need to fly from Punta Arenas or take a boat from southern Chile.

Can you take a private trip to Antarctica?

Yes, it’s possible to take a private expedition to Antarctica. However, we advise you to use a reputable tour operator instead, as tour professionals know the area and understand how to navigate the rough waters.

How much does medical evacuation from Antarctica cost?

It depends on what type of transportation you use and where you need to go. However, Squaremouth advises travelers to purchase at least $100,000 in medevac coverage. This seems like overkill, but it’s extremely expensive to evacuate via helicopter or boat.

Leigh Morgan is a seasoned personal finance contributor with over 15 years of experience writing on a diverse range of professional legal and financial topics. She specializes in subjects like navigating the complexities of insurance, savings, zero-based budgeting and emergency fund development.

In the last 5 years, she’s authored over 300 articles for credit unions, digital banks, and financial professionals. Morgan is also the author of “77 Tips for Preventing Elder Financial Abuse,” a book focused on helping caregivers protect the elderly from financial scams.

In addition to her writing skills, she brings real-world financial acumen thanks to her previous experience managing rental properties as part of a $34 million real estate portfolio.

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Antarctica Travel Insurance Requirements

Last updated: 03/07/2024

Travel medical insurance is required for trips to Antarctica. However, the required amount of coverage can vary depending on a traveler’s plans and tour operator. In general, a minimum of $100,000 in evacuation and medical coverage is required.

The Emergency Medical benefit can reimburse travelers for the costs of medical treatment in the event of an illness or injury during their trip. This includes physician services, ambulance expenses, and other costs of treatment.

The Medical Evacuation benefit can transport a traveler to the nearest adequate hospital in the event of a medical emergency. If the treating physician determines they should return home for better treatment, this benefit can also cover those costs.

Squaremouth’s Antarctica Travel Insurance Recommendations

Squaremouth recommends medical benefits for all international travelers, due to the potential for high out-of-pocket bills while overseas. However, because of the nature of trips to Antarctica, these recommendations may differ. Squaremouth breaks down what you need to know about travel insurance for your trip to Antarctica.

For international trips, Squaremouth typically recommends travelers buy a travel insurance policy with at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage, and at least $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage. However, due to the remote location of Antarctica, Squaremouth recommends a policy with at least $100,000 in Emergency Medical, and at least $250,000 in Medical Evacuation. This coverage is usually offered as a refund. This means the traveler is typically required to pay their medical expenses upfront and are reimbursed when they return home.

As long as a traveler meets the specific required amounts of medical coverage, they can gain entry into Antarctica. This medical insurance is the only coverage required in order for a traveler to enter Antarctica, however, most policies are comprehensive and include a variety of other benefits, without increasing the cost of a policy. This includes coverage for delays and lost or delayed luggage.

Additionally, depending on each visitor’s trip plans, a policy with Sports & Activities coverage can ensure a traveler is covered while participating in adventurous activities, such as snow trekking.

Antarctica is one of the most expensive countries to visit. The average trip cost to the country is more than $19,000 in 2022, according to Squaremouth’s data. Due to this significant financial investment, travelers who have prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses for the Antarctica trip should purchase a policy with the Trip Cancellation benefit. This benefit can reimburse all of their prepaid and non-refundable trip payments if they need to cancel due to an illness or injury, inclement weather, or terrorist incident, among other events.

Policies with the Trip Cancellation benefit also include Trip Interruption coverage. Trip Interruption provides the same covered reasons as Trip Cancellation, however coverage begins after travelers have left for their trip. This means they can be reimbursed for unused trip expenses if they need to cut their trip short for a covered reason, such as an illness or injury.

Click here to begin your search for Antarctica Travel Insurance.

Antarctica Travel Insurance Trends and Data

Destination Rank: 47

Percentage of Squaremouth Sales: 0.54%

Average Premium: $1,107.89

Average Trip Cost: $17,384.34

Squaremouth Analytics compares thousands of travel insurance policies purchased pre- and post-pandemic to identify changes and trends in the industry.

Helpful Resources

• U.S. Department of State – Antarctica

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Travel Insurance

All guests are required to hold Medical Evacuation Insurance for the duration of their experience and at least 7 days beyond their return Antarctic flight.

$150,000 (USD) required for Mount Vinson, Antarctic Odyssey, Ski Antarctica, Climb Antarctica, Skydive Antarctica, and Ice Marathon

$300,000 (usd) required for all other experiences and expeditions that travel outside the ellsworth mountains, mountaineering:  guests on mountaineering experiences must hold specific coverage for roped travel and climbing., skiing:  guests on ski experiences must confirm their policy covers skiing in antarctica., skydiving:  guests on skydive antarctica must confirm their policy covers skydiving in antarctica., races:  guests competing in the ice marathon or 100k must confirm that their policy covers races and/or endurance events..

We have provided a list of insurance providers below to assist you in researching the policies available to Antarctic travelers. As our expertise lies in Antarctic operations – not in the nuances of insurance – we strongly recommend that you address specific questions to the insurance agent and take time to thoroughly understand the policy you purchase and its exclusions.

