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Summary of cover, 1. single trip.

Four plans are offered under Option 1, 2, 3 and 4. The benefits and limit for each Option are as below:

24-hour worldwide assistance / emergency service available through our Partner Partner Europ Assistance

Cover is provided for all destinations and for travelers up to the age of 79.

Option 4 meets the Schengen requirements whereas Option 1, 2 and 3 may not be appropriate when travelling in Schengen countries

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24-hour worldwide assistance / emergency service available through our Partner Europ Assistance

Cover is provided for all destinations and for travelers up to the age of 69.

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Top Travel Insurances for Mauritius You Should Know in 2024

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

At the crossroads of Africa, India, and Europe, Mauritius is a small but fascinating tropical island nation with stunning beaches, great streetfood, crystal-clear waters, and a unique range of extinct wildlife such as the giant tortoise and the dodo bird. Although travelling to Mauritius can be an accessible holiday destination for many people, and although healthcare costs in the country aren't outrageously expensive, it's still a very good idea to arrive there with travel insurance anway, as you'll want the highest-quality healthcare you can find.

Luckily, online global insurances (known as 'insurtechs') specialize in cost-savvy travel insurance to Mauritius and other countries worldwide. Our list below explores the four services we believe provide the best deals for young travellers, adventurers, everyday holidaymakers looking for comprehensive but affordable coverage, and longer-term expats.

Mauritius Insurance Profile

Here are a few of the many factors influencing the scope and cost of travel insurances for Mauritius:

Best Travel Insurances for Mauritius

• 01. Should I get travel insurance for Mauritius? scroll down
• 02. Best medical coverage: VisitorsCoverage scroll down
• 03. Best trip insurance: Insured Nomads scroll down
• 04. Best mix for youth and digitial nomads: SafetyWing scroll down
• 05. FAQ about travel insurance to Mauritius scroll down

Heading to Mauritius soon? Don't forget to check the following list before you travel:

• 💳 Eager to dodge high FX fees? See our picks for the best travel cards in 2024.
• 🛂 Need a visa? Let iVisa take care of it for you.
• ✈ Looking for flights? Compare on Skyscanner !
• 💬 Want to learn the local language? Babbel and italki are two excellent apps to think about.
• 💻 Want a VPN? ExpressVPN is the market leader for anonymous and secure browsing.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Mauritius?

No, there's currently no legal requirement to take out travel insurance for travel to or through Mauritius.

However, regardless of whether or not it's legally required, it's always a good idea to take our health insurance before you travel — whether to Mauritius or anywhere else. For what's usually an affordable cost , taking out travel insurance will mitigate most or all of the risk of financial damage if you run into any unexpected troubles during your trip abroad. Take a look at the top five reasons to get travel insurance to learn more.

With that said, here are the top three travel insurances for Mauritius:

VisitorsCoverage: Best Medical Coverage

Among the internet's best-known insurance platforms,  VisitorsCoverage  is a pioneering Silicon Valley insurtech company that offers comprehensive medical coverage for travellers going abroad to Mauritius. It lets you choose between various plans tailored to meet the specific needs of your trip to Mauritius, including coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and travel disruptions. With its easy online purchase process and 24/7 live chat support, VisitorsCoverage is a reliable and convenient option if you want good value and peace of mind while travelling abroad.

• Coverage 9.0
• Quality of Service 9.0
• Pricing 7.6
• Credibility 9.5

VisitorsCoverage offers a large variety of policies and depending on your needs and preferences, you'll need to compare and explore their full catalogue of plans for yourself. However, we've chosen a few highlights for their travel insurance for Mauritius:

• Policy names: Varies
• Medical coverage: Very good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, mental health-related conditions, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Excellent - but only available for US residents.
• Customer support: FAQ, live chat and phone support
• Pricing range: USD 25 to USD 150 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: Lloyd's, Petersen, and others
• Best for: Value for money and overall medical coverage

Insured Nomads: Best Trip Coverage

Insured Nomads is another very good travel insurance option, especially if you're adventurous or frequently on the go and are looking for solid trip insurance with some coverage for medical incidents too. With Insured Nomads, you can choose the level of protection that best suits your needs and enjoy a wide range of benefits, including 24/7 assistance, coverage for risky activities and adventure sports, and the ability to add or remove coverage as needed. In addition, Insured Nomads has a reputation for providing fast and efficient claims service, making it an excellent choice if you want peace of mind while exploring the world.

• Coverage 7.8
• Quality of Service 8.5
• Pricing 7.4
• Credibility 8.8

Insured Nomads offers three travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences. We go through them below:

• Policy names: World Explorer, World Explorer Multi, World Explorer Guardian
• Medical coverage: Good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Good. Includes coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, lost or stolen luggage (with limits), adventure and sports activities, and many others.
• Customer support: FAQ, live chat, phone support
• Pricing range: USD 80 to USD 420 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: David Shield Insurance Company Ltd.
• Best for: Adventure seekers wanting comprehensive trip insurance

SafetyWing: Best Combination For Youth

SafetyWing is a good insurance option for younger travellers or digital nomads because it offers flexible but comprehensive coverage at a famously affordable price. With SafetyWing, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you're covered for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. In addition, SafetyWing's user-friendly website lets you manage your policy, file a claim, and access 24/7 assistance from anywhere in the world, and, unlike VisitorsCoverage, you can even purchase a policy retroactively (e.g. during a holiday)!

• Coverage 7.0
• Quality of Service 8.0
• Pricing 6.3
• Credibility 7.3

SafetyWing offers two travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences, which we've highlighted below:

• Policy names: Nomad Insurance, Remote Health
• Medical coverage: Decent. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Decent. Includes attractive coverage for lost or stolen belongings, adventure and sports activities, transport cancellation, and many others.
• Pricing range: USD 45 to USD 160 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: Tokyo Marine HCC
• Best for: Digital nomads, youth, long-term travellers

How Do They Compare?

Interested to see how VisitorsCoverage, SafetyWing, and Insured Nomads compare as travel insurances to Mauritius? Take a look at the side-by-side chart below:

Data correct as of 4/1/2024

FAQ About Travel Insurance to Mauritius

Travel insurance typically covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost or stolen luggage, travel delay, and emergency evacuation. Some travel insurance packages also cover medical-related incidents too. However, remember that the exact coverage depends on the insurance policy.

No, you'll not be required to take out travel insurance for Mauritius. However, we strongly encourage you to do so anyway, because the cost of healthcare in Mauritius can be high, and taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself if you need medical attention during your stay.

Yes, medical travel insurance is almost always worth it, and we recommend taking out travel insurance whenever visiting a foreign country. Taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself in case you need medical attention during your stay. In general, we recommend VisitorsCoverage to travellers worldwide because it offers excellent value for money and well-rounded travel and medical benefits in its large catalogue of plans.

Health insurance doesn't cover normal holiday expenses, such as coverage for missed flights and hotels, but in case you run into medical trouble while abroad, it may cover some or all of your doctor or hospital expenses while overseas. However, not all health insurance providers and plans offer coverage to customers while abroad, and that's why it's generally best to take out travel insurance whenever you travel.

Although there's overlap, health and travel insurance are not exactly the same. Health insurance covers some or all of the cost of medical expenses (e.g. emergency treatment, doctor's visits, etc.) while travel insurance covers non-medical costs that are commonly associated with travelling (e.g. coverage for missed flights, stolen or lost personal belongings, etc.).

The cost of travel insurance depends on several factors, such as the length of the trip, the destination, the age of the traveller, and the level of coverage desired. On average, travel insurance can cost anywhere between 3% and 10% of the total cost of the trip.

A single-trip travel insurance policy covers a specific trip, while an annual one covers multiple trips taken within a one-year period. An annual policy may be more cost-effective for frequent travellers.

