Travel Insurance Considerations for a Trip to Hawaii

The vibrant beauty of Hawaii, with its beautiful beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and unique, welcoming “aloha spirit,” make it a top dream destination. Despite the Hawaiian islands being synonymous with paradise, travelers should still take reasonable precautions when visiting. Buying travel insurance for such a major trip is advisable, especially if you’re interested in more risky activities like surfing, hiking, boating and scuba diving.

In this article, we’ll explore some important travel insurance considerations for your trip to the warm and breezy archipelago of Hawaii.

Do I Need Travel Insurance?

It isn’t required that you purchase a travel insurance policy to visit Hawaii, but the unpredictability that inherently accompanies any travel adventure makes having travel insurance a sensible and recommended choice.

Health Concerns

Medical emergencies can occur at any time, and vacation is no exception. The cost of medical treatment or hospitalization while traveling can be exorbitantly high. If you are a U.S. resident, your regular health insurance could cover medical expenses incurred during your trip to Hawaii, but it’s crucial to verify the scope of coverage with your insurance provider before you travel.

For international travelers visiting Hawaii, your regular health insurance from your home country may not cover you while you are in the U.S. In such cases, a travel insurance plan with travel medical coverage would be an appropriate purchase.

For any traveler, it is important to understand the extremely high cost of health insurance in the U.S. If you will not be covered by your regular health insurance during your stay in Hawaii, it is important to strongly consider buying a travel insurance policy with travel medical coverage to avoid spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on health care in the case of a medical emergency during your trip.

Riskier Activities

Hawaii’s reputation as an adventurer’s paradise means that you might be engaging in activities that have a higher degree of risk than you are used to taking at home. Many travelers journey to Hawaii with the expectation of taking surf lessons, hiking to a waterfall or scuba diving among the vibrant coral reefs. The risk of an accident varies according to the individual and the excursion, however, medical, search and rescue and evacuation costs associated with an accident during these types of activities could be unaffordable without the appropriate travel insurance.

Travel insurance policies can include coverage for emergency medical treatment and evacuation. Some travel insurance providers even offer specific coverage for adventurous or extreme sports, which can come with more flexibility and additional benefits. To avoid unexpected surprises, make sure that your policy covers the activities that you will be engaging in while on vacation.

Trip Cancellation or Interruption

Plans can change due to a variety of unforeseen circumstances like illness, natural disasters, or even a global pandemic. A travel insurance policy can protect pre-paid, non-refundable expenses related to last-minute cancellations or changes in your itinerary, for covered reasons. If you need to be able to cancel your trip for any reason, consider purchasing a cancel for any reason (“CFAR”) upgrade to a comprehensive travel insurance policy. A CFAR upgrade allows you to cancel your trip for any reason at all within a certain time period before your scheduled departure and allows you to recover up to a certain percentage (typically 75%) of your pre-paid, non-refundable trip expenses.

Baggage Loss or Delay

It’s not uncommon for luggage to be lost, delayed, or damaged during travel. Many people have to take several flights to reach Hawaii, and bags don’t always make it to the planes on time.  Travel insurance can offer you reimbursement for necessary items until your luggage is recovered and for your belongings, up to the policy limit, if your bags are not found.

How Much Will it Cost?

The cost of travel insurance can vary widely based on a variety of factors, such as the duration of your trip, the destination, the type of coverage you choose, and your age. As a general rule of thumb, basic policies usually cost between 4% to 10% of the total pre-paid, non-refundable trip cost.

For example, if your trip costs $3,000, travel insurance might cost between $120 and $300. More comprehensive plans, or plans that are upgraded with CFAR coverage, can cost up to 12% of your trip cost or more.

It’s also worth noting that while travel insurance is an additional upfront cost, it could potentially save you thousands of dollars in the event of a medical emergency, last-minute cancellation, or other unforeseen event during your trip. Travel insurance cannot be purchased after your trip begins and some travel insurance, such a CFAR must be purchased within a certain number of days after your initial trip deposit, so plan ahead and make sure that you have the coverage you need for a safe and comfortable journey.

What Do I Need To Travel To Hawaii?

You may be wondering, what’s required to travel to Hawaii? Passport, Visa, COVID-19 test or vaccination?

Here are some general requirements you may need to consider when planning a trip to Hawaii:

Proof of Identity: For U.S. residents, a driver’s license or other state ID should suffice. For international visitors, a valid passport is required.

