Antarctica Travel Insurance: Get The Right Protection
Antarctica travel insurance is not the most exciting part of planning your cruise, but it is one of the most important.
Every ship operator will insist on proof of suitable cover before you can board, and for good reason: you’ll be travelling to one of the most remote places on earth, far from standard medical facilities and very expensive to evacuate from.
On this page, we break down what to look for in travel insurance for Antarctica, from emergency medical and evacuation cover to trip cancellation, adventure activities and baggage, so you can choose a policy that matches your itinerary.
If you’re still planning your trip, you may also find our guides to Antarctica travel costs and visas & vaccinations useful.
Antarctica Travel Insurance
Do You Need Travel Insurance for Antarctica?
Yes, if you’re travelling to Antarctica, you do need travel insurance. In fact, most cruise operators require suitable cover as a condition of travel and will ask to see proof before you board.
Antarctica travel insurance isn’t just a box to tick; you’ll be visiting one of the most remote regions on earth, days away from standard medical facilities and extremely costly to evacuate from.
A good policy should cover emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation as a minimum, but we also recommend looking at cancellation, trip delays and baggage cover to protect the full value of your trip.
Your policy should normally cover your entire journey from home, including time in gateway cities such as Ushuaia or Punta Arenas, not just the days you’re in Antarctica itself.
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation
This is the non-negotiable bit. Medical facilities in Antarctica are extremely limited, and serious cases need to be flown out to full hospitals in South America or beyond.
Rescue specialists warn that evacuations from Antarctica can easily cost over US$100,000, sometimes much more.
Many cruise operators now ask guests to carry high medical and evacuation limits, often running into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Always check your operator’s minimum requirement and make sure your policy meets or exceeds it.
Trip Cancellation, Curtailment and Delays
Antarctica cruises are expensive once you add the ship, international flights and any side trips.
Cancellation and curtailment cover can help if you have to cancel before departure or cut things short for a covered reason (such as illness, injury or certain family emergencies).
Look for cover that matches the total non-refundable cost of your trip, plus some protection for delays and missed departures on the way to your embarkation port.
Important Note
Trip cancellation is also important for other issues including unforeseen illness, family death, natural disasters and cruise operator insolvency. Although it sounds unlikely, one of the major Antarctica cruise operators had to cease operations a few years ago due to the economic crisis. People who had not purchased Antarctica travel insurance prior to their trip lost all their money. In terms of financial protection when booking with an operator, you need to make sure they’re ABTA and ATOL protected as this will allow their insurers to pay you out should the company become insolvent.
Baggage, Valuables and Camera Equipment
Most travellers bring specialist cold-weather gear, like Antarctica travel bags, and at least one decent camera set-up.
Check your policy’s overall baggage limit, but also the single-item and valuables limits, which are often much lower.
If you’re travelling with professional-grade cameras or lenses, make sure you’re comfortable with how they’re covered (or consider separate gadget insurance).
COVID-19 and Other Disruptions (High Level Only)
Some policies now include limited cover for epidemic or pandemic-related events, while others exclude them entirely.
The same goes for things like government travel advisories and border closures.
Benefits and exclusions vary a lot between insurers, so it’s important to read the latest wording for your country of residence and, if in doubt, ask the insurer to confirm in writing.
What Should Antarctica Travel Insurance Cover?
In short, your Antarctica travel insurance should cover four big areas:
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emergency medical
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evacuation and repatriation
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trip cancellation/curtailment
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delays
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baggage and valuables
Let’s look at them in more detail.
What Antarctica Cruise Operators Typically Require
Because of Antarctica’s remote location and the expense of getting someone to a medical facility, every Antarctica operator requires you to be covered for emergency evacuation insurance.
All vessel companies require you to have insurance that covers air lift evacuation in case of a medical emergency, without this they will refuse you on board.
