Compare travel insurance for Sri Lanka
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Key things to know about travel insurance for Sri Lanka
- No EHIC/GHIC: As GHIC/EHIC are invalid in Sri Lanka, insurance is vital to cover high medical fees and potential £70,000+ repatriation costs1.
- Logistical Protection: Policies mitigate risks of long-haul travel, including flight disruptions, baggage loss during connections, and trip cancellations.
- Activity Cover: Basic plans often exclude surfing or high-altitude trekking; all pre-existing conditions must be declared to make sure the policy is valid.
- Entry Requirements: Travellers must secure an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), submit a digital arrival card within 72 hours of landing, and have six months' passport validity.
Travel insurance for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is 5,400 miles and a 10 hour flight away from the UK, and to get there you’ll probably need to take more than one flight. This increases the risk of:
- You losing your luggage
- Having your bags stolen
- Your flights being disrupted
Travel insurance can help to compensate you for these unfortunate incidents and more.
It also can give you peace of mind knowing that even though you're on the other side of the world, if an accident happens, you'll be covered.
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What does travel insurance for Sri Lanka cover?
A travel insurance policy for a trip to Sri Lanka usually covers the following:
Emergency medical treatment | This covers you for visits to hospitals, surgery and medication. |
Medical repatriation | If you’re seriously ill or injured, you can be flown back to the UK in an air ambulance. |
Cancellation and curtailment cover | Helps make sure you aren't left out of pocket if you have to call off your trip because of an emergency, e.g., illness, injury or bereavement. |
Lost or stolen baggage | This can help you with the cost of replacing any personal items that you lost or had stolen during your trip. |
However, the ‘standard’ cover has its limits when it comes to Sri Lanka’s famous landscapes, so make sure you read your policy documents carefully.
Trekking in Ella | While gentle walks are often included, trekking at higher altitudes or in remote areas like the Knuckles Range may require an 'adventure' or ‘sports’ add-on. |
Surfing on the South Coast | Catching waves in Weligama or Arugam Bay is a highlight for many, but surfing can be excluded from basic policies. |
Wildlife Safaris | Most guided jeep tours in Yala or Udawalawe are covered, but it’s always worth checking for any "hazardous activity" exclusions. |
Why you need travel insurance for Sri Lanka
For a holiday in Sri Lanka, travel insurance is a ‘pocket-sized win’ that protects you from significant out-of-pocket expenses. While the island is an incredible place to visit, its healthcare landscape can be a bit tricky to navigate, some of the reasons for this includes:
- No GHIC/EHIC – Unlike European destinations, your GHIC or EHIC is not valid in Sri Lanka. This means that you are responsible for the full cost of any medical treatment.
- Different Healthcare Standards –Sri Lanka’s public healthcare system is good by regional standards, but can be under resourced and overcrowded.
- Medical Repatriation – If you are seriously injured, the cost of an air ambulance back to the UK from Sri Lanka can be more than £70,0002.
Beyond health, a robust policy covers the logistical risks of long-haul travel. This includes cancellation protection for flights and baggage cover if your luggage is lost during a connection.
VISA and entry requirements for Sri Lanka
UK citizens visiting Sri Lanka for tourism or short business trips must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before departure. This digital permit is typically valid for a 30-day stay and should be secured via the official government portal to avoid delays or entry refusal.
All international travellers are now required to complete a digital arrival card. This must be submitted online via the Department of Immigration and Emigration website within 72 hours of landing in Sri Lanka.
Additionally, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry. Carrying a printed copy of your approved ETA and your arrival card confirmation is highly recommended to ensure a smooth transition through immigration at Colombo.
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Typical travel insurance prices for Sri Lanka
When it comes to the cost of travel insurance for Sri Lanka, there are a few key factors that decide what you’ll pay:
- Age – When you reach the age of 65, you are likely to find that the cost of your premiums will be higher than when you were younger. This is because people over the age of 65 are statistically more likely to make a claim.
- Length of your trip – The longer you are in Sri Lanka or away on holiday, the higher the chance you will have to make a claim.
- Medical history - If you don’t have any pre-existing conditions, you’re likely to have lower premium costs. If you have any pre-existing conditions, this may increase the cost of your premium.
- Planned activities – Some activities such as diving may require you to buy specific add-ons on top of your existing policy.
When you’re ready to find the right policy for your Sri Lankan adventure, it’s important you do your own research and compare different options before making a purchase.