Why More Countries Are Requiring Travel Insurance for Entry

In a rapidly changing global travel environment, one trend is becoming increasingly common: more countries are requiring travel insurance for entry. While it was once optional or only recommended, travel insurance is now a mandatory document for visitors in many parts of the world. But why is this requirement growing? What are the implications for international travelers? This blog breaks it down in detail.

Why Is Travel Insurance Now Mandatory in Many Countries?

The COVID-19 pandemic changed how governments view international travel. During the health crisis, many countries bore the costs of treating uninsured foreign visitors who required medical assistance, quarantine facilities, or evacuation. This led to a major policy shift, where governments began requiring travel insurance for entry as a way to protect both their healthcare systems and the travelers themselves.

Besides pandemics, the rising cost of medical treatment globally and the increasing risks of travel disruptions have prompted authorities to make insurance a non-negotiable part of border control policies.

Benefits of Requiring Travel Insurance for Entry

Travelers and host countries both benefit from this policy:

Benefit	For Travelers	For Host Countries
Emergency Medical Coverage	Access to private hospitals and critical care	Reduces strain on public healthcare
Evacuation and Repatriation	Safe return in case of serious illness or injury	Avoids legal and financial burden of repatriating foreign nationals
Trip Cancellations or Interruptions	Financial protection for sudden travel changes	Encourages responsible and planned travel
Pandemic-Related Coverage	COVID-19 tests, treatment, quarantine, and vaccination coverage	Reduces public health risks from uninsured travelers

These reasons explain why more countries are requiring travel insurance for entry, especially in regions with limited resources or high tourist footfall.

Countries That Now Require Travel Insurance for Entry

According to UNWTO, over 60 countries as of 2025 have made travel insurance a part of their visa or immigration requirements. Below is a sample list:

Country/Region	Mandatory Insurance Requirement
Schengen Zone (EU)	Yes – Minimum €30,000 in medical coverage
Thailand	Yes – Especially for long-stay or retiree visas
Turkey	Yes – For all visa holders
UAE	Yes – For tourists and business travelers
Cuba	Yes – Must buy insurance before entry
Ecuador	Yes – Especially for Galapagos travel
Digital Nomad Visas	Yes – Required by countries like Croatia, Estonia

These nations require documentation to prove coverage for the duration of stay, often including specific conditions such as pandemic coverage and emergency evacuation.

The Role of Pandemics and Natural Disasters

Besides medical expenses, modern travel insurance for entry often includes coverage for pandemics, climate-related disruptions, and natural disasters. As the global environment becomes more unpredictable—with rising cases of floods, wildfires, and disease outbreaks—insurance helps mitigate the impact of these incidents on both travelers and the countries they visit.

Visual Insight

Global Status: Countries Requiring Travel Insurance for Entry

Status	Number of Countries
Require Travel Insurance for Entry	60+
Do Not Require (Yet)	Approx. 140

Source: World Tourism Organization (2025)

Common Travel Insurance Inclusions

Coverage Type	Purpose
Emergency Medical Expenses	Covers hospital bills, doctor fees, medication
COVID-19 Treatment	Covers testing, treatment, and quarantine
Medical Evacuation	Air ambulance or transportation to home country
Trip Cancellation	Refund for canceled flights or prepaid bookings
Lost or Delayed Luggage	Compensation for loss or delays in baggage
Repatriation of Remains	In case of death abroad

This level of protection is why more countries are requiring travel insurance for entry, especially as travelers seek to explore destinations farther from home.

Important Statistics

• According to Allied Market Research, the global travel insurance market is projected to exceed USD 45 billion by 2028, up from $22 billion in 2020.

• The average medical bill for an uninsured traveler in the U.S. is over $10,000, according to data from the CDC.

• Nearly 70% of travelers in 2024 were required to show proof of travel insurance, up from 25% in 2019.

These statistics underline the reality: mandatory travel insurance for entry is becoming standard, not optional.

FAQs: Travel Insurance for Entry

Q1: What happens if I don't have travel insurance when entering a country that requires it? A: You may be denied entry or asked to purchase local insurance at the airport or border.

Q2: Does travel insurance need to cover COVID-19? A: Yes, most countries require coverage for pandemics, especially COVID-19-related medical expenses.

Q3: Is travel insurance required for visa-free travel? A: Some visa-free countries still require insurance, especially in the Schengen Area.

Q4: Can I use my domestic health insurance abroad? A: Typically no. Most domestic policies do not cover international medical costs or emergencies.

Q5: How do I show proof of insurance at immigration? A: Carry a printed certificate and a digital copy. Some countries may ask for details like coverage limits and validity dates.

Conclusion

As global risks rise and travel becomes more complex, more countries are requiring travel insurance for entry to safeguard both visitors and their own citizens. This trend isn't just a regulatory formality—it reflects the growing need for responsibility, preparedness, and safety in international travel. Before your next trip, make sure your travel insurance meets all requirements—because being covered could be the key to stepping across that border with confidence.