Nouméa is the golden capital of New Caledonia. An Overseas French Territory, this city is known for its interesting blend of French and native Kanak culture. Of course, it is also known for its glowing, pristine beaches. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit New Caledonia every year.

From scuba diving to museum hunting, there’s a lot to do in Nouméa. 

To get maximum enjoyment from your trip, go the extra step to protect your health and finances by purchasing travel medical insurance or travel insurance.

Nouméa Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers — FAQs

If you’re traveling to a foreign country, there are some things that you need to check off of your to-do list before you step onto the airplane. One of these is especially important: Travel medical insurance.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Nouméa?

The laws of New Caledonia state that tourists will be asked to show proof of travel insurance before being allowed to enter the country. This makes travel medical insurance a legal requirement in Nouméa.

Why buy travel medical insurance for Nouméa?

The cost of medical treatment in Nouméa is high. If you find yourself in a hospital, in need of medical attention, the financial burden of treatment without insurance coverage could be more than you can afford. You may even require emergency medical evacuation to a larger hospital if your situation is especially serious. This can be extremely costly. 

Buy travel medical insurance, so that you do not face unpredictable medical bills if you become sick or injured while visiting Nouméa.

Nouméa Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers — FAQs

Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Nouméa?

New Caledonia is an isolated island. Traveling there usually involves booking several flights, or flights and a cruise. This means you’ll have to pay for a lot of travel arrangements in advance, and many of them are not refundable.

If you were to get sick or have a death in the family, you may be unable to travel. Likewise, a tropical storm or natural disaster could shut down travel to you destination. What then do you do about those prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses? 

Give yourself the opportunity to be reimbursed for these costs by investing in trip cancellation insurance. It can provide coverage for your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason. 

What can be covered under trip cancellation insurance for Nouméa?

When deciding on the right trip cancellation insurance plan for your trip to Nouméa, look for a policy that can cover:

• Trip cancellation
• Travel delay
• Trip interruption
• Loss of baggage
• The option to cancel for any reason, if you’d like more flexibility in your cancellation options. 

Regardless of what travel insurance plan you choose, read the policy documents thoroughly before you purchase. This way, you’ll understand what is covered, how much is covered, and what is not covered; allowing you to travel with peace of mind.

Things to Do for Travelers in Nouméa

Îlot Maître

You’ll likely be visiting many beaches on your trip to Nouméa, but one experience you cannot miss out on is the Îlot Maître. This little island is a 15-minute ride from Port Moselle, and it is an excellent spot for a day trip.

Another area to explore on your trip: the maritime reserve in Îlot Maître.

Amédée Lighthouse

This towering lighthouse is one of the major attractions in Nouméa. Visit for the magnificent panoramic views of the lagoon that it offers. The scenery of the townscape as seen from the top will make it worth the effort of climbing up.

Outside the lighthouse, you can partake in activities such as swimming and snorkeling.

Aquarium des Lagons Nouvelle Caledonie

Simply put, this aquarium is stunning.

From sea snakes and stonefish to sharks, there’s a lot to see here. On top of that, the clear, blue waters of the aquarium provide an aesthetic background that is peaceful and pleasing.

Musée de Nouvelle Calédonie

New Caledonia combines French culture with Kanak influences. This is sufficiently clear in the Musée de Nouvelle Calédonie. A cultural heritage and visual arts center, the museum is a standing testament to the native Kanak culture of New Caledonia.

This is a great place to learn about their history, and to gain information about everything from their artwork to farming practices.

Cathédrale Saint Joseph

This ancient Roman Catholic building was built as a dedication to Saint Joseph. With beautiful stained-glass windows and a carved pulpit, the interior of the cathedral is eye-catching and should definitely be on your list of things to see.

Travel Risks for International Travelers in Nouméa

Petty crime

Nouméa is a popular destination for tourists. Each year, more and more people come to enjoy this impressive city.

As with all popular tourist destinations, the risk of petty crime like pickpocketing is present. Take care of your valuables and don’t leave them unattended while you’re on the beach.

Leaving expensive items inside rented cars is also not recommended.

Dengue

Nouméa is surrounded by water, making it a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Dengue is common during the hot months, so do your best to avoid mosquito bites. Carry mosquito repellent along with you and apply it generously.

Talk to your doctor about carrying antimalarial medicines, too.

Roads

The roads of Nouméa can be unsafe. 

If you are hiring a car, avoid driving at night, especially outside the Greater Nouméa area.

Carry your driving license, passport, registration, and insurance with you at all times. The laws here are strict, and will not treat you favorably just because you are a tourist.

Pollution

Overpopulation and excessive tourism have contributed significantly to New Caledonia’s pollution problems.

Not just the air, but often, the water is also unclean. So, don’t drink the tap water, or at least boil it before consuming it.

Shark attacks

Shark attacks are not common, but there is no denying that there have been incidents. Over-fishing sometimes forces sharks to come closer to the shore.

So, stay safe and do not wander too far out from the beach. You will be alright as long as you don’t go too deep into the ocean.

Before You Travel to Nouméa — Do This

Pack the following

• Mosquito repellent and antimalarial medicines
• An N-95 mask if you are sensitive to air quality. 

Buy a slash-proof bag

Invest in a slash-proof bag and an RFID wallet to help stay safe from pickpockets.

Insure your trip

Don't put your finances at risk. Purchase travel medical insurance or travel insurance.

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.