Travel Insurance Puerto Rico

Many countries around the globe consider insurance as a mandatory requirement for travelling. Around 34 countries have made travelling insurance mandatory to prevent travellers from landing in a financial crisis arising from a medical emergency, accident, loss of luggage, third-party liability, etc. The main reason for this is the high medical cost and relatively high cost of living in these countries.

For countries where travel insurance is not mandatory, it is still advisable for tourists to buy this insurance before exploring a foreign country.

Puerto Rico travel insurance requirements do not mandate coverage for entering the country. However, purchasing one is highly recommended for those visiting the territory. This insurance can cover unexpected medical emergencies, accidents, loss or damage of baggage, travel delays, etc., while you travel to Puerto Rico from India.

Additionally, having travel protection for your Puerto Rico vacation is a good idea, as this region is frequently affected by hurricanes, cyclones, and earthquakes.

Puerto Rico is an exciting combination of breathtaking natural landscapes, historical excellence, and diverse yet intriguing culture and heritage. The people of Puerto Rico, who proudly call themselves Boricuas, are one of the country's major assets. The locals are joyful, charismatic, friendly, warm, and hospitable. Food, drinks, and music are also vital to the island's offerings to its visitors. In Spanish, Puerto Rico is popularly known as 'la isla del Encanto,' which means "the island of enchantment."

With so much to explore and do in this fascinating country, make your trip stress-free by purchasing Puerto Rico travel insurance. It can give you extra protection if your vacation does not go as planned.

Some of the reasons to buy travelling insurance are:

• Because medical treatments and evacuation can be expensive

If you fall sick on your trip, getting medical help can be an additional financial burden. Typically, the medical expenses in countries like Puerto Rio are higher than in India. Also, if a need arises for medical evacuation, your insurance plan also covers that.

• Because accidents can happen on your trip

Accidents can occur anytime, and trauma or injury can ruin your trip and put you in a financial fix. Your travel health insurance can protect you financially during such incidents.

• Because you would not want to lose all your money in case of a trip cancellation

Even the best-planned trip can get cancelled due to unavoidable reasons. Unfortunately, your airline or travel provider might not be able to offer you a refund if the trip is cancelled at the last moment. A travel insurance policy can help you protect from such circumstances by providing trip cancellation coverage.

• Because loss or theft of baggage or passport can be very stressful

We can understand the ordeal if you lose your luggage or passport. During such situations, overseas travel insurance can help cover the cost of necessary personal items. Similarly, if you lose your passport, this insurance can help you cover reasonable expenses for getting a fresh passport.

• Because delayed flights are a common sight

A delayed flight can be very stressful due to bad weather, a local strike, or other reasons. Your further plans are also affected, leading to financial loss. Sometimes, you might also have to book another night's stay at a hotel or incur extra expenses. International travel insurance can take care of these expenses.

• Because sometimes even regular travellers might need a little help

There is peace of mind when you know the support is just a phone call away. Many travelling insurance plans offer travel assistance, wherein you can contact your insurance provider in case of a medical emergency, lost passport, natural disaster, etc.

A travel insurance plan is a must-have while planning your trip. While many insurance providers offer this type of insurance, Tata AIG International Travel Insurance Plan stands out due to its comprehensive coverage, affordable rates, and trustworthiness.

• Medical coverage: Our policy covers everything from falling sick or encountering an accident, illnesses required for hospitalisation, dental emergencies, medical evacuations, or accidental death and repatriation. Moreover, if your policy expires during your hospitalisation, we shall continue with the coverage for more than 60 days or until you get discharged, whichever is earlier.

• Baggage cover: Travelling to Puerto Rico from India needs a long-duration flight. This would mean there are chances of a delay, misdirection, or loss of your luggage. Our baggage cover offers you financial support to purchase essential personal items or reimburse the lost luggage cost so that you continue with your trip smoothly.
  Personal liability covers: This third-party liability coverage can be helpful if you get involved in an accident, damaging the property of a third party or causing bodily injury to them. The insurance will cover third-party medical expenses and repair costs of the damaged property.

Travel assistance: Knowing there's someone to fall back on while travelling can give you peace of mind. If during the trip you need help with regards to availing quick medical treatment or applying for a new passport (if it is lost), our travel assistance executives are just a phone call away.

• Other benefits:

• Tata AIG is a trustworthy brand with more than 20 years of experience in the insurance sector.

• You get coverage for COVID-19 if tested positive during the trip or require hospitalisation.

• You can compare, buy or renew policies online in a hassle-free manner.

• You get an instant policy without undergoing any pre-policy health check-ups.

• Travel health insurance for Puerto Rico from Tata AIG starts at ₹ 40.82 per day*. Check your estimated premium using our online travel insurance premium calculator.

• You pay a premium in INR and get covered in USD for your Puerto Rico trip.

Before you plan your trip, it is always important to know whether the destination is safe and the precautions to consider before you fly. In the below section, we shall discuss safety in Puerto Rico and steps to address prevailing concerns (if any) while planning a visit. Puerto Rico comes under the U.S. territory; thus, all the country's laws apply there.