Yes, you can sometimes purchase travel insurance after starting your trip, but it is best to buy it before the trip begins to ensure maximum coverage. If you do need to buy insurance after you've started your trip, we recommend VisitorsCoverage , which offers a wide catalogue of online trip and medical insurance policies, most of which can be booked with immediate effect. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

Yes, you can most certainly purchase travel insurance for a trip that has already been booked, although we recommend purchasing insurance as soon as possible aftwerwards to ensure all coverage is in place before your journey begins. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

See Our Other Travel Insurance Guides

Looking for Travel Insurance to Another Country?

See our recommendations for travel insurance to other countries worldwide:

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• Unlimited medical emergency expenses¹
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If you’re lucky enough to be going to Mauritius, you’re probably going to want to get some travel insurance. But before you buy, think about these things first to make sure you have the level of cover you need:

• The cost of your trip – Unfortunately, sometimes things happen outside of your control meaning you have to cancel your holiday; if that’s the case, it’s good to know that you can cover costs
• The activities you’re likely to be doing – If you’re planning anything really extreme, we can offer you extra cover with our  adventure and extreme sports policy
• The total cost of your baggage
• Also, don’t forget to check the  latest travel advice for Mauritius from the FCDO

Our Coronavirus Travel Insurance is rated Superior by a leading UK Consumer Champion. All of our policies will cover you if you catch Coronavirus.

What is covered with travel insurance to Mauritius?

As standard, our policies cover for  over 50 sports and activities , so you can get up to more on your holiday. We also offer a range of benefits, some of which include:

• Medical expenses and hospital benefit
• Personal accident and liability
• Cancelling and cutting short your holiday
• Abandoning your trip
• Delayed departure
• Accommodation cover
• Personal belongings and baggage
• Personal money, passport and travel documents
• Legal expenses

For more information about what’s covered with travel insurance for Mauritius, have a read of our  policy documents here .

We’ve listed some helpful facts, along with other important information which we think you’ll want to know before your trip to Mauritius.

Do you need a visa for Mauritius?

No, you don’t need to apply for a visa to travel to Mauritius, but you will need proof of an onward journey or return travel. On arrival your passport will be stamped, and you’ll be allowed to stay in the country for up to 60 days.

Healthcare in Mauritius

The healthcare facilities in Mauritius can vary, but are generally in pretty good condition. There are public and private healthcare centres, but a lot of tourists choose to see private doctors at private hospitals, which can be costly. You should buy adequate travel insurance including any  pre-existing medical conditions  before you travel, so you can rest assured knowing you’re covered in case anything happens while abroad.

It’s also important to remember to speak to your GP at least four to six weeks before you travel, to check whether there are any vaccinations, or any other preventatives needed.

For more information about  healthcare in Mauritius, visit the GOV.UK site here .

Can I get assistance if I fall ill or injure myself while in Mauritius?

Yes – In the unfortunate event of needing emergency medical treatment while abroad, our 24-hour assistance team are always on hand to help you.

All our travel insurance policyholders can get access to our specialised medical emergancy team .

• Unlimited emergency medical expenses available on Black level policies.
• Based on 2,050 responses, correct as of 22/01/2024

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Why do you need travel insurance?

Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, you can be faced with a number of challenges on your trip. A good travel insurance will protect you and those travelling with you, ensuring peace of mind and the required support when things don’t go to plan. Certain destinations also require travelers to have adequate insurance cover – check with our team or your travel agent.

What are the benefits of MUA’s cover ?

• Worldwide cover
• Medical and surgical expenses:: in the event of an accident or illness during your trip, expenses are covered up to €30,000 for inpatient claims and €50,000 for outpatient claims.
• Death or permanent disablement: cover up to Rs 2,000,000 following an accident.
• Medicalised transport & Repatriation: in case of serious personal injury, resulting from an accident or illness,
• Luggage: lost or stolen luggage and valuables
• Cancellation & curtailment of trip
• Luggage and flight delays (delays of more than 8 hours)
• Loss of travel documents
• Additional benefits also include: emergency return; family visit (in the event of accident or illness of the beneficiary travelling abroad alone); repatriation of mortal remains; public liability;

Concierge Service and travel assistance with Europe Assistance: available 24/7 in case of an emergency whilst travelling, including medical emergencies and legal assistance. Choose from 4 options, adapted to your needs, budget and requirements of your travel destination

Find out more about our travel insurance

Practice your passion with serenity! Amateur and professional golfers need the right level of cover in case of an accident on the golf course, and damage or theft of your equipment. You have the choice of four different options, best suited to your requirements and budget.

• Flexibility: you can insure yourself for a year or a week.
• The possibility of international coverage
• You are even covered in case of whole in one
• Public liability cover up to Rs 2,000,000
• Accident cover up to Rs 1,000,000.

Find out more about the our golf insurance.

Sailing in the beautiful waters of Mauritius, is a dream come true for many! To fully enjoy that experience and all the benefits of your boat, MUA offers you tailored insurance solutions, providing optimal protection.

Our comprehensive solutions cover your equipment but also all potential damages caused to your boat, whether it’s on the water, ashore or whilst being transported. The risks covered include fire, capsizing, contact with the dock or port, lightning, malicious act, explosions and tsunamis.

We also protect you in case of accidental damage to third parties, including passengers. Mauritian law requires that all boat owners must have a Third Party Liability insurance.

What’s covered:

• The hull, outboard and inboard engines and the boat’s accessories
• Public liability up to Rs 10 000 000.
• The vessel is covered at sea, while being transport or on land during maintenance operations.

Offer subject to conditions

Find about the coverages that may be suitable for you

• Travel Policy Handbook
• Travel Insurance Claim Form
• Non Motor Claim Form
• Golf Insurance - Brochure
• Travel_brochure

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There is nothing more important than good health. Although it’s not always possible to anticipate an illness or a medical intervention, you can protect yourself and your family.

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“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you…” – Anthony Bourdain

With our insurance cover, you can travel safely and with great serenity. You can also benefit from a large network of providers and opt for additional covers for business equipment, golf and ski activities.

Covers Passport, Baggage  and travel arrangements

Personal Liability and Legal Expenses Benefit

Single Trip & Annual Multiple Trips

Travel Accidents

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We provide boat owners with a tailor-made insurance solution that best fits their specific needs, on and off the water. They can either choose from our Comprehensive or Third

Life can be so unpredictable at times and unfortunately, accidents do happen. At any moment, you can end up seriously injured or disabled. Fortunately, our Personal Accident

The Ultimate Guide To Planning A Mauritius Holiday

Updated 13th June 2022

The warm tropical air hits you straight away like a big hug – you’ve arrived. Smiling faces welcome you, palm trees bend over slightly as if they’re trying to say hello, their fronds waving gently to you in the breeze. This is Mauritius, and you’re in for a treat.

For a small island, Mauritius’ main island seems endless. As you drive towards your hotel, the landscape constantly changes, from highway to city, to mountains, to coastline. There’s nothing like the fresh air feeling after stepping off a long-haul flight or the adrenaline of seeing a new destination for the first time, and the inspiring landscapes of Mauritius make it all the more breathtaking.

Note: this post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking, I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Learn more here.

COVID-19 and travelling to Mauritius

As of June 2022, fully vaccinated travellers can enter Mauritius without quarantine. You’ll need to take a RAT upon arrival at your hotel (or a PCR at the airport if not staying in a hotel). You will also need to complete a digital declaration and have travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage. The Smartraveller site has more information.

How to get to Mauritius

Air Mauritius is the national carrier of Mauritius. They’re not the fanciest of airlines in terms of comfort – no Qatar or Singapore, for example. However, their fares are spectacularly well-priced in both economy and business class. When we booked, we were able to fly in Business Class Perth-Port Louis-Antananarivo in business class cheaper than we could have flown in economy on South African Airways. Air Mauritius fly several times a week from Perth.

