Travel insurance Sri Lanka

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Whether you are visiting for the wildlife opportunities or to relax on the beach, there are many things to experience in Sri Lanka. Book appropriate travel insurance for Sri-Lanka. To get where you want to go, here are a few tips to help you on your way.

Do you need travel insurance for Sri Lanka?

There are a number of reasons why it's worth considering taking out appropriate travel insurance cover for your trip to Sri Lanka:

A comprehensive travel insurance policy will provide cover in case of medical emergencies, which is especially valuable in destinations further afield, where medical costs for travellers can be very high. Medical emergency cover will mean that you won't need to foot any bills on your own.

Additional benefits of travel insurance include cover for things like lost luggage, cancellations, and even things like your personal tech items, when you take out the gadget cover add-on.

Most UK tour companies organising trips in Sri Lanka will insist that you have valid travel insurance in place. If you have such a tour booked, it's especially necessary to take out appropriate travel cover.

With Holiday Extras, there are four levels of policies to choose from, meaning you can choose exactly the level of cover suited to your travelling needs. Keep in mind that you'll need to be a UK citizen and have declared any pre-existing medical conditions for cover to apply.

Worldwide travel insurance

Sri Lanka is classed as a worldwide destination for insurance purposes, so it's worth keeping this in mind when making your booking. Be sure to select a worldwide travel insurance policy (more specifically 'worldwide excluding USA, Canada and Caribbean').

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Sri Lanka

1. Meet Elephants

Uda Walatee National Park gives you the opportunity to see these graceful creatures up close and personal and is home to over 400 elephants, as well as jackals, wild boar and water buffalo.

2. Visit Remote Islands

Although the crossing is difficult, once on the island of Neduntivu, you will be treated to a paradise of only 4,500 residents and hundreds of free-roaming horses, as well as the distinctive Baobab tree.

3. Visit Temple of the Tooth

Temple of the Tooth, the whereabouts of the sacred tooth of Buddha, in a Buddhist temple in the heart of Kandy Palace grounds and is a wonderful way to explore the culture of Sri Lanka for yourself.

4. Discover Sigiriya

Sigiriya is the remains of a 5th-century town and ancient fortress that is considered by some to be the eighth wonder of the world.

5. Ascend Sri Pada

Sri Pada, a 7360-metre high mountain peak, has often been the site of pilgrimages and is famous for its footprinted shape rock formation at the summit, believed by some to be the footprint of Buddha.

What injections do I need for Sri Lanka?

For most visitors to Sri Lanka, vaccinations received at childhood (such as for tetanus, diptheria, measles, mumps and rubella) should be enough to ensure your safety. It may also be worth getting vaccinated against such water-bourne disease as hepatitus A and typhoid which can be present in tap water. For the latest information on vaccines please visit GOV.UK.

Can you drink the tap water in Sri Lanka?

While the Sri Lankan government has put much work into improving it's healthcare systems and preventing the spread of disease, it is still not recommended to drink tap water, as supplies tend to be contaminated. It's best to drink bottled, boiled or treated water and to avoid eating uncooked fruits and vegetables in restaurants. If you plan to eat fresh fruit and veg during your stay, it's advised to wash them thoroughly in treated water before eating.

Do I need malaria tablets for Sri Lanka?

Malaria has been a serious problem in Sri Lanka in the past, however this is now no longer the case. As of 2016, the World Health Organisation declared Sri Lanka a malaria-free country.

Only a very low-risk of contracting the disease remains in areas north of Vavuniya. As such, antimalarials are not usually required. It's a good idea however to take sensible precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using repellant and wearing long-sleeved clothing.

Ultimate travel guide

Check out our ultimate travel guide before your trip.