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*Price shown is for a 30 day trip to Thailand with 1 lakh dollar coverage for an adult of age 25 years
Travelling to another country for the first time is rarely a cakewalk- you've to take care of flight tickets, visa requirements, stay, itineraries, and so much more. Visa and entry-related doubts are common, as different countries have their own entry requirements for foreigners. Let us discuss one of the most common doubts: is travel insurance mandatory for travelling abroad?
Travelling to another country is more than buying flight tickets and getting a visa. Each country has varying requirements that incoming foreigners must fulfil before travelling. The documentation alone takes up a lot of time and energy. These range from specific documents, health precautions/safeguards, and even the financial ability of the visitor.
Especially after the COVID pandemic, many countries tightened their entry requirements requiring vaccination certificates, and travel history declarations are some of the compulsory entry requirements that foreign travellers need to know and fulfil.
One such requirement is travel insurance. Many countries need a travel health insurance covering major medical emergencies in case the traveller falls sick while visiting. Not just health emergencies, this travel insurance is very helpful in other financial emergencies that may arise out of stay or flight-related woes. Even before the pandemic, several countries made it compulsory for visitors to buy appropriate travel medical insurance.
This is also necessary for Indians who are travelling to these countries to get their visa. Without this insurance, the visa procedure wouldn't proceed. In the next section, let's take a look at countries where travel insurance is mandatory to enter.
Countries where international travel insurance is mandatory need every visitor to buy a certain travel medical insurance that meets their entry requirements. As of now, the following are the countries requiring travel insurance:
Country | Specific Requirements (If Any) |
Turkey | Required for Turkey e-visa |
Russia | For foreigners who apply under unified e-visas |
The UAE | Required for multiple-entry visa holders |
Cuba | Travel medical insurance covering sudden illness and repatriation |
Moldova | Travel medical insurance valid throughout the Republic of Moldova, covering the expected period of transit, not less than EUR 30,000. |
Schengen Countries (29 countries) | Minimum EUR 30,000 coverage |
Georgia | Travel medical insurance required |
The USA | Student travel insurance compulsory for some University Programs |
Israel | Travel health insurance mandatory for the entire stay |
Antarctica | Not mandatory for visa, but required by expedition and tour operators |
Nepal | Required if trekking or mountaineering |
Algeria | Required |
Azerbaijan | Indian nationals intending to visit Azerbaijan are requested to carry a copy of their medical insurance |
Post the COVID pandemic, many countries made it compulsory for foreigners to buy international travel health insurance. While some countries like Thailand and Japan no longer mandate travel insurance, they have strongly advised it.
Indians can visit 58 countries visa free or get a visa on arrival; the remaining countries require a valid visa. Even if some of these countries are visa-free or offer a visa on arrival to Indians, they expect you to meet their specific entry requirements, including providing a valid Indian passport, providing a detailed itinerary and attaching proof of meeting any mandatory travel insurance requirements.
Some countries need you to buy it before applying for a visa, as without the necessary coverage, your visa will be rejected. Schengen countries are infamous for this, as without buying the 30,000 EUR travel insurance you won't be issued a visa.
On the other hand, some countries that mandated medical travel insurance during the pandemic have eased the restrictions, but still strongly recommend getting international travel insurance.
However, having travel health insurance is not only helpful in case you are in trouble, but also supports your visa procedure as it reflects you as a thoughtful and aware traveller. It is a very easy way to showcase that you are a responsible traveller who will not become a liability in a foreign country.
Some countries have flexible entry requirements for tourists and travellers when it comes to buying travel medical insurance. They don't stop you from applying for a visa or even entering their territory, but still strongly recommend buying a travel insurance plan to safeguard your trip.
Country | Specific Instructions |
Argentina | Highly recommended |
Singapore | Highly recommended |
Seychelles | Highly recommended |
Lebanon | Advised, can also buy upon reaching Beirut |
Ecuador | Strongly advised |
Thailand | Strongly advised to buy coronavirus travel insurance |
Togo | Strongly advised |
Aruba | Highly recommended |
New Zealand | Strongly recommended for medical and stay-related issues |
Please note that entry requirements for countries requiring travel insurance are subject to change with time. Please check the official website of the country you are visiting well before time to avoid any issues.
With changing guidelines, it is easy to miss a detail or two during documentation. If you are facing any doubts regarding countries requiring travel insurance, here are some helpful tips:
International travel is thrilling and often a rewarding experience. Be it your first visit or 100th, it's good to have support in case of emergency. From missed flights, stolen bags, lost passports to hospitalisation, accidents or death, travel insurance saves you a lot of extra expenses as well as stress. Don't wait for countries to make travel insurance compulsory- buy it willingly to safeguard your upcoming trip!
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*Price shown is for a 30 day trip to Thailand with 1 lakh dollar coverage for an adult of age 25 years