Where is Insurance mandatory for International Travel?
Travelling to another country for the first time is rarely a cat walk-you’ve to take care of flight tickets, visa requirement, stay, itineraries and so much more. Visa and entry- related doubts are common as different countries have their own requirements. Let us discuss one of the most common doubts: Is travel insurance required for travelling abroad?
What is the Entry Requirement for Trips Abroad ?
Travelling to another country is more than buying flight tickets and getting a visa. Each Country has varying requirement that incoming foreigners must fulfill before travelling. The documentation alone takes up a lot of time and energy. These range from certain documents, health conditions, and even the financial ability of the visitor.
Some countries need you to buy it before applying for a visa as without the necessary coverage, your visa will be rejected. Schengen is famous for this as without buying the 30,000 EUR travel insurance you won’t be issued a visa.
On the other hand, some countries that mandated medical travel insurance during pandemic have eased the restrictions but still advise strongly. As of now, you need to buy a mandatory travel insurance to visit these countries:
Country |
Specific Requirement (If Any) |
Turkey |
Required for Visa |
The UAE |
Required for multiple-entry visa holder (5 year) |
Cuba |
Travel Medical Insurance covering sudden illness and repatriation |
Schengen Countries |
Minimum EUR 30,000 coverage |
Singapore (26 countries) |
Minimum SGD 30,000 Covid-19 travel insurance for non-vaccinated travelers |
Seychelles |
Insurance with COVID-19 cover |
Fiji |
COVID-19 travel insurance mandatory for foreigners |
Romania |
Travel health insurance of minimum EUR 30,000 |
Togo |
Insurance with COVID-19 cover |
The USA |
Student Travel Insurance compulsory for full time programs |
Israel |
COVID-19 covered travel insurance mandatory |
Ecuador |
Required for entry |
Antarctica |
Required for entry |
Nepal |
Required if trekking or mountaineering |
Jordan |
Travel medical insurance necessary |
Specially after the pandemic, many countries made it compulsory for foreigners to buy international travel health insurance. While some countries like Thailand and Japan no longer mandate travel insurance, they have strongly advised it.
Countries Where Travel Insurance is Strongly Advised by the Government
Some countries have flexible entry requirements for tourists and travelers when it comes to buying travel medical insurance. They don’t stop you from applying for a visa or even entering their territory but still strongly recommend buying a travel insurance plan to safeguard your trip.
Country |
Specific Instructions |
Singapore |
SGD 30,000 to cover COVID-19 expenses |
Lebanon |
Advised, can also buy upon reaching Beirut |
Thailand |
Strongly advised to buy coronavirus travel insurance |
Togo |
Strongly advised |
New Zealand |
Strongly recommended for medical and stay-related issues |
Please note that the entry requirement is subject to change with time. Please check the official website of the country you are visiting well before time to avoid any issues.
How to confirm if Travel Insurance is Mandatory in a Country?
With changing guidelines, it is easy to miss a detail or two during documentation. If you are facing any doubts regarding buying travel insurance for your trip, here are some helpful tips:
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Follow news
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Confirm with airlines
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Always go to the official government website of the country you plan to visit.
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Reach out to an agent or tour company if you don’t have the time to confirm technicalities.
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Contact the embassy or consulate of the country you’re visiting.
Posted By: Anjan Karki
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