With global healthcare costs on the rise and international tourism still at an all-time high, some countries are making travel insurance mandatory for visitors. As much as international tourism is a great boom for countries, it does present some risks for them. When a foreign traveler incurs an injury or contracts an illness in a country, they could leave without paying the medical bills, forcing the country to foot the unpaid medical bills. Requiring travel insurance also ensures that a traveler can afford a worst-case scenario, whether it is a medical emergency or a financial loss of their prepaid, nonrefundable expenses due to a travel disruption.
Requiring travel insurance gives countries a financial safeguard. But it’s also financially and physically beneficial to the traveler.
Which Countries Require Travel Insurance?
Before embarking on your next adventure, review the following updated list featuring popular destinations that may require travel insurance so that you can be better prepared for your international travels.
Argentina
As of July 1, 2025, Argentina requires all travelers to have travel medical insurance to enter the country. Visitors to Argentina must secure an insurance policy that efficiently covers medical emergencies, 24/7 emergency services, hospitalization, and repatriation. Travelers will also need to show proof of insurance at points of entry, and must ensure that their insurance covers their entire time in Argentina.
Brunei
Visitors to Brunei who require a visa to enter the country, or those who are eligible for Visa on Arrival (VOA) must secure a travel insurance plan to enter the country. Your travel insurance for Brunei must cover emergency medical treatment and hospitalization, and it must cover the entire duration of your stay.
Cuba
Foreign visitors to Cuba must have travel insurance, regardless of citizenship. Entry into the country will be denied if tourists cannot provide proof of travel insurance upon arrival. In addition to proof of insurance for the duration of your stay, travelers must also prove they have a return ticket back to their home country. The Cuban government must be notified of the travel plans and receive visa information prior to arrival.
Galápagos Islands
Travel medical insurance is a legal requirement to visit the Galápagos Islands. Even though Ecuador has discontinued its travel medical insurance requirement for visits to the mainland, the Ecuadorian government still requires all travelers to the Galápagos Islands to have travel medical insurance.
Jordan
Travel insurance is a must when visiting Jordan. The expense of a quality insurance plan is significantly less than the potential costs arising from medical emergencies, travel interruptions, or the loss of personal possessions.
Nepal
A travel insurance plan is mandatory for visitors to Nepal, and visitors must provide proof of insurance upon entry. Coverage should include emergency evacuation and repatriation, medical treatment, and other medical expenses for the duration of your travel.
New Caledonia
A popular destination for cruises, New Caledonia has had issues with tourists skipping out on expensive medical bills. Now, proof of insurance is required to enter the country, and each plan must include coverage for medical treatment, hospital expenses and repatriation.
Qatar
As of February 2023, Qatar requires all visitors who need a visa to enter the country to have a travel insurance plan. Travel insurance is not mandatory for visitors from visa-on-arrival eligible countries during their initial 30 days in the country. However, purchasing a health insurance policy becomes a requirement if they plan to extend their stay beyond 30 days.
Russia
If you need a visa to travel to Russia, you must show a valid travel health insurance plan as part of your visa application. Your health insurance policy must cover your entire stay in Russia, and should cover the cost of your hospitalization and medical expenses, as well as medical evacuation and repatriation.
Saudi Arabia
Visitors to Saudi Arabia who need a standard tourist or visit visa need a travel health insurance plan to enter the country. For a visa, you would fill out the visa application form with your personal information through the Ministry of Tourism website. Once your tourism visit visa is issued, you are automatically provided with Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Health Insurance policy. The Tourism Health Insurance policy provides coverage for all health emergencies through its network of approved healthcare service providers.
Tanzania
In July 2025, the Tanzanian government started to consider a mandatory travel insurance requirement for all of Tanzania, but it has not yet been implemented. However, even though it has not been implemented yet, it is still highly recommended to get a travel insurance plan for a trip to Tanzania.
The Schengen Area
If a Schengen visa isn’t required for travelers from your home country, you won’t need travel insurance to travel into the Schengen Area. However, citizens of certain countries are required to obtain a visa before visiting any of the 26 countries that make up Schengen. Showing proof of insurance means presenting a valid document that proves you have travel health insurance for the whole Schengen territory, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros in case of any medical emergency such as illnesses, accidents and even repatriation in case of death.
Ukraine
All international tourists traveling to Ukraine are required to have a travel health insurance plan covering their period of travel. You should get a comprehensive travel insurance plan that covers medical treatment abroad, since your domestic health insurance may not cover you.
Zanzibar
Travel medical insurance is required for all travelers visiting Zanzibar. Even if you have health insurance from your home country, you are required to purchase a medical insurance plan from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). Zanzibar’s Inbound Travel Insurance plan will provide coverage for all stays up to 92 days.
Where Can I Find Travel Insurance for International Travel?
If it turns out travel insurance is required for your trip, VisitorsCoverage offers a global travel insurance marketplace where you can compare plans side-by-side, get quotes and find the right coverage in minutes. Reach out to our Customer Success Team with any questions!
Frequently Asked Questions About International Travel Insurance and Travel Requirements
What are the consequences of arriving in a country that mandates travel insurance and I don’t have it?
Arriving in a country without the required travel insurance could lead to multiple consequences. Most importantly, you may be denied entry or may face having to pay fines, which can be a financial burden for your trip. It is important to get your travel insurance before you travel to ensure a hassle-free experience for your trip.
Do cruise passengers also need to get travel insurance for countries that require it?
Yes. Regardless of whether you are flying or going on a cruise, you will need to secure travel insurance for countries that require it. For example, embarking on a cruise to Cuba without travel insurance could result in you not even getting to leave the ship and explore.
Is mandatory travel insurance enough, or should I buy extra coverage for my trip?
The required travel insurance provided by a country could be enough for some travelers who just want to protect themselves medically. However, securing additional coverage for expenses related to your trip can also be beneficial. A trip insurance plan can help protect your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses that are related to your trip, meaning if you experience a significant travel delay, you could be covered if the delay forces you to miss parts of your trip.
How much does international travel insurance usually cost?
Travel insurance for an international trip can cost about 4-10% of your total prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses. The price of your travel insurance can vary based on factors such as your trip cost, length, age, destination, and any optional add-ons. While it is an additional cost to your travel budget, travel insurance can genuinely help you from major losses if your plans change suddenly.
Does travel insurance need to cover my entire international trip?
Travel insurance should cover your entire international trip, especially if you are traveling to a place that requires you to have your entire trip covered. Having a travel insurance plan that covers the entire duration of your international trip ensures that you are protected from the moment you leave your home country to the point when you travel back.
Can I use credit card travel insurance to meet visa entry requirements?
Your credit card’s travel insurance may be insufficient compared to a third-party travel insurance plan, especially if a country requires you to meet a specific minimum of coverage. Additionally, many countries that require travel insurance for visitors also require a policy from an approved local or international provider, not a credit card.
Can I purchase travel insurance for a country that requires it after arrival?
No. Typically, countries that require travel insurance also require you to have it before arrival. Your visa, including your insurance, is often checked before you enter the country, so not securing it beforehand may result in you being denied entry.
