Travel Insurance & Preparation
Travel Insurance
A travel health insurance with repatriation is absolutely essential for Chile. Chilean hospitals and clinics are good (Santiago has clinics on a European level), but the costs without insurance can be astronomical: a hospital stay can quickly cost 5,000–10,000 EUR, a helicopter evacuation from Patagonia or the Atacama 20,000+ EUR.
Recommended providers: HanseMerkur, ADAC Auslandskrankenversicherung, Allianz Travel, World Nomads (for backpackers). Make sure the insurance explicitly covers altitude sickness (up to 5,000 m) and outdoor activities (trekking, volcano climbing, rafting)!
To Do Before the Trip
- Check vaccinations: 6 weeks before, visit a travel medicine specialist. Refresh standard vaccinations, Hepatitis A recommended
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of the trip
- Torres del Paine Reservations: Book 3–6 months in advance (peak season!)
- ALMA Observatory: Register online 2–3 months in advance
- Credit Card: DKB or N26 for fee-free withdrawals. Inform the bank about the trip (otherwise, blocking!)
- International Driving Permit: If planning to rent a car — apply at the citizen's office (approx. 15€)
- Copies: Save digital copies of passport, insurance certificate, and credit cards in the cloud
Chile for Different Types of Travelers
| Traveler Type | Recommended Regions | Budget/Day |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | Santiago, Valparaíso, Lake District, Carretera Austral | 35–55€ |
| Couples | Atacama (Star Tour!), Wine Region, Torres del Paine, Chiloé | 80–150€ |
| Families | Lake District (Pucón, Puerto Varas), Santiago, Valparaíso | 100–200€ |
| Adventurers | Torres del Paine (W/O-Trek), Carretera Austral, Villarrica Volcano | 60–120€ |
| Luxury Travelers | Atacama (Explora Lodge), Patagonia (Tierra Patagonia), Wine Region | 300–800€ |
| Solo Women | All regions — Chile is very safe. Patagonia treks often with like-minded people | 45–100€ |
Achtung
Chile is located in one of the most active earthquake and volcano zones in the world. Learn about the behavior rules during earthquakes (→ Chapter Society) and check the current warnings from SERNAGEOMIN (Chilean Geological Service) for volcanic activity before traveling. The chance of experiencing an earthquake is real — but thanks to Chile's excellent building regulations, it is usually harmless.