Do you need travel insurance for Ecuador
Russian citizens do not need a visa for Ecuador: you can stay up to 90 days in 12 months without one. For mainland Ecuador a general insurance requirement for tourists is not confirmed, so before you fly check the requirements on the consulate's website or with your airline.
The Galapagos Islands are a clear case. Medical insurance is mandatory for visiting them, and prior registration, the so-called transit card, is also required. If the Galapagos are on your route, buy the policy in advance and make sure its dates cover your days on the islands.
One more thing: in 2026 a state of emergency was declared in some provinces of Ecuador. Follow the recommendations of the Russian Foreign Ministry before and during your trip.
What matters in a policy for Ecuador
- Territory. The policy must cover Ecuador, including the Galapagos. If you stop over in other countries on the way, include them too.
- Period. All days of the trip, with a margin for a possible flight delay.
- Evacuation and transportation. The key part of cover for this country: in the mountains, in the rainforest and on the islands the way to a good clinic can be long.
- Deductible. A plan without a deductible is more convenient, so you do not have to pay small costs yourself.
Ecuador specifics: which risks to cover
Highlands and volcanoes
Quito, the capital, lies high in the Andes, and many travellers feel short of breath, get headaches and tire quickly in the first days. Trips to the volcanoes and trekking on mountain trails take you even higher. The policy covers ordinary city walks, but hikes and climbs need an active leisure option; check the altitude limit in the terms. People with chronic heart or lung conditions should add the "Chronic conditions" option and talk to a doctor in advance.
The Amazon
The rainforest in the east of the country means a humid tropical climate, insects and tropical infections, as well as long distances to clinics. The policy pays for emergency treatment, but not for vaccinations or prevention, so discuss those with a doctor beforehand.
The Galapagos and diving
The Galapagos attract divers, but diving counts as active leisure and is added separately. For divers the "Hyperbaric chamber treatment" option is useful: decompression sickness requires specialised care. There are few clinics on the islands, so in a serious situation the patient will most likely have to be evacuated to the mainland. That is why the Galapagos call for a policy with a sufficient limit on transportation.
Flights and baggage
The journey from Russia is long and usually involves connections. The "Flight delay" and "Baggage" options will help, and if a Galapagos cruise is paid in advance, consider trip cancellation cover.
How to choose the sum insured and the plan
For Ecuador the calculator suggests 50,000 $ by default. For a city trip that is usually enough. If your plans include the Galapagos, diving, the Amazon or the mountains, it makes sense to choose a higher sum: evacuation from the islands or the rainforest is expensive, and the policy limit may not cover all costs. If you combine Ecuador with other South American countries, such as Brazil or Argentina, it is easier to take one policy for the whole route or the Worldwide option. For frequent trips an annual policy works well.
What to do if something happens
First of all, call the assistance company on the phone number in your policy. Give your policy number, describe the situation and say where you are. The assistance company will choose and approve a clinic and arrange transport if needed. Do not pay for treatment yourself without approval, otherwise the reimbursement may be refused. If you did have to pay, keep the invoices, receipts and medical reports. The step-by-step procedure is described in the Insurance claim article.
How to buy travel insurance for Ecuador online
- Open the calculator, choose Ecuador and enter the dates and travellers' ages.
- Add the options you need: active leisure, "Hyperbaric chamber treatment", baggage, flight delay.
- Compare offers from 16 insurance companies. Pricing and purchase run through the Cherehapa service (Polis Re's partner).
- Enter the travellers' details exactly as in their international passports and pay for the policy.
- The policy arrives by e-mail. It is issued by the insurance company you choose.
If you are already travelling, note that some insurers offer plans for people who are already abroad; check the conditions (for example, a waiting period) in the calculator. Other countries are listed in the Travel insurance section.