Because of this, I’ve booked many clients to fly to Africa through Mauritius. Air Mauritius flies to Johannesburg every day except Wednesday, to Cape Town on Tuesdays and Thursdays, to Nairobi up to four times a week depending on the flight schedule, and to Dar es Salaam on Saturdays. Most flight schedules out of Australia require a stopover in Mauritius on the way over, so it’s the perfect excuse.

From Europe, Air Mauritius fly from Paris and London several times a week. Alitalia and Austrian Airlines offer seasonal services while Turkish Airlines serves the route regularly from Istanbul and Air France flies from Paris. From Asia, direct flights on Air Mauritius depart from Chengdu, Shanghai, and Hong Kong as well as several cities in India. Other airlines flying to Mauritius include Emirates, who have great connection times.

Air Mauritius offers flights to Reunion, Seychelles, and Madagascar as well as codeshares with other Indian Ocean airlines including Air Madagascar and Air Austral, making it really easy to island hop.

Where to stay in Mauritius

The first four nights of our Mauritius holiday were spent at the Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette (which is amazing). It’s now adults-only though, so if you’re planning a parents only getaway, try it! If not, I have plenty of other recommendations. Read my Ten Family-Friendly Mauritius Resorts post for ideas.

The Radisson Blu is lovely and set on a glorious beach. It’s classed as 4-star, but it’s 4.5-star for me. Huge rooms with a really comfy bed and cable and all the room amenities you need. The service is really accommodating and the food is amazing . I could have sat and eaten at the resort all day. We also booked a couples spa package (which we were given at a large discount because we were honeymooners!) and it was sublime.

I’m not going to talk too much about what happened after we moved hotels (if you need to know, click through to read more about our honeymoon nightmare ).

We were on a slight budget though so the Radisson Blu was perfect for us. It had absolutely everything we needed and more, but at a fantastic rate. However, if you’re after something truly luxe, Mauritius is the place to be. Based on client feedback, some of my favourite truly five-star options are the One&Only Le Saint Géran or the LUX* , both in Belle Mare, or for something not quite so extra but still honeymoon worthy, the Trou aux Biches Beachcomber is a wonderful option.

Another awesome option if you prefer to stay in Port Louis is Le Suffren . This five-star hotel is right on the waterfront. We stayed for two nights here at the end of our trip and, while we weren’t up to exploring a great deal because we were ill, our experience of the hotel itself was flawless.

The best time to travel to Mauritius

Mauritius has two distinct seasons – summer and winter. That said, the weather remains warm all year round.

Mauritius’ summer is November through to April, when the days are hot and can be quite sticky (average temperatures in the low 30s Celcius). January is technically cyclone season and usually I kind of ignore this type of thing… but we actually did get stuck in a Cyclone around New Years in Mauritius and it really wasn’t fun. So take this as my personal recommendation to avoid late December and the month of January.

The ‘winter’ season in Mauritius is May to October. It doesn’t get cold though; average temperatures are still in the mid-high 20s Celcius. It’s drier in the winter with plenty of sun. That said, if you’re longing to stay on the gorgeous East coast, July and August get super windy so maybe give it a miss, or book something in the West.

For me, May and September-October are the perfect sweet spot.

Things to do in Mauritius

One thing I really, really loved about Mauritius is the cosmopolitanism. I didn’t expect it to have a big, bustling city, but Port Louis is beautiful. Like a mini Paris to walk around an explore, but it has a cool harbor too (the Caudan Waterfront) and water taxis will take you across. The Waterfront features several groovy restaurants. The shopping is great if that’s your thing, but I loved walking around taking in the eclectic mix of African, French and British architecture. Port Louis has a cool Chinatown too, which adds an extra layer to the architectural and cultural delights.

You’ll find several museums, mosques, and temples to explore in Port Louis. The Mauritius Tourism Board has great list. And if you have a spare afternoon, I highly recommend the National Botanical Garden. It’s just glorious.

Grand Baie is in the North-West corner of Mauritius. Think of Grand Baie as the upmarket beach area – its Riviera region. You’ll find heaps of trendy, luxury fashion brands here as well as world-class restaurants and hip nightlife. If you want a night out to let your hair down, Grand Baie is the spot. It’s a pretty area but the beach isn’t great for swimming due to the multitude of motorised boats… But in Mauritius you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to other beach options.

If you’re heading out to eat, try Le Capitaine for fancy seafood, or La Rougaille Creole for some authentic local cajun food.

Grand Bassin

Mauritius has the highest Hindu population outside of India, and this is reflected at Grand Bassin, a huge lake in a crater where the Ganga Talao temple stands.

This intricate temple is an absolute must-see, as is the crater. At the entrance of Ganga Talao is Mangal Mahadev – a 33-metre high statue of Shiva. There are also several other temples in the complex dedicated to other Hindu deities.

In the South-West corner of Mauritius is Chamarel, a village famous for its “seven coloured earth” geopark. Here, you’ll find vivid colours in the hills formed naturally from the different mineral properties in the earth. There’s also a large dramatic waterfall roughly 100 metres in height. For the daring, abseiling down the waterfall can be arranged.

Also in the village is the Rhumerie du Chamarel, a rum distillery with connected restaurant, L’Alchimiste. Here you can sample the products neat or have them make you one of their signature cocktails. The distillery is set within a sugarcane plantation and is pretty famous for the sustainable way the products are manufactured and the byproducts reused. If you’re a nerd about this kind of thing (like me) you can read more about Rhumerie du Chamarel here.

Ile aux Cerfs sailing and parasailing

The best activity we booked was a sailing trip to Ile aux Cerfs, so I can’t go past recommending this to you. Spend a whole day cruising around on a catamaran… Think crystal waters, drinking Mauritian rum and eating a gorgeous Mauritian barbecue on board. There’s was the opportunity to get off the boat and walk around the island, or you could just float around in the water and enjoy the day. You can also take a separate boat ride up to a waterfall.

Snorkel with beautiful fish or go parasailing off a pontoon off the coast. The views are just incredible. I can honestly say our Ile aux Cerfs sailing trip was one of the best travel days I’ve ever had.

Click through to book your Ile Aux Cerfs sailing trip !

Ile aux Benitiers

Ile aux Benitiers can be found off the coast of Le Morne, in the South-West of the island. We took a private sailing trip out to Ile aux Benitiers to see the Diamond Rock (sometimes known as Crystal Rock) and laze by the water… another day spent swimming, snorkeling and eating that delicious seafood barbecue lunch Mauritians do so well. The beach is stunning and the mountains loom in the distance. You will find quite a few people on the beach trying to sell you things though.

I think we would have preferred to do this activity with a group, because we’re quite social and we had a blast with our new friends sailing to Ile aux Cerfs. The other reason for this is our guides told us “you have to eat everything on the boat!” I’m sure this was a joke but we felt so full we thought we would sink!

Click through to book your Ile Aux Benitiers sailing trip !

Sunset cruise

You’ll find providers all over Mauritius offering a sunset cruise – usually this is on a catamaran with dinner and drinks.

It depends how much sailing you like to do; for us we’ll take any possible chance to get out on a boat. If your sea legs are a bit wobbly, prioritise Ile aux Cerfs. But what is more romantic than sailing off into the sunset with a cocktail in your hand? For us, not much!

A note about dolphin swimming

We tried a dolphin swim a couple of times but inclement weather ruined one outing. On the other, it was pretty disgusting to be honest and not something I’d ever try again. Picture twenty boats chasing around one terrified dolphin and hundreds of people trying to swim with it. So I have to recommend ditching the dolphin swim and focus on all the incredible scenery you’re surrounded by.

