Auto insurance is required for all visitors who drive in Trinidad, whether you are driving a friend's car, a car you own or a rental vehicle. Because it is a former British colony, Trinidad has its driving on the left side of the road. The British Foreign and Commonwealth office, as of September 2010, warns that driving standards in Trinidad are "erratic." Accidents on the main highways in Trinidad occur regularly, and minor roads are often poorly surfaced. It is essential that any car you drive is insured comprehensively. Get comprehensive insurance that covers the vehicle you are driving, and any other vehicle you may damage while driving. Unlike in the United States, you can't rent a car without insurance.
Trinidad is popular with boat owners, especially those wishing to escape the cold winters further north. Marine insurance is necessary to cover damage to your boat, and it is also a good idea to extend the marine insurance coverage to include your personal possessions that you keep on the boat, as marine theft is not unheard of in Trinidad. However, Trinidad's geographical location is favorable when you are shopping for boat insurance. It is often difficult to obtain marine insurance covering named storm damage occurring at a latitude greater than 12 degrees north. Trinidad's location at 11 degrees north means there are no problems insuring your boat for storm damage.
Travel insurance is not required for entry to Trinidad, but both U.S. and U.K. government agencies recommend that travelers purchase travel insurance to cover delay or cancellation of the trip, and the cost of personal possessions if they are lost or stolen in Trinidad. Travel insurance can be purchased as an annual policy, or for a single trip.
The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends that citizens of the United States obtain comprehensive medical insurance that will provide coverage for the duration of the trip to Trinidad. Your existing medical insurance plan may extend coverage while you are in Trinidad, but it is important to check your policy and its coverage before traveling to Trinidad. Health care facilities in Trinidad are not generally up to the same standards as those in the United States, and you need to make sure that your medical insurance covers any necessary treatment in Trinidad, and also the cost of medical evacuation, if needed.
