- Some countries require all visitors to purchase travel insurance before vacationing in their nation.
- Travel insurance can protect you from unexpected losses you may incur during your trip, such as injuries and canceled flights.
- Without travel insurance, you’ll be required to cover all losses out-of-pocket.
- If losing the money you’ve saved for a trip would result in financial strain, travel insurance is a worthy investment.
- We recommend using a comparison tool to find the best travel insurance policy for your needs.
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On This Page
- Key takeaways
- Which countries require travel insurance?
- Why do countries require travel insurance?
- What happens if you don’t have the required insurance?
- What should a good travel insurance policy include?
- How to prove you have travel insurance
- Countries that require travel insurance FAQs
- Related topics
On This Page
- Key takeaways
- Which countries require travel insurance?
- Why do countries require travel insurance?
- What happens if you don’t have the required insurance?
- What should a good travel insurance policy include?
- How to prove you have travel insurance
- Countries that require travel insurance FAQs
- Related topics
What Countries Require Travel Insurance for Entry?
Sarah Stasik - Personal Finance
+ 1 other
Reviewed By
Blake Esken - Los Angeles Times
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Which countries require travel insurance?
Not all countries have a mandatory travel insurance policy, such as Canada, for example. But if your destination is one that does, getting familiar with the rules in advance can help your travel plans flow without a hitch. You’ll first need to find out if insurance is required, or simply advised, in your country of choice.
Below, you’ll find a list of vacation destinations that require all visitors to purchase travel insurance. Keep in mind that international travel rules change frequently, meaning the information here is not comprehensive. Use this as a starting point when planning your next trip, but double-check the location’s entry requirements before you jet off.
Antarctica
Antarctica is unlike other travel destinations in that it has unique variables that can produce unexpected losses. For this reason, insurance on your trip to Antarctica is a must-have. Because you’ll likely be traveling with an Antarctica touring company, coverage requirements will vary. A comprehensive plan is typically recommended—one that includes medical coverage, trip cancellation, and trip interruption.
Bermuda
Travelers to Bermuda are required to purchase health insurance for the duration of their stay. The Bermuda government also recommends that all visitors over age 12 be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Bhutan
To successfully secure a visa for Bhutan, you will be required to provide valid travel insurance for the duration of your travel before your trip.
Cuba
Traveling to Cuba means complying with regulations set by the Cuban and United States governments. In the U.S., you’ll need to submit personal documentation along with your travel application. You’ll then need to notify the Cuban government of your plans to travel, give them your visa information, and provide proof of travel insurance with medical coverage.
Ecuador
Neither medical nor travel insurance is required to visit Ecuador. However, you will need coverage if you’re planning to visit the Galapagos.
Jordan
Travelers to Jordan must purchase a travel insurance policy that includes medical coverage.
Myanmar
Those traveling to Myanmar must purchase an insurance policy that contains medical coverage, including coverage for COVID-19 treatment. However, the US Department of State currently advises against traveling to Myanmar and provides a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning.
Nepal
Travelers to Nepal must provide proof of international health insurance. However, exceptions will be made for visitors under certain circumstances. For insurance requirements relating to your own situation, refer to the Nepal government website for detailed information.
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Qatar
Travel insurance is mandatory for all visitors under regulations set by the Qatar government.
Russian Federation
Before visiting the Russian Federation, all travelers must apply for an entry visa. At any point during the application review process, the Russian Consular Division of the Embassy has the right to request travel insurance containing medical coverage. However, the US Department of State currently advises against traveling to Russia and provides a Level 4: Do Not Travel rating.
Rwanda
By law, all travelers to Rwanda must have health insurance. Attempting to visit Rwanda without it, means you may be asked to purchase a plan upon arriving in the country.
Saudi Arabia
Before visiting Saudi Arabia, you’ll need to purchase an insurance plan. It’s required that your plan includes coverage for a COVID-19 infection.
Schengen Visa countries in Europe
The Schengen Area is a collection of 27 European countries that have removed much of the regulation surrounding their shared borders. For travelers, this means a single visa is necessary for visiting all the nations in the Schengen group.