Mauritian food

You might think an island as small as Mauritius (in size and population) wouldn’t have cultivated much of a foodie culture. You’d be dead wrong. Mauritius is one of the most incredible foodie destinations I’ve been to… and you know how I love my food.

Owing to its history, you’ll find French, Cajun, Indian and even Chinese influences in Mauritian cooking. One of my favourite aspects of Mauritius travel is the food, and how the different cultures within Mauritius shine through each dish. Fresh seafood, flavour-packed curries, and creole spices all combine to produce a cuisine unlike anything else I’ve ever tried. Any sort of fish curry was my go-to, but the street food was surprising too. You’ll find a lot on Indian street snacks such as vada (my fave!) as you walk around.

I’ve attempted to recreate several Mauritian dishes at home but I just can’t get them quite right… I think this is because some of the street food, in particular, are made from family recipes handed down through generations and not found in recipe books.

Travel costs in Mauritius

The currency is the Mauritian Rupee, but be warned: a lot of pricing is in line with the Euro, especially in resorts and for tourist activities. This means if your currency doesn’t compare favourably (like, say, the Australian Dollar) Mauritius is going to be expensive .

ATMs are found in local shopping centres; paying by card is easy in hotels and shops, but always have cash on you for cafes (particularly ones that aren’t near the major towns) and for street stalls.

We found getting around the worst: there’s no public transport outside of Port Louis so you’ll need private taxis to get from place to place.

If you’re taking a taxi, the cost needs to be agreed upon first: there will be no meter for the fare. Be willing to walk away if the fare feels too high: you’ll absolutely be paying the tourist tax.

You could also cut costs a bit by hiring a car if you’re comfortable. Mauritians drive on the left, which is nice for those of us from the colonies! Many of my clients have done this and it’s definitely what we’ll do next time to keep the costs a bit more reasonable.

We like Europcar because they have good deals and we earn frequent flyer points. They have desks at Plaissance (Port Louis) airport, as well as in Grand Baie and Les Pailles.

You’re never far from a grocery store in Mauritius. Especially if you’re staying in a resort, it really pays to stock up on snacks and drinks at the local shops. Especially if you want to buy alcohol.

Grocery stores are well-stocked with all the items you’d find at home so if you forget your toiletries or you need more supplies you won’t experience any dramas. Costs for various items were reasonable (I paid roughly the same amount in Mauritius as back home for things like shampoo, toothpaste, razors etc).

I think this is a big tip no matter where you travel: eating at locally owned cafes and restaurants is certainly cheaper than eating at the hotel. But more than that – it’s an excellent way to experience more of the country’s culture. As I mentioned above, street food is a thing in Mauritius owing in part to its Indian heritage, and a quick snack is cheap and delicious.

Takeaway tips

Mauritius is like many of the once-in-a-lifetime paradises you dream of: it comes at a price. But with careful planning you can keep the costs manageable.

The big surprise, I think, is just how much there is to do on this little island. In fact, it can be overwhelming. So make sure to schedule in some rest days so you can relax, hit the spa, or just go with the flow and be open to anything that comes up.

Lastly, be health conscious. Mauritius is a safe and friendly place to explore but don’t drink the water, practice mosquito-avoidance procedures and check with your travel clinic about the recommended vaccinations. From experience: parasites can really ruin your Mauritius experience.

Now go forth and book that amazing Mauritius getaway! You’re going to have a blast.

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Amelia is a health researcher and mother of two who loves inspiring other families to add more adventure to their lives. She spent ten years in the travel industry before changing careers, and A Winter Escape is her way of still helping people plan the best possible holidays around the world.

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19 Comments

Your photos look amazing and so inviting (especially the pool with the cocktail!) some great advice about travelling to Mauritius- it’s definitely a place that’s on my bucket list ?

Thanks! Yes it was beautiful (or at least the first half was amazing anyway… but what befell is after that was not Mauritius’ fault)

Looks beautiful, idyllic even!! I wanna go!

Do it Ritu!

Sounds like an amazing honeymoon. We fancied going here but it was the wrong time of year!

Ehhhh it was the wrong time for us too, we got caught in a cyclone on the way home. Not so fun. It Mauritius really turned on the charm for us before that!

Oh wow! I fear I have missed my chance to visit, this was a consideration for our honeymoon too, we eventually decided on New York (so no hardship). But unless I win the lottery it doesn’t look likely.

It really seems beautiful

Just like I fear I’ll never get to the Caribbean!

Pictures are beautiful. Enjoyed the post as knew nothing of this place. Canadian here so always aware of exchange on the dollar. Good to point that out.

Thanks Brenda! Yep, it was a shock because being from Australia I have Southeast Asia or the Pacific on my doorstep – places that are pretty cheap to travel through. So Mauritius was a whole different kettle of fish!

I love your blog

Thanks so much Sonia!

Stunning! Now that I can’t travel I so look forward to your blog…particularly on a Saturday when I can curl up and have a good read. It looks and sounds like a wonderful trip x

Oh Claire thanks so much… if you have any requests on things you’d like to read about just let me know and I’ll make it happen ?

Amazing photos and tips for anyone wanting to travel there! It’s definitely on my bucket list now ?

Thanks Janita! Hope you make it there soon!

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11 Best Travel Insurance Companies in May 2024

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

If the past few years have shown us anything, it’s that travelers need to be prepared for the unexpected — from a pandemic to flight troubles to the crowded airport terminals so many of us have encountered.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care or a policy that includes extreme sports, these are the best travel insurance providers to get you covered.

How we found the best travel insurance

We looked at quotes from various companies for a 10-day trip to Mexico in September 2024. The traveler was a 55-year-old woman from Florida who spent $3,000 total on the trip, including airfare.

On average, the price of each company’s most basic coverage plan was $126.53. The costs displayed below do not include optional add-ons, such as Cancel For Any Reason coverage or pre-existing medical condition coverage.

Read our full analysis about the average cost of travel insurance so you can budget better for your next trip.

However, depending on the plan, you may be able to customize at an added cost.

As we continue to evaluate more travel insurance companies and receive fresh market data, this collection of best travel insurance companies is likely to change. See our full methodology for more details.

Best insurance companies

Types of travel insurance

What does travel insurance cover, what’s not covered, how much does it cost, do i need travel insurance, how to choose the best travel insurance policy, what are the top travel destinations in 2024, more resources for travel insurance shoppers, top credit cards with travel insurance, methodology, best travel insurance overall: berkshire hathaway travel protection.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

• ExactCare Value (basic) plan is among the least expensive we surveyed.
• Speciality plans available for road trips, luxury travel, adventure activities, flights and cruises.
• Company may reimburse claimants faster than average, including possible same-day compensation.
• Multiple "Trip Delay" coverage types might make claims confusing.
• Cheapest plan only includes fixed amounts for its coverage.

Under the direction of chair and CEO Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has been around since 2014. Its plans provide numerous opportunities for travelers to customize coverage to their needs.

At $135 for our sample trip, the ExactCare Value (basic) plan from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers protection roughly $10 above the average price.

Want something cheaper? Air travelers looking for inexpensive, less comprehensive protections might opt for a basic AirCare plan that includes fixed amounts for its coverage .

Read our full review of Berkshire Hathaway .

What else makes Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection great:

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers available at no extra cost.

Plans available for travelers going on a cruise, participating in extreme sports or taking a luxury trip.

ExactCare Value (basic) plan was among the least expensive we surveyed.

Best for emergency medical coverage: Allianz Global Assistance

Annual or single-trip policies are available.

• Multiple types of insurance available.
• All plans include access to a 24/7 assistance hotline.
• More expensive than average.
• CFAR upgrades are not available.
• Rental car protection is only available by adding the One Trip Rental Car protector to your plan or by purchasing a standalone rental car plan.

