Christmas Island is Australia's best-kept secret. Closer to Asia than it is to the Australian mainland, this island is a hidden paradise in the Indian Ocean. Visit this splendid mix of beaches and forests for the perfect vacation getaway. Once you soak in its vibrant tropic vibe, there's no going back.

When traveling to a remote location like Christmas Island, it's essential to purchase travel medical insurance or travel insurance. Medical facilities on the island are limited, so you won't want to be stuck with big bills should you need emergency medical evacuation. Read on to learn more about Christmas Island, and all you need to know about protecting yourself abroad.

Christmas Island Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs

No one can foresee accidents, injuries, or medical emergencies, but in a remote location like Christmas Island, they can occur with even greater regularity. However, you can be prepared for these unexpected events. Buy travel medical insurance so you can be covered for the high cost of emergency medical bills.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Christmas Island?

As Christmas Island is an Australian territory, it is subject to the Reciprocal Healthcare Benefits Agreement Australia shares with certain countries. Citizens of those countries can receive emergency medical treatment under Medicare. However, it's important to note that most short-term visa holders are not eligible to receive treatment under this agreement. Therefore, travel medical insurance is an essential component of your travel plans for Christmas Island.

Why buy travel medical insurance for Christmas Island?

Christmas Island is a small, remote territory. There's only one hospital on the island, so if you suffer an accident or health emergency, there's a good chance you'll need to be evacuated to a hospital on the Australian mainland. The cost of this could be massive. That's why it's so important to purchase travel medical insurance that can cover these costs and protect your finances.

Christmas Island Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs

A lot goes into a trip to Christmas Island. You'll likely have to book three or four flights, hotel accommodations, tour reservations - the list goes on. If something were to happen that required you to cancel your trip, you could be out all the money you've spent booking it. It's essential to protect your pocketbook from nonrefundable bookings and cancellation charges with trip cancellation insurance.

Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Christmas Island?

There are so many ways your itinerary might get thrown off balance. You could get sick, you might have a family emergency, or your flight could be grounded due to weather. Whatever the case, you could stand to lose all the money you've spent on nonrefundable reservations. That's where trip cancellation insurance comes in.

With a smart insurance policy, you don't have to worry about losing your money on canceled reservations or trips. Your insurance company can reimburse you if your bookings are postponed or canceled due to any reason covered in your policy.

What coverage can trip cancellation insurance for Christmas Island provide?

• Trip cancellation coverage
• Coverage for lost bags or baggage delays
• Trip interruption coverage
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Repatriation of remains

Be sure to study your policy's certificate wording carefully. It will explain in detail all of the benefits and coverages it can provide. Choose a travel insurance plan that fits your needs, and make your vacation plans with confidence.

Things to Do for Travelers on Christmas Island

Witness the Annual Crab Migration

Watch as the whole island becomes enveloped in a gently rocking sea of red. In October and November, the annual crab migration season sees more than 60 million crabs make their journey from the forests to the coast. You will be astounded to see a carpet of these fascinating creatures covering every inch of open space on the island.

Go On a Jungle Safari

More than 60% of Christmas Island is covered with thick tropical forests. You can only access most parts with a 4WD vehicle, and it definitely makes for a thrilling drive. Get off the beaten track and explore the hidden mysteries of this wild paradise.

Explore this Underwater Paradise

Christmas Island is a breathtaking scuba diving destination. Here you can swim with the island's endemic whale sharks, sea turtles and dolphins, or float through hundreds of species of corals. So, put on your explorer hat, grab your diving goggles, and hit the deep blue sea. However, before you dive, make sure you get insurance that covers scuba diving.

Walk Through the Wilderness

Without a doubt, Christmas Island is a dream come true for nature lovers. Just stroll through the dozens of trails on the shore to discover a treasure trove of spectacular beaches, coves, and rock formations. Visit the blowholes, where you can see lava tubes shooting water into the sky, or the Margaret Knoll Lookout for a birdwatching getaway.

Relax at Flying Fish Cove

Flying Fish Cove is the quaint capital of the island. Take a breather on the sandy shores at little beach cafes and bars. Watching the orange sun dip into the ocean while sipping a cold drink is a truly magnificent feeling.

Travel Risks for International Travelers in Christmas Island

Weather conditions

Christmas Island is located almost at the equator, so you should expect the temperature to be hot and humid throughout the year. The tropical climate is coolest in November when the mercury is at 70°F. Humidity is always high, at around 70 to 90%.

Beware of Sunburns

Since you'll likely be at the beach most days, watch out for the tropical sun. Even though the temperature might not be too high, you need to protect yourself against strong equatorial sun rays. Keep an adequate supply of sunscreen with you at all times.

Getting to the Island

This remote Australian territory is not well-connected, to say the least. Right now, you can only access it with weekly flights from either Perth or Fiji. Plan your itinerary well around these constraints, and prepare for the occasional flight rescheduling.

Mosquitoes and Bugs

Beware of the island's mosquitoes, which will not hesitate to bite if you go without bug spray. Although these mosquitoes do not carry diseases like malaria or dengue, save yourself from painful bites and invest in a heavy-duty bug repellent.

General Precautions

Don't worry about the red crabs. If you see a mass of them crossing the road in front of you, just slow down and carefully pick your way through. Remember, they do not pinch if you don't try to harm them. However, watch out for robber crabs that can steal shiny objects like keys!

Before You Travel to Christmas Island - Do This

• Research your visa requirements. Your country might be exempt from Australia's visa rules. Check if you need a visa to enter Australian territory.
• Back up your documents. Always have a backup of important documents like your passport, national ID, driver's license, insurance card, etc., while traveling.
• Purchase insurance. Do your research and choose the travel medical insurance or travel insurance policy that's right for your Christmas Island vacation.

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.

The insurance plans available on this website are not specifically targeted towards the destination mentioned in this article. They can provide coverage while traveling away from home, according to the terms and conditions and geographic restrictions applicable to the specific plan.