Most Antarctica operators will require you to have emergency evacuation, repatriation and medical cover up to US$200,000. Generally, the minimum cost of an Antarctica evacuation is US$100,000! Therefore, when it comes to emergency evacuation, medical fees and, in particular, repatriation, the higher the cover amount the better! Evacuation is never cheap, especially from somewhere as remote as Antarctica. Simple hospital operations will cost over US$10,000 and repatriation often costs in the hundreds of thousands.
A good Antarctica travel insurance policy will cover more than US$200,000, particularly in Antarctica where evacuation is very difficult.
Most Antarctica cruise operators require you to have travel insurance, and they’ll often ask for proof before you sail. In practice, they usually specify:
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Minimum medical and evacuation cover: often in the hundreds of thousands of US dollars, to reflect the cost of remote evacuations and onward treatment.
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Repatriation to your home country, not just evacuation to the nearest port.
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Cover for Antarctica and cruise-based trips, rather than a basic “city break” policy.
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Coverage for your full trip dates, including time in gateway cities such as Ushuaia or Punta Arenas.
Some operators also ask that your policy explicitly covers adventure activities like Zodiac landings and shore walks.
The exact wording varies, so it’s always worth checking your cruise confirmation documents and matching those requirements against your chosen policy before you buy.
What Antarctica Cruise Operators Typically Require
Most Antarctica cruise operators require you to have travel insurance, and they’ll often ask for proof before you sail. In practice, they usually specify:
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Minimum medical and evacuation cover: often in the hundreds of thousands of US dollars, to reflect the cost of remote evacuations and onward treatment.
-
Repatriation to your home country, not just evacuation to the nearest port.
-
Cover for Antarctica and cruise-based trips, rather than a basic “city break” policy.
-
Coverage for your full trip dates, including time in gateway cities such as Ushuaia or Punta Arenas.
Some operators also ask that your policy explicitly covers adventure activities like Zodiac landings and shore walks.
The exact wording varies, so it’s always worth checking your cruise confirmation documents and matching those requirements against your chosen policy before you buy.
Activities on an Antarctica Cruise: What’s Usually Covered?
Most Antarctica travel insurance will cover the core activities that are part of a normal expedition cruise, but you may need extra cover for more adventurous add-ons.
Core Cruise Activities
On a typical voyage you’ll spend much of your time on Zodiac cruises, shore landings and guided walks, often twice a day when conditions allow.
These are standard inclusions on most itineraries and are usually treated as normal cruise activities by polar-friendly insurers when done as part of an organised programme.
Ship-based wildlife watching, talks and the famous polar plunge are also often included.
For more on what you might be doing day to day, see our guides to Antarctica cruise activities and things to do in Antarctica.
Add-On Adventures That May Need Extra Cover
Activities such as sea kayaking, overnight camping, mountaineering, ski touring, snowshoeing or scuba diving are usually sold as paid extras with limited spaces.
Insurers often treat these as adventure sports, which means:
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They may sit in a higher “activity level” or sports category.
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You may need to pay for an upgrade or choose a more specialist policy.
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Some technical activities (for example, climbing or diving) may be excluded altogether.
If you’re planning any of these, it’s important to check that each one is explicitly covered.
Why Activity Tables and Small Print Matter
Most good Antarctica travel insurance policies include an activity table showing which sports are:
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Covered as standard,
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Covered only under an adventure or winter sports upgrade,
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Not covered at all.
It’s worth going through this line by line and matching it to your cruise itinerary.
Pay particular attention to notes around supervision, guide qualifications, altitude, equipment and independent travel.
If something is unclear, ask the insurer to confirm in writing so you know your planned activities are properly insured.
Choosing the Best Travel Insurance for an Antarctica Cruise
The best travel insurance for an Antarctica cruise is usually a specialist polar policy, not a generic “beach holiday” plan.
Look for high medical and evacuation limits, strong cancellation cover that matches the full cost of your cruise and flights, and clear wording that names Antarctica, cruises and your planned activities.
Some operators now specify minimum emergency evacuation cover of US$100,000–250,000 per person, so it’s important to check your policy schedule carefully.
What to Look For in a Specialist Polar Policy
A good Antarctica travel insurance policy will typically include:
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High medical and evacuation limits, including repatriation to your home country.