Allianz Global Assistance is a reputable travel insurance company offering plans for over 25 years. Customers can choose from a variety of single and annual policies to fit their needs. On top of comprehensive coverage, some travelers might opt for the more affordable OneTrip Cancellation Plus, which is geared toward domestic travelers looking for trip protections but don’t need post-departure benefits like emergency medical or baggage lost.

For our test trip, Allianz Global Assistance’s basic coverage cost $149, about $22 above average.

What else makes Allianz Global Assistance great:

Annual and single-trip plans.

Plans are available for international and domestic trips.

Stand-alone and add-on rental car damage product available.

Read our full review of Allianz Global Assistance .

Best for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions: Travel Guard by AIG

Travel Guard by AIG

• Offers last-minute coverage.
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Exclusion Waiver available at all plan levels.
• Plan available for business travelers.
• Cancel For Any reason coverage only available for higher-level plans, and only reimburses up to 50% of the trip cost.
• Trip interruption coverage doesn't apply to trips paid for with points and miles.

Travel Guard by AIG offers a variety of plans and coverages to fit travelers’ needs. On top of more standard trip protections like trip cancellation, interruption, baggage and medical coverage, the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available on certain Travel Guard plans, which allows you to cancel a trip for any reason and get 50% of your nonrefundable deposit back as long as the trip is canceled at least two days before the scheduled departure date.

At $107 for our sample trip, the Essential plan was below average, saving roughly $20.

What else makes Travel Guard by AIG great:

Three comprehensive plans and a Pack N' Go plan for last-minute travelers who don't need cancellation benefits.

Flight protection, car rental, and medical evacuation coverage, as well as annual plans available.

Pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver available on all plan levels, as long as it's purchased within 15 days.

Read our full review of Travel Guard by AIG .

Best for those who pack expensive equipment: Travel Insured International

Travel Insured International

• Higher-level plan include optional add-ons for event tickets and for electronic equipment
• Rental car protection add-on for just $8 per day, even on lower-level plan.
• Many of the customizations are only available on the higher-tier plan.
• Coverage cost comes in above average in our latest analysis.

Travel Insured International offers several customization options. For instance, those going to see a show may want to add on event ticket registration fee protection. Traveling with expensive gear?Consider adding on coverage for electronic equipment for up to $2,000 in coverage.

Be sure to check which policies are available in your state. You will need to input your destination, residence, trip dates and the number of travelers to get a quote and see coverages.

What else makes Travel Insured International great:

Comprehensive plans include medical expense reimbursement accidents, sickness, evacuation and pre-existing conditions, depending on the plan.

Flight plans include coverage for missed and canceled flights and lost or stolen baggage.

Read our full review of Travel Insured International .

Best for adventurous travelers: World Nomads

World Nomads

• Travelers can extend coverage mid-trip.
• The standard plan covers up to $300,000 in emergency evacuation costs.
• Plans automatically cover 200+ adventurous activities.
• No Cancel For Any Reason upgrades are available.
• No pre-existing medical condition waivers are available.

Many travel insurance plans contain exclusions for adventure sports activities. If you plan to ski, bungee jump, windsurf or parasail, this might be a plan to consider.

Note that the Standard plan ($72 for our sample trip), while the most affordable, provides less coverage than other plans. But it can be a good choice for travelers who are satisfied with trip cancellation and interruption coverage of $2,500 or less, do not need rental car damage protection, find the limits to be sufficient and do not need coverage for certain more adventurous activities.

What else makes World Nomads great:

Comprehensive international travel insurance plans.

Coverage available for adventure activities, such as trekking, mountain biking and scuba diving.

Read our full review of World Nomads .

Best for medical coverage: Travelex Insurance Services

Travelex Insurance Services

• Top-tier plan doesn’t break the bank and provides more customization opportunities.
• Offers a plan specifically for domestic travel.
• Sells a post-departure medical coverage plan.
• Fewer customization opportunities on the Basic plan.
• Though perhaps a plus for domestic travelers, keep in mind the Travel America plan only covers domestic trips.

For starters, basic coverage from Travelex Insurance Services came in at $125, almost exactly average for our sample trip.

Travelex’s plans focus heavily on providing protections that are personalized to your travel style and trip type.

While the company does offer comprehensive plans that include medical benefits, you can also choose between cheaper plans that don’t provide cancellation coverage but do offer protections during your travels.

Read our full review of Travelex Insurance Services .

What else makes Travelex Insurance Services great:

Three comprehensive plans available, two of which cover international trips.

Offers a post-departure plan geared exclusively toward disruptions after you leave home.

Two flight insurance plans available.

Best if you have travel credit card coverage: Seven Corners

Seven Corners

• Annual, medical-only and backpacker plans are available.
• Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available for the cheapest plan.
• Cheapest plan also features a much less costly Interruption for Any Reason add-on.
• Offers only one annual policy option.

Each Seven Corners plan offers several optional add-ons. Among the more unique is a Trip Interruption for Any Reason, which allows you to interrupt a trip 48 hours after the scheduled departure date (for any reason) and receive a refund of up to 75% of your unused nonrefundable deposits.

The basic coverage plan for our trip to Mexico costs $124 — right around the average.

What else makes Seven Corners great:

Comprehensive plans for U.S. residents and foreigners, including travelers visiting the U.S.

Cheap add-ons for rental car damage, sporting equipment rental or trip interruption for any reason.

Read our full review of Seven Corners .

Best for long-term travelers: IMG

• Coverage available for adventure travelers.
• Special medical insurance for ship captains and crew members, international students and missionaries.
• Claim approval can be lengthy.

While some travel insurance companies offer just a handful of plans, with IMG, you’ll really have your pick. Though this requires a bit more research, it allows you to search for coverage that fits your travel needs.

However, travelers will want to be aware that IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Lite is expensive. Coming in at $149.85, it’s the costliest plan on our list.

Read our full review of IMG .

What else makes IMG great:

More affordable than average.

Many plans to choose from to fit your needs.

Best for travelers with unpredictable work demands: Tin Leg

• In addition Cancel For Any Reason, some plans offer cancel for work reason coverage.
• Adventure sports-specific coverage is available.
• Plans have overlap that can be hard to distinguish.
• Only one plan includes Rental Car Damage coverage available as an add-on.

Tin Leg’s Basic plan came in at $134 for our sample trip, adding about $8 onto the average basic policy cost. Note that you’ll pay a lot more if you shop for the most comprehensive coverage, and there are eight plans to choose from for trips abroad.

The multitude of plans can help you find coverage that fits your needs, but with so many to choose from, deciding can be daunting.

The only real way to figure out your ideal plan is to compare them all, look at the plan details and decide which features and coverage suit you and your travel style best.

Read our full Tin Leg review .

Best for booking travel with points and miles: TravelSafe

• Covers up to $300 redepositing points and miles on eligible canceled award flights.
• Optional add-on protection for business equipment or sports rentals.
• Multi-trip or year-long plans aren’t available.

Selecting your travel insurance plan with TravelSafe is a fairly straightforward process. The company’s website also makes it easy to visualize how optional add-on elements influence the total cost, displaying the final price as soon as you click the coverage.

However, at $136, the Basic plan was among the more expensive for our trip to Mexico.

What else makes TravelSafe great:

Rental car damage coverage add-on is available on both plans.

Cancel For Any Reason coverage available on the TravelSafe Classic plan.

Read our full TravelSafe review .

Best for group travel insurance: HTH Insurance

HTH Travel Insurance

• Covers travelers up to 95 years old.
• Includes direct pay option so members can avoid having to pay up front for services.
• A 24-hour delay is required for baggage delay coverage on the TripProtector Economy plan.
• No waivers for pre-existing conditions on the lower-level plan.

HTH offers single-trip and multitrip medical insurance coverage as well as trip protection plans.

At around $125, the Trip Protector Economy policy is at the average mark for plans we reviewed.

