adminSecuring travel health insurance is a crucial step that should be prioritized immediately upon confirming a trip abroad. A robust travel insurance policy offers financial safeguards in the event of trip cancellations and provides coverage for medical expenses during emergencies abroad. In this article, we will be providing countries with mandatory travel insurance and all you need to know about them.
Why You Need Travel Insurance
The necessity of travel insurance is underscored by the inclusion of travel health insurance in the visa requirements of many countries. While some destinations may not mandate visas, making travel insurance optional, is a component that is often overlooked by many travelers.
The following is a comprehensive list of countries with mandatory travel insurance:
- Schengen countries.
- Algeria.
- Argentina.
- Aruba.
- Cuba.
- Ecuador.
- Fiji.
- Georgia.
- Lebanon.
- Iran.
- Israel.
- Jamaica.
- Jordan.
- Moldova.
- Morocco.
- Nepal.
- Qatar.
- Romania.
- Rwanda.
- Seychelles.
- The UAE.
- Togo.
- Turkey.
- Antarctica.
Countries That Introduced Mandatory Travel Insurance Due to COVID-19
In response to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, several nations have implemented the requirement of travel insurance for entry, typically in conjunction with a negative PCR test. The following countries now stipulate the necessity of travel health insurance:
- Aruba
- Lebanon
- Seychelles
Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Entry into the USA?
While the United States doesn’t explicitly mandate foreign visitors to secure travel health insurance for entry, it is strongly advised. The USA is renowned for its high healthcare costs, where a simple visit to the emergency room can result in expenses reaching thousands of dollars. In the case of hospitalization or more extensive treatments, bills may escalate to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Lacking health insurance means bearing the entire financial burden personally. Therefore, obtaining travel health insurance for the USA is crucial for all visitors, regardless of the duration of their stay. Obtain a complimentary quote for visitor insurance now!
Nations Requiring Travel Insurance Before Arrival
All Schengen Member States Individuals seeking a Schengen Visa are obligated to present evidence of securing Schengen travel health insurance covering the entire duration of their visit. The insurance coverage should be a minimum of €30,000 and applicable across all 27 Schengen countries.
While travelers exempt from the standard short-stay visa for Schengen may not be mandated to acquire travel insurance, it is advisable to consider obtaining it nonetheless. Obtain a complimentary quote for Schengen visa insurance today!
Is it advisable to obtain travel insurance for the Schengen Area?
The requirement for travel insurance varies based on the group of travelers:
- Mandatory for Visa Applicants: Travel insurance is compulsory for those applying for a Schengen visa.
- Not Required for Visitors from Visa-Free Countries: Travelers from visa-free countries are not obligated to have travel insurance.
For convenience, Schengen visa travel insurance can be directly obtained through MondialCare and Europ Assistance.
Additionally, individuals from specific countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and The Netherlands, must procure travel health insurance with coverage of at least €30,000 for illness, accidents, and repatriation throughout their entire stay when applying for a visa to Algeria.
Argentina:
Following the 2019 Covid pandemic, Argentina, like many other nations, has instituted a mandatory requirement for travel insurance for all those seeking entry into the country. Presently, it is essential to possess a valid travel insurance policy that specifically covers expenses related to COVID-19 if you intend to visit Argentina.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary for Argentina?
- Group of travelers: Mandatory
- Visa applicants: Yes
- Visitors from visa-free countries: Yes
Aruba:
Before entering Aruba, individuals are obligated to procure a health insurance plan from the Aruban government, providing coverage for medical expenses of up to $75,000.
Exceptions to the requirement of purchasing Aruba health insurance include visitors arriving and departing on the same day, transit travelers who do not need to recheck their luggage, and Aruban students returning from abroad.
Is Travel Insurance Advisable for Aruba?
- Group of travelers: Mandatory
- Visa applicants: Yes
- Visitors from visa-free countries: Yes
Cuba:
Cuba’s allure lies in its vibrant atmosphere, sandy beaches, tropical climate, and stunning colonial architecture, making it a sought-after tourist destination. However, before embarking on your journey or applying for a Cuban visa, it is crucial to ensure you have comprehensive travel health insurance for Cuba. This insurance should encompass coverage for sudden illnesses, accidents, and repatriation, as it is a mandatory requirement for all visa applicants and visitors, irrespective of visa status.
