Travel Insurance for Hawaii
Hawaii is a paradise destination, from beautiful beaches, enriching food & culture, and a relaxing island vibe. However, travelers to Hawaii can face unexpected situations, from severe weather to sudden illness or injury. Travel insurance can help cover the costs of unexpected situations that qualify under your policy.
Do You Need Travel Insurance for Hawaii?
It is not a legal requirement for international tourists visiting the U.S. or Hawaii to have travel insurance; however, the Hawaii Department of Health still recommends that visitors purchase travel insurance. Even for those located within the U.S., purchasing additional travel insurance can provide coverage for Hawaii’s fast-changing weather & natural hazards like hurricanes and flash floods, which can leave you with very little time to react (Hawaii.gov). Travel insurance can also be helpful for those visiting multiple islands, which can involve additional flights, as well as those with more pre-paid or outdoor activities.
Will Domestic Insurance Work in Hawaii?
This can vary based on your home country.
Healthcare in the United States is significantly more expensive than in other developed nations, with per-person costs roughly double the average in other developed countries (Peter G. Peterson Foundation). Because of these high expenses, travel insurance can be a valuable safeguard for international visitors, helping cover unexpected medical bills during a trip to the U.S.
For those traveling from the mainland U.S. to Hawaii, your existing insurance may provide coverage. However, it can be a good idea to check if you have additional trip protection coverages for things like trip cancellation or lost luggage. If not, travel insurance may be worth purchasing depending on your type of trip.
What Type of Travel Insurance is Right for Your Trip?
Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers
If you’re visiting Hawaii from abroad, travel medical insurance may be the right choice. These plans are designed to cover unexpected medical expenses if you get sick or injured during your trip. They may also include limited travel-related benefits, such as coverage for lost baggage or certain travel delays.
With Atlas Travel® medical insurance, you also gain access to Air Doctor, a service that helps you connect with telehealth providers,. These plans offer flexibility, allowing you to choose your deductible and coverage limits based on your destination, length of stay, and budget.
Travel Medical Insurance for U.S. Visitors
Atlas Travel
Designed for international travelers who need travel medical insurance coverage while abroad. Choose your deductible and coverage limits to match your destination, length of stay, and budget.
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Trip Protection for U.S.A. Domestic Travelers
If you’re a U.S. resident traveling to Hawaii, a trip protection plan may be a good option. These plans help protect your travel investment by offering reimbursement if your trip is canceled, interrupted, or delayed, covering eligible nonrefundable expenses. WorldTrips provides comprehensive trip protection through its Atlas Journey® plans.
Trip Protection Plans for U.S.A. Residents
Atlas Journey
A great option for U.S. residents looking for trip protection. Trip insurance includes benefits for trip cancellation, interruption, delays, and emergency medical care.
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Why Choose WorldTrips for Your Hawaii Travel Insurance?
Global Experience
For more than 30 years, WorldTrips has supported over five million travelers around the world, including students, families, business professionals, and frequent travelers. As part of Tokio Marine HCC, we pair strong financial backing with a proven history of reliability. Tokio Marine HCC holds an A++ (Superior) rating from AM Best, reflecting its financial stability and commitment to quality protection.
Flexible Coverage
No two trips are the same, so coverage should adapt to your plans. WorldTrips offers flexible options that can include benefits for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, travel delays, and lost baggage. Whether you are planning a short getaway, studying abroad, visiting loved ones, or taking a longer journey, you can choose coverage that fits both your travel needs and your budget.
24/7 Global Support
Wherever you travel, support is always within reach. With access to healthcare providers in more than 190 countries and 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance, WorldTrips is ready to help worldwide. Our team can assist with medical evacuations, connect you with local doctors, and more. With our Atlas Travel plans, you can also use Air Doctor to schedule virtual medical visit with ease.
Transparent Claims Process
Travel insurance should be straightforward and easy to understand. WorldTrips provides a simple online claims process designed to make reimbursements efficient and clear. Policy details are written in plain language, and you will receive a Description of Coverage at purchase, so you know exactly what is included before your trip begins.
Here’s what our customers had to say:
“I had an unexpected heart issue just as I was about to really start my vacation and everything was handled efficiently and without worry to me.” — Sarojini
“They make it easy to compare options and, in our opinion, they make it clear from the get-go what is and isn't covered.” — Kayla
WorldTrips helps you travel with confidence, knowing that if something unexpected happens, assistance is always within reach.
Healthcare in Hawaii
According to the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Hawaii has a well-developed healthcare system, with modern hospitals equipped with advanced medical technology across the islands. However, like the rest of the U.S., healthcare costs can be high (On Call International*).
Emergency medical care in the United States is typically provided regardless of a patient’s ability to pay, with billing handled after care is delivered. For non-emergency services, however, some providers may request proof of insurance or require payment in advance.
Travelers who take prescription medications should bring enough for their trip, along with extra supply, and keep them in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription from their home physician.
When filing your claim with WorldTrips, be sure to keep the following documentation:
- Itemized medical bills that include diagnosis details
- Medical records and copies of any prescriptions
- Receipts for all payments made
- A doctor’s note if your condition impacted your travel plans

“WorldTrips is the best travel insurance company of 2024, based on our analysis of cost and coverage options.”
