Tips from Allianz Global Assistance, a Travel Brilliant preferred partner
The rules for travel overseas seem to change day by day. Many people are wondering: “Is insurance still mandatory for international travel? Which countries require travel insurance for entry?”
We’ve compiled a list of countries that require travel insurance (as of July 2022) as well as answers about how to get this insurance and how it protects you.
Please note that this is not a comprehensive list, and travel rules are changing rapidly. Confirm entry requirements for your destination before you go. For the latest information on travel requirements and entry restrictions for international destinations, including COVID-19 testing, vaccination policies, necessary travel documents and quarantine periods, check our interactive map. (Content is provided by Sherpa, an affiliated third party).
Travelers’ questions about mandatory COVID-19 travel insurance
1. If I buy a mandatory travel insurance plan that only includes COVID-19 medical benefits, do I need to purchase normal travel insurance as well?
It’s a good idea. Many countries require the purchase of a specific plan that only covers COVID-19 medical emergencies, with no additional benefits. If you have a different medical emergency while traveling, or you have to cancel your trip last-minute, or you experience travel or baggage delays, the mandatory plan can’t help you. An Allianz Travel Insurance plan can. Get a customized quote.
2. Does Allianz Travel Insurance cover losses related to COVID-19?
Most of our travel insurance plans now include epidemic-related covered reasons (benefits vary by plan and are not available in all jurisdictions). The Epidemic Coverage Endorsement adds covered reasons to select benefits for certain losses related to COVID-19 and any future epidemic. To see if your plan includes this endorsement, please look for “Epidemic Coverage Endorsement” on your Declarations of Coverage or Letter of Confirmation. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply.
Even if your specific travel protection plan does not include the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, certain limited-time COVID-19 claim accommodations may still be available. Read our COVID-19 coverage alert for details.
3. Will the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement meet my destination’s requirements for travel insurance?
Travel insurance requirements vary by country and continue to rapidly evolve. While we continually monitor and adapt our products and services as best as we can, we cannot guarantee that a plan will meet mandatory COVID-19 travel insurance requirements for a specific country.
When you’re planning your trip, check the U.S. Department of State country information page for your destination and/or the country’s official tourism website to find out what’s required. We can help! Contact us if you need assistance finding the right travel insurance plan, or if the plan you purchased does not meet your needs.
4. What’s an Embassy Letter?
Countries that require travel insurance for entry often ask for something called an “Embassy Letter.” This is a summary/proof of travel insurance benefits to prove that your plan meets the country’s requirements. If you need an Embassy Letter, submit an online request here and we’ll prepare one for you. Please allow 24-48 hours for a response. If you need your letter sooner than that, call us at 1-866-884-3556.
If you’re not sure whether the information provided in the Embassy Letter satisfies the requirements of your destination country, contact the nearest embassy or consulate of that country to confirm.
5. If my destination doesn’t require visitors to have travel insurance, do I still need to buy it?
Travel insurance is always a good idea, for one simple reason: If something goes wrong on your trip, and you don’t have insurance, then you’re on your own. You could risk losing your pre-paid trip expenses; having to pay out of pocket for medical bills; being forced to pay for your own accommodations in case of quarantine or other trip interruption; etc.
Which countries require travel insurance for entry?
Below are some destinations that still require travelers to carry travel insurance, whether for COVID-19 specifically or a more general policy.
Please note: This list of countries that require travel insurance is not comprehensive. Information is current as of July 2022. Many countries have additional travel requirements, such as pre-registration, proof of a recent, negative COVID-19 test, proof of vaccination, and/or a mandatory quarantine period. Use our interactive map, or contact the local embassy, to check your destination’s policies and requirements before you leave for your trip.
Argentina says foreign visitors must provide evidence of medical travel insurance that includes hospitalization, quarantine, and transportation coverage for COVID-19.1
Belize requires foreign visitors to buy specialized Belize travel health insurance, even if you also have another travel insurance plan. This 21-day plan covers medical emergencies up to $50,000, emergency air evacuation up to $20,000, quarantine lodging up to $2,000, and some other expenses.2
Aruba requires all foreign travelers to buy Aruba Visitors Insurance, even if you have your own travel insurance policy. Aruba Visitors Insurance can cover certain costs if you test positive for COVID-19 during your trip: costs for medical treatment, transportation, quarantine lodgings and testing. It can only be purchased within 72 hours before your departure date via the ED-Card form. Adults pay $15, and children up to 14 are free.3
The Bahamas includes the cost of COVID-19 health insurance in the application fee for the mandatory Bahamas Travel Health Visa. The cost of the Bahamas Travel Health Visa depends on the length of your stay and your vaccination status.4
Bermuda requires all visitors to have health insurance covering illness and injury.5
Cambodia has put in place many restrictions for people visiting from overseas, including the requirement to purchase a specific, local health insurance plan for COVID-19 treatment. The policy has a maximum coverage limit of $50,000, costs $90 and is valid for 20 days.6
The Cayman Islands require all inbound travelers to attest to a statement which confirms that:
- that they possess medical insurance which includes COVID-19 coverage, or
- that they understand the financial risks they are taking and that they have independent means to cover their medical costs.7
Cuba requires non-U.S. medical insurance for visitors. This insurance is often included in the price of your airline ticket; if it’s not, you can buy it at the airport when you arrive.8 Keep in mind, however, that this is only medical insurance, with no other benefits. (Americans are prohibited from traveling to Cuba solely for tourist activities.)
The Democratic Republic of the Congo says U.S. citizens should travel with proof of health and medical evacuation insurance, according to the U.S. embassy there.9
Fiji requires proof of medical travel insurance with international coverage that covers COVID-19.10
The Galapagos Islands now requires foreign visitors to have travel medical insurance, in addition to several other documents and requirements.11
Jordan says foreign visitors must carry insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment for the entire period of their intended visit.12
Laos requires visitors to have travel medical insurance coverage for a minimum of $50,000.13
Saudi Arabia requires travelers over 18 to show proof of medical insurance coverage to enter government and private establishments, public transportation, and public aircraft. Travelers must download and register their medical insurance on the Tawakkalna app, which will be verified when entering public spaces.
Schengen Visa countries in Europe require travel insurance coverage for stays longer than 90 days. The required travel insurance must include a minimum of €30K of coverage, with coverage for emergency medical care, medical repatriation, and coverage for expenses related to the traveler’s death. There are 36 countries in the Schengen area: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Seychelles mandates travel health insurance that can cover COVID-19 related quarantine, isolation or treatment.14
Singapore says that all short-term visitors applying to enter Singapore via the Air Travel Pass (ATP), Reciprocal Green Lanes (RGLs) and Vaccinated Travel Lane (Air) will need to have travel insurance that can cover COVID-19-related medical treatment and hospitalization costs, with a minimum coverage of $30,000 (Singapore dollars).15
Sint Maarten requires medical travel insurance for visitors, and says it’s “strongly recommended to have travel insurance that covers COVID-19 related expenses.”16