You can choose to insure group trips for educators, crew, religious missionaries and corporate travelers.

What else makes HTH Insurance great:

Medical-only coverage and trip protection coverage.

Lots of options for group travelers.

Read our full review of HTH Insurance .

As you shop for travel insurance, you’ll find many of the same coverage categories across numerous plans.

Trip cancellation

This covers the prepaid costs you make for your trip in cases when you need to cancel for a covered reason. This coverage helps you recoup upfront costs paid for flights and nonrefundable hotel reservations.

Trip interruption

Trip interruption benefits generally involve disruptions after you depart. It helps reimburse costs incurred for flight delays, cancellations and plenty of other covered disruptions you might encounter during your travels.

This coverage can cover the costs for you to return home or reimburse unexpected expenses like an extra hotel stay, meals and ground transportation.

Trip delay coverage helps cover unexpected costs when your trip is delayed. This is another coverage that helps offset the costs of flight trouble or other travel disruptions.

Note that many policies have a total amount a traveler can claim, with caps on per diem benefits, too.

Cancel For Any Reason

Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to recoup some of the upfront costs you paid for a trip even if you’re canceling for a reason not otherwise covered by your standard travel insurance policy.

Typically, adding this protection to your plan costs extra.

Baggage delay

This coverage helps cover the costs of essential items you might need when your luggage is delayed. Think toiletries, clothing and other immediate items you might need if your luggage didn’t make it on your flight.

Many travel insurance plans with baggage delay protection will specify how long (six, 12, 24 hours, etc.) your luggage must be delayed before you can make a claim.

Lost baggage

Used for travelers whose luggage is lost or stolen, this helps recoup the lost value of the items in your bag.

You’ll want to make sure you closely follow the correct procedures for your plan. Many plans include a maximum total amount you can claim under this coverage and a per-item cap.

Travel medical insurance

This covers out-of-pocket medical costs when travelers run into an emergency.

Because many travelers’ health insurance plans don’t cover medical care overseas, travel medical insurance can help offset out-of-pocket health care costs.

In addition to emergency medical coverage, many plans have medical evacuation or repatriation coverage for costs incurred when you must be taken to a hospital or return to your home country because of a medical situation.

Most travel insurance plans cover many trip protections that can help you be prepared for unexpected travel disruptions and expenses.

These coverages are generally aimed at protecting the money you put into your trip, expenses you incur because of travel trouble and costs incurred if you have a medical emergency overseas.

On top of core coverages like trip cancellation and interruption and travel medical coverage, some plans offer add-on options like waivers for pre-existing conditions, rental car collision damage waivers or adventure sports riders. These usually cost extra or must be added within a specified timeframe.

Typical travel insurance policies offer coverage for many unforeseen events, but as you research to select a plan, consider your needs. Though every plan differs, there are some commonly excluded coverages.

For instance, you typically can’t get coverage for a named storm if you bought the coverage after the storm was named. In other words, if you have a trip to the Caribbean booked for Sept. 25 and on Sept. 20 a hurricane develops and is named, you generally won’t be able to buy a travel insurance plan Sept. 21 in hopes of getting your money back.

Many plans also don’t cover activities performed under the influence of drugs or alcohol or any extreme sports. If the latter applies to you, you might want to consider a plan with specific coverages for adventure-seekers.

For numerous plans, a few other situations don’t qualify as an acceptable reason to cancel and make a claim, such as fear of travel, medical tourism or pregnancies (unless you booked a trip and bought insurance before you became pregnant or there are complications with the pregnancy). This is where a Cancel For Any Reason add-on to your coverage can be helpful.

You can also run into trouble if you give up on a trip too soon: a minor (or even multihour) flight delay likely isn’t sufficient to cancel your entire trip and get reimbursed through your plan. Be sure to review what requirements your specific plan has when it comes to canceling a trip, claiming trip interruption, etc.

Travel insurance costs vary widely. The final price of your plan will fluctuate based on your age, length of trip and destination.

It will also depend on how much coverage you need, whether you add on specialized policies (like Cancel For Any Reason or pre-existing conditions coverage), whether you plan to participate in extreme sports and other factors.

In our examples above, for instance, the 35-year-old traveler taking a $2,000 trip to Italy would have spent an average $76 for a basic plan to get coverage for things like trip cancellation and interruption, baggage protection, etc. That’s a little less than 4% of the total trip cost — lower than average.

If there were multiple members in a traveling party or if they were going on, say, a rock-climbing or bungee-jumping excursion, the costs would go up.

On average, travel insurance comes to about 5% to 10% of the trip cost. However, considering many of the plans reimburse up to 100% of the trip cost (or more) for disruptions like trip cancellation or interruption, it can be a worthwhile expense if something goes wrong.

It depends. Consider the following factors that might affect your decision: You’re young and healthy, all your bookings are refundable or cancelable without a penalty, your flights are nonstop, you’re not checking bags and a credit card you carry offers some travel protections . In that case, travel insurance might not be necessary.

On the other hand, if you prepaid a large chunk of money for a nonrefundable African safari, you’re going on a Caribbean cruise in the middle of a hurricane season or you’re going somewhere where the cost of health care is high, it’s not a bad idea to buy a travel insurance plan. Here’s how to find the best travel insurance coverage for you.

If you’re thinking of booking a trip and not planning to buy travel insurance, you may want to consider at least booking refundable airfare and not prepaying for hotel, rental car and activity reservations. That way, if something goes wrong, you can cancel without losing any money.

Selecting the best travel insurance policy comes down to your needs, concerns, preferences and budget.

As you book, take a few minutes to consider what most concerns you. Is it getting stranded because of flight trouble? Having the ability to cancel for any reason you see fit without losing money? Getting sick or injured right before departure and needing to postpone the trip? Injuring yourself or falling ill while overseas?

Ultimately, you want a plan that protects you, your money and the large investment in your trip — but doesn’t cost too much, either.

Medical coverage. If your priority is having adequate medical coverage abroad, you might want to look for plans with high limits for medical emergencies and medical evacuation.

Complex travel itinerary. If your itinerary has lots of flight connections, prepaid hotels and deposits for activities you can’t get back, prioritizing a plan with the best coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions may land at the top of your list.

Travel uncertainty. If you’re on the fence about a trip and have nonrefundable reservations, you may want to select a plan with a Cancel For Any Reason coverage option, which can help you recoup about 50% to 75% of the costs. This helps provide peace of mind, placing the decision on whether to travel entirely in your hands.

Car rentals. If you’re renting a car, a collision damage waiver is often worth looking into.

The following destinations are the top insured destinations in 2024, according to Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner).

The Bahamas.

Costa Rica.

Antarctica.

In 2022, travelers spent about 25.53% more on trips than they did before the pandemic.

As of December, NerdWallet analysis determined travel prices are 10% higher than pre-pandemic. Each statistic makes a strong case for protecting your travel investment as you plan your next trip.

Bookmark these resources to help you make smart money moves as you shop for travel insurance.

What is travel insurance?

CFAR explained.

Is travel insurance worth getting?

10 credit cards that provide travel insurance.

Here is the list of travel cards offered by Chase that include various forms of travel insurance.

Having one of these in your wallet is a good start to protecting your travel investments and preventing expensive accidents; however, savvy travelers check card terms closely and sometimes supplement with a third-party policy, like from one of the companies above, to better protect themselves.

on Chase's website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 12 hours.

• Car rentals: Theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.

• Trip interruption: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for three days.

We used the following factors to choose insurance providers to highlight:

Breadth of coverage: We looked at how many plans each company offered plus the range of their standard plans. 

Depth of coverage: We considered two data points to get a sense of how much each company pays out for common travel issues — the maximum caps for trip cancellation and trip interruption claims.

Cost: By looking at the costs for basic coverage across multiple companies, we determined an average cost for shoppers to benchmark plan prices against.

