Peru (PE)
Peru combines world-class food, ancient Inca heritage, Pacific coastline, Amazon rainforest, Andean cities and one of Latin America's lower cost-of-living profiles.
Insurance Guide
Which insurances you actually need in Peru, prioritised.
Peru does not have a universal mandatory private liability insurance culture, but expats should treat health, evacuation, housing contents, car/SOAT and liability cover as core risk management. Public systems exist, yet private cover prevents the most expensive surprises.
Legally Mandatory
- - SOAT for every motor vehicle
- - EsSalud contributions for formal employees paid by employer
- - SCTR for high-risk work sectors where applicable
International health insurance
Private medical cover with hospitalisation, specialists and sometimes evacuation
Who needs it: Most expats, especially families, retirees and remote workers
Annual cost: USD 1,200-6,000+ per adult depending age
Confirm Peru direct billing, altitude/adventure exclusions and evacuation.
SOAT
Mandatory accident insurance attached to the vehicle
Who needs it: Anyone owning or driving a Peruvian vehicle
Annual cost: S/80-S/300+ depending vehicle
SOAT covers personal accident costs, not your car damage or full liability.
Travel and evacuation cover
Emergency evacuation from Andes/Amazon and repatriation
Who needs it: Anyone trekking, surfing remote breaks, visiting Amazon or living outside Lima
Annual cost: USD 100-600+ depending plan
Confirm trekking altitude limits and helicopter/air ambulance language.
Local private health plan / EPS
Local clinic-network cover
Who needs it: Employees with EPS option or long-term residents mainly in Lima
Annual cost: S/2,000-S/12,000+ depending age/plan
Cheaper than global cover but less portable.
Car comprehensive insurance
Damage, theft and third-party liability top-up
Who needs it: Car owners in Lima or anyone financing a vehicle
Annual cost: 3%-7% of vehicle value typical
Check theft, flood, earthquake and civil disturbance exclusions.
Home contents insurance
Theft, fire, water and sometimes earthquake cover for belongings
Who needs it: Renters with laptops, imported goods or furnished homes
Annual cost: S/300-S/1,500+
Ask if forced-entry evidence is required for theft claims.
Personal liability insurance
Covers accidental damage/injury to others where available
Who needs it: Families, pet owners, cyclists and renters
Annual cost: Often bundled; standalone availability varies
Not as standardised as Germany. Ask broker for civil liability limits.
Pet insurance / vet fund
Pet medical savings or limited local cover
Who needs it: Pet owners
Annual cost: Availability limited; self-insure S/1,000-S/3,000 emergency fund
Private vet care is affordable but emergencies still add up.
Comparison sites
Do not rely on SOAT as full car insurance.
Confirm private clinic direct billing before an emergency.
Keep policy PDFs offline in Spanish/English.
For Andes/Amazon travel, altitude and evacuation exclusions matter more than small outpatient benefits.
Insurance
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