The Maldives is an idyllic archipelago in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Quite unknown until recently, it has emerged as an unspoiled tourist destination. It does not have the charisma of Jamaica, but if you are looking to unwind and relax, there is no better place.

The Maldives is made up of more than 1,000 islands, but only a handful are large enough to be habitable. The entire island chain has coral reefs that barely peek above the ocean. Many of them are under threat from global warming, and if you want to visit this paradise, there is no better time than the present.

The Maldives boast no lack of entertainment. Take your pick from yachting, kite surfing, paragliding, and many more. The most popular tourist activity, however, is snorkeling, due to the country’s crystal-clear waters and innumerable species of fish and other ocean life.

There are also plenty of posh resorts at which to unwind. One of the biggest attractions are the floating cottages built on shallow water.

If you are traveling to the Maldives, you definitely need to buy travel insurance to protect yourself against any unexpected accidents, illness, or injuries that may occur during your trip. Here, we bring you some updates about travel to the Maldives as tourism adapts to a post-COVID world.

Is The Maldives Safe for You?

There is very good news for those looking forward to traveling to the Maldives: The nation is welcoming tourists with open arms. The government has the outbreak under control, resorts are open, and you can laze beside the azure-blue Indian Ocean without any undue bother.

1. COVID-19 Test

There are very few coronavirus-related regulations surrounding travel to the Maldives. Unlike many countries that have re-opened, they do not require a negative PCR test report for entry. There are no visa requirements, either. If you decide to travel there, all you have to do is board a plane and land at Malé, the nation’s capital.

Upon arrival, you will be checked for temperature and other symptoms. If you are symptom-free, you can wander about the islands as you wish with no restrictions.

Note: These guidelines could change before your time of travel, so please remember to check the latest guidelines before leaving.

2. Duration of Stay

No prior visa is required to enter the Maldives as a tourist. Tourist visas are granted to all nationalities upon arrival. The maximum duration of stay granted upon arrival is 30 days, unless agreed upon in advance through bilateral means or a treaty.

3. Insurance

Of course, it goes without saying that you would need Maldives travel insurance. Travel insurance is not mandatory, as we find in some European nations, but with so many adventure sports to choose from, you may need medical attention if any unexpected injuries or accidents were to occur. Maldives travel insurance for tourists is the best way to secure optimal medical care. Further, if your policy is cashless, you won’t have to worry about paying upfront and chasing down your insurance company for reimbursement later.

Medical facilities in the Maldives are plenty adequate, and you won’t have to worry about receiving proper treatment. Should you need prompt healthcare, the ADK Hospital in Malé is fully equipped for any and all emergencies. But being prepared is always a better option.

Places to See in Maldives

Though the Maldives is small, it has picture-postcard scenery all around. The rolling paddy fields and gently swaying palms are almost guaranteed to soothe your soul. What are the best places to visit? Let’s explore.

1. Hulhumalé

An artificial island off the east coast of Malé Atoll, Hulhumalé is known for its pristine beaches and elegant skyline. It has been designed to be a cozy urban sprawl in the middle of the ocean. No matter where you are, the coast is no more than a few minutes’ stroll away.

2. Maafushi

The traditional and laid-back Maafushi is the opposite of Hulhumalé. The fishing trawlers pull in here with their catch, and if you appreciate fresh seafood, there is no better place. It is also astonishingly cheap, and you could easily spend a week here without putting a dent in your travel fund.

3. Malé

The capital of Maldives and the seat of its government is also the largest atoll. Strangely enough, you won't find many tourists here, since they prefer to travel straight from the airport to their resort and give Malé a pass. It is quaint, and the nooks and crannies lead to pleasant surprises. The city is a mix of old Indian and Arabic architecture. The Island Bazaar is famous for selling souvenirs, and if you like to haggle, it is a wonderland.

What Are the Risks Of Travel To Maldives?

The Maldives is a tropical paradise in more ways than one. Crime is almost non-existent, and it is undoubtedly safe. However, as a tourist, you are in a foreign land, and unexpected incidents can happen at any time in any place. To be safe and secure, you need to purchase travel insurance before you arrive.

1. Medical Attention

Let’s say that you ate too much lobsters, felt uneasy, and realized that you had come down with food poisoning. A couple of days of rest in a hospital and lots of fluids are more than enough to put you back on your feet. But why pay for it out of pocket when travel insurance can help you meet all the expenses? In case you have bad luck and suffer a concussion during paragliding, you would require even more serious medical attention. You never know when the unexpected will strike, and that’s when travel insurance comes in handy.

2. Flight Cancellation

The only way to get to Malé is from India or the UAE. That means connecting flights from Europe or the Far East. If you fail to catch your connecting flight because of travel delays, what happens to your prepaid expenses? Travel insurance is a smart way to hedge against such misfortunes. For a small premium, insurance can help reimburse you for the financial consequences of any circumstances beyond your control.

3. Lost Luggage

Airlines lose luggage all the time—and with them, your precious (and potentially expensive) possessions. If you have travel insurance in Maldives, there is no cause for worry. Just make a claim, and they can help reimburse you, depending on the parameters of your policy.

Maldives Travel Insurance – Be Careful When You Buy

All travel insurance policies are not created equal. Some are more generous than others. What benefits should you make sure to have?

Cashless Benefits

Of course, you won't be carrying much except your credit card and some spare cash. However, medical treatment can be expensive, and your credit limit may only be so high. That is why cashless medical treatment is preferred where the insurer settles the amount, and you won’t have to pay anything upfront.

Trip Cancellation

What if, the night before your trip, your wife were to come down with the flu? You would have to cancel your trip. Fear not, since your prepaid expenses for plane tickets and hotel reservations would not be lost—as long as you purchased a trip cancellation insurance. For a valid reason as listed in your policy’s certificate wording, you’d get compensation and could always go on vacation once she is feeling better.

There are a plethora of travel insurance policies. Decide the benefits you need most, compare plans, and find the one that offers you the best personal value. Take the perfect holiday in the Maldives that you have been looking forward to with full peace of mind.

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.