Travel insurance is no longer just about lost baggage or delayed flights. For many destinations, it has become a legal travel requirement, one that ca…
1/12Gone are the days when travel insurance was just an optional add-on before an international trip. Today, several countries require visitors to carry valid travel insurance before granting visas or allowing entry. From Europe’s Schengen region to destinations like Cuba, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, travellers may need proof of medical coverage, emergency evacuation support, or repatriation benefits before boarding a flight.
2/12The reason? Rising medical costs, emergency evacuation expenses, and stricter post-pandemic travel rules. In many places, arriving uninsured could mean visa rejection, denied entry, or being forced to buy local insurance at the airport. Here’s a look at countries where travel insurance is mandatory — and what travellers need to know before packing their bags.
3/12Schengen countries | Planning a Europe trip? Travel insurance is compulsory for travellers applying for a Schengen visa. Countries including France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and others require insurance coverage of at least €30,000. The policy must cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, and repatriation across all Schengen member nations. Without valid insurance, visa applications can be rejected outright.
4/12United Arab Emirates | The UAE mandates travel health insurance for many visa categories. In several cases, insurance is integrated into the visa process itself. Since healthcare in the UAE can be extremely expensive for tourists, authorities require visitors to have financial protection against emergencies and hospital bills. Adventure activities like desert safaris or jet skiing may also require additional coverage.
5/12Cuba | Cuba has enforced mandatory travel insurance rules for foreign travellers for years. Tourists must carry medical insurance valid in Cuba and may be asked to show proof on arrival. Visitors without approved coverage can be required to purchase a local insurance plan directly at the airport before entering the country. The rule helps cover unexpected medical treatment and emergency healthcare costs for international visitors.
6/12Russia | Russia requires travel medical insurance for many foreign visitors, especially those applying under e-visa systems. The insurance must remain valid throughout the traveller’s stay and cover emergency medical expenses. Travellers may be asked to present proof during visa applications or immigration checks.
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(Photo Credit : Wikimedia Commons)
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