Visas: If you are an international visitor, you may need a visa to enter the United States, depending on your country of residence. Check the U.S. Department of State’s website for the most current visa requirements.

COVID-19 Requirements: Travelers from within the U.S. are not currently required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test before coming to Hawaii, but vaccination requirements may still apply for certain international travelers. Always check the U.S. State Department’s website for the most accurate and current information related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tips to Be Prepared for a Trip To Hawaii

Below are a few tips on how you can prepare for your upcoming trip to Hawaii.

Be Informed About Your Coverage

Always review the terms and conditions of a travel insurance policy before buying to ensure it covers everything you need, such as emergency medical treatment, trip cancellations, or loss of personal items. Compare policies and prices to find the most suitable coverage. Don’t assume all policies are the same.

Plan Your Activities and Know Your Limitations

Before you go, make a list of the activities that you are planning to engage in while visiting Hawaii. If these are not activities that you engage in on a regular basis, pace yourself and start with difficulty levels that you know you can handle.  If you will be surfing, hiking, scuba diving or participating in other thrill-seeking adventures, make sure your travel insurance policy covers accidents and rescue operations that may be associated with these activities.

Know Your Health and Check Your Coverage

Make sure that your regular health insurance plan will cover you in Hawaii. If there are significant gaps, consider buying medical travel insurance. Pre-existing health conditions are typically excluded from coverage without a waiver. If you have pre-existing health conditions, apply for a waiver (if offered) from your travel insurance company well before you are scheduled to leave for your trip. 

Understand Ocean Safety

Keep abreast of events that pertain to your trip, such as the local weather conditions, especially if you plan to undertake outdoor activities. The ocean can be unpredictable, and Hawaii’s beautiful beaches can have strong currents or waves. Always check local beach conditions, pay attention to posted signs and flags, and never turn your back to the ocean.

Plan for Different Climates

While Hawaii is famous for its beaches, the islands also have mountains and rainforests. The weather can change quickly, so pack accordingly, with layers and rain gear.

Renting a Car

Having a car can be beneficial, especially on the larger islands like the Big Island or Maui, where attractions are spread out. It’s always a good idea to book your car rental in advance due to high demand. Just be sure to understand the rental agreement fully, and check whether your regular insurance or credit card offers any coverage for car rentals. If not, consider buying a travel insurance policy that offers coverage for rental car accidents and damage.

8 Islands of Hawaii

• Hawaii (aka “The Big Island”)
• Kahoolawe (aka “The Target Island”)
• Kauai (aka “The Garden Island”)
• Lanai (aka “The Pineapple Island”)
• Maui (aka “The Valley Island”)
• Molokai (aka “The Enlightening Island” or “The Friendly Island”)
• Niihau (aka “The Forbidden Island”)
• Oahu (aka “The Gathering Place”)

Crime and Safety in Hawaii

Hawaii offers a safe and inviting environment for travelers, but like any other place, it carries certain risks. While it largely represents an idyllic island paradise, some areas experience crime or are susceptible to natural hazards like volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, earthquakes, and strong ocean currents.

Crime in Hawaii, while not prevalent in the tourist areas, can occasionally involve petty theft, graffiti, and drug-related issues. Major crimes like gang, murder, or gun violence are rare. Awareness of your surroundings and staying informed about the safety of different areas can go a long way to protect yourself and your belongings.

On the other hand, natural disasters are an inherent risk in this geologically active region. Hawaii, formed by volcanic activities, boasts five active volcanoes, some among the world’s most active. This seismic activity can sometimes lead to earthquakes.

Its location within the “Ring of Fire” further exposes the state to frequent earthquakes and tsunamis. Tsunamis particularly are more common between October and May. Other potential natural hazards include hurricanes and flash flooding.

With the right amount of preparation and research about the areas to avoid, visitors can enjoy their stay in Hawaii, one of the world’s safest travel destinations, without much worry.

Enjoy Your Trip

As with any major vacation, when planning a trip to Hawaii it is important to take potential risks into account. With the right travel insurance policy, you can fully enjoy your time in the sun and surf without worrying about unexpected travel-related expenses.

For the best travel insurance coverage options, use TravelInsurance.com to easily compare travel insurance rates and policies from top providers so you can find and buy a plan that meets your specific needs.

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