INSURANCE REQUIRED COUNTRIES
Which Countries Require Travel Insurance for Entry?
Why Are More Countries Requiring Insurance?
The list of countries that require travel insurance upon arrival had been gradually increasing over the years before the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Negative experiences of unpaid medical bills by foreigners have caused hospitals and healthcare organizations to push for insurance requirements so that these incidents are less likely to happen.
Many countries have also implemented testing requirements and quarantines and mandated proof of health insurance that includes COVID-19 treatment coverage.
Embark on Your Journey with Explorer Insurance
Tailored health and travel insurance solutions for explorers and adventurers.
Why Else Might I Need Travel Medical Insurance?
Lost Checked Luggage or Travel Delay
When it comes to inconveniences like the airline losing your checked luggage or a travel delay that’s more than just a few hours long, a travel medical plan can help compensate for necessary expenses. Reimbursements for clothes and toiletries as well as accommodations and meals are frequently provided in these situations.
Illness or Injury
No matter how careful you are with your health, traveling can increase the risk of various illnesses and injuries. While insurance can’t prevent these things from occurring, it can help pay for the cost of a necessary emergency room visit or treatment.
Kidnapping
Express kidnappings – actual or attempted abduction and holding of someone against their will for personal belongings or ransom. Tourists are especially easy to target due to their different attire and language.
What’s the Difference Between Travel Insurance and Travel Medical Insurance?
Travel insurance serves to insure a financial investment in a trip. The core benefit of travel insurance is the trip cancellation benefit, which provides reimbursement for nonrefundable, prepaid expenses if you must cancel your trip due to a covered reason. Many travel insurance plans provide additional benefits related to other travel expenses as well. Coverage for medical expenses may or may not be included depending on the plan.
Travel medical insurance provides coverage for unexpected health expenses you might incur while outside of your home country. Your regular health insurance may not cover you abroad, and there’s always a chance you could get injured or fall sick and need medical care during your trip. Travel medical insurance typically provides additional coverage for various travel scenarios but does not include a trip cancellation benefit.
Countries that require insurance
Schengen Area
Belarus
Bhutan
Brunei
Cuba
Fiji
Travelers planning to explore Europe may need to obtain a Schengen visa. This is a visa that citizens from certain countries—not including the U.S.—must carry in order to enter the 26 European states of the Schengen Area.
Those who apply for a Schengen visa must provide proof of travel medical insurance that covers emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation, according to the European Commission. The minimum coverage must be at least €30,000, and the insurance must be valid for the entire stay in the Schengen Area.
IMPORTANT NOTE FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE: “Do not travel to Belarus due to the arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of detention, the Russian military attack on neighboring Ukraine, and the buildup of Russian military in Belarus along the border with Ukraine. U.S. citizens in Belarus should depart immediately via commercial or private means.”
This eastern European country requires travelers to have valid medical insurance for their trip to the country. The insurance plan must have a minimum coverage amount of 10,000 EUR (or about $11,000 USD) according to the U.S. Department of State Country Information page for Belarus.
This Asian country bordering China to the south requires visitors to have travel insurance valid for the duration of their trip. There are no specific coverage requirements for insurance, so just make sure you have it purchase before you travel. Get answers to any additional questions regarding Bhutan’s entry requirement at the Bhutan Department of Tourism website.
Brunei is a country in Asia that is completely surrounded by Malaysia. If your travels lead you here, make sure you have health insurance. All travelers to Brunei must provide proof of travel health insurance covering COVID-19-related costs. Travelers’ policies must cover a minimum of $50,000 BND (or about $37,000 USD).
Travelers must provide proof of a valid travel medical insurance plan that includes COVID-19 coverage prior to travel or buy Cuban medical insurance coverage at the airport upon arrival. Contact the Embassy of Cuba for further information regarding medical insurance requirements.
There are no specific minimums or coverage requirements for Cuba—just proof of valid insurance.
Plan your trip to the island nation of Fiji and don’t forget to purchase your mandatory health insurance. Make sure your health insurance plan covers COVID-19-related expenses before you book your trip. Your insurance policy document should include the following information:
- Names of insured travelers
- Valid dates of the insurance coverage
Visit the Fiji Tourism website for more details regarding entry requirements for the country.
Required Insurance FAQs
Which countries require travel insurance for entry?
Several countries worldwide mandate travel insurance or travel medical insurance for entry, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. These include destinations like the Schengen Area, Belarus, Bhutan, Brunei, Cuba, Israel, Laos, Myanmar, Palestine, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and Uruguay.
What's the difference between travel insurance and travel medical insurance?
Travel insurance primarily safeguards your financial investment in a trip, including trip cancellation benefits and additional coverage for various travel expenses. On the other hand, travel medical insurance covers unexpected health expenses while abroad, often excluding trip cancellation benefits.
Why are more countries requiring insurance for travelers?
Increasingly, countries implement insurance requirements to mitigate negative experiences, such as unpaid medical bills by foreign visitors. Additionally, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many nations enforce testing, quarantine, and health insurance mandates to manage risks effectively.
How do Schengen Area countries enforce insurance requirements?
Travelers exploring Europe's Schengen Area must secure a Schengen visa, requiring proof of travel medical insurance covering emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation. The insurance must meet specific criteria, including minimum coverage and validity for the entire stay.
What are the insurance requirements for visiting Russia?
To enter Russia, visitors must apply for a visa and present medical insurance covering the entire duration of their stay, including worldwide coverage and specified details on the policy. These requirements are overseen by the Consular Division of the Embassy.
What health insurance do travelers need for visiting Laos?
Laos mandates health insurance covering COVID-19-related costs, with policies requiring at least $50,000 in coverage. Additionally, travelers must download registration and contact-tracing apps for their trip.
Is travel insurance mandatory for visiting Israel?
Yes, Israel requires all foreign nationals to show proof of health insurance, including coverage for COVID-19 expenses. However, this mandate may not apply to travelers arriving from Ukraine during certain circumstances.
What are the health insurance requirements for travelers to Cuba?
Cuba necessitates proof of a valid travel medical insurance plan covering COVID-19. There are no specific minimums or coverage requirements, but travelers must ensure they have valid insurance before arrival.
Do visitors to Bhutan need specific insurance coverage?
Bhutan requires visitors to have travel insurance for the duration of their trip, although specific coverage requirements are not outlined. Travelers are advised to obtain suitable insurance before traveling to Bhutan.
Why else might travelers need travel medical insurance?
Besides meeting entry requirements, travel medical insurance can be invaluable for covering various scenarios, including lost luggage, illness or injury abroad, terrorism-related incidents, and crises like kidnappings. It provides peace of mind and financial protection during unforeseen circumstances.