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Trip cancellation, curtailment and interruption for the full non-refundable cost of your cruise and associated flights.
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Cover for delays and missed departures, particularly on flights to your embarkation port.
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Baggage and equipment cover suitable for expedition clothing and camera gear.
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Clear confirmation that Antarctica, the Drake Passage and your gateway countries (such as Argentina or Chile) are included.
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An activity list that explicitly includes your cruise and any optional adventures, such as kayaking or camping.
For wider trip-planning context, it’s worth reading our guides to Antarctica travel costs.
Our Polar Cruise Partner: Rise & Shield
To give a concrete example of a specialist polar cruise insurance, Antarctica Guide partners with Rise & Shield, an adventure travel insurer whose Travel Elite plan is built specifically for Antarctica and Arctic cruises. For the avoidance of doubt, Antarctica Guide do not represent Rise & Shield and we do not provide advice on travel insurance.
Their cover includes:
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Medical expenses abroad running into the millions, with evacuation and repatriation within the same overall limit.
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Emergency evacuation arranged by a 24/7 assistance team, including helicopter evacuation from gateway ports such as Ushuaia, Punta Arenas and Port Stanley when medically necessary and pre-approved.
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High cancellation limits designed for polar cruises, plus cover for delays, missed departures and baggage.
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Recognition of Antarctic and Arctic cruises under their Adventure Plus activity level, so that standard guided activities like Zodiac landings and shore walks are clearly listed.
You can read more and get a quote via Rise & Shield’s guides to Antarctica travel insurance or Arctic travel insurance.
Availability and benefits always depend on your country of residence and personal circumstances, so do read the full policy wording carefully and compare options before you decide. This is general information only, not personalised insurance advice.
Covering Your Full Itinerary: Antarctica, South America and Beyond
Your Antarctica travel insurance should normally cover your entire journey, from the day you leave home to the day you get back, not just the time you’re in Antarctica.
Most cruises start from the southern tip of South America, usually Ushuaia in Argentina or Punta Arenas in Chile, so your policy needs to include these gateway cities, any overnight stays and the flights you take to get there.
Many travellers add extra time in Buenos Aires, Patagonia or the Chilean fjords, or tag Antarctica onto a longer Latin America trip.
If that’s the case, make sure every country on your itinerary is listed on your policy, and that trip dates match your full plans.
For more route-planning help, see our guide on How to Get to Antarctica.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions, Age Limits and Residency Rules
You can often still get Antarctica travel insurance if you have a pre-existing medical condition or you’re an older traveller, but the rules are stricter.
Most insurers ask you to declare any pre-existing conditions and may run a short medical screening. They might:
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Charge a higher premium,
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Place specific exclusions on your policy,
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Or, in some cases, decline cover for very serious or unstable conditions.
If you don’t declare something and later need treatment related to it, your claim can be refused, so honesty really is essential.
Many policies also have age limits or reduced benefits above certain ages, and most are only available to people who are legal residents of specific countries or regions
Always check: your age at the time of travel, the countries the insurer covers, and how they define “pre-existing” before you buy.
Antarctica Travel Insurance FAQs
Do I really need special travel insurance for Antarctica?
Yes. Most cruise operators make suitable travel insurance a condition of travel, and you’ll be visiting one of the most remote regions on earth, far from standard medical facilities.
A polar-friendly policy is strongly recommended.
How much medical and evacuation cover should I have for an Antarctica cruise?
Cruise operators often require high limits for emergency medical and evacuation cover, sometimes running into the hundreds of thousands of US dollars.
Check your operator’s minimum requirement and make sure your policy meets or exceeds it.
Does Antarctica travel insurance include helicopter rescue?
Some specialist policies include evacuation by air or helicopter when medically necessary and pre-approved by the insurer’s assistance team.
Always check how emergency evacuation works in the policy wording, including any named hubs or limits.
Will my standard travel insurance cover an Antarctica cruise?
