Nicaragua was a long-kept secret before it started attracting intrepid travelers and backpackers. Tourists usually veered towards Costa Rica, given Nicaragua’s rough past that plagued its image. Well, not anymore. Nicaragua is a travel hotspot filled with adventures and beautiful landscapes.
The country is an adventure-filled, cheap, and fun travel destination located in Central America. Most of the country is still untouched. If you vacation to Nicaragua, you will get to see nature in its unspoiled state.
The country is apt for serendipitous travelers who don’t like to follow the beaten path. It’s a hot destination spot for solo travelers, retirees, and families, too. When in Nicaragua, do enjoy the cheap beer, good surf, and hikes year-round. But before you go, you should make sure to purchase travel medical insurance or travel insurance in case of any unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries.
Nicaragua Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
Nicaragua is considered a developing nation and classified as a lower-middle-income country. The medical facilities in the capital city Managua are satisfactory, but in the remote areas, they are worrisome. Hospitals in Nicaragua will not provide any special medical care or major treatments. This is where travel medical insurance can give you the full benefit of its services in case you need medical evacuation to more comprehensive facilities.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Nicaragua?
It is not mandatory to have travel medical insurance for Nicaragua. But with the rate of street crime and contaminated food and water, it would not be wise to enter the country without travel medical insurance. The insurance can be bought from your country, but make sure that it provides complete coverage for Nicaragua.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Nicaragua?
Many travelers get injured while volcano boarding, as the terrain is made of gravel. This thrilling activity, among many others, may cause you to sustain major injuries in case of an accident. As most hospitals in the country are struggling to provide basic medical care, coverage for medical evacuation or repatriation becomes necessary. Buy travel medical insurance as a financial safeguard against all the additional costs.
Nicaragua Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
Nicaragua can be full of uncertainties, owing to circumstances like the weather and natural disasters. Expect unscheduled delays, interruptions, and even cancellations while on a trip to Nicaragua. Air travel and hotel reservations aren’t cheap. Having trip cancellation insurance for Nicaragua can be a life-saver for you if you have to cancel your trip for a reason covered under your insurance policy.
Why buy travel insurance for Nicaragua?
Natural disasters like floods, mudslides, hurricanes, and landslides can disrupt your travel plans, forcing you to cancel. The air carriers are overseen by the Nicaraguan aviation authority, which is notorious for carelessness. Most of the time, minimum international safety standards are maintained. Cancellations and lost or misplaced baggage are more common than you might be comfortable with. Buy travel insurance for Nicaragua to provide coverage for these costs.
What all is covered under travel insurance for Nicaragua?
Travel insurance for Nicaragua may provide coverage and benefits in case of:
- Lost and missing baggage at the airport
- Trip or fight cancellation for a covered reason
- Trip cancellation for a reason covered in your policy
- Trip interruption for a reason covered in your policy
- Missing a connecting flight from the airport
- Hotel cancellation in case of floods or landslides
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation to home country
Things to Do for Travelers in Nicaragua
- Granada: The city of Granada is blessed with well-preserved architecture. It is the first-ever Spanish settlement in the country and has churches and buildings designed in the Spanish colonial style. The city is painted with a myriad of colors and looks beautiful under the moonlight. When in Granada, you can go kayaking or hiking to the nearby islets and volcanoes.
- Surfing in San Juan del Sur: San Juan del Sur is a well-known destination and is already famous among professional surfers. The beautiful beach is lapped by warm water perfect for swimming. The beach resorts have amazing activities to keep you entertained for several weeks. If you don’t know how to surf, you can take surfing lessons.
- Visiting the Ometepe Island: Ometepe is an extraordinary island located on Lago de Nicaragua (Lake of Nicaragua). The island is formed by two joined volcanoes, Maderas and Concepcion. The main attractions of the island include cycling, kayaking, and hiking. All these activities cost less than $40 per person—quite a bargain.
- Explore Leon: Leon is the former capital of Nicaragua and is divided into two sub-cities, New Leon and Old Leon. New Leon promises to be a heaven for history buffs who will love the museums, remnants of the political wars, and murals around the city. Old Leon is a lush green Spanish settlement with beautiful destinations and affordable homestays.
- Try Volcano Boarding: You will never hear about volcano boarding anywhere else in the world. When visiting Cerro Negro, the young and active volcano, board down the rough slopes of the mountains. Hike to the top of the mountain in an hour, sit on the board, and fly down the volcano. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you need to take advantage of, if you’re brave enough.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Nicaragua
- Crime: Is Nicaragua safe? Generally, yes. Just take proper precautions to avoid petty crime and theft. Make sure you don't get too distracted with other things and are always aware of where your valuables are.
- Travel Scams: In Nicaragua, if a travel scheme sounds too good to be true, it probably is a scam. Read reviews on tour operators before finalizing anything, and watch out for dodgy ones.
- Schistosomiasis: To stay safe from getting infected with Schistomiasis or other infections, do not swim, bathe, or wade in untreated swimming pools or freshwater.
- Mosquito-borne Diseases: Just like in most tropical countries with a wet and hot climate, stay cautious about mosquitoes in Nicaragua. Wear clothes that cover your skin, and use mosquito repellents.
Before You Travel to Nicaragua – Do This
- When buying travel medical insurance, make sure that the plan covers everything you need for your trip. You can browse a wide variety of plans side by side and select the one that best fits your needs.
- Be in touch with the consulates in Nicaragua to obtain additional requirements for travel.
- Carry prescribed medicine in its original packaging, or you will raise suspicion at the airport during security checks.