With clear, blue waters and sandy beaches like no other, Nassau promises a fun-filled and adventurous Caribbean experience to any tourist who sets foot here.
While the golden and tropical beaches of Nassau are the city’s highlights, there’s a lot of other things to see and do. A lot of amusement awaits you.
However, with endless activities come risks. The possibility of a hurricane cannot be ruled out, nor can the chance of injuring yourself or coming down with an illness. While it’s impossible to prevent these things from happening, it is possible to prepare for them by purchasing travel medical insurance or travel insurance.
To learn more about all the great things to experience in Nassau, risks you may face, and how to protect yourself from those risks, read on.
Nassau Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers — FAQs
An exciting and adventurous experience awaits you in the Bahamas. But, before heading over to Nassau, have you seen to it that your healthcare and financial stability is secured?
Do I need travel medical insurance for Nassau?
As of October, 2022, all COVID-19 insurance, vaccination, and testing requirements have ended for the Bahamas. Travel medical insurance is no longer required to visit Nassau or any other location in the Bahamas, but it is strongly recommended that you purchase it.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Nassau?
There are far more health risks when visiting Nassau than just COVID-19. You could break a bone, twist an ankle, or be afflicted with a totally different illness.
Therefore, it only makes sense to purchase travel medical insurance that can provide coverage for any unexpected health issue you may encounter during your trip to Nassau.
Nassau Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers — FAQs
As previously discussed, tropical storms can wreak havoc on travel plans for Caribbean destinations. However, even if the weather is perfect, there are still numerous compelling reasons why trip cancellation insurance is a smart idea that could help you save a lot of money.
Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Nassau?
Trip plans are susceptible to change, and airline tickets, hotel reservations, and tour bookings are often nonrefundable.
You may be feeling fine a week before your trip, only to become seriously ill and unable to travel. You could also have a family emergency, or health-related travel lockdowns could be put in place. Any of these could dash your travel plans, but what about the money you’ve already spent on those bookings?
Trip cancellation insurance can be your savior in such situations. It can allow you to receive reimbursement for your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses if you need to cancel your trip for a reason that’s covered by your policy. You even have the option of purchasing cancel for any reason coverage with some plans, giving you even more flexibility.
What can be covered under trip cancellation insurance for Nassau?
Before you head over to the beautiful Bahamas, make sure that your trip cancellation insurance plan includes the following coverage:
The right travel insurance policy for you will depend on your specific needs. This is why it is especially important for you to research several policies before making a purchase. Read their policy documents carefully. This way, you can get coverage for the situations that are most important to you.
Things to Do for Travelers in Nassau
Paradise Island
This island lives up to its name, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Bahamas.
Atlantis contains a luxury hotel, an aquarium, a water park, and an entertainment complex. It is a fun-packed, extravagant place that has to be on your list of things to do in Nassau.
Also, consider visiting Marina Village, as well as the Versailles Gardens and French Cloister.
Fort Charlotte
Fort Charlotte sits on a hillside and as a result, offers gorgeous, picturesque views of the harbor of Nassau. It’s the largest fort in Nassau, and the British Colonial architecture is worth admiring.
With dungeons, cannons, and a waterless moat, Fort Charlotte is an interesting historic site to visit.
Cable Beach
Cable Beach is another popular tourist destination, as it is a classic Caribbean beach with a stunning mixture of golden sand and turquoise waters.
You can stay at any of the numerous resorts here, which will put you in close proximity to one of the top beaches in the city. If not, you can just lounge on the beach, as it is open to the public.
Blue Lagoon Island
Blue Lagoon Island (or Salt Cay) is a place you can spend hours exploring. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Nassau.
Here, you can partake in water sports, snorkeling, and swimming in the lagoon. If you’re feeling up for it, you can even have a close-up encounter with sea lions and dolphins at the marine mammal facility.
Clifton Heritage National Park
This is a great place to experience culture and explore nature.
In a peaceful setting, the park offers nature trails through different tropical ecosystems. You can even view historical ruins here. Also, there are many beaches, so come prepared.
While visiting a place of historical and cultural significance, it is always best to book guided tours that can tell you much more about the place than you can see on your own.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Nassau
Searing Sunlight
The Bahamas has a tropical savannah climate. Thus, it’s not much of a surprise to find out that most of the year, Nassau faces high temperatures. The sun can be a nuisance for travelers who are not used to the climate.
To reduce the risk of getting a sunburn, apply plenty of sunscreen. Buy sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50.
Heavy Traffic
There’s a good chance you’ll encounter heavy traffic in the capital city of Nassau. While you could always rent a car and drive around on your own, a safer option would be to use public transportation. Locals always have a better feel of the traffic and can navigate through bottlenecks with seamless ease.
Catching public transport might prove to be a challenge, so plan your day out beforehand.
Petty Crime
It’s an unfortunate correlation, but the more popular a tourist destination, the more petty crime it has to deal with. However, there’s no need to worry. As long as you follow some basic precautions, you’ll stay safe and sound:
- Avoid going anywhere after dark.
- Use a slash-proof bag to avoid pickpockets.
- Keep your valuables on you, not in a handbag — this will help you avert snatch-and-grab incidents. A money belt can be a great idea to keep your cash and cards secure.
Spiked Drinks
Always pay attention to your drink. Never look away from your glass or leave it unattended. Spiking drinks with drugs is not uncommon here, after which your valuables could be stolen. If you agree to let someone buy you a drink, be sure to watch the bartender pour it, and take it directly from the bartender.
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
The Caribbean is at risk of being affected by tropical storms and hurricanes year-round. However, the rainy season from June to November is when these storms most commonly strike. For this reason, most visitors plan their trips to the Bahamas outside this season.
If you are planning a visit during hurricane season, be sure to get travel insurance with appropriate coverage. It is highly recommended that you read this article to get a thorough understanding of hurricanes and travel insurance coverage.
If the forecast is all-clear and you still want to plan a rainy season trip, pack plenty of mosquito repellent. Repellent will help you avoid the risk of diseases such as chikungunya and dengue.
Before You Travel to Nassau — Do This
Pack the following:
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) for the strong sun
- Mosquito repellent to ward off pesky mosquitoes
- Slash-proof bag to stay safe from pickpockets
Book your tours
Book tours in advance. Tours help you better experience a place by giving you additional information about it.
Insure your trip
Don't let the stress of unexpected travel mishaps put a damper on your trip to Nassau. Purchase travel medical insurance or travel insurance that fits all of your travel needs.