Covid19: Countries Requiring Travel Insurance

2 August 2021

Covid19:  Countries that require proof of Travel Insurance

Anguilla

All visitors are required to provide proof that they have health insurance that can cover COVID-19 medical expenses.

Aruba

All travelers visiting Aruba are required to purchase COVID-19 travel insurance from the Aruba government. These policies vary in price, and provide coverage for up to $75,000 in medical expenses related to treatment of COVID-19.

Bermuda

It is mandatory for all travelers visiting Bermuda to have an insurance policy that can cover medical emergencies, including coverage specifically for Covid-19. In addition to this, travelers visiting the country must provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test in order to gain entry into the country.

Cambodia

Travelers must purchase a local health insurance package for COVID-19 treatment, which is valid for 20 days. Foreign travelers are also required to pay a $2,000 deposit upon arrival, to cover mandatory COVID-19 testing and potential treatments.

Cayman Islands

All travelers visiting the Cayman Islands must receive permission after applying through the Travel Cayman portal. Part of being approved to travel into the country is proving that you have a travel insurance policy in place that can provide coverage for Covid-19 medical expenses.

Chile

To gain entry into Chile, travelers must meet a few requirements. First, a negative Covid-19 test must be shown within 72 hours of the visitor’s final flight into Chile. In addition to this, travelers must complete an “affidavit of travelers” form within 48 hours of boarding. And lastly, proof of a health insurance policy that providers coverage for Covid-19 and related health expenses is required during the traveler’s entire stay in Chile. This policy must include at least $30,000 in coverage.

Costa Rica

In order to gain entry, tourists visiting Costa Rica must complete the online Health Pass 48 hours prior to arrival. Visitors must also provide proof of travel medical insurance that can provide $50,000 in coverage for COVID-19 related medical treatment and $2,000 in quarantine lodging expenses while in Costa Rica.

French Polynesia

Travelers visiting French Polynesia are required to purchase travel insurance with coverage for Covid-19, or to sign a declaration that they will pay all medical costs in the event of a Covid-19 related illness, including medical treatment, confinement, or repatriation.

Israel

Travelers visiting Israel must show proof of medical travel insurance with coverage for Covid-19 in order to gain entry into the country.

Jamaica

Jamaica has introduced a mandatory insurance fee that travelers must pay in order to gain entry to the destination. Travelers are required to pay $40 as part of the island’s “Jamaica Cares” program to cover emergency medical services. The fee will cover medical treatment for COVID-19 and other illnesses, as well as natural disasters while they are visiting Jamaica.

Jordan

All foreign travelers visiting Jordan must have a travel insurance policy in place that can cover Covid-19 medical expenses. The policy must last for the duration of the traveler’s stay in Jordan.

Lebanon

Travelers to Lebanon must have medical insurance for the duration of their stay. This insurance must offer coverage in full for the cost of medical treatment in the event the traveler contract coronavirus while in Lebanon.

Nepal

Nepal has opened its borders to international travelers, however all visitors must have a travel medical insurance policy that includes coverage for Covid-19 medical repatriation. In addition to this, the policy must include emergency assistance.

St. Maarten

St. Maarten requires that all visitors have proof of medical travel insurance, and recommends a policy that can provider coverage for coronavirus-related expenses. The government of St. Maarten has created a mandatory COVID-19 insurance that all foreign travelers must buy to gain entry into the country.

Thailand

Thailand requires all travelers have proof of at least $100,000 in medical travel insurance that can cover COVID-19 related medical treatments.

The Bahamas

The Bahamas requires all visitors complete the Bahamas Health Travel Visa and show proof of a recent negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test. The fee for the Bahamas Health Travel Visa varies in price depending on length of stay and includes the mandatory health insurance required by the Bahamian government.

Turks and Caicos

Travelers visiting Turks and Caicos are required to show proof of a travel insurance policy that can cover COVID-19-related medical costs and hospitalizations. Travelers must also have proof of a recent negative test.

Ukraine

Ukraine requires all visitors to purchase health insurance through a Ukrainian company that covers the cost of COVID-19 treatment and observation. This coverage must be valid the entire length of their stay in Ukraine.

Countries Requiring Travel Insurance (Non-COVID-19 Related)

Schengen Countries

If you are traveling to any of the 26 countries within the Schengen region and you are not a citizen of the United States or a European country, you must have adequate travel medical insurance when you apply for your visa in order to be approved. This applies for travellers visiting the region for tourism or for business travel.

UAE

Travel to the United Arab Emirates has surged over the past few years. The UAE is one of the countries that requires travel medical insurance, and depending on your trip itinerary, the required amount may vary. For example, travellers visiting Dubai need at least $100,000 in Emergency Medical coverage.

Antarctica

Travelers visiting Antarctica are willing to spend a significant amount of money on their trips, with an average trip cost of more than $14,500. As a result, many travellers turn to travel insurance to protect their financial investment.

However, Trip Cancellation coverage is an optional travel insurance benefit for travellers visiting Antarctica. Medical coverage, on the other hand, is required in order for foreign travellers to gain entry into the country.

Cuba

Cuba is well-known for its beautiful beaches and famous music and culture, however travel to the country has been limited over the years due to restrictions. In order for travellers from other countries to visit Cuba, they are required to have medical travel insurance for the duration of their stay, in addition to proving they have a return ticket home and sufficient funds.

Ecuador

Ecuador has long been known for its beautiful landscapes. This is highlighted by the country’s most popular destination, the Galapagos Islands, which are known for crystal clear waters and snorkelling and scuba diving excursions. For residents of Ecuador, whether they live their permanently or are temporary visitors to the country, a new law requires health insurance for the entire duration of the stay.

Egypt

Egypt is the fastest-growing international destination for U.S. travellers in 2019, and travellers are showing a willingness to spend more money on their trips to the country. Travelers also need to be willing to spend additional money on travel medical insurance, as it is a requirement in order to gain entry into Egypt.

New Zealand

Not all foreign visitors are required to buy travel medical insurance for their trips to New Zealand. However, anyone visiting New Zealand on a working holiday visa is required to have health insurance.

Qatar

Although Qatar is not a popular tourist destination, travel insurance is still required. All expatriates and international visitors must have medical insurance while they are visiting or living in Qatar.

Russia

Travel to Russia has grown steadily over the years. As more travellers visit the world’s largest country, unsettled medical bills have become a rising problem. Therefore, it’s required for travellers to have travel health insurance in order to be granted a visa for their trip to Russia.

Turkey

As tourism has increased in Turkey, so has the total of medical costs for treating visitors. Therefore, it is a requirement for travellers from outside countries to purchase medical travel insurance in order to be granted access into Turkey.

Disclaimer: The information provided within this page is updated as of the date listed above. This list is intended for general informational purposes only. Entry requirements vary by country and are subject to change at any time. Travellers should verify current requirements with the specific country prior to travel.