Even if you are exempt from requiring a visa to enter Cuba, obtaining travel insurance is still obligatory.
Should I acquire travel insurance for Cuba?
- Mandatory for all groups of travelers
- Required for visa applicants
- Necessary for visitors from visa-free countries
Ecuador:
Named after the Equator line that traverses the country, Ecuador mandates travelers to possess travel health insurance for the duration of their stay, applicable to tourist visas, and temporary, and permanent resident visas. Whether opting for private or public insurance, coverage is essential to gain entry into Ecuador, and the Equator line experience adds an extra dimension to the country’s appeal.
Should I secure travel insurance for Ecuador?
- Mandatory for all groups of travelers
- Required for visa applicants
- Necessary for visitors from visa-free countries
Fiji:
While Fiji has recently eased many travel restrictions, the impact of COVID-19 remains, necessitating foreign visitors to purchase travel insurance before entering the island. This insurance must specifically cover Covid-related health issues, repatriation, and quarantine expenses. Notably, returning residents are exempt from providing evidence of travel health insurance.
Should I obtain travel insurance for Fiji?
- Mandatory for all groups of travelers
- Required for visa applicants
- Necessary for visitors from visa-free countries
Georgia:
If you wish to apply for a visa or eVisa to Georgia, it is essential to provide a valid travel insurance plan. The insurance should cover a minimum of €30,000 in medical expenses, and it must remain valid throughout your entire stay.
Lebanon:
Entry into Lebanon requires all travelers to have travel insurance that covers the entire duration of their stay, including treatment for COVID-19 within Lebanese territory. If you do not possess a valid travel insurance certificate, you must purchase it upon arrival at Rafik Hariri International Airport-Beirut. Exceptions to this requirement include staff from international organizations, UNIFIL, and members of the Lebanese National Social Security Fund.
Iran:
All foreign travelers entering Iran, whether through an Iran visa obtained at an Embassy or an Iran Visa on Arrival, must have adequate travel insurance. In the absence of travel insurance, travelers have reported the need to purchase it at the airport from the office designated for issuing insurance for foreign nationals.
Israel:
Foreign visitors to Israel are required to purchase travel health insurance due to the ongoing pandemic. It is crucial to ensure that the insurance policy for Israel includes coverage in the event of contracting COVID-19.
Jamaica:
In response to the pandemic, Jamaica has introduced the “Jamaica Cares” program, a mandatory health insurance service for foreign visitors. Non-Jamaican citizens must pay a $50 fee to enroll in the program before entering the country. The program covers services such as repatriation, evacuation, and field rescue, and provides medical emergency coverage up to $50,000 on the island and up to $100,000 for emergency evacuation. Enrollment is compulsory even if you already have a valid health insurance policy.
Jordan:
For all foreign visitors entering Jordan, travel health insurance is mandatory. The insurance must be valid for the entire stay, covering emergency medical services, including repatriation, evacuation, and preferably COVID coverage for protection in case of infection.
Moldova:
Like many other European countries, obtaining a Moldovan visa requires purchasing a travel insurance policy covering a minimum of €30,000 in medical expenses.
Is travel insurance necessary for Moldova?
- Group of travelers: Mandatory
- Visa applicants: Yes
- Visitors from visa-free countries: No
Morocco:
Morocco attracts millions of visitors annually to explore popular destinations such as Marrakech Medina, Casablanca, Rabat’s Oudaias Kasbah neighborhood, and numerous breathtaking mosques. While it is advisable for anyone traveling to Morocco or applying for a Moroccan visa to have travel insurance, not every Moroccan representative office may insist on submitting proof of travel health insurance with the visa application, but it could be required in certain cases.
Is travel insurance recommended for Morocco?
- Group of travelers: Mandatory
- Visa applicants: No
- Visitors from visa-free countries: No
Nepal:
Since June 10, 2022, vaccinated individuals eligible for a visa on arrival in Nepal only need to provide proof of vaccination and a completed health status form (CCMC form). However, those applying for a visa before entering Nepal may be required to purchase a travel health insurance policy, and this should be verified with the local embassy or Nepalese consulate. It’s important to note that U.S. citizens applying for a tourist (reciprocal) visa must have purchased health insurance before applying for the visa.
