Some countries require mandatory travel insurance to access them. This means that if you are traveling to these countries, you must provide the necessary documentation to prove that you have acquired insurance coverage before you are allowed in. More often than not, these countries also have strict regulations regarding travel. Therefore, if you lack the necessary documents, including mandatory travel insurance, you will not be allowed into the country.
It is highly advisable to consult official sources for fully updated information, as both the security recommendations and the requirements and restrictions for entering the country may vary frequently.
Whether there is a mandatory travel insurance policy or not in the destination you are visiting, purchasing travel insurance beforehand is always a wise idea. Ensuring your travel insurance includes medical coverage is essential.
Nations that require mandatory travel insurance
The following are some countries where there is a mandatory travel insurance policy for any visitor:
Schengen Area
The Schengen area comprises twenty-six European countries functioning as a single jurisdiction for international travel. For visitors from outside the region, there are strict requirements, including travel insurance. Authorities require documents showing proof of insurance benefits, including coverage for medical expenses.
The following Schengen area countries require travel insurance or travel medical insurance: Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Cuba
Travels to this country are highly regulated and monitored by the US and Cuban governments. All travelers must provide all the proper documentation when applying to travel into the country. These documents include a Visa and proof of travel insurance. The insurance must feature medical coverage.
Antarctica
Travel insurance is highly recommended for anyone visiting Antarctica. Due to the extreme and remote nature of the continent, adequate insurance coverage is essential to protect against unexpected medical emergencies, evacuation costs, and trip cancellations.
Countries that require mandatory travel insurance
Several countries require travel insurance from all travelers. Some countries have specific requirements for insurance coverage. Heymondo travel insurance offers comprehensive coverage for various travel-related expenses. The following countries require travel insurance:
Aruba
Travelers are no longer required to purchase Aruba Visitors insurance. Although it is highly recommended for each traveler to have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage. This insurance covers medical treatment, quarantine, testing, and transportation. The ED Card ( embarkation/disembarkation card) has been completely digitized and is an essential process that all visitors (including children) spending more than 24 hours in Aruba must follow before traveling to Aruba.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas has no legal requirement to have Travel Insurance, but the government’s advice when traveling is to always buy appropriate cover and ensure it covers medical treatment and travel disruption.
Bermuda
Visitors and residents entering Bermuda must apply for travel approval 1-3 days before departure and have health insurance to cover medical costs. Note that travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for everyone traveling to Bermuda.
Cambodia
Although it’s not a requirement, the Royal Embassy of Cambodia explicitly recommends that all foreign visitors secure a travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses, funeral, and burial costs.
Curacao
All international visitors to Curacao are advised to have valid medical insurance or travel insurance that covers medical expenses.
Jordan
Jordan requires all its foreign visitors to get and provide documents for insurance that covers any health-related expenses for the entire period of their intended visit.
Nepal
The administration of Nepal has made travel insurance mandatory for all its visitors. Nepal requires proof of this insurance before allowing you entry into the country.
Thailand
As of January 2024, Thailand doesn’t requires visitors to have a health coverage insurance, but it is still highly recommended to purchase an insurance policy with a minimum of 100,000 in emergency medical benefits.
Qatar
It is mandatory to have travel insurance to travel to Qatar. All visitors must provide proof of travel insurance covering health and medical expenses for the duration of their stay.
Ecuador
According to the Ecuador Ministry of Tourism, as of 2018, all tourists entering Ecuador will have to present proof of travel health insurance at the immigration officers, along with their passport and a round-trip or onward trip ticket.
Laos
The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs.
Check official sources before traveling abroad
When traveling abroad, one of the first things you must do is check the travel restrictions and requirements in the destinations. This is especially important when countries may require travel insurance, PCR tests, vaccines, visas, passports, and other documents. Purchasing travel insurance for safety is also recommended.
Heymondo travel insurance is an excellent option because it offers full coverage as well as Heymondo’s travel assistance App: medical chat 24 hours, 365 days; free emergency calls worldwide, and the possibility to manage any other incidences simply with your mobile.
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