From hanging with penguins by day to tangoing at milongas all night, learn how our travel insurance could help you in Argentina
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It’s no wonder Argentina is a popular destination for Canadians. Whether you’re taking a road trip to see glaciers, experiencing the nightlife in Buenos Aires, rafting the Mendoza River or visiting the hot springs in Concordia, there are countless adventures for our World Nomads travellers.
While a trip to Argentina is an amazing experience, there are some things to be aware of when you’re visiting from Canada. Our nomads have experienced it all - from lost baggage to natural disasters. We’ve learned quite a bit in our travels and we encourage you to check out our team’s tips on what to know before you go to Argentina.
International travel can bring all kinds of unexpected surprises. Some are great, like the new friendships made while sipping mate or discovering the flower shop in Retiro is actually a secret speakeasy.
Some surprises are not so great. Nobody wants to think about things like cancelled trips, delayed baggage and medical emergencies, but these things can happen unexpectedly. If you fall and get hurt while enjoying some of the great hiking spots in Argentina you may wish that you had travel insurance for Argentina.
There are different plans to select from, and when you get a quote you can compare the options to determine the best international travel insurance for your needs.
From surfing at Mar del Plata to riding horses with the gauchos in Bariloche, World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Canadians travelling to Argentina. You could even be covered for rock climbing in Piedra Parada and camping in Los Glaciares National Park.
When you get a quote for your travel insurance for Argentina, you’ll need to list your planned activities. You won’t be able to add or remove activities after you make your purchase, so make sure you add them all at that time. If you’re participating in an activity that isn’t listed in your policy wording, you can contact us to determine if you will be covered.
With all of the fun to be had in Argentina, there are plenty of adventure activities that you’ll want to try. Our nomads all agree that one of our favorite activities is visiting Perito Moreno glacier in Patagonia.
While the coolness of glacier walking can’t be denied, anytime you’re walking on slippery ice, accidents can happen. If you lose your footing, slide, and fall into a crevasse, you could end up with injuries. Sure, you’ll have a jaw dropping story to tell at parties back home in Canada once you’re feeling better, but you’re also going to need to get emergency medical care as soon as that happens.
If you have a medical emergency when travelling in Argentina, you can call the 24/7 emergency assistance team and they can help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. You’ll need to call and report your emergency as soon as it happens, or as soon as you are able. They can also help communicate with your Argentinian medical team if language is a barrier.
If your doctor determines that it’s best for you to go home to Canada to get medical care, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for Argentina may cover the costs to get you there.
Nobody ever plans for lost bags, but it happens. If you’re planning to hike the Cerro de Siete Colores (the stratified Hill of Seven Colors), you may be bringing along your new pair of hiking boots. If you get to Jujuy and realize that the airline lost your bag, the baggage coverage included in your travel insurance may reimburse you for the cost to replace your hiking boots and other belongings. When you get a quote, you can check the policy wording in your international travel insurance policy to get the specific details on depreciation and policy limits.
If you’re lucky, your bags just took a detour and will eventually make their way to you. Even a delayed bag can be stressful though. If this happens, you could still be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited.
Theft is something to watch out for when you travel to Argentina - especially in crowded touristy areas like Buenos Aires. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid putting anything valuable in your back pockets.
Smartphones and iPads are expensive in Argentina, so things like that are highly valued by thieves. Try not to use these in public, and definitely don’t leave them sitting around. Expensive jewelry can also be appealing to thieves, so you may want to leave the bling locked up in your hotel room safe.
Another thing to be aware of in Argentina is motochorros (motorcycle robberies). This is where two people on a motorcycle grab your belongings from your hand as they are passing by you, and then speed off.
Many Canadian visitors don’t have any problems at all when visiting Argentina, but it’s always important to be vigilant. If anything does happen, make sure you make a police report. You’ll need that if you have to make a claim.
You’ll need to do your part to keep your belongings safe too. Argentina is famous for its wine and there’s opportunities to sample some of the delicious varieties that can be found there. However, if you’re in Cafayate, overindulge at your wine tasting, and forget your purse at the vineyard, you won’t be covered by your travel insurance for Argentina if it’s not there waiting on you the next day.
Sometimes you have the perfect getaway planned, but things happen that can cancel, interrupt, or delay your trip.
Argentina is located in an active seismic zone, and there’s the possibility of natural disasters that can affect your travels. If you need to cancel your trip to Salta because an earthquake makes it impossible for you to get there and the Canadian Government has issued a travel advisory against travel to Argentina, your travel insurance for Argentina could help you be reimbursed for non-refundable tours and hotel accommodations that you paid for in advance.
Travel insurance could also help if you’re already on your trip and something happens. For example, you may need to go back to Canada early if an immediate family member has an unexpected medical emergency or dies.
When you’re searching for the best travel insurance for Argentina, check to make sure it has coverage for trip cancellation, trip delay, and trip interruption. If it does, you could be reimbursed for unused, prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if something unexpected happens.
Before you leave Canada, we encourage you to check out the Canadian government’s safety warnings for Argentina to review their up to date warnings on any advisories. Weather, safety, and political situations can change at any time, and this is where they list their up-to-date warnings on any advisories that may exist at that time.
If you purchase travel insurance for Argentina, it’s a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your policy number in your cell phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.
Take extra camera batteries. The worst feeling is to get set up for the perfect shot of the Magellanic penguins on Punta Tombo, only to find out you have a dead battery. Trust us on this one - we’ve been the ones who’ve been left with nothing but memories, and no pictures to show to our friends back home. Prepare ahead of time, and if you do decide to make the journey to see the penguins, make sure to read up on some of our tips on how to photograph wildlife in an ethical way.
Before you leave Canada, read up on the laws in Argentina. Enjoy the adventures, but make time for a little rest and relaxation too. In many areas, siestas are a part of the culture in Argentina. So do as the locals do, and don’t feel bad about squeezing in a little nap time between all of your awesome adventures and activities.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, or if you have questions, just ask us.
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Covers the theft, damage or delay of your bags, tech and sports gear.
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Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, our team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Telephone +1 866 878 0192 (toll-free from Canada and the Continental U.S.) or +1 416 646 3723 (collect from anywhere else in the world)
Contact the teamBefore your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.