Which Countries Require Travel Insurance?

Why Some Countries Require Travel Insurance

Countries typically require travel insurance for one of three reasons:

• Visa requirements: Some countries, especially in Europe, require proof of insurance before issuing a visa.
• Healthcare cost protection: Governments want to ensure visitors can cover emergency medical care without burdening local systems.
• Political or diplomatic agreements: In some cases (like Cuba), insurance requirements are tied to international travel agreements.

Countries That Require Travel Insurance

These destinations have clear, current requirements for travel medical insurance, either for entry or as part of the visa process.

Belarus

Travelers must carry medical insurance valid in Belarus with at least €10,000 in coverage. If you don’t have it, you may be required to purchase a policy at the border.

Source: Belarus Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Cuba

All travelers must have travel medical insurance.

• If you’re flying from the U.S., this is often included in your airline ticket
• If not, you’ll need to show proof or purchase a policy upon arrival

Coverage must include emergency medical care and hospitalization.

Source: Cuba Ministry of Tourism.

Iran

Travel insurance is mandatory for visa applicants. Your policy must meet specific requirements and may need to be approved during the visa process.

Schengen Area (Europe)

If you need a Schengen visa, you must show proof of travel medical insurance that:

• Covers at least €30,000
• Includes emergency care, hospitalization, and repatriation
• Is valid for your entire stay across all Schengen countries

Important: This applies only to travelers who require a visa, not visa-exempt visitors (like most U.S. travelers staying under 90 days).

Countries Where Insurance May Be Required (Situational)

In these destinations, insurance isn’t always required for every traveler, but it may be needed depending on your visa type, length of stay, or activities.

Russia

Travel insurance is often required as part of the visa application process, depending on the visa type.

Ukraine

Travelers may need valid health insurance for certain visa types or extended stays. Requirements can vary, so check before you go.

Source: Visit Ukraine

Nepal

While not required for general entry, travel insurance is often mandatory for trekking permits, especially for high-altitude routes.

Countries That Recommend (But Don’t Require) Insurance

These destinations do not currently require travel insurance for entry, but strongly encourage it:

• Jordan
• Qatar
• Thailand (insurance requirement removed after COVID-19)

Even without a mandate, medical care abroad can be expensive, so coverage is still a smart move.

Special Case: Antarctica

Antarctica isn’t a country, and there’s no official “entry requirement” for insurance.

However, most tour operators require or expect travelers to carry:

• Emergency medical coverage
• Medical evacuation coverage (especially important due to the remote location)

In practice, insurance is considered essential for Antarctic travel.

What About COVID-19 Insurance Requirements?

During the pandemic, many countries required insurance that covered COVID-19 treatment, quarantine, or trip disruptions.

Most of those requirements have now been lifted.

That said, some policies still include COVID-related coverage, and it can be helpful depending on your destination.

Final Takeaway

Travel insurance requirements vary widely:

• Some countries require it for visas or entry
• Others require it only in specific situations
• Many simply recommend it, but don’t enforce it
• And rules can change quickly.

Before you travel, always check:

• The country’s official government or tourism website
• Your visa requirements (if applicable)

Note for All Travelers

Even if it’s not required, travel insurance can protect you from unexpected medical bills, cancellations, or travel disruptions, so it’s worth considering for almost any trip.