Do you need insurance for a trip to Sri Lanka

For a tourist trip to Sri Lanka Russian citizens must obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before departure. The application procedure and fee have changed several times in recent years, and in 2026 the authorities announced free tourist visas for a number of countries, including Russia. So check the current procedure on the official ETA portal before you go. Medical insurance is not required on entry.

Colombo has modern private hospitals, but on the coast and in the hill country medical care is more basic. Treatment in private clinics is paid for foreigners, and in a serious case the patient is taken to the capital. A policy means you do not have to worry about the cost of treatment and transportation.

Which sum to choose

We recommend USD 50,000. For a long winter stay, surfing and diving, or a trip with children, you can choose USD 100,000.

Features of a holiday in Sri Lanka

  • The ocean. The south and west coasts have big waves and rip currents, especially during the south-west monsoon. Swim only in permitted places.
  • Surfing. Weligama, Hikkaduwa and Arugam Bay are popular spots, including for beginners. Surfing is an active sport and requires the option.
  • Diving and snorkelling. Add the diving option and decompression chamber treatment.
  • Dengue fever. Present on the island all year round, peaking in the rainy season. Check whether the plan covers it.
  • Mountains and tea plantations. Climbing Adam’s Peak or Sigiriya and hiking around Ella are demanding. Trekking requires the active sports option.
  • Roads. Tuk-tuks and buses are the main transport; traffic drives on the left and is chaotic. Scooter rental is covered only with the option and a category A licence.
  • Safaris. Jeep safaris in Yala and Udawalawe national parks are an ordinary excursion, but keep your distance from wild animals.

How to buy travel insurance to Sri Lanka on polisre.ru

The calculator at the top of the page is already set to “Sri Lanka”. Quotes and purchase are handled by Polis Re’s partner, the Cherehapa service: you compare plans from 16 Russian insurance companies and buy a policy online, and the policy itself is issued by the insurer you choose.

  1. Enter your travel dates and the age of each traveller.
  2. Choose the sum insured and add the options you need: surfing and diving, dengue fever, sunburn, flight delay.
  3. Compare plans: the deductible, the assistance company, limits for individual risks and the exclusions in the policy terms.
  4. Enter your first and last name in Latin letters exactly as in your international passport, then pay by card.
  5. The policy is sent to your e-mail. Save it on your phone and print it if that is convenient.

If you fall ill or get injured in Sri Lanka

Do not go to a random clinic: without approval from the assistance company the insurer may refuse to pay or reimburse only part of the costs. Here is the procedure.

  1. Contact the assistance company using the phone number in the policy. Call costs are reimbursed if the policy includes this service.
  2. Describe the situation and get a case number and the clinic address.
  3. Keep all medical documents and receipts, even if the assistance company paid for treatment.
  4. In an emergency, call an ambulance and report the case to the assistance company as soon as you can.

What counts as an insured event and how to get reimbursed is explained in the “Insured event” section.

Nearby destinations

If your route covers several countries, see the other pages too: insurance to India, insurance to the Maldives, insurance to Thailand, insurance to Vietnam. The full list of destinations, annual policies and tips on choosing cover are on the travel insurance page.