Is travel insurance necessary for Nepal?
- Group of travelers: Mandatory
- Visa applicants: Yes
- Visitors from visa-free countries: No
Qatar:
Since May 2022, Qatar has mandated travel health insurance for all visitors, regardless of nationality. The new health insurance law applies to foreigners, non-Qatari individuals, and expatriates, necessitating the purchase of a valid health insurance policy for their stay. This law also places an obligation on Qatari employers to register their foreign employees with the mandatory health insurance scheme.
Is it necessary to obtain travel insurance for a trip to Qatar?
- Mandatory for group travelers
- Required for visa applicants
- Recommended for visitors from visa-free countries
Romania:
If you require a visa for travel to Romania, you must provide evidence that you have secured travel health insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses for the entire duration of your stay.
Should I Obtain Travel Insurance for Romania?
- Group of Travelers: Mandatory
- Visa Applicants: Yes
- Visitors from Visa-Free Countries: No
Rwanda:
Health insurance is mandatory for all foreigners in Rwanda, including visitors. Upon arrival, you will need to choose a policy if you do not have travel health insurance before entering the country. It is advisable to select a travel health insurance plan in advance to avoid hastily choosing an inadequate policy. Additionally, yellow fever vaccinations are required for entry.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for Rwanda?
- Group of Travelers: Mandatory
- Visa Applicants: Yes
- Visitors from Visa-Free Countries: Yes
Seychelles:
All travelers to Seychelles must obtain a travel health insurance policy from a company in their country before being allowed entry.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for Seychelles?
- Group of Travelers: Mandatory
- Visa Applicants: Yes
- Visitors from Visa-Free Countries: Yes
Togo:
Before obtaining a visa for Togo, you must purchase a travel health insurance policy or provide proof of payment for a repatriation deposit in the event of death.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for Togo?
- Group of Travelers: Mandatory
- Visa Applicants: Yes
- Visitors from Visa-Free Countries: No
The UAE:
When traveling to Dubai or any other city in the United Arab Emirates, you are required to present proof of travel health insurance. This is mandatory for all foreign visitors, regardless of whether they require a UAE visa.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for the UAE?
- Group of Travelers: Mandatory
- Visa Applicants: Yes
- Visitors from Visa-Free Countries: Yes
Turkey:
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for visiting Turkey. Visa-required visitors under 65 must have travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for the Turkish territory. Health insurance is also mandatory for foreigners seeking a Turkish residence permit, except for retirees over 65. Even if you are from an EU country and are not required to apply for a Turkish visa, travel insurance is still necessary as the EHIC is not functional in Turkey.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for Turkey?
- Group of Travelers: Mandatory
- Visa Applicants: Yes
- Visitors from Visa-Free Countries: No
Antarctica:
While not technically a country, Antarctica poses potential dangers, especially during cruises. Visitors must be equipped with a robust travel insurance policy due to the harsh weather conditions.
Is Travel Insurance a Valuable Investment?
Travel insurance serves as a safeguard for your journeys, protecting against unforeseen expenses stemming from various incidents. It ensures compensation in scenarios like medical emergencies abroad, loss of personal belongings during travel, flight delays or cancellations, and trip cancellations.
Should you encounter an accident or illness in a foreign country, necessitating medical attention, your travel insurance will cover the associated medical expenses. In the event of trip cancellation, the insurance minimizes financial loss by reimbursing a portion of your prepaid expenses, such as accommodation and flight costs.
If your luggage is lost or stolen during your travels, the travel insurance will reimburse you for the value of the lost items. Additionally, you can opt for extended coverage, including repatriation or emergency evacuation, where the insurer covers the expenses incurred in evacuating you from a foreign country.
Certain countries may require travelers to have travel insurance, especially in instances where medical expenses are high. This requirement is in place to prevent tourists from departing without settling their medical bills, which could strain local healthcare facilities.
What Constitutes a Comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy?
A well-rounded travel insurance policy should encompass coverage for medical emergencies abroad and protection against financial losses. While customization options exist, essential features of a basic policy include:
- Medical emergencies coverage
- Trip disruption coverage (cancellation, delay)
- Coverage for loss of personal belongings
- Coverage for emergency evacuation or repatriation
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