The coastal West African country of Ivory Coast (also known as Côte d'Ivoire) attracts visitors with its cultural and scenic diversity. On the one hand, you have the Parisian ambiance of downtown Abidjan – the largest city and entry point to Ivory Coast (also called the “Manhattan of Africa”); and on the other, you have verdant rainforests and lush green hills in the countryside. The capital of Ivory Coast, Yamoussoukro, boasts of the largest church in the world, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace.
The government of the Ivory Coast is trying hard to stabilize the country’s economy, including tourism, in order to put its recent political turmoil behind it. Make this trip to Ivory Coast; we promise you won’t regret it. But before you leave, make sure to buy travel medical insurance or travel insurance to stay protected against any unexpected accidents, injuries, or illnesses that might occur during your stay.
Ivory Coast Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
We can’t know beforehand when we might fall sick or suffer from any other physical injury. But when such incidents happen, we need medical care. While decent medical care is available in the cities of Ivory Coast, you would need to spend a fair amount of money for it. This would add to your travel budget. To save yourself from this financial pressure, the best option is to opt for travel medical insurance.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Ivory Coast?
While you aren’t legally required to have travel medical insurance before visiting Ivory Coast, it’s worthwhile to get it. Insurance can protect you from spending money on medical care while you are vacationing in Ivory Coast.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Ivory Coast?
Injuries or ailments might occur anytime during your travel. Getting treatment in private facilities would be an expensive proposition. So, it’s best that you buy travel medical insurance before you go for the trip.
Ivory Coast Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
A host of reasons might make it necessary for you to cancel your trip. It’s an unfortunate event, and it also causes financial losses to you.
Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Ivory Coast?
You have to pay for a fair part of your trip in advance – including the flight tickets and possibly for the local stay and travel. You stand to lose that money when you need to cancel your trip. However, trip cancellation insurance guards you against this potentially massive financial loss.
What all is covered under trip cancellation insurance for Ivory Coast?
The trip cancellation insurance would cover the main reasons for trip cancellations like a bereavement of a family member, destination hazards, etc. The details vary from plan to plan, but each plan’s certificate wording includes a specific list of cancellation reasons eligible for this type of benefit. Be sure to read your plan carefully so that you know what’s included—but at the end of the day, you must buy travel insurance should the worst occur.
Things to Do for Travelers in Ivory Coast
With shining sandy beaches, palm forests, and sparkling waters, Ivory Coast is a travelers’ delight in every sense. The country is making rapid strides towards development while staying close to its roots. You’ll find winding lagoons beside skyscrapers in Abidjan, and trendy resorts amidst the rainforest in the interiors of the country.
- Man: Man is a town deep in the Ivory Coast countryside. Cocoa plantations surround the town, and the peaks of Toura and Tonkui – the highest in the country – tower over it. The main draw here is the Cascades Waterfall. You can also take a walk through the rain-soaked bamboo forests nearby and look at the many-hued butterflies all around.
- Comoe National Park: This is a veritable heaven for eco-tourists wanting to catch glimpses of wildlife as diverse as lions, leopards, colobus monkeys, and pangolins. The landscape is a mixed bag here, featuring savannah plains, dense forests, and a thriving river ecology courtesy of the Comoe River, which snakes through the park.
- Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve: UNESCO considers this nature reserve to be among the most prominent and important in all of West Africa. The reserve stretches beyond the borders of Ivory Coast to southern Guinea. From grassy lowlands to soaring mountains, this diverse landscape is home to chimpanzees, butterflies, toads, and much more.
- Tai National Park: At more than 3,000 square kilometers (more than 1,150 square miles), this huge forested area is most renowned for the endangered pygmy hippopotamuses that have made this forest their home. With misty mountains, river valleys, and rolling grasslands, you would get to experience different topographies in a single area. Other faunas here include colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, duikers, and more.
- Jacqueville: Had your fill of forests? Longing for something different? Then head straight for Jacqueville. Sunny beaches and the azure ocean would welcome you here. Once you are through with your swimming and sunbathing, take a walk among the pineapple groves and check out the old Parisian buildings. Spend the evening at Abidjan with some excellent food and drink at one of the many nightclubs there.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast is not rife with risks for international travelers. If you stay aware of only a few factors, you'll be able to enjoy your trip tension-free.
- Don’t display your valuables in public, and keep your purse guarded at all times.
- Avoid traveling to the western part of Ivory Coast bordering Liberia, as this region isn't the safest.
- Avoid desolate areas and deserted beaches, even more so if you are a woman traveling alone. It is best to always travel in groups.
- There is a possibility of strong coastal currents in several locations. Pay heed to swimming advisories, don’t go swimming alone or in a deserted part of the beach, and you'll be able to steer clear of any harm.
- Be wary of weather conditions, and keep yourself updated about the warnings, if any.
Before You Travel to Ivory Coast - Do This
While you are sure to have a great time at Ivory Coast, don’t forget these simple safety tips.
- Stay updated about the political conditions in Ivory Coast.
- Read the travel advisories carefully, and maintain multiple copies of your travel documents.
- Be sure to purchase a comprehensive travel medical insurance plan. Enter some basic information about travelers and the trip, compare a wide variety of options, and select the plan that best fits your needs.