Uruguay Travel Insurance

In this article:

• Travel Insurance Plans for Uruguay
• Uruguay Travel Tips and Safety Information
• Other Uruguay FAQs

A travel insurance plan is a not requirement for entry to Uruguay; however, many U.S. healthcare plans may not provide international coverage, so it may be beneficial to get coverage for certain medical expenses, which is available through a travel insurance plan. Additionally, a travel insurance plan can provide a variety of other coverages, which may include Baggage Delay, Trip Interruption, Trip Cancellation and more to help protect your travel investment.

Uruguay tends to be on the more expensive side for tourists when compared to other South American destinations. Because of the increased costs you might have, you may want to consider Travel Guard’s Deluxe Plan which offers the highest benefit limits and comes with the most coverages included standard on the plan. The Deluxe Plan provides Travel Medical Expense coverage as well as Trip Cancellation and Interruption, Trip Delay and Missed Connection  and Baggage Coverage. There are also optional add-ons you can select for your travel insurance plan, which may include Rental Vehicle Damage Coverage which is ideal if you plan to drive yourself around Uruguay or the Adventure Sports Bundle which provides certain coverage against losses from Adventure and Extreme Activities, which may include paragliding, scuba diving, mountain biking and others, that otherwise may not be covered by your base plan. Finally, all of our travel insurance plans come with access to Travel Guard’s 24-hour emergency travel assistance so you’re not left to deal with travel mishaps alone.

Travel insurance plans are usually priced between 5-7% of the total cost of your trip. Several factors come into play when it comes to pricing your plan, which may include the product you choose and the number of travelers in your party. For more details on pricing, check out our article on how much travel insurance costs.

To help ensure travelers to Uruguay are as safe and informed as possible, Travel Guard has compiled some popular questions asked by tourists visiting the country.

For the latest information related to COVID-19 travel requirements for Uruguay, please visit the official U.S. Embassy website for Uruguay.

Uruguay is generally considered a safe country for travelers, with low crime rates compared to its neighbors. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag-snatching, theft of unattended items, vehicle break-ins and scams can still occur, particularly around tourist sites and in crowded areas. Violent crimes are less common but do occur, especially in larger urban areas.  

Travelers should exercise caution when using public transportation and should avoid displaying valuables such as expensive jewelry, cameras and phones. Booking transportation through reputable services rather than hailing taxis on the street will also go a long way to assist in safety. When walking around, especially at night, stick to well-lit and populated areas and avoid venturing out alone. 

Road conditions in Uruguay are generally good, but roads in rural areas may not be as well-maintained. Exercise caution when traveling in vehicles, especially during the rainy season, when flooding is possible. In general, visitors should stay informed about weather conditions and heed any local warnings or advisories. 

Finally, protests occasionally occur in Uruguay, especially in the capital Montevideo. While demonstrations are generally peaceful, visitors should avoid large gatherings as a general precaution. 

All U.S. travelers should consider enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service offered to U.S. citizens traveling and living abroad. Enrolling in this program allows you to receive important information from the embassy as well as helps the embassy contact you in an emergency

The official currency of Uruguay is the Uruguayan Peso, which can be exchanged from U.S. dollars at your local bank before departure or at an airport currency exchange kiosk or ATM when you arrive at your destination. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted but cash is generally a better idea with small vendors – remember to let your bank know of your travels to help avoid losing access to your finances.

The official language of Uruguay is Uruguayan Spanish, which has a much heavier influence of Italian than you typically see in the Spanish language. While you may encounter English in popular tourist destinations, many locals do not speak the language. For best practice, be sure to learn common sayings and phrases before your trip as well as download a translation app that works offline to help facilitate communication.

You do not need a visa for entry to Uruguay unless visiting for over 90 days or with a diplomatic or official passport. A passport valid at the time of your entry is required as well as a blank page for your entry stamp to enter Uruguay.

The U.S. Embassy in Uruguay is located in Montevideo. Visit the official U.S. Embassy government website for a list of up-to-date phone numbers and addresses.

Uruguay has a subtropical climate making summers hot with temperatures as high as 104°F and winters mild with an average of 52°F. Rainfall is abundant throughout the year, though the most rain is seen in the late summer from February to March and the least rainfall occurs from October to November.

The best time of year to visit Uruguay is from November to March when the country is experiencing summer. However, this is also the most popular time of year, which means resorts and tourist destinations will be bustling, and prices may be increased. If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting during one of the two shoulder seasons from April to June or from October to November. Additionally, travelers can find better deals on resorts and airline prices when traveling during the shoulder seasons.

The dial code for Uruguay +598, which can be used to reach cell phones and landlines in the country. When calling from the U.S. remember to use the exit code of +011, followed by the area code and seven-digit number of the caller you’re trying to reach. To call home from Uruguay, use the U.S. dial code of +1 followed by the 10-digit number you’re contacting. Remember to contact your phone provider before departure to help avoid service interruptions and unwanted fees during your trip.

Uruguay uses a different voltage and prong type than the U.S., which means you will need a transformer to properly convert the voltage to your electronics as well as a travel adaptor to allow you to plug your devices into the wall. We recommend a universal adapter that can be used on other trips in the future.

Yes, you can travel Uruguay with your pet, just be sure to check the policy of your airline carrier and follow any requirements given by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Many travelers visiting Uruguay choose to travel by bus, taxi or boat depending on your route. Though renting a car may be ideal if planning on visiting Uruguay’s countryside as transportation options are limited.

Uruguay is a popular and safe destination for solo female travelers. Still, it is best to follow safety precautions for female-presenting travelers whenever you are traveling on your own in unfamiliar areas.

Travel Guard offers comprehensive and customizable travel insurance plans for travelers visiting Uruguay. With excellent coverage and specialized emergency travel assistance representatives ready to help you at any time, Travel Guard is there for you. Compare our popular plans and find the best one for you!