Medical Evacuation Insurance Providers

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Travel Insurance for Antarctica Cruising- What You Need to Know

Antarctica Antarctica Facts

Planning a visit to Antarctica is an exhilarating process yet although choosing the right insurance cover for your trip isn’t nearly as glamorous as choosing which cruise ship or flight option you’ll take, it is just as important. If not more so. Travel insurance for Antarctica is a requirement when travelling to such a remote destination, so here’s what you need to know.

Frequent travellers attest to insurance being one of the most important components of any trip, be it to the country next door or, in this case, to the end of the world. And as you consider visiting the most remote, hard to reach and inhospitable place on earth, the right insurance cover plays an even bigger role. Evacuations from Antarctica over the last few years have highlighted just how imperative it is to be fully covered for all eventualities this far south. Because as exciting as a visit to Antarctica may well be, you do want to remember it for all the right reasons. An expedition to Antarctica is, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s essential to protect your investment, and yourself, with the right insurance policy.

We’ve compiled this handy guide about the best Antarctica travel insurance for Australians, to better help you choose the right cover for your trip.

Is a travel insurance Mandatory when visiting Antarctica?

While it’s technically not mandatory to buy insurance cover when visiting Antarctica, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a single responsible tour operator who doesn’t demand it. And for very good reason. Due to the remoteness of the destination, medical attention and evacuations are exorbitantly expensive, so much so that many – operators and past guests alike – deem it ‘insanity’ not to purchase insurance cover when visiting Antarctica, especially when one is investing large sums of travel-funds to travel there in the first place.

For the great majority of Antarctica tour operators, insurance is indeed mandatory, although the level of cover demanded can vary a great deal. This is when it pays to read the fine print when booking your expedition so that you’re fully aware of what kind of cover you are required to have. If you’re not requested to have suitable insurance at the time of booking, it’s highly advisable to contact your travel agent immediately and ensure that everything is in order. When booking travel insurance for Antarctica, make sure you are covered from the moment of purchase, thus covering yourself for a possible cancellation of your trip. It is always wise to purchase insurance at the same time as booking your trip – just in case any unforeseen circumstances stop you from travelling.

What should I be covered for?

Any travel insurance policy you purchase should cover you for accidents, emergency evacuation, sickness, loss of baggage and belongings , as well as alterations to your pre-booked travel plans due to local issues, and disruption to travel .

Bad weather – When undertaking an expedition to Antarctica, there will be many things that are outside your control, and insurance should cover you accordingly. They say that weather cares for no man and this is definitely true in this part of the world. Trip delays and unforeseen disruptions are not uncommon in Antarctica – mainly due to weather and sea conditions – so a solid insurance policy which covers bad weather is an absolute must.

Activities – Considering there’s a tonne of fun stuff you can do in Antarctica (just take a look at the 10 Best Things to Do in Antarctica ), it pays to have insurance which covers you for all the fantastic additional activities you can indulge in, including camping, kayaking, SCUBA diving and more. This is arguably the most important aspect of your insurance policy: make sure you know exactly what you’re covered for. Interestingly enough, you’ll discover that many insurers will rarely openly list all these kinds of extra-curricular activities, so it is up to you to investigate your policy thoroughly, and ascertain if your intended activities are covered. And be warned: some Antarctica travel insurance policies stop covering you the moment you disembark your expedition cruise ship. So look for one that doesn’t.

Specific destinations: It’s important to find a policy that will cover all your intended destinations in Antarctica. Some policies, for example, may not cover for travels further south than the  Antarctic circle , so if travelling to East Antarctica or undertaking a Polar Circle expedition, you’ll need to find a policy which will cover those too.

Emergency evacuation – If there’s one emergency you really ought to be covered for, it would have to be evacuation and repatriation back home. From the furthest reaches of Antarctica, the difficulty and expense of such a (still rare) event carries mind-boggling costs. For Australians, it’s recommended that the cover for evacuation and repatriation amount to no less than AUD $1,000,000. Many operators will demand a policy with unlimited coverage for emergency evacuation.

Monetary level of cover – This is a highly subjective topic, although tour operators and ships do dictate a minimum amount of cover, both for delays and evacuation insurance. The amount for which you are required to have cover is something you can enquire at time of booking, although what you should choose to have can indeed be higher. As an example: imagine your trip is delayed at port by quite a few days, so many in fact, that you must now return home due to time restraints. A standard ‘trip delay’ payout on many policies could well be only AUD $500…but you certainly wouldn’t be happy with that if you’ve forked out AUD $25,000 for the trip. Insurance policies for Antarctica expeditions are standardised, so it’s up to you to find a level of cover that you’re comfortable accepting, aside from the mandatory amounts dictated by your tour operator.

Transit – If your itinerary involves departing from destinations in Argentina,  The Falkland Islands  Uruguay, or Chile, you must ensure you are covered whilst transiting to your cruise/flight of choice. Also please note that if you are an Australian booking an  Antarctic cruise from Australia , your regular health insurance is not enough! You also need to have evacuation insurance and a specific policy that will cover you for all the above scenarios.

