Wherever you're headed, a travel insurance plan can protect you and grant you peace of mind. In some places, however, travel insurance is not only smart, but also a requirement for entry.
Before you travel, review the updated list of popular destinations that may require travel insurance so you can be better prepared for your international travels.
Which Countries Require Travel Insurance?
Argentina
As of July 1, 2025, Argentina requires all travelers to have travel medical insurance to enter the country. Visitors must secure travel medical insurance for Argentina 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 for the entire duration of your stay.
Cuba
Foreign visitors to Cuba must have travel health 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 travel medical insurance for Cuba 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 provided with visa information before arrival.
Galpagos Islands
Travel medical insurance is a legal requirement to visit the Galpagos 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 Galpagos Islands to have travel medical insurance.
Jordan
Travel medical insurance is required when visiting Jordan. A quality plan costs much less than potential expenses from medical emergencies, trip interruptions, or lost belongings.
Kenya
As of July 30, 2026, Kenya requires travel health insurance for all non-Kenyan citizens with at least $50,000 in medical coverage. Read our travel insurance for Kenya guide to learn the exact coverage you need.
Nepal
While travel medical insurance is not mandatory to enter Nepal, many tour operators require proof of travel medical insurance before booking. 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 from companies approved by the Qatari Ministry of Public Health.
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 travel insurance for Tanzania.
The Schengen Area
If your home country doesn't require a Schengen visa, you won't need travel insurance for the Schengen Area. However, if a visa is required, you must provide proof of travel health insurance valid across the territory with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros for medical emergencies, accidents, and repatriation.
Ukraine
All international tourists are required to have travel health insurance for Ukraine that covers their stay. 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.
Don't see your destination here? Travel insurance may not be required there, but could be highly recommended. Wherever you're headed, learn about the travel requirements for your destination.
