Updated October 2019
There are many, many reasons you should purchase health insurance when traveling abroad, the most obvious being to protect yourself in the case of an emergency, though some countries are beginning to require health coverage as a mandatory condition of entry, meaning travelers no longer have the choice to travel without it.
Expat hubs around the world are beginning to require mandatory health insurance before issuing a visa, and more and more countries are deciding to refuse entry without it.
According to a dentist in Leawood, KS, many travelers don’t realize that without the correct insurance, they could be turned away from the destination they are visiting before they make it past airport arrivals.
The following countries are among those jumping on the trend of making health insurance mandatory for those wishing to travel or live overseas.
Countries Which Won’t Let You In Without Health Insurance
Cuba
Cuba makes having health insurance a mandatory requirement for all visitors entering the country, and this rule applies to all travelers from overseas as well as to Cubans living abroad.
Those who can’t provide immigration with proof of coverage will be forced to buy insurance from the local Cuban insurance provider who have an office set up in the immigration area of the airport.
Just note that the cover purchased in Cuba is likely to be less comprehensive than most local policies from your home country, and are generally likely to have more expensive premiums.
The UAE
Health insurance is mandatory for visitors to enter the UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi etc), and everyone applying for a visit or tourist visa needs to have proof of coverage, regardless of the nationality, age or gender. Only travelers who don’t need visas on arrival are exempt.
This rule was implemented almost five years ago by the UAE government, and has been slowly rolled out since then. Some companies and tour operators that offer package tours will offer to arrange health insurance policies for you.
Residents and foreign expats applying for a new visa or visa renewal must be able to demonstrate that they are covered by medical insurance to stay in the country.
Tip: To get all the right documents for your visa application, take a look at VisaBadge (a free, online platform for visa documentation).
Antarctica
Travel insurance which includes comprehensive health coverage is mandatory for all cruises to the white continent, and every Antarctic operator will require proof of insurance before issuing your tickets.
Your regular health insurance is not enough for Antarctica due to the remoteness of the destination. You need coverage for emergency evacuation, sickness and repatriation, and we suggest looking for an insurer that offers unlimited cover due to the high cost associated with the distance that needs to be covered should you fall ill.
Make sure you know exactly what is covered, especially if you’re including optional activities such as camping, kayaking, or skiing. Insurers will rarely openly state these activities and it is up to you to read the fine print on your policy document to make sure you’re covered.
Not all Antarctica travel insurance policies cover land based activities. For more information on Antarctica travel visit the Chimu Adventures Antarctica Resource Centre.
Qatar
Qatar makes medical insurance compulsory for expats, a measure which was brought in to balance the ballooning health care costs of foreign nationals relying on state care.
Private companies have been legally obliged to pay premiums on behalf of all expatriate employees since 2015.
Turkey
Another expat hub, Turkey requires all foreigners under the age of 65 traveling on long stay tourist visas to have unlimited comprehensive cover for in-patient treatment.
All expats need compulsory health insurance if they want to obtain residence permit in Turkey, though they recently removed the requirement for retired expats living in the country over the age of 65.
Policies are required to have benefits which have a minimum limit of 2,000 lira for outpatient treatment; the equivalent to $815 USD. While citizens of member countries to the European Union have access to healthcare throughout Europe with the European Health Insurance Card (Ehic), this is invalid in Turkey.
The US
Foreign nationals might get access to travel and live within the US without having health insurance, however the cost of health care within the United States is so high that “any visitor without insurance plays with fire”.
Data recently released by the World Health Organization and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development puts the average cost of a routine appendix removal in the US at $8,156, in comparison to $3,408 in the UK, $2,245 in Spain and $953 in Argentina.
According to Dr. Sonal Bhoot, a dentist in Lee’s Summit, Mo, it’s estimated that a day in hospital in the States can cost anywhere from US$1,500-$12,500. When compared to other countries, that’s astronomically high.
So, while you don’t need health insurance to get past US immigration, we include it in this list because it’s not one you want to risk (no country is worth the risk of traveling without insurance, but the USA especially).
Europe: 26 Schengen Countries
The Schengen Area is a zone in Europe where 26 countries have acknowledged the abolishment of their internal borders. Anyone who needs to apply for the Schengen visa to enter Europe must have international health insurance.
The 26 countries in the zone are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
A letter from your insurance company is required, and this needs to mention that you will be covered in Europe for any medical, evacuation and repatriation expenses during your whole stay. The medical expenses have to be covered for at least $35,000 or 30,000 euros.
