🇪🇨 Travel Insurance for Ecuador
Do You Need Travel Insurance for Ecuador?
Ecuador requires proof of health insurance for all foreign visitors. This has been enforced at immigration since 2018.
Healthcare & Medical Costs in Ecuador
Quito and Guayaquil have adequate private hospitals — Hospital Metropolitano, Hospital de los Valles. The Galápagos Islands have only a basic hospital on Santa Cruz and a clinic on San Cristóbal. Rural highlands and Amazon regions have minimal facilities.
Private clinic visit: $40–100. Hospital day: $200–500. Emergency care in Galápagos is basic and evacuation to the mainland costs $5,000–15,000. Ecuador is moderately priced for healthcare.
Key Risks & Safety Concerns
Altitude sickness in Quito (2,850m), Cuenca (2,550m), and especially when visiting volcanoes. Galápagos water activities — snorkeling, diving with sharks and sea lions. Amazon jungle risks — tropical diseases, wildlife, and remote locations. Seismic activity. Street crime in Quito and Guayaquil.
Recommended Coverage for Ecuador
$100,000+ medical coverage. Evacuation from Galápagos Islands is essential — there's no advanced medical care on the islands. Altitude sickness coverage for highland visits. Adventure sports add-on for Amazon tours and Galápagos diving.
Insider Tips for Ecuador
Galápagos trips require evacuation coverage — the nearest real hospital is in Guayaquil, a 2-hour flight away. If climbing Cotopaxi or Chimborazo, verify your insurer covers high-altitude mountaineering. Amazon jungle tours should be covered by your adventure sports add-on.
Emergency numbers: 911 (general emergency)
Recommended Providers for Ecuador
EKTA
European travel insurance with global coverage. Medical, trip cancellation, and more.
Check EKTA →
Frequently Asked Questions
While travel insurance may not be legally mandatory for all visitors to Ecuador, it is strongly recommended. Visa-free for most (90 days); insurance mandatory. Some visa categories may require proof of insurance coverage.
Helpful Insurance Guides
Learn more about choosing the right travel insurance:
Travel Insurance for Other South America Countries
Planning to visit multiple destinations in South America? Check our travel insurance guides for nearby countries:
Plan the Rest of Your Ecuador Trip
Insurance is just one part of trip planning. Our partner sites can help with the rest: