Travel insurance for Sri Lanka: tuk-tuks, surfing and the monsoon

Road injuries, safaris, beach currents, dengue and private hospitals: what to look at in the policy before the trip.

Sri Lanka is popular with backpackers and beach lovers, and the transport is most often tuk-tuks, scooters, trains and buses. The roads are narrow and busy, and transport injuries are among the most common reasons to see a doctor. The second is stomach upsets and viral illnesses such as dengue fever, which is spread by mosquitoes.

Healthcare and evacuation

There are good private hospitals in Colombo and the larger cities, but the further from them, the more modest the options, and sometimes transfer is needed. Check the treatment limit, direct payment to the clinic, evacuation cover and a 24-hour assistance line. Keep receipts and medical documents.

Scooters, surfing and safaris

Scooters usually require a valid licence for the right category and, as a rule, a local permit for foreigners: check this against the country's rules and the policy terms, or the claim will be refused. Surfing, diving and mountain hikes often need a separate option too. Mind the monsoon: it falls in different months on different coasts, and currents near beaches can be dangerous.

Before you pay

Dates, the deductible, exclusions for chronic conditions and trip cancellation. This is general information, not a recommendation of a company. Below is a partner insurance card (advertising): compare terms, not only price.