Guadeloupe is a unique country that is made from the duo of two main islets, Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre. These islands stretch like two fluttering wings of a butterfly. Located in the Caribbean, Guadeloupe is a French-speaking nation with an abundance of natural wonders.
In the west, Basse-Terre has waterfall-doused, mist-topped peaks. The volcanoes are also the main attraction in the Basse islet. The rock edges of flat Grande-Terre in the east have gorgeous beaches that are perfect for sunbathing and recreation.
The island country is suited for hosting a variety of travelers with the promises of hiking routes and beaches like no other. Step in and paint the town red with potent rum, legendary seafood, and entertainment culture that is second to none. But before you leave, you should buy travel medical insurance to protect against unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries.
Guadeloupe Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
Guadeloupe has decent medical care in the cities and urban areas. In 2017, a fire significantly damaged the Center Hospital in Abymes. The medical services have suffered several blows ever since. Buy travel medical insurance for Guadeloupe to mitigate the additional costs for treatment that you will come across.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Guadeloupe?
Travel medical insurance is mandatory by law when entering Guadeloupe, either by air or by water. Guadeloupe travel insurance can be purchased from your home country while booking flight tickets. If you somehow travel without travel medical insurance, you can get one from the airport and flight centers at a nominal price. However, it is best to purchase your plan in advance so that you can compare your options and have time to review your level and scope of coverage.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Guadeloupe?
Guadeloupe is a French-speaking nation, and it’s very hard to find an English-speaking doctor. The ones that speak English are private practitioners that are very expensive. Payment is expected before admission in clinics and hospitals. Travel medical insurance mitigates these costs to let you enjoy a stress-free visit.
Things to Do for Travelers in Guadeloupe
- Pointe des Chateaux: Pointe des Chateaux is a craggy headland of salt-washed stone and rock that is a must-visit in Guadeloupe. The small and naturally sculpted peninsula displays geological protrusions and cliffs aplenty. Travelers love to surf the waves of Grandes Salinas and walk the tiny islet of La Desirade.
- Guadeloupe National Park: The Guadeloupe National Park is located deep in the mountainous heart of Basse-Terre. It has endless swaths of mangrove and mist-topped primeval rainforests that line the coast. It is one of the most biodiverse areas in the entire Caribbean with a wide variety of flora and fauna. The ocean here is full of sea turtles that can be seen while relaxing on the beach.
- Hiking the La Soufriere Volcano: Great outdoor activities should never be missed—it doesn’t matter where you go. Conquer the soaring La Soufriere Volcano atop the misty montane forests via a challenging but beautiful hike. A series of well-maintained walking paths weave through the woods and over the babbling riverways. It takes around 5 hours to reach the summit of the sulfur-spewing stratovolcano.
- Carbet Falls: Carbet Falls is a breath-taking natural treasure of the island that is hidden amidst the virgin rainforests of the national park. The waterfall cascades down the volcanic mountains of Basse-Terre dramatically in three vertical steps. The verdant forests and sheer cliffs make this an amazing place for relaxing and even swimming.
- Iles des Saintes: This small and often overlooked archipelago remains the quintessential tropical enclave of Guadeloupe. The island is covered with coral gardens and colorful reefs. The lands rise in black volcanic rock emerging from the ocean and are topped with wrangled gumbo limbos and waxy manchineel trees.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Guadeloupe
- Hiking and Water Activities: The trails for hiking in Guadeloupe aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Never hike alone on these treacherous trails. Travel in groups, and carry first aid kits. When indulging in water activities, book from well-reputed and trusted companies. If possible, hire an experienced guide for these activities.
- ATM and Credit Card Fraud: Be cautious when using ATMs and credit cards in Guadeloupe. Account phishing and bank-card scamming are very common in the country. Cloning of credit cards is also very common, so you should avoid using card readers with unusual or irregular features. Use cash whenever possible to protect yourself from these scams.
- Mosquito-borne Diseases: Mosquitos are the most dangerous insects that you can come across in Guadeloupe. They are the vectors of several viral diseases like dengue fever, malaria, Zika virus, chikungunya, and West Nile virus. Always take proper precautions to prevent yourself from mosquitoes, especially in swampy areas.
Before You Travel to Guadeloupe – Do This
- Make sure your travel medical insurance provides coverage for adventure activities in Guadeloupe. Enter some basic personal information, compare a variety of plans, and select the one that best fits your itinerary, destination, and budget.
- Carry insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
- Pack enough prescription drugs (if any) to last you for the entire duration of the trip. It might be extremely difficult to find the right medicine.