Schengen countries include:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- The Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Traveling to any of these destinations means you may be asked to show proof of insurance. Depending on the country, your coverage may need to include $50,000 in hospitalization costs, medical evacuation, or a $0 deductible. In some cases, you may need to prove that your insurance company has European offices.
Before traveling, it’s best to check the requirements for the countries you plan to visit in order to avoid surprises.
Seychelles
All travelers to Seychelles must purchase an insurance policy that contains medical coverage valid for the entirety of their stay.
Turkey
Turkey travelers are asked to purchase travel medical insurance before visiting the country. The extent of this coverage is not specified—the only condition is that your plan must last the full length of your trip.
Ukraine
Travel insurance for Ukraine must contain medical coverage that includes all treatments related to COVID-19. Your insurance plan must be purchased from a company registered in Ukraine, or from a foreign company with a representative office in the country. However, the US Department of State currently advises against traveling to Ukraine and provides a Level 4: Do Not Travel notice.
Why do countries require travel insurance?
Countries insist on travel insurance for many reasons, including unstable diplomatic relations or existing international agreements (like for those countries in the Schengen group).
In many cases, travel insurance requirements act as a contingency plan for both the traveler and the destination.
What happens if you don’t have the required insurance?
In some cases, you may not be allowed to enter a country until you satisfy insurance regulations. In others, a lack of insurance means you’ll incur the cost of any unexpected losses during your trip.
For example, if you experience a medical emergency while abroad, you’ll have to pay for all expenses out-of-pocket. Those without emergency evacuation coverage can also find themselves seriously in debt if they require extensive evacuation and medical treatment.
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What should a good travel insurance policy include?
The best travel insurance plan includes the coverage you need to feel comfortable during your vacation. This may include trip cancellation coverage, missed flights, lost luggage, or health issues.
If you’re concerned about incurring unexpected losses, a comprehensive plan can be a worthy investment.
How to prove you have travel insurance
In most cases, your documentation will show that you have satisfied travel insurance requirements, so you shouldn’t need to carry copies of your insurance plan with you during your trip. However, make sure you keep documentation at home in case you need to file a claim once you get home.
Countries that require travel insurance FAQs
Is travel insurance worth it?
Travel can be a big expense, and adding insurance to your budget may seem unnecessary. But you never know what might happen during your trip—whether it’s lost luggage, a medical emergency, or a missed flight, insurance can protect you from severe financial losses. If you can’t afford to lose the money you’ve saved for your vacation, travel insurance is undoubtedly worth it.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Europe?
If you’re traveling to a country in the Schengen group, you must purchase travel insurance before your trip. For other countries in Europe, you’ll need to comply with the regulations set by each nation. It is not required for travel to some countries, such as when traveling to Ireland.
Is travel insurance mandatory for international travel?
Insurance is not mandatory for all international travel. If your destination has no insurance regulations for visitors from other countries, you don’t necessarily need to purchase a plan. However, insurance is strongly recommended for international travel in all cases, as it may protect you from financial losses if you incur unexpected losses.
What travel insurance do I need?
The travel insurance you need depends on your destination and the personal risk you’re willing to take. If you’re traveling to a country with insurance requirements, you must comply with all regulations before your visit. Any additional coverage is extra protection for unexpected losses. In the event of a cancellation, lost luggage, or medical emergency, travel insurance can be well worth the addition to your trip cost.
Sarah Stasik is well versed in personal finance thanks to her previous role as a Revenue Cycle Manager for a Fortune 500 healthcare company. Using her inside knowledge and expertise, Sarah often covers topics ranging from insurance and the economics of private healthcare to personal finance and small business management.
Over the past 12 years, Sarah has contributed to numerous publications in the personal and small business finance sector, including content on budgeting, bankruptcy, small business accounting, and financial tech. Her writing focuses on making complex or seemingly daunting financial topics more accessible and providing helpful, relevant resources for readers.
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