Countries Requiring Travel Insurance: What You Need (2024) (2024)

Some countries require foreign visitors to show proof of travel insurance for a variety of reasons, including unstable diplomatic relations or visa requirements. For example, you must purchase travel insurance to obtain a long-term travel visa for the Schengen area.

The following countries require travel insurance as of June 2023:

• Bermuda
• Bhutan
• Cuba
• The Galapagos Islands
• Myanmar
• Qatar
• Russia*
• Saudi Arabia
• Schengen Visa countries*
• Sri Lanka
• Ukraine

*Requires travel insurance or can request proof of insurance to issue a visa. Note that the above list is not exhaustive.

Many countries introduced pandemic-related entry requirements, including vaccination and travel medical insurance, which are now revoked. But even if travel insurance is not required, the U.S. Department of State highly recommends purchasing a policy to cover unexpected medical expenses while you’re overseas.

Whether you want to travel to Turkey, Thailand, Jamaica or the Bahamas, entry rules change frequently. Below are some examples of countries and situations that require proof of travel insurance (as of June 2023).

Bhutan

All visitors, including U.S. citizens, must obtain a visa to visit Bhutan. You must have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the duration of your trip in order to apply for a visa. Visas are issued after tourists complete an application or apply through a valid travel and tour operator.

Cuba

Travel medical insurance is required to visit Cuba. Since coverage is mandatory, insurance is typically included in airline ticket prices purchased in the U.S. You can also buy medical travel insurance on arrival at the airport.

While this type of insurance covers emergency medical evacuation and medical treatment, you can purchase a policy through a travel insurance company for comprehensive coverage that includes trip cancellation and interruptions.

Myanmar

According to the State Department’s current travel advisory, you may need COVID-19 medical coverage to travel to Myanmar. Health screening procedures are in place at ports of entry, and U.S. citizens that produce positive test results are subject to isolation or quarantine.

Schengen Countries

There are 27 countries in Europe’s Schengen area, a region that allows free movement between borders. U.S. passport holders can travel for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a Schengen visa. To stay for longer, you’ll need to apply for a visa at the embassy of the Schengen country you wish to reside in.

Whether it’s for business, study or long-term travel, you may choose to stay in Europe for an extended period. Most countries require travel insurance to issue visas. Insurance requirements typically include coverage for medical emergencies and medical repatriation, and health insurance plans may need to comply with minimum coverage limits.

If you take a look at official tourism sites, you may notice that many countries advise purchasing travel health insurance. From hospitalization to injury treatment and emergency evacuation, unforeseen circ*mstances can result in significant upfront expenses.

Below are some examples of regions where travel insurance is highly recommended.

Antarctica

There are many ways to explore Antarctica — from flights to cruises and wildlife discoveries. Generally, you’ll visit as part of an organized tour, and companies may require travel insurance for participation.

Galapagos Islands

Many people visit the natural wonderland of Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands on cruises and organized tours. While it’s not necessary to have travel insurance to visit Ecuador, some tour agencies require proof before booking tours to the islands.

Maldives

Medical facilities are limited across the Maldives. Malé, the capital, has some fully equipped hospitals, and most resort islands have first-aid clinics with access to doctors. However, in the case of an emergency, you might be an hour or more away from medical services. For these reasons, travel insurance is recommended to offset the cost of emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation.

While comprehensive travel insurance covers hassles such as trip cancellations, delays and baggage loss, most insurance requirements focus on emergency medical care. Whether you’re visiting Aruba, Bermuda, Chile, Dubai or Nepal, travel insurance requirements are likely to include:

• Emergency medical insurance: Covers emergency expenses incurred due to accidental injuries and unforeseen illnesses while traveling. Hospitals and clinics may require upfront payment or proof of travel insurance from visitors.
• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation: Evacuation insurance helps cover the cost of getting you home or to the nearest hospital if you’re seriously sick or injured in an area without appropriate medical care. Repatriation insurance coverage includes the cost of returning your body home if you die while traveling.

Travel medical insurance may also include emergency dental care, accidental death and permanent disability. Depending on the policy, benefit limits range from $10,000 to $500,000 or more.

As a general rule, travel insurance coverage is not mandatory to travel. However, some countries require travel insurance to enter. Travel advisories change constantly and the country you plan to visit for your next trip may implement a requirement on short notice. If your destination country does not require insurance, it is ultimately up to you to decide if buying travel insurance is worth it.

Countries may enforce health insurance policy requirements in the event of threats to public health — such as pandemics. Typically, these requirements help ensure visitors can pay medical bills if required, along with mitigating risks for both travelers and local healthcare facilities.

When travel insurance is mandatory to enter a country, your airline will likely require proof of a policy before you board. Otherwise, you may be denied entry at immigration checkpoints, whether on land or at airports. In some cases, fines and convictions may apply.

Not every country requires you to have a travel insurance plan to visit — ultimately, it depends on where you are going. Though it’s generally not mandatory for U.S. citizens to have travel insurance, the government strongly recommends coverage for emergency medical costs. Government-issued healthcare does not extend abroad, and travel insurance offers peace of mind in covering medical costs if you’re injured or get sick on vacation.

While countries with travel insurance requirements may only mandate medical coverage, you can also opt for a more extensive policy to protect your entire trip. Comprehensive travel insurance can protect your investment against trip cancellations, delays, baggage loss and more. Shop around to compare prices and policies to find the right insurance for you.