Puerto Rico is a safe country to travel with no additional precautions or measures needed to be undertaken.

However, some of the standard security precautions to follow:

• Gun and drug trafficking crimes are prevalent but lower than in mainland cities.
• Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, are common, as half of the population is below the poverty line. Therefore, safeguard your belongings.
• Avoid carrying expensive jewellery, gadgets, etc.
• Avoid carrying more cash and use cards more on the island.
• Stick to areas where there are crowds and police patrol.
• There are frequent peaceful demonstrations that turn violent anytime. Thus, avoid crowded areas and places where there are large gatherings and demonstrations.
• Follow local laws, rules, and ordinances.
• Earthquakes and hurricanes in the island area are common. Hurricanes season is from mid-May to the end of November. Severe storms can hamper the provision of essential services, especially electricity.
• Keep your passport handy.
• Make electronic copies of all your documents.
• Research and plan properly before visiting any place.
• Maintain easy access to the Indian embassy's contact details.
• Before your trip, stay informed about the nation's latest political and economic environment.

The government of Puerto Rico identifies citizens of around 190 nationalities who require a visa to visit the country. Citizens of Indian nationals need access to travel to this Caribbean country irrespective of the purpose of travel, for example, a tourist visa, business visa, work visa, student visa, transit visa, or any other. All visas for travelling to Puerto Rico from India can only be obtained at the embassy or the consulate and must be applied for in person.

To obtain a travel visa for Puerto Rico, you must first make an appointment at the nearest U.S. government diplomatic office. Then, you need to complete the visa application form, duly signed, along with all the required supporting documents. You are also required to undergo an in-person interview at the embassy.

At the embassy, visa processing fees would be charged, which must be paid when submitting documents. In addition, processing and approving a visa may take a few weeks; thus, you must start the application process well before your intended travel date. Also, it is recommended first to secure a travel visa and then make all the other travel bookings to ensure everything is satisfied.

The validity or the permitted stay duration of a Puerto Rico visa varies depending on the purpose of the visit. A travel visa is issued for a maximum period of 90 days.

As mentioned above, Indian citizens must have a tourist visa to travel, go sightseeing, or simply leisure in Puerto Rico. Below are the documents required for the same.

• You must have your original passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of travelling. Also, there must be two blank pages for stamping or markings.
• The visa application form must be duly filled and signed.
• For a tourist visa, you have to submit your round-trip flight booking. This flight booking proves your limited stay in the country.
• You also must submit accommodation bookings if made already. However, the embassy recommends only making hotel reservations once you receive your tourist visa.
• As proof of funds, you must submit your original bank account statement. This statement must be in the latest month for at least six months. The statement must be duly signed and sealed by the bank. Your bank account statement proves your financial situation and that you have enough funds to travel and return to your country.
• You may also be required to submit your travel itinerary, which is different from your flight ticket.

Puerto Rico serves more than what you expect from your ideal vacation, from idyllic surfing beaches to lush forests and the rich culture and history to highly welcoming and warm people. Topped with the perfect weather, adventure sports, delicious food, and multiple events, this Caribbean Island has become a timeless favourite destination among travellers around the globe.

Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay

This world-class tourist attraction is regarded as one of the "things to do before you die" by many travel experts. Puerto Rico is famous for its bioluminescent bay, which is found in south Vieques beach. During the day, the beach serves as your usual relaxing and hideout point, but at night, the waters reflect a blue glow from the organisms (dinoflagellates) that live there. The view is no less magical, as you must have seen in movies like Avatar. You can book a kayaking tour to have a closer look and experience this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Flamenco Beach

Puerto Rico is home to many beautiful beaches, and every beach offers a unique experience. However, Flamenco beach on Culebra Island gets a special mention. Most travellers consider it one of the most beautiful beaches worldwide. The beach is a perfect fit for family holidays, explorers interested in activities like snorkelling, and breathtaking views from every angle.

El Yunque National Forest

El Yunque National Forest is considered one of the world's natural wonders and is the only tropical forest in the U.S. National Forest System. The forest is home to unique birds, 240 types of trees, and native species. Here you can take a tour guide or navigate yourself to experience a cool breeze, refreshing spring water, and captivating forest beauty.

Architectural tour of San Juan

Take a walk through the cobblestone streets and narrow passageways of Old San Juan to learn about the country's rich history. You will find colourful Spanish colonial-style houses with decorative balconies and ceilings ornamented with intricate mosaics of Catholic saints. Some of the famous attractions of the place include El Morro, Castillo San Cristóbal, and Calle del Cristo.

Indulge in street-side or the country's authentic delicacies

In the Afro-Caribbean coastal neighbourhood of Piñones, you can find some of the best authentic street food that satisfies your taste buds. The place is close to the beach, so savour your taste buds and relax or take a dip in the calm, pristine Puerto Rico waters.

India does not have an embassy or consulate in Puerto Rico as on February 2023. Below is the nearest diplomatic mission:

All the information mentioned above is well-researched and sourced from reliable sources. Since this information is subject to change, it is advisable to check the latest travel guidelines and other location-specific information before planning a trip to any location.

*Subject to change based on the nature and extent of the coverage.