Travel Insurance: Los Antiguos

While not legally mandatory for entry into Argentina, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended for Los Antiguos due to its remote location, the potential for adventure activities, and the high cost of emergency medical services and evacuations.

Most domestic health insurance plans offer little to no coverage outside your home country. Even if they do, they rarely cover emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation, or lost luggage. A dedicated travel insurance policy is essential.

Many standard credit card car rental coverages or basic rental company CDW policies exclude damage incurred on unpaved or gravel roads, which are extremely common in Patagonia, especially around Los Antiguos and the Ruta 40. You MUST confirm if your policy covers gravel road damage; otherwise, purchase supplemental coverage or a specific premium policy from the rental agency.

If your trip includes activities like trekking to remote glaciers, kayaking, or other potentially high-risk outdoor sports, it's very likely you'll need an add-on or a specific adventure sports policy. Standard travel insurance often excludes injuries from these activities. Always check the policy details carefully.

First, ensure everyone's safety. Contact local authorities (police) to obtain an accident report, even for minor incidents. Immediately notify your car rental company and your travel insurance provider (if you have supplemental car rental coverage). Document everything with photos and collect contact information from all parties involved.

Most comprehensive travel insurance plans that include 'Emergency Medical Evacuation' will cover helicopter evacuation if deemed medically necessary by qualified professionals. Always verify the specific limits and conditions of this coverage in your policy documents, especially for remote areas like Patagonia.

Yes, standard 'Baggage and Personal Effects' coverage can cover camera gear up to a certain limit. For very expensive equipment, consider purchasing additional 'Valuable Item' coverage or a dedicated photography equipment insurance policy, as the limits on standard travel insurance might not be sufficient.