Sometimes, but not always. Many standard policies exclude Antarctica, expedition cruises or adventure activities, so it’s important to read the small print carefully or choose a policy that specifically mentions Antarctica cruises.
Do I need travel insurance for both Antarctica and my time in South America?
Yes. Your policy should usually cover your entire journey from leaving home to returning home, including gateway cities like Ushuaia or Punta Arenas and any extra nights or side trips in South America.
Are Zodiac landings, shore walks and the polar plunge covered by travel insurance?
These core cruise activities are often covered as standard by polar-friendly insurers when part of an organised programme. You should still check the activity list to confirm they’re included under your chosen policy.
Does Antarctica travel insurance cover kayaking, camping and other adventure activities?
These are often treated as higher-risk activities and may sit in a separate “adventure” or “sports” category. You may need to pay for an upgrade or choose a specialist policy that clearly lists each activity you’re planning to do.
When should I buy travel insurance for my Antarctica cruise?
Ideally, as soon as you’ve paid your first deposit or confirmed your booking. That way, cancellation cover can start protecting your trip before you even set sail.
Can I get Antarctica travel insurance if I have a pre-existing medical condition?
Often yes, but you’ll usually need to declare your condition and pass a medical screening. If you don’t disclose something and later claim for it, the insurer may refuse the claim.
What’s the best travel insurance for an Antarctica cruise?
There isn’t one single “best” policy for everyone, as it depends on your age, country of residence, health and itinerary.
Antarctica Guide partners with specialist providers such as Rise & Shield, but we always recommend comparing a few polar-friendly options and reading the full policy wording before you decide.
For the avoidance of doubt, Antarctica Guide do not represent Rise & Shield or any insurance provider and we do not provide advice on travel insurance.
How to Arrange Antarctica Travel Insurance (Step-by-Step)
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Start your quote: Head to go.riseandshield.com and choose Single Trip for your Antarctica cruise.
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Add your trip details: Select your country of residence, then choose a destination region that covers every country on your route (for example Worldwide, or Worldwide excluding North America). Enter your dates from the day you leave home to the day you return, and add all travellers.
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Choose your base cover: Pick between Essentials, Plus or Elite. For expensive, remote trips like polar cruises, many travellers prefer Plus or Elite for higher limits.
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Add polar cruise cover: On the Extras step, select Adventure Plus. This is what activates cover for Antarctic (and Arctic) cruises. No Adventure Plus, no polar cruise cover.
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Complete checkout & save your documents: Enter traveller, contact and payment details, then double-check your dates, region and that Adventure Plus appears on your summary. Once your policy documents arrive by email, save them to your phone/tablet and note the 24/7 emergency assistance number to keep with your cruise documents.
For the avoidance of doubt, Antarctica Guide do not represent Rise & Shield and we do not provide advice on travel insurance.
Important Disclaimer
Antarctica Guide is not an insurance broker, underwriter or financial adviser, and we don’t sell travel insurance ourselves.
The information on this page is based on our research and experience and is intended as general guidance only, to help you understand the kinds of things to look for in Antarctica travel insurance.
It is not a personal recommendation or a substitute for professional advice.
Policy benefits, exclusions and eligibility vary between insurers and depend on your country of residence and individual circumstances.
Before you buy, always read the full policy wording, check that it meets your cruise operator’s requirements and, if you’re unsure, speak directly to the insurer or a regulated adviser.
We partner with providers such as Rise & Shield and may earn a commission if you purchase through some links, but this doesn’t change the information we share here and we do not represent them, are not involved in the sale, fulfilment, or administration of travel insurance and do not provide specific advice.
Rise & Shield is a trading style of Optimum Global Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 453654). This information is for general marketing purposes only and does not constitute personal advice. Please read the policy wording and key documents carefully to ensure the cover meets your needs.
FAQ
If you would like to know more about Antarctica travel insurance please leave a comment below and we will endeavor to get back to you within 24 hours! Alternatively, please see our FAQ page here. If you would like to get a cruise quote, please use this form.
Thank you - AntarcticaGuide Team
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