Starting February 15, Travelers Visiting Belize Will Need To Purchase Covid Travel Insurance

January 25, 2022
by Larry Waight +

Experiencing, sand, sea, and sunshine, in Belize will come at an additional cost for tourists, following one of the most recent announcements by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) which is now mandating that travelers purchase a local Health Insurance policy, prior to their visit to the country.

The Belize Travel Health Insurance, which will become effective on February 15th, 2022, and which comes at a cost of $18 USD, can be purchased, upon arrival at the Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) or at any of the country’s land borders. However, the BTB is recommending that tourists purchase their plans prior to their arrival to the country to avoid any delays in their schedule.

One of BTB’s spokesperson, who we spoke to notified us that travelers will also be able to access the new insurance policy online on the BTB’s website as well as via an app that will be launched, shortly. Additionally, that source confirmed that the Insurance Cooperation of Belize (ICB), among several other local service providers, will be working alongside the BTB to provide the service to tourists.

According to the BTB’s statement, the policy will assist travelers against incurred medical and none medical expenses, if they should test positive for COVID-19 while vacationing in Belize. The policy which will provide coverage for up to 21 days, will cover up to $50,000 USD in medical expenses and will also cover lodging expenses, caused by quarantine, ranging between $2,000 USD(max $300 USD per day).

Any emergency assistance services such as air evacuation and emergency expenses related to pre-existing conditions, as well as trip cancellations and expenses incurred by COVID-19 positive travelers for extended stays, will also be covered under the policy.

Some of the requirements that come along with purchasing the health plan are that tourists, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, with the exception of 5-year-olds are required to present a negative

COVID-19 test upon their arrival at the airport. If no proof of test can be shown then one will be administered at a cost of $50 USD per passenger.

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Tourists are also being asked to complete the Customs and Immigration forms that are provided to them on all flights to Belize and to show proof of their bookings at any Gold Standard property, approved by the BTB.

Those who are exempted from subscribing to these newest regulations are Belizeans nationals, permanent residents, and travelers with QRP or Long Stay status, inclusive of flight crews.

Our source reiterated that the Belize Travel Health Insurance was introduced by the government in an effort to motivate travel in a time of a pandemic and to emphasize Belize’s commitment to health and safety while enhancing travel confidence and giving visitors peace of mind.