Customizability: While standard plans can cover a lot of ground, sometimes you need something a little more personal.

Customer satisfaction. Using data from Squaremouth when available, and Google Reviews as a backup, we can give kudos to companies with better track records from their clients.

No, it doesn’t necessarily get more expensive the longer you wait to purchase. However, as you put off buying insurance, you may lose access to potential plans and coverage options.

In general, buying travel insurance within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

But, generally, many plans do allow you to buy coverage quite close to your departure date.

To get the most out of your travel insurance plan, buy it soon after making your initial prepayment or deposit to ensure you have access to the biggest menu of plans possible.

Select a plan that’s comprehensive enough to cover the travel scenarios you’re most concerned about or likely to encounter but not too expensive or laden with protections you’d never likely need.

Whatever your coverage, thoroughly review the plan so you understand what’s covered and what’s not, plus how to adhere to the plan’s rules for making a claim.

Travelers frequently use phrases like “trip insurance” and “travel insurance,” as well as “trip protection,” interchangeably, but they do mean different things, according to Stan Sandberg, founder of insurance comparison site TravelInsurance.com.

Trip insurance, or trip protection, generally refers to predeparture (or preevent) coverage if you need to cancel. You may see these plans sold by airlines, online travel agencies or even ticketed event sellers.

“You could refer to it as the portion that protects the investment in the trip,” Sandberg says.

A travel insurance plan typically includes that — plus more comprehensive benefits to protect you during your trip, from medical coverage to trip delay and lost baggage protections, and many more elements, depending on the plan.

Though travel insurance is typically not required for international trips, your personal circumstances will play a key role in whether it’s a good investment.

For instance, young, healthy travelers with few prepaid trip expenses embarking on a relatively risk-free trip may not see a need to buy a plan.

Older travelers with complicated itineraries who are visiting destinations where they could potentially fall ill or get injured — or who could encounter bad weather or some other disrupting factor along the way — may want to buy coverage.

Consider a few key questions:

How well would your health insurance plan cover you if you needed to visit a hospital overseas?

How much did you prepay for a hotel or rental car?

How much money would you be out if weather or some other flight issue derailed your itinerary?

Could you afford an unexpected night in a city where you have a connecting flight?

Do you already have a credit card that provides some travel protections?

Your answers to these questions can help you decide whether you need travel insurance for your international trip.

In general, buying travel insurance

within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit

for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

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Latest update

Exercise normal safety precautions in Mauritius.

Mauritius (PDF 746.94 KB)

Africa (PDF 1.68 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services

Call 995 or 115.

Medical emergencies

Call 114 or 999 for Service Aide Medicale d'Urgence, a free state-run ambulance and emergency service.

Go direct to a hospital.

Call 118 for Darne private clinic.

Call 8924 for the COVID-19 hotline.

Call 999 or visit the nearest police station.

Call 133 for Vacoas Headquarters.

Call 148 for Crime Prevention Unit.

Call 468 0034 or 4680035 for the Police Hotline.

Call 210 3894 for Tourist Police.

Call 686 5500 for Emergency Response Service Headquarters.

Advice levels

Exercise normal safety precautions in Mauritius.

Exercise normal safety precautions in Mauritius.

• Cyclone season is from November to May, but cyclones can happen any time. Cyclones can result in heavy rainfall, strong winds and flash flooding. They can also disrupt power and water supplies and can result in airport closures. Stay up to date with local weather conditions. Follow the advice of local authorities. Know how to evacuate from your hotel or cruise ship. Confirm flight timings with your airline or travel provider.
• Crime levels are low, but petty crime occurs, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching. Don't walk alone after dark. Use ATMs in banks, hotels and shops, not on the street.
• Some travellers have been robbed and assaulted in unregistered beachside bungalows. Stay in accommodation that's registered by local authorities.
• There have been reports of taxi scams at the airport. Only use registered taxis marked with a yellow sign and the name of the operating base on the door.
• Rallies and protests occur sometimes. These can turn violent. Avoid large public gatherings.

Full travel advice: Safety

• There's an increase of dengue  cases in Mauritius. Always protect yourself from mosquito bites. Get medical advice if you develop a fever, muscle or joint pain, vomiting, a bad headache or a rash.
• Insect-borne diseases including dengue and chikungunya are present. There have been cases of malaria in the past. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent. 
• Foodborne, waterborne and other infectious diseases can include gastroenteritis and hepatitis. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food.
• HIV/AIDS is a risk. Take precautions if you're taking part in high-risk activities.
• The standard of public medical facilities varies. Private doctors or clinics can be expensive. If you're seriously ill or injured, you may need medical evacuation. Ensure your travel insurance covers this.

Full travel advice: Health

• Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences include prison sentences and heavy fines.
• Know and follow local laws. It's illegal to buy counterfeit or pirated goods. It's also illegal to own cigarette papers or rolling machines.
• If you break the law, you may need to stay in Mauritius to wait for your court hearing. Legal cases take a long time to process. 
• Mauritius has conservative dress and behaviour standards. Take care not to offend, especially when visiting rural areas, religious sites, or religious events. Avoid public displays of affection.

Full travel advice: Local laws

• If you're staying less than 60 days, you can get a 'free of charge visa' on arrival. You'll need to apply for all other visa types before you arrive. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact your nearest Mauritian High Commission or Consulate for the latest details.
• Before you arrive, fill out the  Mauritius All-in-One Travel Digital Form   and keep a printed copy to present to health authorities on arrival. If you haven’t filled out the form, you'll need to complete an Immigration Disembarkation Card on arrival. 
• You won't be allowed to board your flight to Mauritius if you've tested positive for COVID-19 within 7 days of departure.
• Carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're coming from a country where yellow fever is present. 
• Face masks are not compulsory but are still recommended in certain situations, including on public transport, health facilities, and ports and airports.  
• Cyclones can result in the airport being closed, which can then cause flight cancellations or delays. Make sure your travel insurance covers this. 

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• For consular assistance, contact the  Australian High Commission in Mauritius . The High Commission is open to the public for passport, consular and notarial services via appointment only. Appointments can be requested via email. See  Consular Contacts . 
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission's social media accounts.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Crime levels in Mauritius are low. However, petty crime happens and includes:

• pickpocketing
• bag snatching
• street robbery near ATMs

The risk increases:

• in poorly lit city streets
• in secluded areas

Some incidents of assault , rape and murder have occurred, including in resorts. There have also been cases of assault and robbery at unregistered beachside bungalows. 

The rate of crime is higher in downtown Port Louis and in the coastal tourist centres of:

• Flic en Flac

To protect yourself from crime:

• be aware of your surroundings and alert to suspicious behaviour
• watch your belongings on buses and taxis, especially at night
• avoid using ATMs on the street. Use ATMS in banks, shops, hotels or shopping centres 
• don't go out alone after dark or to isolated places, especially on foot
• stay in accommodation that's registered with local authorities
• always keep your vehicle and accommodation locked
• be alert to suspicious behaviour

There have been reports of taxi scams at the airport.

In Mauritius, all registered taxis are clearly marked with a yellow sign and the name of the operating base on the door.

To protect yourself from taxi scams :

• only use registered taxis
• find out what transport services are available at the airport before you travel
• before embarking, check the credentials of the driver and agree on the fare
• book taxis through your hotel or accommodation. Book in advance if you're travelling at night.

Cyber Security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Civil unrest and political tension

Rallies and demonstrations occur sometimes.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid all crowds and demonstrations
• monitor the media and avoid protest areas
• follow the instructions of local authorities

More information:

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Tours and adventure activities

Tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes adventure activities like diving and swimming with dolphins.

Travellers have died in accidents during water-based activities and land-based activities such as ziplining.