Visa & Entry Requirements for Hawaii
According to On Call International*, entry and visa requirements vary based on your nationality and reason for travel. It is important to research your destination in advance and confirm that you have the proper documentation before departure.
While traveling within the United States, you should also keep your documents secure, especially your passport. If important documents are lost or you feel unsafe, you can contact emergency services by dialing 911.
Travel & Safety Tips for Hawaii
Here are some travel and safety tips from the Hawaii Department of Health and Hawaii.gov.
Prevent insect bites.
Mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and flies can carry illnesses such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and Lyme disease. Use an insect repellent containing ingredients like DEET, picaridin, citriodiol, or IR3535 on exposed skin, and take extra precautions if you are visiting areas where these diseases are more common.Practice safe food & drink habits.
Contaminated food or water can lead to travelers’ diarrhea and disrupt your trip. In general, hot, freshly prepared foods and packaged items are safer choices, while bottled, canned, or hot beverages are typically safe to consume. Be sure that all fruits and vegetables you consume are washed if they are not peeled.Protect yourself from the sun.
Limit prolonged exposure when possible and applying sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to help prevent sunburn.Avoid swimming or wading in freshwater streams or ponds.
Especially if you have open cuts or wounds, this can increase the risk of bacterial infections such as leptospirosis.Use caution during water activities.
Follow all posted signs and warnings along the coast. Beaches in Hawaiʻi can experience strong surf, jellyfish, brown water advisories, and other hazards. For up-to-date beach conditions, visit Hawaii Safe Beach Day.Stay cautious around animals.
Avoid contact with pets, livestock, and wildlife, as animal bites can lead to bacterial infections in addition to the risk of rabies.Prepare for natural disasters.
Note that hurricane season is from June-November. It may be a good idea to have a disaster emergency response plan for you and your travel companions, including being aware of evacuation zones, types of natural disasters, and more. Hawaii has a unique risk of volcanic activity, including eruption and vog, so it is important to check air quality and be up to date on advisories.WorldTrips offers a range of travel insurance plans designed to fit different needs. With customizable coverage, global protection, and 24/7 emergency travel assistance included, you can travel with added peace of mind. Get a quote today and find the plan that’s right for you!
* Country safety data provided by our trusted partner On Call International
** Pre Existing Condition Definitions
Pre existing condition definitions vary by plan type. Review the definition that applies to the product you are considering.
Comprehensive Trip Protection
(Atlas Journey, Atlas Cruiser, Atlas On the Go)
Pre existing condition means an illness, disease, or other condition during the 90 day period immediately before your coverage effective date for which you did any of the following:
• received a test, examination, or medical treatment
• received a recommendation for a test, examination, or medical treatment
• took or received a prescription for medication
Item (3) above does not apply to a condition that is treated or controlled solely through the use of prescription medication and remains treated or controlled without any change in required prescription throughout the 90 day period before your coverage effective date.
Change in required prescription means the dosage or frequency has been increased, reduced, stopped, and or new medication has been prescribed due to the worsening of the condition being treated. Exceptions include:
• switching between brand name and generic medication with equivalent dosage
• adjustments to insulin or anti-coagulant dosage
Pre-existing Condition Exclusion Waiver: Pre-existing conditions are excluded from coverage unless you meet both of these requirements: 1) you purchase your Atlas Journey Elevate or Explore plan within 21 days or purchase your Atlas Escape plan within 14 days of the date you made your first payment toward your trip; and 2) you are medically able to travel on your coverage effective date.
If you do not purchase your Atlas Journey plan within the required time period, a 90-day lookback period will apply to pre-existing conditions. Coverage varies by plan and state of residency. Please review the policy documents specific to your plan and state of residency for a full list of covered reasons, conditions, and exclusions.
Travel Medical Insurance
(Atlas Travel, Atlas Premium, Atlas Nomad, Atlas MultiTrip, Atlas America)
Pre-existing Conditions are excluded except for an applicable Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition.
Pre existing condition means any injury, illness, sickness, disease, or other physical, medical, mental, or nervous disorder, condition, or ailment that, with reasonable medical certainty, existed at the time of application or at any time during the 2 years prior to the effective date of this insurance. This applies whether or not the condition was previously manifested, symptomatic, known, diagnosed, treated, or disclosed, and includes any subsequent, chronic, or recurring complications or consequences related to the condition.
An Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition means a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence that is of short duration, is rapidly progressive, and requires urgent care. A pre-existing condition that is a chronic or congenital, or that gradually becomes worse over time is not acute onset of a pre-existing condition. An Acute Onset of Pre-existing Condition does not include any condition for which, as of the Effective date, the Insured Person (i) knew or reasonably foresaw he/she would receive, (ii) knew he/she should receive, (iii) had scheduled, or (iv) was told that he/she must or should receive, any medical care, drugs or treatment.
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WorldTrips is a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. WorldTrips international travel medical insurance products are underwritten through binding authorities with TMHCC (CI) Insurance SPC Ltd and Houston Casualty Company (HC).