A Note on Insurance

COMPLIMENTARY EMERGENCY EVACUATION INSURANCE:  All CNH Tours and Galapagos Travel guests receive complimentary Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance to a value of US$200,000 covering the days during which we are providing services for you.  Full coverage details are available upon request.

We leave it up to every traveler to make an informed decision on the acquisition of travel insurance – unless otherwise noted in your trip documentation (some trips require proof of medical and/or evacuation insurance).  We recognize that you may have existing policies that might cover all or part of your needs. We highly recommend ensuring that your most basic concerns are covered.  

Though basic "field" first aid facilities are available in the destinations we offer, medical facilities and personnel may be 24 hours away for typical small town hospital / medical attention in some cases, and possibly 48+ hours away for more specialized attention. Only ships carrying 48 or more passengers in Galapagos are required to have a medical professional as part of the crew and for Antarctica ships a doctor and basic clinic is located onboard. Guests accept that CNH Tours or Galapagos Travel cannot be held responsible for delays in obtaining medical attention or the possible inadequacy of attention available. 

You can buy insurance to cover just about any eventuality / need.  Of course, this comes at a price.  It is up to you to determine the extent to which you wish to be covered.  

Comprehensive trip insurance usually includes: 

• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Travel and baggage delay
• Loss of baggage and travel documents
• Emergency assistance
• Medical expense and
• Evacuation/repatriation

 "Cancel for Any Reason" Coverage: This type of coverage allows you to cancel your trip, no questions asked from the insurer, and receive a partial refund (e.g. 75% is typical).  Specific terms and conditions may vary.  This insurance is understandably expensive.  It must typically be purchased within a few days of having made your first payment on the trip (e.g. 15-21 days).   Not all insurers provide it.  

For more on what travel insurance is all about, the different types, and what they may or may not cover, see our "Travel Insurance 101" primer.

RESPONSIBILITY OF THE TRAVELLER: 

You can obtain a great deal of information and advice from medical and travel industry professionals to help prevent health problems while abroad. However, you must accept that in the end, you are responsible for your health and well-being while travelling, and upon your return, as well as for preventing the transmission of communicable diseases to others. The following are the main responsibilities to be accepted by the traveller: 

• the decision to travel
• recognition and acceptance of any risks involved
• seeking health advice from professional medical sources in good time, preferably no later than 4 weeks before travel
• compliance with recommended vaccinations and other prescribed medication and health measures
• carrying suitable medical kit for your personal use
• obtaining adequate insurance cover
• being aware of, and implementing health precautions before, during and after the journey
• responsibility for obtaining a physician's letter pertaining to any prescription medicines, syringes, etc. being carried, when necessary
• precautions to avoid transmitting any infectious disease to others during, and after, travel
• careful reporting of any illness on return, including information about all recent travel.

For more, you may wish to also consult the following websites:

1)  Travel insurance – in case of emergency A guide for the Canadian traveller

2)  United States Travel Insurance Association FAQ