Located about 40 miles north of Honduras in the Caribbean Sea, Roatán is the largest of Bay Islands. It is known for its rolling jungle hills, white sandy beaches, and array of attractions for tourists such as diving, kayaking, fishing, and much more. Ready to discover the Caribbean paradise of Roatán? Read on, but let’s first learn about the importance of travel medical insurance for your trip.
Travel Medical Insurance for Travelers visiting Roatán – FAQs
We all dream of having fun in the sun, but there are risks involved. An injury or an illness is never out of the question. But do you know how you would pay for treatment? If you have travel medical insurance, that’s one thing you won’t have to worry so much about.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Roatán?
Honduras doesn’t have a mandate that requires visitors to have travel medical insurance. Deciding to get coverage is totally voluntary. But if you think of travel medical insurance as an unnecessary extra expense, you couldn’t be more wrong. Going without it could literally cost you your life savings.
Why buy travel medical insurance before visiting Roatán?
The hospitals and clinics in Roatán are unlikely to accept your domestic health insurance. If you need treatment and do not have insurance coverage that’s valid in Honduras, you’ll have to pay the full bill yourself. And for especially serious conditions, that could include emergency medical evacuation that sets you back up to $250,000. Can you afford to pay that out of your own pocket? If not, make sure you have travel medical insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage.
Roatán’s Most Popular Activities
Some people call Roatán one of the best-kept secrets in the Caribbean. But the secret is out. It’s incredibly popular for newlyweds, guided tours, and anyone wanting a tropical vacation that’s not in one of the typical places. Here are a few of the best things you can do during your Roatán trip, so you can get the most out of your vacation.
Experience Snorkeling Paradise
Roatán is located on one of the largest coral reefs in the world, making it a first-class destination for new and experienced snorkelers alike. There are numerous tour operators on the island that can guide you to the best snorkeling spots, and even whisk you off to private islands with fully catered meals. Whether you want the five-star treatment of a solo adventure, you’ll find it when you snorkel Roatán.
More Fun on the Water
Prefer to experience the waters of Roatán in a different way? There are plenty of options. Roatán is ideal for jet skiing and diving in the various keys around the island. If you like to fish or sail, charter a boat. You can even schedule a luxury tour or adventure tour for a fully guided, catered experience.
Get on Two Wheels
More than 50 miles of beautiful roads snake throughout Roatán Island. What better way to explore them than by renting a motorcycle or scooter? There are several rental companies available, and they can provide you with maps so you don’t get lost. Just remember to always wear safety equipment, and never operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Dine and Drink
Let’s be honest. One of main reasons to visit the Caribbean is to kick back, enjoy a tropical cocktail, and dine on delicious food. Lucky for you, Roatán can deliver. Sit right on the sand at Beacher’s Bar & Grill, enjoy Italian fusion by the pool at Naboo Restaurant, try a specialty cocktail at Lotus Maya, or live it up at The Thirsty Turtle. Whatever your taste, you’ll find it in Roatán.
Plan an Excursion to Mainland Honduras
The Honduran mainland is just a 15-minute flight away from Roatán. Why not plan a day trip to explore the Ruins of Copan or Pico Bonito National Park? You can schedule a trip by yourself, or include a mainland trip in your tour package. This way, all you’ll have to do is relax, enjoy the scenery, and let the professionals worry about logistics.
Key Guidelines for Travelers visiting Roatán
Roatán is generally considered to be a safe island to visit, with less crime than mainland Honduras. But as with all locations, there are certainly risks. Keep the following guidelines in mind for your trip.
Theft is Possible
The most common crime that occurs in Roatán is theft. It’s less likely near resort areas than it is out in the countryside, but it is certainly possible anywhere. Experts recommend not wearing expensive jewelry or carrying more cash than you need. Also, it’s a good idea to have more than one credit card, and leave one of them securely locked in your room when you go out. This way, you won’t be stranded if the card you have with you is stolen.
Water Safety
In a destination where watersports are so popular, safety is obviously very important. Only rent equipment from licensed operators, and make sure everything is in good condition. Use all available safety devices at all times, and keep a close eye on the weather forecast. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or that something is unsafe, do not participate in it. Hazardous sports insurance is highly recommended if you plan to participate in extreme sports or water activities.
Carry Identification
If you rent a vehicle, you may very well encounter a police checkpoint. Local law enforcement may ask for identification or want to search your vehicle as part of a routine inspection. Make sure you have your driver’s license and passport at all times. If you feel uncomfortable carrying it in a pocket due to concerns about theft, carry it in a money belt instead.
Areas to Avoid
As Honduras is a developing nation, there are areas even on Roatán Island that may be unfriendly to tourists. The Roatán Tourism Bureau recommends avoiding Coxen Hole, French Harbour, and Los Fuertes after dark.
Transportation Safety
The roads of Roatán can be bumpy and chaotic. If you plan to rent a scooter or motorcycle, be very careful, and do not expect local drivers to obey traffic rules. Experts recommend those renting scooters take only short trips and not venture too far away. Due to the poor maintenance and lighting on the roadways, keep your trips to daylight hours.
Before You Visit Roatán – Do This
- Book a tour – Roatán is tailor-made for snorkeling, fishing, and sailing tours. Let a professional guide and staff cater to your every need while you enjoy the experience.
- Keep watch during hurricane season – Roatán can be seriously impacted by tropical storms and hurricanes. Keep this in mind if you book a trip from June to November.
- Insure yourself – You can’t predict the future, but you can prepare for it. Purchase travel medical insurance before you travel.