All visitors to Belize will need to apply for a mandatory insurance effective February 15, 2022. The rule is part of new safe travel standards announced by Belize Tourism Board (BTB), the official tourism organization of the country, and has been put in place with an aim to help protect travelers against incurred medical and non-medical expenses if they test positive for COVID-19 during their stay in Belize.
The cost of the policy is $18 and provides coverage for up to $50,000 in medical expenses related to treatment of COVID-19 for a period of 21 days. This insurance plan will come online under the country’s public health regulations and provide cover for lodging expenses due to quarantine up to $2,000 ($300/day). Travelers will also be covered for emergency assistance services such as air evacuation and emergency expenses related to pre-existing conditions. Furthermore, it covers trip cancellations and expenses incurred by COVID-19 positive travelers for extended stays.
It is a must for all visitors to purchase the Belize Travel Health Insurance and they are required to complete the Customs and Immigration form that is provided on all flights to Belize. It is recommended that travelers purchase insurance prior to their travel to the country; however, purchases can be made upon arrival at the Philip Goldson International Airport or at Belize’s land borders
Belizean nationals, permanent residents and travelers with QRP or Long Stay status and flight crews are exempted from this mandatory insurance.
As part of the rules, all international tourists must book their stay in Belize at a Gold Standard property (approved hotel or accommodation) and present confirmation at immigration.
Also, all travelers, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, entering Belize through the Philip Goldson International Airport from other countries, will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test. If no test is presented, a COVID-19 test will be administered at the airport for a fee of $50 per passenger. Children under the age of five years will not be required to present a negative test.
In the past year, Belize has implemented several traveler protocols to keep visitors feeling safe, including the "Tourism Gold Standard Program" and "Travel Belize" app, which enables travelers to plan their vacation with certified hotels and tour operators (an entry requirement). The new Travel Health Insurance mandate is aimed to enhance travel confidence and giving visitors peace of mind to schedule their vacation for 2022 and beyond.
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