Who should I book travel insurance for Antarctica with?

When it comes to purchasing insurance for expeditions to Antarctica, we recommend going with well-established insurers with commendable reputations. Personal recommendation from friends or family members who have been bodes well, but so does surfing the web for forums on the subjects. These Tripadvisor and Whirlpool forums, for example, contain a lot of useful info as travellers share their personal experiences and information they have gathered. You can use an online insurance calculator (like compare the market  ) to swiftly compare quotes, before delving deeper into the fine print of each policy. At the very least, you’ll see which companies deal with Antarctica expeditions, so you can research each one individually. Your country of residence will play a big part in which insurance covers are suitable, so make sure to include your country of origin, as well as age and medical conditions.

Another word of warning here: many Antarctica insurance policies will claim to offer you cover which runs in the millions of dollars for medical emergencies, and the tens of thousands for loss of personal belongings (forgot to consider insuring your expensive camera gear? It’s never too late!) yet it’s only upon studying the fine print that you discover endless exclusions, such as for pre-existing conditions or purchase of second-hand goods. We really can’t stress enough how important it is to know exactly what insurance cover you’re purchasing.

Ask your tour operator – Of course, all tour operators dealing with expeditions to Antarctica will have their preferred insurers, companies they have used for many years, whom they trust wholeheartedly. Should you still be confused by the end of your search, and be none the wiser, do trust your tour operator. If they are responsible, professional and experienced in Antarctica voyages, they’ll be working with an insurance company to match.

Here at Chimu Adventurers , we are your Antarctica experts (not insurance experts!) but we will endeavour to help you find the insurance cover which suits you best. We work with several travel insurance companies that will cover you for your Antarctica expedition, depending on your circumstances. For a consultation, contact our experienced staff today. If you are looking at another policy which you have found yourself, please speak to our destination specialists to see if the cover is sufficient for the cruise or Antarctic experience you are taking. We would also be more than happy to find you an insurance cover policy, even if you’re not traveling to Antarctica with us!

Booking a  trip to Antarctica  can be daunting, but it really doesn’t have to be – the right insurance cover will ensure the only thing you have to worry about, as you set off to explore the icy wonders of this incredible continent, is just how many unforgettable experiences you’ll have and memories you’ll bring home. The right insurance will take care of all the rest.

And finally, make a cuppa and have a read of our comprehensive Antarctica Resource Centre  collection, which details all the possible ways you can reach this incredible continent, the costs involved, the best cruise ship to choose and the time-frames involved with an expedition to the end of the world.

If you are interested in knowing more about life insurance for seniors check out an excellent guide to over 80 life insurance .

For everything else, simply contact us for more info.

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Travel Advisory January 19, 2023

Antarctica - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to health information.

• Exercise increased caution in Antarctica due to environmental hazards posed by extreme and unpredictable weather  and limited emergency services.
• The U.S. government is unable to provide consular services to U.S. citizens in the Antarctic Region. The closest U.S Embassies/Consulate s are in Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa.  U.S. government resources in the Antarctic Region are committed to the U.S. Antarctic Program, per longstanding U.S. policy . 

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Antarctica.

If you travel to Antarctica:

• Obtain comprehensive travel, medical, and medical evacuation insurance; see our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
• Travel with a professional guide or organization such as those that are a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, or, if organizing a private expedition, be self-sufficient.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Contact the Department of State’s Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs for information at [email protected] .

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Quick Facts

Required by transit countries

May be required by transit countries.

None for Antarctica. May be required by transit countries.

Embassies and Consulates

The United States does not maintain an embassy or consulate in Antarctica. If you are in need of U.S. consular services while in Antarctica, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country next on your itinerary or nearest to you for assistance. Links to the embassies and consulates most commonly called upon to provide services are below:

• U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires, Argentina
• U.S. Consulate General Melbourne, Australia
• U.S. Consulate General Perth, Australia
• U.S. Consulate General Sydney, Australia
• U.S. Embassy Santiago, Chile
• U.S. Consulate General Auckland, New Zealand          

24/7 Emergency Contact at the Department of State: From within the United States: 1-888-407-4747 From outside the United States: 1-202-501-4444

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• Any expedition to the Antarctic Region could have an impact on the environment and its ecosystems.  To manage those risks and impacts, the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty establish certain obligations on the Treaty Parties with regard to expeditions to the Antarctic Treaty area.
• The Treaty obliges each Party to give advance notification of all expeditions to and within Antarctica, on the part of its ships, aircraft, or nationals, and all expeditions to Antarctica organized in or proceeding from its territory.
• U.S. tourists who have booked passage to Antarctica on a commercial cruise regulated by an Antarctic Treaty Party, such as those that are a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators ( IAATO.org ), normally would be covered by the vessel operator’s and/or tour company’s advance notification. Always check with your tour operator about advance notification coverage.
• Any U.S. nationals organizing a private expedition to Antarctica in the United States, or proceeding to Antarctica from the United States,  should initiate the process by notifying the Department of State at least three months prior to the intended travel to the Antarctic Treaty area.  Contact the Department of State’s Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs for additional information at [email protected] .
• Visit the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators website for more information on visitor guidelines.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Environmental Hazards:

• The greatest threats to travelers to the Antarctic Region are environmental hazards posed by the severe elements and changeable weather.
• Among the more common threats are frostbite, dehydration, eye damage from reflected glare, overexposure to the sun, and maritime accidents.
• Additionally, emergency response capabilities including search and rescue are restricted due to limited availability, long distances, and environmental hazards.

