Do you need travel insurance for Seychelles
Russian citizens do not need a visa for Seychelles. But some preparation is required: before departure you must obtain a paid Seychelles Travel Authorisation on the official website. It is needed for every traveller, including children, and without it you will simply not be allowed to board. Beware of intermediaries and make sure you apply on the official resource.
Insurance is less clear-cut: sources disagree, and it is not officially confirmed as an entry condition. Our advice is simple: a policy is recommended in any case, and check the current requirements before you travel on the consulate's website or with your airline.
| Document | Required? | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Visa | No | Visa-free entry |
| Travel Authorisation | Yes, mandatory | Paid, for everyone including children, before departure |
| Medical insurance | Recommended | Check the requirements before you travel |
Why insurance matters on the islands
Seychelles is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean spread over a large area. Most of the medical infrastructure is on the main islands, while treatment options on small and secluded islands are limited. If a serious injury or sudden illness happens on such an island, the patient has to be moved by sea or by air. That kind of transport, let alone evacuation to another country, is very expensive, and this is exactly where travel insurance matters most.
What to consider in a policy for Seychelles
Flights and transfers between islands
Many tourists combine several islands: small-plane flights and ferry crossings are part of a normal itinerary. Make sure the plan includes medical transportation and evacuation and that their limits match the sum insured you choose.
Diving and snorkelling
Most tourists see snorkelling on the reefs as ordinary swimming, but scuba diving counts as active leisure. Tick diving in the calculator and check the depth and certification conditions in the policy terms. Coral cuts and encounters with marine life are also a common reason to see a doctor.
Sun and heat
The equatorial sun burns faster than you expect. Sunstroke and heat exhaustion are emergencies, and some insurers offer a separate option for severe sunburn, which is worth checking when you calculate the price.
Travel and baggage
The flight to Seychelles is long and usually involves a connection. The "Flight delay" and "Baggage" options help with problems on the way, and trip cancellation cover protects prepaid hotels and tickets if the trip falls through for reasons listed in the policy terms.
How to choose the sum insured and the plan
The calculator suggests 50,000 $ for Seychelles by default. That is a good base for a beach holiday on the main islands. If you plan diving, a stay on remote islands or a trip with children, it makes sense to increase the sum so that it covers both treatment and transport. A plan without a deductible is more convenient. Travelling to several island countries in the Indian Ocean, for example combining Seychelles with Mauritius or the Maldives? Choose a territory that includes every country on your route.
What to do if something happens
- Call the assistance company on the number in your policy and give your policy number.
- Explain what happened and which island you are on: this determines where you will be sent.
- Get treatment at the clinic approved by the assistance company. Do not pay for treatment yourself without approval.
- Keep all documents: invoices, receipts, medical reports.
Read more about what to do in the Insurance claim section.
How to buy travel insurance for Seychelles online
In the calculator at polisre.ru choose Seychelles, enter your travel dates and travellers' ages, and add options such as diving or baggage. The calculator shows offers from 16 insurance companies and lets you compare them; the purchase runs through the Cherehapa service (Polis Re's partner). Then fill in your details exactly as in your international passport and pay: the policy arrives by e-mail and is issued by the insurance company you choose. If you are already on the islands, note that some insurers offer plans for people who are already travelling; check the conditions (for example, a waiting period) in the calculator. It is a good idea to print the policy or save it on your phone. All destinations are listed in the Travel insurance section.