The Republic of Maldives is a precarious paradise. Its nearly 1,200 coral islands, found southwest of Sri Lanka, are known for their perfect beauty — as well as the crush of tourists pursuing that beauty. Not only are the Maldives suffering from overdevelopment and piles of plastic trash, but this low-lying nation is facing erasure by rising seas.¹

So, is it possible to plan a sustainable Maldives vacation? Travel experts say yes.² Consider purchasing high-quality carbon offsets to counter the impact of your flight; contributing to conservation efforts in the Maldives; refusing to buy plastic water bottles; and staying in a green resort.

3 Reasons to Buy Travel Insurance for Your Maldives Vacation

Look at the Maldives on a map, and you’ll see that they’re pretty far from everywhere. If something goes wrong, you’re going to need expert help. Here’s why travel insurance is a must.

1. Medical facilities are limited. There are two hospitals in Maldives, but the services they offer are limited. If you experience a serious medical emergency, you may need to be evacuated to a hospital in Singapore — which can be enormously expensive.³ If you have travel insurance with emergency medical transportation benefits, your plan can pay for a medically necessary, approved evacuation or medical repatriation following a covered illness or injury.
2. In Maldives, you can’t call 911. While dialing 119 will connect you to the police, there’s no number for medical emergencies. You have to call the hospital directly, and, according to the U.S. Department of State, “the quality of medical care in such instances may be uncertain, and most ambulances are ill equipped.”⁴ Don’t risk your health! In an emergency, use the Allyz® TravelSmart app to call 24-Hour Hotline Assistance. We’ll help you access appropriate medical care. Your emergency medical benefits can reimburse the reasonable and customary costs of emergency medical or dental care (up to the limits stated in your plan) if, while traveling, you experience a sudden covered illness, injury, or medical condition.
3. Last-minute cancellations can be expensive. While it’s possible to visit the Maldives on a budget, flights from the United States aren’t cheap. Protect your vacation investment with trip cancellation benefits, which can reimburse you for your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you must cancel your trip for a covered reason.

What’s the best travel insurance plan for Maldives? One option is the OneTrip Prime Plan. Our most popular plan, OneTrip Prime includes key benefits and also covers kids 17 and under for free when traveling with a parent or grandparent (not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents). Get a quote!

Once you’ve booked your trip, don’t forget to get the free Allyz® TravelSmart app from Allianz Global Assistance. The Allyz TravelSmart app lets you access your policy and 24-Hour Hotline Assistance from your phone, anytime.

3 of the Best Things to Do in the Maldives

1. Snorkel to your heart’s content. The Maldives’ clear water and abundance of marine life makes snorkeling endlessly rewarding. Many resorts offer on-site snorkeling, or you can take a boat trip to standout reefs to see surgeonfish, sharks, barracuda and even majestic manta rays.⁵
2. Cruise in a dhoni. One of the best way to see Maldives is by booking a multi-day cruise in a traditional sailboat. Lounge on unspoiled beaches, meet local villagers and sleep on the gently rocking deck, under the stars.
3. Discover the charms of Male. Many American tourists only know Maldives’ beaches, reefs and resorts. Get to know the culture of this island nation with a walking tour of its capital, where you’ll visit lively markets, historic mansions and the Old Friday Mosque, built in 1656.⁶

3 of the Best Resorts in the Maldives

1. The Maldives offers accommodations for every traveler, from humble guesthouses to ultra-posh resorts. For exquisite luxury, there’s Cheval Blanc Randheli: an art-filled modern resort with 46 villas and fine French cuisine. If the over-water villas aren’t secluded enough for you, rent the resort’s private island, complete with lush gardens, meditation pavilions and a dedicated staff.  (All this fanciness has a price: one-bedroom villas start around $4,000 per night).
2. If midrange resorts are more your speed, one of the best is The Barefoot Eco-Hotel. Situated in a forest on Hanimaadhoo Island, in the northern Maldives, The Barefoot uses solar panels (reducing the use of diesel generators, which is widespread at other Maldives hotels), bottles its own water and underwrites conservation research. There’s no shortage of amenities, however — check out the floating Boat Bar in the lagoon.
3. Budget travelers can find their own little piece of Maldives heaven at the Ocean Beach Inn, which offers tidy, ocean-view rooms for less than $100 per night. Breakfast is free, Wi-Fi is free, and the beach is right there — what more could you want?

3 of the Best Restaurants in the Maldives

1. Resort-style fine dining is everywhere in the Maldives, but instead of yet another Italian or sushi restaurant, we suggest trying real Maldivian cuisine. Imagine the freshest seafood melded with curry, chile, coconut, and other Indian and Sri Lankan flavors.
2. Experience Maldivian fine dining at the Muraka restaurant, where you can savor dishes like lobster and papaya salad, poached barramundi and iced pink guava soup on a deck overlooking the sea. Or, to eat like the locals do, try Dream Hut Fulidhoo, a tiny spot that serves curries, noodles, samosas and roti. Order an hour before you get hungry, because the food takes a while to prepare.
3. Maldives is home to no fewer than five underwater restaurants, so visiting at least one should be on your itinerary. For an experience you’ll never forget, visit Subsix at Niyama: an underwater nightclub reachable only by speedboat. Sink into an anemone chair, order a Coral Sour from the clam-shaped bar, and watch the fish zip by.

Ready to plan your Maldives vacation? Just remember the rules of thumb: travel mindfully, support sustainability, and always protect yourself with travel insurance. See affordable plan options for your next vacation.

What Do I Need to Travel to the Maldives?

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