See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

Once in a country, we can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place on any level. Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not available in Antarctica. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: Some Treaty Parties, including those that claim territory in Antarctica, may seek to apply their laws to persons in Antarctica. Furthermore, some laws remain applicable to certain persons in Antarctica and may subject them to prosecution in the U.S.  For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained in transit to/from Antarctica, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.  See our webpage for further information.

The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctica Treaty designates Antarctica as a natural reserve.  Additionally, the Antarctic Conservation Act , which protects native mammals, birds, plants, and their ecosystems, applies to all U.S. citizens and expeditions that originate from the United States.

• Several areas are afforded special protections as they have been designated as having ecological, scientific, historical, or other significance.
• It is forbidden to bring any non-native species into Antarctica. This includes live poultry, pet dogs and cats, and household plants or seeds.
• It is prohibited to take or harmfully interfere with Antarctica wildlife except in accordance with a permit issued by a national authority.

Antarctica has no public hospitals, pharmacies, or doctor’s offices.  Although cruise ships and land-based expeditions should have the capacity to treat minor ailments, medical emergencies often require evacuation to a country with modern medical facilities, which could require travel over a significant distance.  There is no guarantee that transportation would be available or that weather conditions would allow for transportation, even in an emergency.

• Search and rescue resources in Antarctica are extremely limited.   Cost of search and rescue efforts are borne by the person/s in need of the assistance.  Travelers should obtain comprehensive travel, medical, and medical evacuation insurance prior to departure; see our webpage for more information on overseas insurance coverage .
• There are no public utilities, such as phone or Internet service providers, in the Region.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.  Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel .

Travel and Transportation

There is no direct air service from the United States to Antarctica.  Flights to and over Antarctica are operated from a number of countries to include Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, South Africa, and others.  If you are traveling to Antarctica, please check our country information page for the country from which you are departing to get more on aviation safety standards in that country.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Antarctica should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts .  Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .  Due to maritime incidents, tourists have suffered severe injuries and/or death in the Antarctic Region and when traveling between South America and the Antarctica and in the Antarctic area. 

For additional travel information

Call 0330 880 3600 Calls may be monitored or recorded. Opening Times .

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Travel Insurance Antarctica

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Quick Facts

Official Name: Antarctica Capital: N/A Official Languages: Varied Spoken Languages: Varied Population: 0 permanent residents, 5,000 temporary residents (2015 est.) Currency: N/A Time Zone: No official time zone

Antarctica is the southernmost continent on Earth. The continent is surrounded by the Southern Ocean and is south from the Antarctic Circle. Antarctica is the fifth largest continent in the world being nearly twice the size of Australia. The continent is the most driest, windiest and coldest out of all the other continents on Earth. Antarctica is largely considered a desert.

Antarctica Travel Insurance

Get travel insurance to Antarctica from Direct Travel Insurance. We offer low cost and high quality travel insurance to Antarctica and most of the world.

Antarctica is surrounded by the Southern Ocean but is also attached to the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Ocean. 98% of Antarctica is covered in ice, 90% of the world’s ice is located on Antarctica. Antarctica is the coldest continent on Earth, temperatures can be extremely low and specialised equipment is required to be able to survive on Antarctica. The lowest temperature ever recorded was on Antarctica, -89.2°C (-128.6°F). Temperatures can reach a maximum of 15°C (59°F) in the summer season.

Geographic data: 90° N 0° E

Natural hazards: High winds, blizzards, extreme storms and volcanoes are all risks on Antarctica.

Birth rate: 0 births/1000 people

Death rate: 0 deaths/1000 people

Life expectancy: N/A

You cannot drive on Antarctica due to the condition of the continent. Only specialised vehicles may drive on Antarctica and require specific training to operate.

Crime is extremely low on Antarctica due to the minimal amount of people. Petty crime from stations on Antarctica such as stealing equipment may occur. All of the reported cases have found that these offences were committed by tourists visiting stations. General care advised.

No visa is required to visit Antarctica as the continent is not owned by a government. However, you must be travelling with a tour operator who has permission to visit the continent.

You will need a passport to enter Antarctica, your passport only needs to be valid for the day of entry.

Currency: N/A

There is no economy on Antarctica so there is no need for cash or cards.

There are no health requirements for travelling to Antarctica.

Currently, FCDO have not advised against travel to Antarctica. This information may be updated at any time, and it is advised that you check the FCDO website before you travel: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Direct Travel Insurance cannot offer cover for any areas or countries to which the FCDO advise against travel.

