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Jamaica Will Require Visitors to Pay an Extra Health Insurance Fee

Jamaica News
by Eben Diskin Oct 28, 2020

Rules for visiting other countries are changing constantly due to COVID-19. As of next month, to enter Jamaica — in addition to a negative COVID-19 test, temperature checks, and filling out a Travel Authorization form — you should also expect to pay a $40 health insurance fee.

Part of the island’s Jamaica Cares program, the fee is designed to cover emergency medical services you may need while on the island. It will protect travelers against any illnesses, including COVID-19, as well as natural disasters. It also covers the cost of case management, transportation logistics, field rescue, evacuation, and repatriation for medical emergencies up to $50,000 while on the island — should such a scenario arise.

Given how extensive the coverage is, it’s a relatively small price to pay for peace of mind. Edmund Bartlett, co-chairman of Global Tourism Resilience at the Crisis Management Center, said in a statement, “The traveler knows they’re protected, and they know other travelers are, too. That’s what’s needed to give confidence to travelers when they are ready to travel.”

Only part of Jamaica is currently open to tourism, and it’s known as the “Resilient Corridor.” This region includes the island’s most popular vacation spots, like Negril, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay. To travel beyond the corridor you must quarantine for 14 days after arriving on the island.

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