Do you need insurance for the Dominican Republic

Russian citizens do not need a visa for the Dominican Republic: you can stay in the country visa-free for up to 60 days. If you want to stay longer, an extension is available for a fee; check the procedure and conditions in advance.

A medical policy is not required for entry. Another formality is mandatory, though: before the trip you have to fill in the E-Ticket electronic form. Once it is completed, you receive a QR code that is checked both on entry and when you leave the country. Keep it on your phone and print a copy just in case.

The fact that nobody asks for insurance at the border does not make it unnecessary. The Dominican Republic is very far from Russia, medical care for tourists is paid, and treatment at a private resort clinic can be expensive. Without a policy, you pay every bill for examinations, tests, hospital stays and transport yourself.

What matters in a policy for the Dominican Republic

  • Sum insured. For this destination the calculator suggests USD 50,000 by default. For a long-haul trip it makes sense to choose cover with a margin, especially if the programme includes transport home.
  • Period. The policy should cover every day of the trip, starting from your departure date. With a long journey and a connection this matters: something can go wrong while you are still on the way.
  • Territory. If you are only going to the Dominican Republic, select it. If you plan to visit nearby islands too, the Caribbean Islands territory is more convenient.
  • Deductible. With a deductible you pay part of the costs of each claim yourself. Without one, the insurer pays within the sum insured, and there are fewer questions at the clinic.
  • Transport and repatriation. Make sure medical transport to a clinic and return home after treatment are included in the programme.

Risks and options for a holiday in the Dominican Republic

Sun and ocean

The Caribbean sun is treacherous even on a cloudy day: sunburn and heatstroke often happen in the first days of a holiday. The Atlantic coast has strong waves and currents, and it is easy to cut yourself on coral reefs. A standard medical programme helps with injuries and sudden illness, but insurers treat sunburn and swimming differently, so check the policy terms.

Diving, snorkelling and excursions

Scuba diving, jeep safaris, quad biking and other active entertainment are classed by many insurance companies as active leisure or sport. Such activities are covered only with a separate option. If you plan to dive, select it in the calculator; otherwise an underwater injury may not count as an insured event.

Stomach infections and dengue

Unfamiliar food, water and heat often end in a stomach infection. This is a standard risk included in medical cover. Dengue fever, carried by mosquitoes, deserves separate thought: the calculator has a dedicated Dengue fever option, and for the Dominican Republic it is worth adding. Insect repellent and long sleeves in the evening help as well.

A long flight

There may be no regular direct flights from Russia, so the journey usually involves a connection. The Flight delay and Baggage options can compensate for part of your losses if a connection fails or your suitcase does not arrive. If your package tour is paid in advance, consider the Trip cancellation option too.

How to choose the sum insured and programme

Start with basic medical cover and a sum no lower than the default. Then add options for your type of holiday: dengue, active leisure, emergency dental care, baggage. If any traveller has a chronic condition, add the corresponding option: without it, a flare-up of an existing illness is often excluded from cover.

Families with children can insure everyone under one policy; see the page on travel insurance for children. For older travellers, terms and price depend on age; read more in the section for seniors.

What to do if something happens

  1. First call the assistance company on the number shown in your policy. Save it in advance and make sure roaming works.
  2. Explain what happened and wait for the assistance company to approve a clinic or send a doctor.
  3. Do not pay for treatment yourself without approval: otherwise getting reimbursed can be difficult.
  4. Keep all documents: doctor's reports, prescriptions, pharmacy receipts.

Step-by-step guidance is available in the article An insured event: what to do.

How to buy Dominican Republic travel insurance online

You can buy a policy right on polisre.ru. The quote and purchase go through the Cherehapa service (Polis Re's partner), and the policy is issued by the insurance company you choose.

  1. Open the calculator and enter the country, dates and travellers' ages.
  2. Choose the sum and options, and compare offers from 16 insurance companies.
  3. Enter travellers' details in Latin letters, exactly as in their international passports.
  4. Pay by card and receive the policy by e-mail.

If you are already in the Dominican Republic and realise you have no cover: some insurers have programmes for people who are already travelling; check the conditions (for example, a waiting period) in the calculator. Also going to Cuba? The rules there are different and are described on the page on travel insurance for Cuba. All destinations are collected in the Travel insurance section, and insurer profiles are in the insurance companies catalogue.