Research is the main and only aspect of human element on Antarctica. Over 4,000 scientists work on the frozen continent in the summer. NASA are one of the many research organisations that operate in Antarctica. Wildlife is also popular on Antarctica being home to numerous amounts of animals such as penguins, seals, whales, squids and orcas.

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Travel Insurance for Antarctica

Home > Destinations > Travel Insurance for Antarctica

To travel on board an Aurora Expeditions’ voyage to Antarctica, all passengers require travel insurance with emergency evacuation cover to help protect you against unplanned changes that may result from sickness, accident, loss of baggage and personal belongings, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption.

We recommend that you purchase your insurance at the same time as you book your trip to ensure you are also covered against trip cancellation.

Aurora Expeditions recommend NIB travel insurance for Australian travellers. If you take out an alternative policy, you should check that it provides adequate coverage as above.

International travellers are required to book travel insurance via a local insurance provider in your home country.

Please advise Aurora Expeditions of your policy details on your Personal Details Form.

To arrange your travel insurance or for more information please contact Aurora Expeditions  or your travel agent.

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Travel Insurance for Antarctica

Home > Destinations > Antarctica > Travel Insurance for Antarctica

To travel on board an AE Expeditions’ voyage to Antarctica, all passengers require travel insurance with emergency evacuation cover to help protect you against unplanned changes that may result from sickness, accident, loss of baggage and personal belongings, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption.

We recommend that you purchase your insurance at the same time as you book your trip to ensure you are also covered against trip cancellation.

AE Expeditions recommend NIB travel insurance for Australian travellers. If you take out an alternative policy, you should check that it provides adequate coverage as above.

International travellers are required to book travel insurance via a local insurance provider in your home country.

Please advise AE Expeditions of your policy details on your Personal Details Form.

To arrange your travel insurance or for more information please contact AE Expeditions  or your travel agent.

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Travel insurance for Antarctica

Early in 2024, my wife and I are going on an expedition cruise to Antarctica, which will, weather permitting include onshore/offboat activities. This will be followed by some travel in Argentina and Chile. Naturally, we investigated travel insurance. After a bit of homework, I decided to go with InsureandGo, on the grounds of price, coverage, and previous good experience. So I went online and started the process. I selected a Cruise policy with Destination: Worldwide including North and South America and Antarctica. Seemed to meet our requirements perfectly. When I got to the end, I had to check a box indicating acceptance of several conditions, most of which were standard, but including the condition “I/we will not travel to or in Afghanistan, Antarctica……(insert dangerous country here)”. Understandably, I was a bit taken aback by this. So I rang InsureandGo, and was advised that, despite the wording, the PDS did include cruises to Antarctica. I waded through the PDS, found the bit referred to, and was a little more reassured. I finalised the process, checked the acceptance box, and paid the premium. When I printed out the insurance certificate that was issued, I was yet again alarmed to find that the Destination now said: Worldwide including USA, Canada, Mexico, Central & South America. Notice something missing? Furthermore, there was now a statement that said “This policy will not cover any loss, injury or illness, dental, damage or legal liability arising directly or indirectly from travel in, to or through: Afghanistan, Antarctica……(dangerous country)”.

By now, I was thoroughly confused and alarmed. I’d bought a policy that specifically included Antarctica, but also specifically excluded Antarctica, despite what the PDS said. I needed to know which version InsureandGo would rely on in court, if push came to shove. So I emailed them, asking them to give me a definitive answer, in writing, that would give me some certainty about coverage and something to use later in possible claims. The answer came back that we would be covered on the boat, but the minute we set foot on shore in Antarctica or left the boat we’d be on our own. This is obviously not consistent with our travel plans, and I cancelled the policy under the cool-off provisions. To InsureandGo’s credit, they quickly cancelled the policy and issued a refund.

If I hadn’t been so attentive to detail and awake to the inconsistencies, I’d have paid the premium, gone to Antarctica, and, if nothing happened onshore, would have been none the wiser. On the other hand, if one of us had broken a leg on the ice, we would have been in for a very rude shock and a lot of pain, both physical and financial. I have pointed out the inconsistencies we encountered to InsureandGo, and it remains to be seen whether they clean up their policy documentation. I should say that we have used InsureandGo for previous travel and have only had good experiences with them. It is also quite possible that other travel insurers will cover Antarctic cruises, but will not include onshore activities, and that that information is not immediately obvious, so that expedition travellers might believe they are covered when they are not, with potentially severe consequences.

The moral of the story is to make very sure that if you are taking an Antarctic expedition cruise, your travel insurance covers offboat/onshore activities in Antarctica.

Good advice. Looking online there are some interesting options. The following (includes one link to an insurer) is an eye opener.

Once one leaves the boat it appears as much of an adventure as climbing Everest? Add to that risks around weather, schedule changes and the complications of sailing remotely.

The suggestion of US$1M cover for emergency medical evacuation possibly assumes they can get to you if necessary!

