The Boring Necessity: Why You Need Insurance for Islands

Nobody wants to spend money on something they hope never to use. But when you are on a remote island, 3 hours by boat from the nearest hospital, travel insurance isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline.

Island travel comes with specific risks: scooter accidents, coral cuts, missed ferries, and lost luggage. In 2026, the cost of medical evacuation (medevac) has skyrocketed. Here is what you need to look for in a policy.

1. Medical Evacuation (Medevac)

This is the big one. If you break your leg hiking in Dominica or get severe dengue fever in Raja Ampat, the local clinic might not be able to treat you. You need to be flown to a major city (Miami, Singapore, Bangkok).

  • The Cost: A private air ambulance can cost $50,000 - $100,000.
  • The Policy: Ensure your policy covers at least $250,000 in medical evacuation.

2. Adventure Activities Coverage

Standard policies often exclude “dangerous activities.” On an island, this is everything you want to do.

  • Scooters/Motorbikes: The #1 cause of claims in SE Asia. Most policies ONLY cover you if you have a valid motorcycle license in your home country AND wear a helmet. If you drive illegally, you are not covered.
  • Scuba Diving: Check the depth limit. Basic plans cover up to 18 meters (Open Water). If you go deeper (Advanced), you need a sports add-on.
  • Surfing/Kitesurfing: Check if equipment damage and personal injury are covered.

3. Ferry and Flight Cancellations

Islands are at the mercy of the weather.

  • The Scenario: A typhoon hits the Philippines. The ferries stop running. You miss your international flight home from Cebu.
  • The Policy: Look for “Trip Interruption” or “Travel Delay” coverage. It pays for your extra hotel nights and the cost of rebooking your flight.

4. Gear Protection

Cameras, drones, and laptops are essential for the modern traveler.

  • The Reality: Salt water, sand, and theft.
  • The Policy: Check the “Single Item Limit.” Many policies cover $2,000 total but only $500 per item. If your laptop is worth $2,000, you need extended gadget cover.

5. Digital Nomad Insurance

If you are working remotely (e.g., from Madeira or Bali), standard travel insurance (which usually has a 30-60 day limit) won’t work.

  • The Solution: Companies like SafetyWing or Genki offer subscription-based insurance that works like Netflix. You pay monthly, and it covers you indefinitely as long as you keep paying. It often includes limited home country visits.

6. Pre-Existing Conditions

Be honest. If you have asthma and don’t declare it, and then have an attack on a humid island, the insurer can void your entire claim.

  • The Fix: Pay the extra premium to waive the pre-existing condition exclusion.

Top Insurance Providers in 2026

  • World Nomads: The classic choice for adventure travelers. Expensive, but covers almost every activity.
  • SafetyWing: Best for digital nomads. Affordable, flexible, but higher deductibles.
  • Allianz / AXA: Solid, traditional insurers. Good for families and shorter trips.
  • DAN (Divers Alert Network): Essential if you are doing a liveaboard dive trip. They are the experts in hyperbaric chamber treatment coverage.

The “Read the Fine Print” Checklist

Before you buy:

  1. Is there a deductible (excess)? (How much do you pay before they pay?)
  2. Do I need to pay upfront and claim later, or do they pay the hospital directly?
  3. Is alcohol an exclusion? (If you are injured while drunk, most policies won’t pay).

7. The “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) Upgrade

In a post-pandemic world, uncertainty is the only certainty.

  • What it is: Standard policies only cover cancellation for specific reasons (illness, jury duty). CFAR allows you to cancel because you just don’t want to go anymore (e.g., fear of a new virus variant, or just a change of heart).
  • The Catch: It usually costs 40% more and only refunds 50-75% of your costs. But for an expensive honeymoon, it might be worth it.

8. Making a Claim: The Paperwork

If something goes wrong, you need proof.

  • Police Report: If something is stolen, you must get a police report within 24 hours. No report, no payout.
  • Receipts: Keep every receipt. Hospital bills, pharmacy receipts, taxi to the hospital, new clothes if luggage is lost. Take photos of them immediately in case you lose the paper.
  • Call First: For medical issues, call the insurer’s 24/7 emergency line before expensive treatment if possible. They can guarantee payment to the hospital so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.

Travel insurance buys you peace of mind. And on a hammock in the middle of the ocean, peace of mind is exactly what you are looking for.