Travel insurance & safety
Use this page to prepare, then confirm the latest safety and health guidance with official sources before departure.
Check the current safety advisory before you fly
As of its August 19, 2024 review, the U.S. State Department lists Curaçao at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions, its lowest level, calling it generally safe for travelers. Travel insurance with medical and evacuation cover is still strongly recommended, because serious cases may need transfer off-island and care can require payment up front.
Official safety & health sources
U.S. State Department Travel Advisory
Safety guidance, emergency information, and the current advisory level for travel to Curaçao.
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UK Government: Curaçao Travel Advice
British government safety, health, and entry guidance for Curaçao, updated as conditions change.
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CDC: Getting Health Care During Travel
Planning advice for medical care abroad, evacuation coverage, and emergency preparation.
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Why travel insurance matters
While Curaçao is a safe and welcoming destination, travel insurance protects you against unexpected events like medical emergencies, trip interruption, lost luggage, and flight delays. Curaçao is famous for shore diving, so if you plan to dive, sail, or do other watersports, confirm those activities are covered, ideally including hyperbaric (decompression) treatment.
Medical Coverage
Hospital visits, medications, emergency evacuation
Trip Protection
Cancellations, delays, missed connections
Belongings
Lost luggage, stolen items, electronics
Recommended providers
These are examples to compare, not an official ranking. Read the policy wording carefully for medical treatment, emergency evacuation, water activities, pre-existing conditions, and cancellation rules.
World Nomads
Popular with backpackers and adventure travelers. Covers a wide range of activities including surfing, diving, and hiking.
Best for: Active travelers & adventure sports
SafetyWing
Affordable monthly subscription model. Great for digital nomads and long-term travelers. Includes COVID-19 coverage.
Best for: Digital nomads & long stays
Allianz Travel Insurance
Comprehensive plans from a well-known global insurer. Strong medical coverage and 24/7 assistance hotline.
Best for: Families & comprehensive coverage
Health tips
- Tap water is safe to drink — Curaçao's supply is desalinated and meets strict standards, so you can refill from the tap and skip the plastic bottles
- Use reef-safe sunscreen — the Caribbean sun is intense, especially between 10am and 3pm, and it protects the reefs you came to dive
- Mosquito repellent — particularly useful during the slightly wetter months (October to January)
- Check destination-specific vaccine guidance — requirements can depend on where you are arriving from, not only on your nationality
- Pharmacies are widely available — common medications can be purchased over the counter
Safety tips
🏖️ At the Beach
The calm leeward (south and west) beaches are ideal for swimming and shore diving, but the wild north coast has strong surf and dangerous currents and is not for swimming. Ask locals before swimming at unfamiliar spots, and keep valuables in your hotel safe.
🚗 Transportation
Use licensed TX taxis (Curaçao has no ride-hailing apps) and confirm the fare before you set off. Drive defensively if renting a car, and remember traffic keeps to the right.
🌃 At Night
Stick to well-lit, tourist-friendly areas. Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods late at night. Use hotel-arranged transport.
💰 Valuables
Don't flash expensive jewelry or electronics. Use hotel safes. Keep a copy of your passport and leave the original in your safe.
Emergency numbers
| Police & Fire | 911 |
| Ambulance | 912 |
| Coast Guard (sea rescue) | 913 |
| Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) | (+599) 9 745-0000 |
| US Consulate General Curaçao | (+599) 9 461-3066 |
| US Consulate after-hours emergency | (+599) 9 843-3066 |
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Get all the information you need for a smooth and enjoyable Curaçao vacation.