We went down there on a non-expedition cruise, in early 2020, just before Covid exploded. I don’t remember what our travel insurance cost then, but I’m absolutely certain that it was substantially less than we’re being quoted for this cruise. If you think about the risks that are involved, and the responses that might be required, having a heart attack on shore would be no different from having a heart attack onboard, and no more or less likely. Breaking a leg on shore would be no different to breaking a leg falling down the stairs on board. Many of the complications of travelling to such a remote location would apply whether or not the adverse event happened on or off the boat.

There would certainly be a few events off boat that would entail risks not encountered onboard, such as falling out of a kayak, or having your zodiac rammed by a rogue orca, but I’m not sure that such relatively unlikely events would justify the huge premium differences between non-expedition and expedition cruises to Antarctica. An emergency medical evacuation, even if it were possible, would cost a fortune, but non-expedition cruises still offer cheaper policies that cover such eventualities for people who never get off the boat.

Expect the unexpected? As unlikely as certain events might be there is the possibility an event could involve a larger number than one off boat. Another thought is whether anyone can reliably identify all the possible events.

The actuaries will have a very limited amount of data/resources especially historical to refer to. How to price for something that has never happened? The White Island NZ tragedy is worth a thought. It added miscalculation, human factors into the mix.

I wonder how well prepared and equiped a cruise is for any off boat adventure emergency? Are there operators like the White Star Line which in hindsight had sold a false promise and sailed with too few life boats ? What level of expertise and experience is shared by those holding your hand off boat? Can one rely on the chain of command - decision making procedures of the management to make the right decisions with the best information, or metaphorically sail off full steam ahead in the dead of night looking for an iceberg to run into?

The insurers have the option of pricing the risk against a global population of insured adventurers, hopeful Antarctica over time is no more costly in payouts. Or to look in isolation to the relatively small numbers of sales of policies for travellers leaving the cruise boat in Antarctica and add a large margin just in case.

Hypothetically, why is the cruise operator not covering the costs of the risks in a surcharge for the off boat portion? Would they get a better premium for a group? Would they be better able to negotiate insurance based on the quality of their preparation and support for the off boat activities?

Did any of your insurance quotes rely on knowing which operator, vessel and off boat activities?

I suppose when insurers are unable to evaluate a risk, they endeavour to make their customers bear the liabilty.

So have you found a policy that covers what you need? Did you have to read all the PDS for each policy? I’m looking at Egypt and because it’s Reconsider rated by dfat, my usual policy doesn’t cover it. I’m wondering how much research this is going to take tho I’ve emailed a tour company to see if their policy covers it.

Thanks for bringing this up @alan.wilson . If it’s ok with you, I will send a link of this thread to our contact at Insure and Go and prompt them to address the issue.

I haven’t yet found a policy that unequivocally meets my needs, although I’m still looking. Just about all companies will cover a cruise to Antarctica. The critical issue in my case is that on an expedition cruise you get off the boat and go onshore. After I cancelled my original InsureandGo policy, because it didn’t cover offboat activities, I went to my state automobile association to get a quote from them. The agent advised me that I’d need a Snow Sports cover option, for an additional $1300, and since I didn’t have the PDS in front of me, I couldn’t argue. At about the same time, some friends who are doing the same trip went to another office of the same automobile association, and also got a quote, which turned out to be considerably cheaper. When I compared the two quotes, I found that ours included the Snow Sports option, but theirs didn’t. After I read the PDS, it was abundantly clear that it was completely unnecessary, and when I pushed back, they quickly removed the Snow Sports requirement. So the moral of that story is to not believe everything that travel agents tell you, especially after you’ve read the PDS, because you might be paying a lot more for stuff you don’t actually need.

As for Egypt, we’re talking polar opposites - bad pun. I would think that Egypt would be a less complicated destination than Antarctica, and you should be able to get the info you need from the PDS, which is certainly a pain to read, unless you can find the relevant bit quickly. In my case, I’ve had to read a number of PDS and sometimes the answer still isn’t clear. In several cases I’ve had to email the companies directly for confirmation, and unfortunately all I’ve got back is snow - second bad pun! I almost get the impression that they don’t actually fully understand their own policies. Or at least, that on an expedition cruise to Antarctica, you get off the boat (subject to the weather, of course). Who knew? Not them, apparently, in some cases. So if you want a definitive answer, because if you get it wrong you could be up for a bomb, then unfortunately you have to do your homework, and don’t accept what people tell you unless it’s in writing.

Further to my last post, things have now progressed to peak Pythonesque.

I emailed World2Cover, explaining that I had read their PDS, and that we were not going to be doing anything onshore in Antarctica that required coverage under their Ski and Winter Sports Cover option. I also explained that we were not going to be doing anything that could be classified as extreme activity, that all we were going to be doing was walking in the snow to visit penguin colonies and to view the scenery. I asked if we were therefore covered for these onshore activities without having to purchase Ski and Winter Sports cover .

