Surrounded by the high mountains of Altiplano, La Paz offers an extraordinary and unique view. Along with the picturesque scenery, it illustrates the political, economic, and cultural background of Bolivia. La Paz is a mixture of the most indigenous and the most cosmopolitan aspects of the country.

Take a stroll in the city and talk to the locals. From adventures to sightseeing, and food to wine culture, La Paz has a lot to offer to every type of traveler. To enjoy your visit to La Paz with maximum peace of mind, make sure you purchase travel medical insurance or travel insurance as part of planning your trip. 

La Paz Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs

Foreign nationals aren’t entitled to free medical treatment in Bolivian public hospitals, so you need travel medical insurance to cover your medical expenses. Public hospitals tend to be crowded, so you may have to go to private healthcare facilities or be evacuated overseas. The medical bills can pile up in no time, making it important for you to have adequate travel health insurance to cover the cost of medical treatment abroad, and emergency medical evacuation. 

Do I need travel medical insurance for La Paz? 

Yes. Bolivia requires all visitors to have travel insurance specifically covering medical emergencies, including treatment for COVID-19.

Why buy travel medical insurance for La Paz? 

The medical facilities in La Paz public hospitals often don’t meet international standards. You may need to visit a private hospital, which could cost a lot of money without insurance. In addition, not every medical condition can be treated in La Paz. It is possible that emergency medical evacuation could be necessary for serious conditions, which can be extremely costly. 

La Paz is situated at a high altitude, so it is possible to suffer from altitude sickness, or hypoxia. Your body might not be able to adjust to the reduced oxygen levels, and you may suffer from shortness of breath or other health issues. In such a situation, you must visit a doctor for consultation and treatment.

Travel medical insurance can help cover your consultation fees and other medical expenses. You should also make sure that your plan covers medical evacuation. 

La Paz Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs

Emergencies like an illness, death in the family, and legal obligations can make you cancel your trip. Your travel providers can also cancel or delay your trip. In case your travel arrangements get delayed, you might have to cancel a part of your trip and pay extra for accommodation. Trip cancellation insurance can cover such risks and reimburse covered expenses. 

Why buy trip cancellation insurance for La Paz? 

You may have to cancel your trip to La Paz at the last minute. A number of emergencies can arise such as health issues, or a natural disaster. 

La Paz can have floods and landslides in the wet season (November to March). Because of this, your travel destination can become uninhabitable, your accommodation can cancel your stay, and travel providers can also cancel your flight tickets due to severe weather conditions. 

Travel fares and accommodation charges are generally prepaid and nonrefundable. The financial loss is very heavy, but trip cancellation insurance can reimburse your nonrefundable travel expenses and save you from grave financial loss if your trip must be cancelled for a covered reason. 

What can be covered under trip cancellation insurance for La Paz? 

• Trip cancellation
• Flight delay
• Baggage delays
• Emergency medical care
• Trip interruption

Secure the money you have already spent by purchasing travel insurance. If you want extra flexibility in your cancellation options, consider cancel for any reason travel insurance. 

Things to Do for Travelers in La Paz

Participate in the La Paz festival

A candle procession which began in 1939 has now evolved into the unique La Paz festival. More than 25,000 performers are present, wearing lavish costumes. Discover the syncretism of different religious and festive practices between the Catholic Church and the Aymara. 

Go to the La Plaza Murillo

Situated in the main square in La Paz, Murillo Square holds great political value and history. Keep an ear out for the name ‘Pedro Domingo Murillo.’ This is a martyr of the 19th-century uprising after whom the building has been named. 

Shop at Mercado de las Brujas

Shop at little shops in the “Witches’ Market.” Buy items ranging from souvenirs to medicinal plants and spiritual items. The merchandise is crafted in accordance with ancient Aymaran beliefs. You can get your fortune read by the wandering yatiris.  

Overlook the entire city at Mi Teleférico

Go to Mi Teleférico to ride a cable car. Do a full two-hour loop around the city where you can snap the best photos of the La Paz landscape.                                                                                                                                             

If you can, do the circuit two hours before sunset. You can capture the memory of the sunset over La Paz with Mount Illimani glowing in the distance.

Museo Nacional del Arte

Visit this colonial building that has been restored to its original grandeur. Various levels of the museum display different eras. Each era is heavily dominated by religious themes.                           

Be sure to view the works of Marina Núñez del Prado. After visiting the museum, head to the nearby galleries. These galleries offer free entry and exhibit Bolivian art. 

Travel Risks for International Travelers in La Paz

Petty Theft

Petty theft and pickpocketing is rare in La Paz. However, you should still be careful in restaurants, bus terminals, markets, and internet cafes.                                                                                                               

Do not bend over to pick up items that have been ‘dropped.’ You may get accused of theft, or you might get pickpocketed.

Imposter Police Officers

You might come across fake police during your stay. Authentic police officers will be uniformed, and they should not ask for your passport or ask you to get in a taxi with them. 

Although there are very few reports of such incidents, be cautious. Refuse to show any imposter your valuables, and insist on going to the nearest police station on foot. 

Take a Radio Cab

Take a radio cab in La Paz. The cab will have a radio in the car and a promo bubble on the roof. Do not get into informal cabs, as it may be illegitimate.

At night, ask your accommodation to call a cab. You can also book an Uber. 

Altitude Sickness

La Paz is located at an elevation of nearly 12,000 feet. This is only 2,000 feet lower than some of the tallest mountain peaks in the United States. If you are not acclimated to the altitude, you can suffer from altitude sickness, or hypoxia. 

If you’re traveling on foot, walk slowly, and stay hydrated. Visit a doctor if your sickness gets worse, and get insurance to cover such medical expenses. If you are planning to venture into the mountains, be sure your insurance covers hiking and mountaineering. However, keep in mind that many mountaineering insurance policies restrict coverage to elevations that are lower than some areas around La Paz, so be sure to do your research. 

Stay Alert for Protests

Political protests may happen during your stay. You might have to deal with traffic disturbances and transportation obstructions.

Avoid roadblocks and demonstrations. If you find a roadblock, do not attempt to go through it. Instead, take safer routes. 

Before You Travel to La Paz - Do This

Take our advice to enjoy your vacation to the fullest:

• Pack your medicine with your written prescription if you’re on any existing medication. 
• Speak to your doctor about the health effects high altitude may have on your body and any existing medical conditions. 
• Buy a travel medical insurance or travel insurance plan to protect yourself from the financial risks involved in travel.

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.