France
While France has already been mentioned above as one of the countries in the Schengen zone, there are additional requirements in France for students and non-working expats who may be exempt from the Schengen visa.
Non-working European expats under retirement age have to meet rigorous standards of cover, and proof of private health insurance is part of the visa application for long stays.
For students who are over 28 years of age, and planning on staying long term (longer than 90 days) you will be required to show proof of private health insurance valid in France as part of the visa application.
When applying for a long stay visa you will have to provide a certificate which covers health, dental care, hospitalization, accidents, pharmacy, disability and death.
In Collaboration With IndividualHealth.com
As travelers and expats increasingly hop from country to country, it’s crucial to find insurance to cover you wherever you travel. For expats and digital nomads especially, it is vital to make sure your insurance is transferable to each new country of residence.
In terms of where to start looking, Timothy Jennings at Individual Health is a reputable health insurance broker who has worked in the international and US domestic market for more than 30 years.
He offers travelers a range of different options on plans and coverage including short-term travel medical (generally less than 6 months), annual renewable coverage for expats, and coverage for business groups worldwide.
Tim works mainly within the International Markets, specifically catering health care plans to the outbound US Traveler and Expat, to expats entering the U.S, and foreign nationals traveling outside their home countries with no American ties.
After representing most of the International Programs available through U.S. Brokers, he now focuses almost all of his efforts with GeoBlue, a company which exceeds the needs of just about all travelers, and is a leader in global cover throughout the world. Tim is one of a limited few U.S. based brokers that works full-time in this field. Contact him for a quote today.
Learn More About:
GeoBlue Health Insurance
GeoBlue is a trade name of Worldwide Insurance Services, LLC (Worldwide Services Insurance Agency, LLC in California and New York), an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
Since 1997, Worldwide Insurance Services has been dedicated to helping travelers and expatriates identify, access and pay for quality healthcare, all around the world. Sold in connection with certain Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies, each GeoBlue policy is U.S. licensed and offers the most complete set of benefits and services in the industry.
- GeoBlue members enjoy:24/7 Phone, Web and Mobile Support
- Prompt Access to Trusted Doctors and Hospitals
- Cashless Appointment Scheduling
- Paperless Claims Resolution
- Destination Health Intelligence
GeoBlue and the US Traveler
One of the most important aspects of International Cover is the relationship between you and your insurer. After all what good is the health insurance if you cannot find a doctor you trust. GeoBlue has an elite network of doctors from most every specialty ready to see you in over 180 countries.
Only a small fraction of doctors around the world meet GeoBlue’s exacting standards—participation is by invitation only. GeoBlue seeks out professionals certified by the American or Royal Board of Medical Specialties who speak English, and they factor in recommendations by over 158 Physician Advisors from all over the world.GeoBlue assembles in-depth provider profiles so their members can choose with confidence, and they put formal contracts in place to ensure preferred patient access. GeoBlue doctors and hospitals bill them directly so their policy holders don’t have to worry about filing a claim.
For members choosing a GeoBlue plan that offers benefits in the United States, they gain access to the largest national network and facilities that have been awarded the coveted Blue Distinction for superior medical outcomes. In the U.S., more than 80 percent of physicians and 90 percent of hospitals contract directly with Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.
International Health Insurance for Expats Living Abroad
International Health Insurance has been around for a long-time. Very much like Individual Health’s domestic plans in the U.S., their International plans provide the International equivalent of a major medical plan only enhanced to meet the needs of the global traveler.
As global lifestyles continue to emerge, the demand for comprehensive international health insurance has grown rapidly. For the global expatriate the increase in selection from tier one insurers offers them a choice not previously found.
Many off-shore insurers have missed the mark because of limited benefit, long waiting periods, harsh exclusions, pre-certification penalties and lack of portability.
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- There are many reasons you should purchase health insurance when traveling abroad, though some countries are no longer giving travelers the choice.
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- There are many reasons you should purchase health insurance when traveling abroad, though some countries are no longer giving travelers the choice.
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Photo credits: Featured by Denise Krebs. Antarctica by ravas51. Turkey by Moyan Brenn. Eiffel Tower by Artur Staszewski. Advice and assistance on healthcare by audio-luci-store.it.
63 Comments
Insurance can be so complicated! So glad for Australia’s medicare system.
