Travel Insurance for Bermuda (2026): Do You Need It, and What Should It Cover?
This guide is general information, not legal, immigration or tax advice. Some links may be affiliate links. See our disclosure.
Bermuda is a short hop from the US East Coast, but medically it’s a long way from the NHS. There’s no free treatment for UK visitors, and hospital fees for non-residents are set at twice the local rate. Here’s what to buy and what to check before you fly.
We earn a commission if you buy through our EKTA (affiliate link) link, at no extra cost to you. Compare it with at least one other insurer before you choose.
Is it compulsory?
No. Bermuda dropped its mandatory travel-medical-insurance rule for arrivals from 14 November 2022 (insubuy.com). Nobody will ask to see a policy at the airport. That’s the only good news.
Why you still need it
- The NHS doesn’t cover you. There’s no reciprocal healthcare deal between the UK and Bermuda, and a GHIC won’t help.
- Visitors pay double. The Bermuda Hospitals Board has said its fees are set by law and that prices are doubled for overseas visitors (Royal Gazette). In that reported case, a visitor treated for two bouts of dizziness was billed almost $12,000.
- You pay when you leave. King Edward VII Memorial Hospital says overseas visitors’ accounts are payable at discharge. It works directly only with Blue Cross/Blue Shield, so most UK travellers will pay up front and claim it back (bermudahospitals.bm).
- Serious cases get flown out. Bermuda is a small island, so some specialist care means a medical flight to the US. That’s why evacuation cover matters.
What a good Bermuda policy includes
- High emergency medical limits. Treatment is priced like the US, so pick a “worldwide including USA” or similar high-limit tier.
- Medical evacuation and repatriation.
- Scooter or moped cover. Rental scooters are limited to 50cc and helmets are required by law (Scooter Mart Rentals). Check the policy’s moped clause, including any licence condition.
- Cancellation and missed connections. These matter most if you’re connecting through the US or travelling in hurricane season (June to November).
- Pre-existing conditions declared. Undeclared conditions are the most common reason claims are refused.
Holiday, recce trip or the move itself?
| Trip | What to buy |
|---|---|
| Holiday | A single-trip policy with the points above |
| House-hunting or recce visit before moving | Single-trip travel insurance. You’re still a visitor. See visiting Bermuda before you move |
| Relocating on a work permit | Your employer must provide health insurance for employees. Check exactly when it starts, and whether your partner and children are included. See health insurance for expats |
| Permission to Reside | You need proper private health insurance, not travel cover. See health insurance for Permission to Reside |
If there’s a gap between landing and your employer’s plan starting, ask your employer or broker how to cover it. Don’t assume a holiday policy will pay out once you’ve become resident.
Getting a quote
Get quotes from EKTA (affiliate link) and at least one UK insurer, and compare them on the medical limit, evacuation cover, the moped clause and the excess, not just the price.
Related: first-time visitor’s guide · cheap flights London to Bermuda · moving checklist
Checked 12 October 2026.
FAQ
Is travel insurance mandatory to enter Bermuda?
No. The requirement introduced during Covid was dropped for arrivals from 14 November 2022. It's still strongly recommended because uninsured visitors pay their own hospital bills.
Does my GHIC or EHIC card work in Bermuda?
No. Bermuda isn't in the EU, and there's no reciprocal healthcare arrangement between the UK and Bermuda. Treatment is billed privately.
Will the hospital bill my insurer directly?
King Edward VII Memorial Hospital says it accepts Blue Cross/Blue Shield after confirming cover, and isn't affiliated with any other insurer. Most UK travellers should expect to pay at discharge, often by credit card, and then claim the money back. The hospital's Credit Office can give you the paperwork for your claim.
Can I use travel insurance while I wait for my work permit or employer health plan?
Only for a genuine trip, such as a recce visit. Once you live and work in Bermuda you need proper local health insurance, which employers have to provide for employees. Short-trip travel cover isn't a substitute, and it won't satisfy the health insurance requirement for Permission to Reside.
Am I covered on a scooter?
It depends on the policy. Many policies limit motorbike or moped cover by engine size, or require a licence and a helmet. Bermuda rental scooters are 50cc and helmets are compulsory. Check the wording before you ride.