Countries That Require Travel Medical Insurance

• Countries & Cities

  • •  
      • Antarctica
      • Aruba
       
      • Bhutan
      • Brunei
       
      • Cuba
       
      • Ecuador (Galapagos Islands)
       
      • Fiji
       
      • Iran
       
      • Israel
       
      • Jordan
    • = 
      • Laos
       
      • Lebanon
        
      • Moldova
        
      • Myanmar
      • Nepal
      • Palestine
       
      • Qatar
       
      • Russia
       
      • Rwanda
      • Saudi Arabia
    • • Schengen Area
      • Seychelles
       
      • Ukraine
      • United States (J Visa)
       
      • Uruguay

^{Last updated August 1, 2025}

These Countries Require Travel Insurance for Entry

As you plan your next international adventure, it's more important than ever to be aware of the entry requirements for your destination. While some countries have relaxed their COVID-19 related travel restrictions, many still mandate that visitors have some form of travel insurance. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of countries that require travel insurance, travel medical insurance, or travel health insurance for entry in 2025.

Why Do Countries Require Travel Insurance?

The primary reason countries require travel insurance is to ensure that visitors can cover unforeseen medical expenses that might pop up. This prevents the financial burden of medical care from falling on the host country's healthcare system. Additionally, some countries require coverage for other travel-related incidents, such as trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency evacuations. 

Countries with Mandatory Travel Insurance

Here is a list of countries that require travel insurance for entry, along with a brief explanation of their requirements. Please note that these requirements can change and this guide is not updated daily, so it's always a good idea to double-check with the embassy or consulate of your destination country before you travel.

• Antarctica: Due to the extreme environment and limited medical facilities, all visitors to Antarctica are required to have comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.
• Aruba: To enter Aruba, you must purchase a specific health insurance plan from the Aruban government. This plan covers up to $75,000 in medical expenses.
• Bhutan: All visa applicants for Bhutan are required to have travel medical insurance.
• Brunei: Travelers to Brunei must have proof of travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of $50,000 BND (approximately $37,000 USD) that includes COVID-19 related costs.
• Cuba: All foreign visitors to Cuba must have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including COVID-19 treatment. You may be asked to provide proof of insurance upon arrival.
• Ecuador (Galapagos Islands): While travel insurance is not required for mainland Ecuador, it is mandatory for visitors to the Galapagos Islands. Your policy must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
• Fiji: All foreign visitors to Fiji are required to have travel insurance that covers COVID-19 related health issues, repatriation, and quarantine expenses.
• Iran: To obtain a visa for Iran, you must have valid travel medical insurance.
• Israel: All foreign nationals entering Israel are required to have health insurance that covers COVID-19 related expenses.
• Jordan: All international visitors to Jordan are required to have travel medical insurance.
• Laos: Visitors to Laos are required to have travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of $50,000 that includes COVID-19 treatment.
• Lebanon: Travel insurance is a requirement for entry into Lebanon.
• Moldova: Travelers to Moldova must have "adequate" medical insurance and may be asked to show proof of their policy.
• Myanmar: Visitors to Myanmar must have travel accident insurance with COVID-19 coverage purchased from Myanma Insurance.
• Nepal: All visitors to Nepal must have travel medical insurance for the duration of their trip.
• Palestine: Like Israel, visitors to the Occupied Palestinian Territories must have a health insurance policy that covers COVID-19.
• Qatar: It is mandatory for all international travelers to Qatar to have travel insurance.
• Russia: Travel insurance is required if your home country has a reciprocal requirement for Russian citizens. This requirement currently does include US citizens.
• Rwanda: Rwandan law requires all visitors to have health insurance. You may be able to purchase it upon arrival, but buying coverage ahead of time can save you the hassle.
• Saudi Arabia: All foreign visitors to Saudi Arabia are required to have health insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment. This is often bundled with the visa application.
• Schengen Area: If you are traveling to any of the 29 countries in the Schengen Area and require a visa, you must have Schengen travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation.
• Seychelles: All international travelers to Seychelles must have valid travel insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment, quarantine, and isolation.
• Ukraine: Visitors to Ukraine must have an insurance policy from a company registered in Ukraine that covers COVID-related medical expenses.
• United States: Although all visitors to the USA are encouraged to purchase visitors insurance due to the high cost of medical care, only visitors on J visas are required to have compliant insurance. Even if your exchange program offers health insurance, you may still need to purchase standalone evacuation and repatriation insurance to meet Department of State requirements.
• Uruguay: As of February 2023, all visitors to Uruguay must be covered by a comprehensive medical insurance policy.

Travel with Confidence

Purchasing travel insurance is a crucial step in preparing for your international trip. Even if your destination doesn't require it, having travel insurance can provide you with peace of mind and financial protection against a wide range of unforeseen events. Before you travel, be sure to research the specific requirements of your destination and choose a policy that meets your needs.