Travel insurance is not mandatory to enter Peru, but French national health insurance covers nothing there. Between costly private clinics, remote mountain regions and local health risks, travelling without cover can quickly become extremely expensive. This page helps you choose the right protection before you go.
Get my quoteIs travel insurance mandatory in Peru?
Travel insurance is not required to enter Peru. However, French national health insurance does not reimburse any medical costs outside the European Union: in Peru, you pay out of pocket. In the event of serious illness or medical repatriation, costs can run to tens of thousands of euros, which is why suitable travel insurance is so important.
Why take out travel insurance for Peru?
- No safety net for medical costs: French national health insurance covers nothing in Peru. Private clinic fees, hospitalisation, medication: without travel insurance, every bill is yours to pay.
- Repatriation is extremely expensive: A medical repatriation from high-altitude areas or the Amazon can cost tens of thousands of euros. This is one of the most critical guarantees for this destination.
- Altitude sickness and emergencies in remote areas: Altitude sickness can strike above 3,000 metres. In remote regions, rapid treatment and a transfer to Lima may be necessary, with significant costs.
- Tropical diseases: Dengue and malaria are present in the Peruvian Amazon. Medical treatment or hospitalisation can arise without warning: it is better to be covered.
- Theft and trip cancellation: Theft and loss of personal belongings are reported in major cities. Insurance covering baggage and cancellation also protects you against the unexpected before departure.
What your Yupwego Peru travel insurance covers
For a trip to Peru, Yupwego recommends a minimum cover of 450,000 € to handle the most serious medical costs and a potential repatriation.
- Medical expenses and hospitalisation: Yupwego settles the hospital or private clinic directly: no upfront payment from you.
- Medical repatriation: In the event of a serious emergency, your medically-supervised return to France is arranged and covered.
- Trip cancellation and curtailment: Illness, accident or force majeure before departure or during your stay: your non-refundable costs are covered under your policy.
- Baggage and personal belongings: Theft or loss of your belongings: Yupwego reimburses within the limits set by your policy.
- Third-party liability: If you cause damage to a third party in Peru, costs are covered according to the guarantees in your policy.
Healthcare in Peru
Private clinics in Lima offer decent care, but at high fees not reimbursed by French national health insurance. Outside major cities, the public healthcare network is significantly less well equipped. Altitude sickness is a real risk above 3,000 metres: see a doctor before you leave if your itinerary includes high-altitude areas. Dengue and malaria are present in the Amazon region: medical cover is essential to handle any complications on the ground.
Entry requirements for Peru
French nationals do not need a visa for a tourist stay of up to 90 days in Peru. A passport valid for at least 6 months after the arrival date is strictly required, or you risk being turned back at your own expense. For longer stays or working holiday visa (PVT) holders, Yupwego offers a long-stay travel insurance tailored to expats and a youth, student and working holiday travel insurance for PVT stays.
Car hire and road accidents in Peru
Car hire is common for exploring the coastal regions or the area around Cusco. Check before you leave whether your French driving licence is accepted by the rental company or whether an international driving permit is required. For damage to the hire vehicle itself, travel insurance does not cover these costs: you must take out the insurance or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) offered by the rental company. However, if you are injured in an accident, your medical expenses, hospitalisation and repatriation are covered by your travel insurance under bodily injury; third-party liability towards others is covered according to your policy.
