Travel Insurance for South America

Travel Insurance for South America provides cover if you get sick or are involved in an unexpected emergency while travelling. With a comprehensive policy, you can explore the Pampas Plain or cruise the Amazon without stressing about medical costs.

Travel Insurance helps cover other costs that may arise on a South American holiday. These costs include unexpected delays or cancellations and lost or stolen baggage. If your hired car is involved in an accident, Travel Insurance can also cover the cost of car insurance excess.

At AllClear, we specialise in cover for senior travellers and travellers with pre-existing medical conditions. There is no upper age limit on AllClear policies, and we offer unlimited cover for medical emergency expenses.

Before you head off to South America, it’s a good idea to check that you have the best policy for where you are travelling. The right Travel Insurance can help you enjoy your holiday without stressing about medical fees or cancellation costs. 

AllClear can provide cover for travel to the following South American destinations:

• Argentina
• Bolivia
• Brazil
• Chile
• Colombia
• Ecuador
• Guyana
• Paraguay
• Uruguay
• Peru
• Suriname

Consider AllClear’s comprehensive Travel Insurance if you are currently living with a pre-existing medical condition and are eager for a South American adventure. 

With over 1,300 medical conditions covered, AllClear can provide you with peace of mind on your travels. 

No matter what medical conditions you need to declare with us, we’ll make it easy thanks to our straightforward screening process. You can complete it online or over the phone.

Some major conditions we cover include:

From the shores of Copacabana to the trails of Machu Picchu, you can find unforgettable experiences across South America. 

Consider choosing AllClear’s Travel Insurance to enjoy outdoor activities with peace of mind. As long as an activity is covered by your policy, you’ll receive support for injuries while enjoying a sport or exploration activity. 

Covered activities include:

• Hiking
• Cycling
• Kayaking
• Snorkelling
• Diving

Going golfing in South America? AllClear can provide cover for stolen, lost or damaged golf equipment. Cover can also apply if you lose your green fees due to an injury or illness that prevents you from playing.

Consider AllClear’s comprehensive Travel Insurance cover for an amazing South American holiday.

Driving cover in South America

Driving can be a convenient way to explore many parts of South America. However, road quality and driving conditions may be different to what Australian drivers are used to.

If you’re planning on using a rental car during your holiday, why not consider using AllClear to drive with more confidence? If your policy conditions are met, we can cover you for the rental car insurance excess charged to you through the rental car company.

This applies if your vehicle is involved in a car accident while you are driving, or is damaged or stolen while in your care.

Please be sure to drive cautiously and follow local laws and road safety advice to avoid car accidents. For more information, review our PDS.

Australia does not have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with any nation in South America (Source: Australian Government, accessed 05 Nov 25). If anything happens while you are overseas, Travel Insurance could be the only assistance you receive. 

Some hospitals in South America can be relatively more affordable than being treated in Australia. Intensive treatment like heart surgery has an average price of $20,494. 

However, facilities in certain cities and rural areas may be limited or of a lower quality, and medical evacuation can become costly. 

If you choose AllClear for your Travel Insurance, you can receive cover for your overseas medical expenses. Get the care you need without stressing about medical costs. 

AllClear policies also include access to a 24/7 emergency medical helpline. Whether you’re in Buenos Aires or Rio, assistance is just a phone call away.

For more information on our medical cover and exclusions, please see our PDS.

Natural disasters are a potential risk in many South American countries. Events like floods or earthquakes can affect your travel plans in unexpected ways.

With AllClear’s natural disaster Travel Insurance, you are covered if a natural disaster prevents you from travelling in South America. You also receive cover if a disaster causes your travel provider to cancel a trip without suggesting an alternative.

Consider AllClear’s cover, helping you plan your trips without stressing about your expenses if an emergency occurs.

The cost of Travel Insurance for South America can vary heavily depending on multiple factors. These factors include:

• Pre-existing medical conditions: Your age and the pre-existing medical conditions you live with can affect how much your premiums cost. This is because these factors may increase the likelihood of medical expenses while you’re away. 
• Trip length: The length of your trip will affect the cost of your policy. If you are overseas for a long time, that means there is more time for incidents to occur. 
• Destinations: Some destinations may carry more risks than others. Where you travel will affect the price of your premiums. ‍
• Type of cover: Adding extra cover to your policy will increase the final price of your insurance

A cruise is an amazing way to relax and explore South America in style. With Cruise Travel Insurance, you can ensure you’re covered for:

• Cabin confinement if you are required to stay in your room due to illness. 
• Missed ports if the total number of docked ports is fewer than the number scheduled on your cruise itinerary.
• Cover for medical emergencies you may experience on a cruise due to your pre-existing conditions or covered events.

Consider AllClear to enjoy a stress-free holiday cruise, offering cover if things go wrong.

Any safe and fun journey out of the country requires some preparation before you’re ready to go. Here are a few tips for an easier journey:

• Travel Insurance: Purchasing Travel Insurance can help make sure you have a more relaxing, stress-free time while travelling in South America. Just be sure you know what your policy covers you for and follow all relevant conditions while you’re travelling. 
• Entry requirements: Different countries across South America have different entry requirements. Be sure you know what the entry requirements are for the country you are visiting. Check if you need any documents or visas before you are allowed into the country. 
• Health advice: Before leaving Australia, it’s a good idea to check in with your health professional. Check if you need any vaccinations before travelling, and discuss the best way to manage any pre-existing medical conditions. You should also check if any medications you need to take are prohibited in the region you are travelling to.
• Emergency contacts: Make sure you know the emergency numbers for police and other services in the nation you are travelling to. You should also look up the details of the Australian Embassy in case of an incident. ‍
• Currency: Some locations in South America may not support credit cards. In marketplaces or rural areas, be sure you have enough physical currency for your trip. You should also look up the best way to draw more if you need to.

Here are some tips to have a safer time in South America:

• Pickpockets and thefts: Petty crime like pickpocketing, bag slashing and phone snatching may be an issue in more tourist-heavy areas. Just be sure you keep your valuables close and secure. You should also avoid displaying expensive tech or jewellery if possible. If a petty crime does occur, be sure to report it to the authorities.
• Crime rate: Some parts of South America have a higher crime rate than Australians may be used to. Be sure to check the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website for further information on how to stay safe from crime and other incidents.
• Food and water: Some areas of South America have a reputation for travellers' diarrhoea. Check to see if the tap water is safe to drink before travelling. Drink bottled water in the recommended areas. Do not eat raw or undercooked meals from potential unsanitary sources.
• Respect local customs: Parts of South America have their own dress customs and behavioural standards. Be sure you have researched any important customs or laws in the area you are visiting before travelling.‍
• Scammers: Scams targeting tourists may be a potential risk across South America. Research the most common scams in the area you are visiting, keep your wits about you and never accept anything for free.