This is what I got back:

"As General Advice; As you will be getting off the boat Antarctica has Glacier which comes under Glacier walking; under our policy; you will need to add on ski/winter sports option to be covered whilst doing any outdoor activities in Antarctica. This is on page 27 of our PDS;

Winter Sports means leisure bigfoot Skiing, cat Skiing, cross country Skiing (along a designated cross country Ski route only), glacier Skiing, ice hockey, ice skating, luging (on ice only), mono Skiing, Off-piste Skiing (with a professional guide only), recreational Ski racing, recreational Skiing, snowmobiling and tobogganing. In all cases “Skiing” also means snowboarding. It does not mean any of the above activities when they are undertaken for competition, including training or practising, purposes."

Yes, indeed, Antarctica has many glacier, and also has active volcano, although mentioning the latter might just be inviting further trouble. So now they’re just making stuff up. As you can see from the above, “glacier walking” is not mentioned. Glacier skiing is, but we’re not going to be doing that. I know from experience that we’ll see many glaciers, but walking on them would be asking for trouble, and I’m sure that no reputable company (and ours is) would ever contemplate that. In any case, in the extremely unlikely event that we did walk on a glacier, that, as written in their own PDS, does not require ski/winter sports cover.

To say that I’m getting a bit off-piste with travel insurance companies and their incompetence is somewhat of an understatement. To those who ask why we just don’t cough up for the ski/snow sport cover and stop the faffing around, we’re talking a considerable increase in premium, which, according to the companies’ own PDSs, is not warranted. They don’t seem to be able to comprehend their own PDSs.

@alan.wilson that sounds like a very frustrating experience to get travel insurance cover for Antarctcia. When I speak with the insurer’s customer service my feeling is that they will often default to either saying you need extra cover, or it’s just not covered at all. Which reflects what you’re saying.

Have you tried World Nomads? I notice that they allow you to choose ‘Glacier walking’ as a covered activity. At the risk of going down another rabbit hole, my limited knowledge of Antartica is that it is mostly ice sheet sitting on top of land, and that ice sheet may or may not be defined as an ice glacier itself.

I’ve forwarded this thread on to Insure and Go so they can look at more clearly defining the cover for Antartica. Although this increasingly looks like an industry wide issue.

I just tried World Nomads, which brings up yet another hurdle in travel insurance. They told me to go away, because I’m too old for them. I’m not that old, relatively speaking, at least in my mind, and other insurance companies are happy to take (a lot of) my money at this age, even if I do go “glacier walking”. Speaking of which, I imagine that the insurance companies’ lawyers would have a field day defining when snow turns into ice, and the difference between walking on snow and walking on ice. I imagine that we’ll mostly be walking on what I would consider snow, because ice is too difficult and risky.

Did you have any luck with this? I am travelling at the same time to Antarctica and I am hitting all the same issues! I have had a look at Covermore which seems to be the best that I can find.

Would love to hear about any further investigation you’ve done.

Welcome to the community, @Michelle24

For those setting foot on Antarctica, what ever the assessed hazards might be emergency support is limited and backup distant.

This topic has opened my eyes to some of the issues of booking a journey to Antarctica. Firstly one needs to find all the answers and costs associated with insurance. Noting the operator may take care to present a positive imagine of the promised experience, without alarming or discouraging prospective customers. IE are the risks down played while the operator avoids pointing to the probable high costs of personal cover?

The closer to home White Island NZ tragedy has demonstrated some of the complexities around responsibility, liability and insurance. More complex, Antarctica is not the legal territory of any one nation. For the Expedition - ship board and land components where is the jurisdiction applicable and by that choice are there limitations? Many vessels operate under “flags of convenience” for good reason. It’s left for us hapless consumers to come to an understanding, that some of the best legal experts may find difficulty clarifying. How any shore component is presented, bundled and if there are any added T&Cs may hold useful content.

P.S. FAQs, one can also navigate to the home page. IAATO members have agreed to voluntary standards as well as any agreed international requirements when accessing Antarctica. There is little guidance on personal insurance, although members have agreed to meet a minimum for the expedition operators.

Hi Michelle24,

Sorry about the delayed response, I’ve effectively been offline while travelling for the last month. Not to Antarctica, I should add. After being messed around by way too many insurance companies who couldn’t or wouldn’t give me a straight answer, or who would insist that because I’d be surrounded by ice and snow I needed snow sports cover, I eventually found what I wanted. I went with nib, who gave me straight answers, and whose premium was better than most others. It was still expensive, as all insurance seems to be these days, but you’d be mad to travel without it, and compared to the rest, it was lower.

I found nib after desperately googling “travel insurance Antarctica”. Up came an Antarctic expedition cruise site that recommended nib for Australian travellers. I didn’t really know much about nib, other than that I thought it was a health fund, but I checked it out and it seemed to be just what I needed. It’s a while since I went through the exercise, but I seem to recall that Covermore had some negatives, and I can’t remember what they were. Anyway, you should be able to do a comparison between Covermore and nib and work out what’s best for you.

Best of luck on your cruise. We may even be on the same boat.

Thank you so much Alan, you’re an absolute legend.

I was definitely in that phase of desperation too and couldn’t find anything and NIB hadn’t come up in my searches, so I am so thankful for your recommendation.

