Aruba is easily one of the top vacation destinations in the Caribbean. It has beautiful beaches, scenic sunshine, and delicious dining options. The perfect mix of old and new ambiance and architecture add to it. Aruba, which goes by the slogan "One Happy Island", is a great vacation destination for all sorts of travelers.

Aruba is ideal for a laid-back time at the beach. Ideal for water sports, given its island topography and high winds. Ideal for nature lovers who can enjoy a visit to the Arikok National Park. And, not to forget, also ideal for cruise lovers and multi-cuisine cravers.

The Aruban economy is primarily tourism-based. The health and safety of the visitors and residents is the primary concern of the authorities. After the COVID-19 travel ban was lifted, Aruba began welcoming travelers from all across the world—albeit with a higher level of health safety measures and regulations in place.

Traveling to Aruba: What Is the New Normal?

Keeping in mind the need for added health safety for both tourists and locals, the Tourism Department has issued updated guidelines. These new regulations are in sync with the directives of the Health Department.

The new norms include:

1. All visitors, with the exception of those from certain EU countries, are required to take a COVID-19 PCR test to be allowed entry. Residents of some EU countries may be able to forego this test and only show proof of coronavirus vaccination. 

2. Visitors from countries deemed "high-risk," which include the United States and United Kingdom as of October 27, 2021, will need to complete a 72-hour COVID PCR testing requirement, regardless of vaccination status. 

3. Travelers need to purchase the country's mandatory COVID travel insurance plan. It is available for $15 per person, per day. Children below the age of 14 years are exempt from the insurance requirements. For them, there is a flat administration fee of $10. Coverage and limits of this mandatory plan are mentioned at https://www.arubavisitorsinsurance.com/. Foreign nationals who arrive and leave Aruba on the same day are exempt from the mandatory insurance requirement. 

Note: These regulations are subject to change. Check the official website before your travel date for up-to-date information.

Implications of the New Insurance Requirements

The new norms pertaining to the Aruba coronavirus insurance make it very complicated for travelers to decide if they need their own travel medical insurance for Aruba.

The government clearly states that visitors can have their own travel medical insurance in Aruba. But that will be just additional coverage and not a replacement for the mandatory COVID Aruba insurance.

Consider two things before deciding if you should get medical travel insurance for your trip to Aruba.

• The risk of other medical conditions in Aruba. Aruba has a risk of the Zika virus and Chikungunya. The COVID insurance offered by the government will not offer coverage for medical expenses related to these conditions. For comprehensive coverage, you should buy a broader travel medical insurance plan.
• The coverage of the insurance offered by the government. The COVID insurance made mandatory by the government has specific and overall caps on coverage. Thus, you might have to still pay out of pocket if you test positive for coronavirus during your stay in Aruba. To mitigate these expenses, medical travel insurance is a  must-have .

Now, the nature of emergencies and mishaps is not always medical. For complete peace of mind during your trip to Aruba, you should get travel insurance for tourists, as well.

What the insurance should include depends on your itinerary and risk tolerance.

To make your choice a little bit easier, here we mention the most recommended experiences in Aruba. This will help you plan your trip, analyze the risks, and get the right Aruba travel insurance.

Must-Have Experiences in Aruba

When vacationing in Aruba, here are the top things that you shouldn't miss:

Hit the beach

Indulge in water sports at Malmok Beach, or enjoy some quiet time at the less-populated Baby Beach. You can go for a lovely stroll at Eagle Beach or Palm Beach. Aruba has perfect options for all types of beach lovers.

Visit Oranjestad

If you are a fan of architectural beauty, this city in Aruba will please you with its Dutch-style architecture and buildings painted in pastel hues.

Explore Arikok National Park

For outdoor adventure lovers, the rugged landscapes of the Arikok National Park are the perfect pick. The park's picturesque waterfront and a lot of wildlife sightings will be a pure pleasure.

Visit the Butterfly Farm

With guided tours, you can identify the different species in the lush surrounding and see the winged beauties fluttering around you. It is nothing short of a dream come true.

Travel Risks in Aruba

Once you are done finalizing your trip to Aruba, analyze the probable risks that you are exposed to. Then find the travel insurance in Aruba that offers complete coverage for these risks. Risks common in Aruba are as follows.

1. Incidences of violent crimes and drug gangs persist.
2. Petty crimes and pickpocketing, though not common, are recorded.
3. Beach misadventures (like sunburns, jellyfish stings, and even drowning) are possible.
4. Passport loss and luggage loss are common concerns.
5. Travel delays and cancellations are possible. This is something that is not unique to Aruba.

Buying Travel Insurance in Aruba

Travel in itself is a risky affair. For peace of mind and comprehensive coverage in case of unforeseen circumstances, experts advise getting Aruba vacation insurance.

Explore the marketplace for options first. Then compare the premiums and coverage, and when you find a plan that fits your needs, buy travel insurance.

Enjoy your trip to Aruba with complete mental peace and a backup safety net.

DISCLAIMER: The information within this article is intended as a broad summary of benefits and services and is meant for informational purposes only. The information does not describe all scenarios, coverages or exclusions of any insurance plan. The benefits and services of an insurance plan are subject to change. This is not your policy/certificate of insurance. If there is any discrepancy between the information in this article and the language of your policy/certificate wording, the language of the policy/certificate wording will prevail.