The enchanting island of Sri Lanka is popular among visitors from all around the world. This island paradise is home to pristine white beaches, hilly towns, rich historical monuments, and exciting wildlife. Whether you are planning to meditate in a Buddhist temple or relax on the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka's stunning southern coast, the capital city of Colombo is your gateway to Sri Lanka.
Before traveling to Colombo and Sri Lanka, be sure to protect your finances in case of a possible illness, injury or travel mishap. Buy travel medical insurance or travel insurance so you can have the coverage you need.
Colombo Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
A serious injury or illness can be a hassle no matter where it happens. However, there can be additional stress if it happens outside your home country. Part of this stress can come from the high cost of medical treatment or hospitalization. Travel medical insurance cannot prevent you from getting sick or injured, but it can provide coverage for your medical bills while vacationing abroad.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Colombo?
Travel medical insurance isn't compulsory for visitors traveling to Colombo. However, it is highly recommended. Your domestic health insurance likely won't provide the coverage you need in Sri Lanka. Without travel medical insurance, you could find yourself solely responsible for paying the full cost of any medical treatment you require in Colombo. To protect you finances from large medical bills, travel medical insurance is essential.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Colombo?
During your trip to Colombo, you'll likely be experiencing a lot of new things. From delicious Sri Lankan food to exciting activities, your time in Colombo will be an escape from the ordinary. However, these experiences come with risks. A questionably prepared meal could result in a serious illness. A mishap on the water could land you in the hospital.
Private medical care in Sri Lanka can be very expensive. And if your condition is serious enough to warrant emergency medical evacuation, the bill could be many times greater than the cost of your entire trip. A travel medical insurance plan can provide coverage in cases just like these, giving you the financial security to vacation with less worry about unexpected medical expenses.
Colombo Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
A tropical storm bearing down on your destination a few hours before you board your flight is never something you want to think about, or is the fact that missing your connecting flight could lead to heavy cancellation charges. Trip cancellation insurance exists to provide you financial protection if your trip needs to be canceled for a covered reason. It's something all travelers should have in place prior to departure.
Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Colombo?
With more flights and destinations added all the time, international travel is easier than ever before. However, there are still degrees of uncertainty involved when planning a trip abroad. To get to Colombo, you will likely need to book your flights far in advance, not to mention reservations for your hotel when you get there, and any activities you want to book. An illness, family emergency, natural disaster, or world event can impact your travel plans without warning, leaving you with no choice but to cancel them.
With many prepaid bookings being nonrefundable or charging hefty cancellation fees, a canceled trip could leave you stuck with large bills for a journey you aren't even able to take. Trip cancellation insurance can provide you with a way to be reimbursed for these prepaid travel expenses, helping you mitigate the financial risk of traveling abroad.
What can be covered with trip cancellation insurance for Colombo?
Your Colombo travel insurance can provide financial coverage in case of trip cancellation for a covered reason, but that's not all. Depending on the plan you choose, coverage could be available for instances such as:
Some travel insurance plans can even give you the option to cancel for any reason. When choosing a plan, it's important to read the policy wording carefully. It will provide detailed information about available coverage, so you can make an informed decision.
Things to Do for Travelers in Colombo
Colombo is a beautiful city. It is all things eclectic, colonial, vibrant, and enchanting. Here you'll find exotic spice markets, modern business spaces, multicultural neighborhoods, and the romance of old colonial buildings. Here's a list of things to do to help you say "Ayubowan," or hello, to Colombo.
A Tuk-Tuk Ride to Remember
If you want to enjoy an exciting experience, a tuk-tuk ride through Colombo is sure to keep your adrenaline pumping. Also known as auto rickshaws, tuk-tuks let you zip through narrow lanes, browse local markets, and enjoy Colombo as the locals do. A four-hour tuk-tuk ride is the experience of a lifetime as you navigate your way from one attraction to the next.
Experience the Taste of Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan food is a culinary adventure, rich in succulent spices and packed with aromatic flavors. And the best way to try these delectable pleasures is at food kiosks found all around town. Don't miss trying local delicacies like isso vadai, kottu roti and egg hoppers. Also try all the scrumptious seafood like prawn, lobster, butterfish and squid freshly caught in the Indian Ocean.
A Shopper's Paradise
Paradise Road is the shopping destination in Colombo. There's something here for everyone, including handcrafted crockery, souvenirs, clothing, designer wear, and quirky gifts at this beautiful store. You're sure to find something you'll love at Paradise Road.
Safari Day Tours
The island of Sri Lanka has the highest density of wild Asian elephants in the world. A day trip to Udawalawa National Park will take you to the home of these gentle giants. Private tours from Colombo offer 4x4 safari experiences in Udawalawa National Park. You may also get to see exotic birds and animals like peacocks, iguanas, wild buffalo, crocodiles, and lizards during your tour.
Watery Wonders
A trip to Colombo is not complete without experiencing some adventures on the water. Private tour operators offer different activities in the waters around Colombo. Blue whale watching, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, parasailing, and ocean fishing tours are some popular water activities near Colombo.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Colombo
Drinking Water
The quality of the drinking water may not be what you're accustomed to. Drinking unclean water can lead to illnesses related to typhoid and cholera. To be on the safe side, stick to drinking bottled water in Colombo.
Equipment Safety
Adventure sports are very popular tourist attractions in Colombo. However, the equipment used in these activities may not be compliant with international safety norms. Visitors should examine and assess all equipment and safety protocols before trying adventure activities in Colombo.
Driving Hazards
The roads in Colombo can be quite crowded and seem chaotic at times. If you choose to drive in Colombo, observe all traffic laws, wear your seatbelt at all times, and keep an eye out for any stray animals on the road.
Tropical Storms
Due to its geographic location, Colombo can experience tropical storms during the rainy season. These storms can bring heavy rains, strong winds and flooding. If you plan to travel to Colombo during the rainy season, be prepared for possible fight delays and travel interruptions, and always pay attention to weather and travel advisories.
Before You Travel to Colombo - Do This
- Carry cash. The acceptance of cash and traveler's checks in Colombo can be limited. Make sure to carry enough local currency to avoid payment issues during your trip.
- Book in advance. A good way to reach other destinations in Sri Lanka from Colombo is by train, but seating is limited. Be sure to book train tickers early to get good seats.
- Insure your trip. Compare the available travel medical insurance or travel insurance plans for your Colombo trip. Choose one that provides the coverage you need for a more stress-free vacation.