We may be on the same boat! Enjoy your trip and if I see your name ill be sure to come and say hello!

Thanks again.

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Travel Insurance for Antarctica

Home > Destinations > Antarctica > Travel Insurance for Antarctica

To travel on board an Aurora Expeditions’ voyage to Antarctica, all passengers require travel insurance with emergency evacuation cover to help protect you against unplanned changes that may result from sickness, accident, loss of baggage and personal belongings, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption.

We recommend that you purchase your insurance at the same time as you book your trip to ensure you are also covered against trip cancellation.

Aurora Expeditions recommend NIB travel insurance for Australian travellers. If you take out an alternative policy, you should check that it provides adequate coverage as above.

International travellers are required to book travel insurance via a local insurance provider in your home country.

Please advise Aurora Expeditions of your policy details on your Personal Details Form.

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You can buy, extend and claim online, even after you've left home. Travel insurance from WorldNomads.com is available to people from over 140 countries. It’s designed for adventurous travellers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities.

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Travel insurance is essential.

For all the expeditions covered in this website, it is mandatory that you obtain adequate travel and medical insurance , including emergency evacuation coverage. You can obtain an instant online insurance quote through World Nomads via this page on our website. Be sure to select the 'Explorer' cover alternative. We can also obtain quotes for you with many other insurance providers. Or, you may choose any regular travel insurer in your country.

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Why buy travel insurance.

Even with a buffer day or two built in, you may be delayed. You may need a hotel room, or your luggage may arrive a day after you. Whereas none of these events are ideal, travel insurance will take the sting out of some, or maybe all, of the expense.  Depending on the coverage you choose, travel insurance can pay for unexpected hotel nights, taxis, and clothing replacements.

In addition, something may happen between the time you book your Antarctica cruise and when you actually go. You should be booking your cruise at least six months in advance. There’s always the risk you may have to cancel your trip, such as if you or a relative falls sick. Even something relatively minor, like a broken arm, may prevent you from going. Better insure yourself against such eventualities! 

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Polar Holidays requires travelers to be adequately covered by a travel insurance policy. Such policy must cover aero-medical evacuation from Antarctic/Arctic destinations as a result of a medical emergency during a trip. This includes emergencies related to pre-existing health conditions. In addition, Polar Holidays strongly urges travelers to be adequately covered by trip cancellation and interruption insurance. Certain tours have specific additional insurance requirements, please ask if there are unusual requirements for the tour you are interested in.

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'I can't believe that': Watch hundreds of baby emperor penguins jump off huge ice cliff

Bertie gregory, a national geographic cinematographer, catches emperor penguins jumping off a 50-foot antarctic glacier in incredible, never-before-seen footage. gregory's astonishment is palpable..

Nothing gets in the way of a baby emperor penguin getting into the water, not even a huge ice cliff. 

The courage some chicks have in the face of adversity is truly unmatched, serving them well as hundreds were documented taking a deep dive off an Antarctic cliff in January. 

The “unprecedented” footage was captured by Bertie Gregory, an award-winning British cinematographer for National Geographic. 

The penguin chicks captured in the clip below knowingly and maybe a bit hesitantly jumped, a sight that Gregory says is “pretty unbelievable.” 

“I had no idea that the chicks would be able to make such a giant leap," he says. "And not just survive, but happily swim off together into the Southern Ocean …  How’s that for your first swimming lesson?”

Watch the ‘unbelievable’ series of leaps here 

It's not unusual for emperor penguin chicks to march toward the ocean at a young age, even when they're just 6 months old. They jump just 2 feet off the ice to take their first swim, according to National Geographic. 

Others have jumped from a much a higher altitude, heading to “sheer ice cliffs” knowingly to make the first jump. Satellites have recorded the death-defying jumps since 2009, but what happens next has remained a mystery until now. 

A colony of chicks are seen making their way along the edge of the huge ice cliff, moving together toward the edge, as Gregory wonders aloud: “What on Earth is going on here? … Where are these chicks going?” 

They stop just short of the edge. 

“That cliff has got to be 40-50 feet high,” Gregory says. "I’ve only ever seen emperors jumping off the sea ice. And that's a couple of feet maximum. Surely, they can’t be thinking of going off there."

One lone chick ... one giant leap

One lone chick reaches the edge, adjusting its position slightly before a big, brave leap into the icy water. It makes a big splash and soon after is swimming with ease. 

“I can’t believe that. He’s made it,” Gregory says. 

The rest of the chicks take the successful dive as a sign to move forward, with a number of chicks launching themselves into the water every couple of seconds. 

“So, we know these chicks have grown up together. And they stick together," Gregory says. "I think a lot are going to start to jump. Those first brave jumpers seem to give the rest the confidence to follow. Some of them are even trying to flap their wings."

National Geographic clip is just the start, documentary coming soon

The “never-before-filmed” behavior you just witnessed is part of a larger National Geographic docuseries set to premiere on Earth Day (April 22) in 2025. Stay tuned for more information on the award-winning SECRETS OF franchise, SECRETS OF THE PENGUINS.