If you plan to do an  adventure activity :

• check if it is covered in your travel insurance policy
• only use registered operators that have been issued a valid permit
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Climate and natural disasters

Cyclone season in Mauritius is from November to May. However, cyclones can occur throughout the year. Cyclones can cause:

• gale force winds
• property damage
• disruptions to services, including power and water
• airport closures

If there's a cyclone or severe tropical storm:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• available flights may fill quickly
• ports may close
• shelter may not be available

If a cyclone is approaching or a warning is in place:

• monitor cyclone bulletins from official sources and local media
• follow the advice of local authorities
• know how to evacuate from your hotel or cruise ship
• identify your local shelter

The direction and strength of cyclones can change with little warning. It's important to stay up to date with weather conditions and forecasts. 

For up-to-date cyclone information:

• metservice.intnet.mu/
• facebook.com/nationaldisastermauritius
• twitter.com/NDRRMC_MRU
• facebook.com/GIS.Mauritius
• facebook.com/MeteoFranceOceanIndien
• call 8996 from a landline (French)
• call 171 from a mobile phone (French)

Mauritius can experience  natural disasters  and  severe weather , including:

If a natural disaster occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• keep in touch with your friends and family
• ask your tour operator if tourist services at your destination have been affected

Monitor local media and other sources including:

• Mauritius Meteorological Service
• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• World Meteorological Organisation Severe Weather Information Centre .

Mauritius can experience high levels of rainfall. This can cause severe floods. Monitor local media and stay up to date on weather conditions and forecasts.

Mauritius can experience tsunamis.

Be alert to warnings. A tsunami can arrive within minutes of a nearby tremor or earthquake. 

Register with the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System  to receive tsunami alerts.

To protect yourself from tsunamis, move immediately to high ground if you:

• are advised by local authorities
• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings.

Once on high ground, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities. 

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away (including if stopovers on the way to your destination are covered)

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of someone you know, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Mauritius. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

Insect-borne illnesses occur in Mauritius, particularly in the warmer months from October to May. There has been an increase in the number of cases of dengue since the end of December 2023.

There have been cases of  chikungunya  and malaria in the past.

To protect yourself from these diseases, protect yourself from mosquito bites:

• use insect repellent on all exposed skin, including feet
• wear light-coloured clothing that covers your legs and arms
• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof

Get medical advice if you develop a fever, muscle or joint pain, vomiting, a bad headache or a rash.

HIV/AIDS is a risk. Take precautions if taking part in activities that put you at risk of infection.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are a risk, including:

• gastroenteritis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid raw or undercooked food, such as salads

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

The standard of medical facilities varies in Mauritius. 

Most public hospitals are modern and well equipped. All doctors speak English and specialised care is available for most injuries and illnesses. Waiting times can be long in public hospitals and services may be limited in small rural hospitals. Foreign patients will generally be charged some fees to cover costs. 

Most travellers go to private doctors or clinics. Services can be expensive and upfront payment is generally required. If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to Reunion Island or South Africa. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

There is no healthcare agreement between Australia and Mauritius.

Make sure your travel insurance covers hospital and medical evacuation. 

Diving accidents

There's only one decompression chamber at Victoria Hospital in Quatre Bornes .

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Check local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Legal cases take a long time to process. If you become involved in a legal matter, you may have to stay in Mauritius until your case is resolved.

• Arrested or jailed

Mauritius has severe penalties for drug offences, including fines and jail terms of up to 60 years.

Carrying or using drugs

In Mauritius, it's illegal to:

• buy counterfeit or pirated goods
• own cigarette papers or rolling machines

Whilst same-sex sexual activity was decriminalised in October 2023, LGBTQI+ people still face discrimination. Consider avoiding public displays of affection.

Mauritian society is conservative. Take care not to offend, and wear non-revealing clothing, especially when visiting rural areas, religious sites, or religious events. Nudism is not permitted. 

Advice for LGBTI travellers

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Mauritius recognises dual nationality.

If you're a dual national, we will only be able to assist you in exceptional circumstances.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

Dual nationals

Local customs

Mauritius has conservative standards of dress and behaviour.

Take care not to offend, especially if you visit:

• rural areas
• a shrine, temple, mosque or other religious site
• a religious event

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can’t help you.

If you're staying less than 60 days, a 'free of charge' visa will be provided to you on arrival. For other types of visits, you'll need to apply for a visa before your travel. 

Requests for extensions to Tourist/Business visas and resident permits should be submitted to the Mauritian Passport and Immigration Office (Tel: +230 210 9418 or +230 260 2073 or by email on  [email protected] ).

• Passport and Immigration Office  (Government of Mauritius, English)

Border measures

You should fill out the  Mauritius All-in-One Travel Digital Form   and keep a printed copy to present to health authorities when you arrive in Mauritius. If you haven’t filled out the form, you'll need to complete an Immigration Disembarkation Card on arrival. 

While no longer compulsory, face masks are recommended in airports and during airport transfers.

You will not be allowed to board a flight to Mauritius if you've tested positive for COVID-19 within 7 days of departure.

If you're arriving from a country known to have malaria, you'll receive a follow-up visit from the Mauritian Health Department. You must do a blood test for the malaria-causing parasite.

You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Mauritius if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever.

• Mauritius Travel Advice  (Government of Mauritius, English) 
• Airports of Mauritius
• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 253KB)

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

• LGBTI travellers  

The local currency is the Mauritius Rupee (MUR).

Declare all amounts of more than MUR 500,000 when you arrive and depart. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

Don't change money on the street. Use banks and official exchange bureaus.

ATMs are common in most towns and in large shopping centres.

You can use credit cards at most hotels, restaurants and large shops.

Ask your bank if your cards will work in Mauritius.

Local travel

Road travel.

The risk of being injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident in Mauritius is higher than in Australia.

Hazards include:

• poorly maintained and unlit narrow roads
• pedestrians and stray dogs on roads
• motorcyclists
• deep ditches beside roads
• lack of guardrails

Mauritius has a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol consumption and driving.

If you plan to drive:

• check you have the right insurance cover
• get to know local traffic laws and practices

Driving or riding

Driver's license

To drive in Mauritius, you need to be at least 18 years old and have either:

• a valid Australian driver's licence; or
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Obtain your IDP before leaving Australia.

• Mauritius Police Force Traffic Branch, phone: (+230) 208 1212

Motorcycles

Make sure your insurance policy covers you before riding a motorbike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Use only registered taxis and limousines. In Mauritius, all registered taxis are clearly marked with a yellow sign and the name of the operating base on the door. Try to book them through your hotel or accommodation.

Book in advance if you're travelling at night.

Public transport

Public transport is operational. While not compulsory, face masks are recommended on public transport.

Transport and getting around safely

Cruise liners visit Mauritius.

There have been no pirate attacks in Mauritius' territorial waters. However,  piracy  is a major threat in the Indian Ocean.

Don't travel within 1000 nautical miles (1852km) off the Somali coast. Sailing vessels are a target for pirates. Read  piracy reports from the International Maritime Bureau.

• Travelling by boat
• Going on a cruise

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Mauritius' air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Call 114 or 999 for Service Aide Medicale d'Urgence, the public ambulance and emergency service.

Call 118/132 for Darne and Wellkin private clinics. Go directly to a hospital.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact: 

Australian High Commission, Port Louis

2nd Floor, Rogers House

5 President John Kennedy Street

Port Louis, Mauritius

Phone: (+230) 202 0160

The High Commission is open to the public for passport, consular and notarial services by appointment only. Appointments can be requested via email (details below).

General enquiries:  [email protected]

Consular enquiries: [email protected]

Passport enquiries: [email protected]

Website:  mauritius.highcommission.gov.au

Facebook:  Australian High Commission in Mauritius

X (Twitter):  @AusHC_MU

The website provides details about opening hours, any temporary closures to the public, and services offered.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Mauritius?

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