I just sent my daughter to live in Torquay Australia last month and she is loving it. I had a good chance to explore the Australian Medicare System before she left home and it is one of the best examples of a good marriage between a government sponsored system and the private insurance markets. Other countries including the U.S. could learn something. My daughter although is not covered by your Medicare system it is available at some point if she gains employment. She is currentlycovered with GeoBlue with 100% coverage and global in nature. I like what Australia has done to incentivize both the private and public sectors…
Wow, I had no idea! Thanks for the tips Meg! It is true, anyone going to the US without insurance is certainly taking a gamble since it’s sooo pricey
Got to love insurance!
great info, thank you! I always have insurance but some of my naughty friends don’t!
I would never travel without health insurance!! On a visit to my brother in the US I had a gallbladder attack and was rushed to hospital. After ten days and an operation the bill was well into the five figures – my cover with Cigna paid it all – I never even saw a bill! It was a life-threatening situation which I could not have afforded to treat on my own…
I only just got insurance in the past few weeks. It’s the first time I’ve had it in close to 10 years. Fortunately I’ve been really healthy, but I’m very happy to have it now. I had no idea some countries didn’t allow entry unless you have health coverage. It definitely makes sense. Glad I’m covered!
Great post !! Such helpful information that i was previously unaware of :) Thank-you .
Yup, good post. I can vouch for Cuba because we bought it once there. Easy process though.
Frank (bbqboy)
I had no idea that these policies even insisted! Fortunately I always travel with insurance, but still good to know. Thanks Meg!
This is great information to know for my upcoming layover in Dubai :D I had no idea they required it!
I have the feeling people are more concerned about their phone insurance than their health insurance while traveling.
Personally I have heard too many scary stories of high hospital bills to take any chance.
Hi Meg,
Thanks for sharing I never knew this as we always get travel insurance before leaving home:)
Annie ox
This is just the kind of info I need right now, making my plans to switch to a nomadic lifestyle and health insurance was one of the items on my list of things to research – your post helps me immensely – thank you!
And I had no idea that some countries require proof of health insurance when entering the country.
I agree with you: The cost of American healthcare is outrageous. Much of that is due to the culture. Doctors have to pay exorbitant rates for insurance because people in the US are so litigious.
Let’s hear it for medical tourism!
We always travel with insurance but this is not something I have ever thought about. With so many Australians relying, as we do, on insurance attached to a credit card I wonder how you prove to foreign authorities that you are covered.
Some great information here that will prove to be very valuable when we venture out on our travels. I didn’t know about UAE or Turkey as both are these countries that we are considering visiting in the near future.
I did not realize that all these countries required insurance to visit. I have insurance in the U.S. but it does not cover me outside the country.
I think it’s just a safe bet to always get travel insurance. I caught bronchitis on a trip to the Dominican Republic and heard the medical center I was in charging someone who wasn’t insured $250.00 USD just to see the doctor. Always get it.
I think it’s also important to get trip cancellation/interruption insurance with so many airlines refusing to reimburse you for delays, and hotels charging you whether you can get there or not!
Good information. So valuable!
I didn’t know about this.. but luckily I haven’t had any problems so far! Seems like it’s more of an issue for those looking to stay long term or past the usual tourist visa.
Since I’m European, I qualify for the EHIC, which is a health insurance card across Europe, but I still back that up with my own backpacker insurance.
Living in Lapland, tho’, our closest hospital was a 4hr drive away. Our closest health centre was 2hrs away. 140 people lived in the town we lived… BUT there was a scary man who built ice sculpture’s who told me one day that no one died there because he could “start a-the heart”. Never been so terrified in my life. Of course he meant use a defib, but still!
Based here in Canada, our news is filled with tons of stories of unprepared Canadians who travel to the US without insurance and then are stuck with massive bills (up to one million dollars!) for emergencies like premature deliveries and neo-natal care.
Even if you don’t think you’re likely to have a life threatening emergency, think of how insanely easy it is to sprain your ankle. Your life isn’t in danger, but you’ll be in extreme pain and your trip will be a write off.
I’m so glad I found an insurance card for the whole world and valid for the whole year, I don’t need to remember about insurance anymore. And in past it happened to me so many times that I bought one literally few minutes before crossing the border as I forgot about it before.
Never even thought about this! Thanks for the information–definitely something good to know about!
Oh, wow! I’ve heard of traveler’s insurance, but I didn’t realize it was becoming entirely mandatory! It makes sense, though! This is good information to know before planning a big, expensive overseas trip. Thank you! :)
Great article! There is so much about insurance that is confusing. This is helpful for anyone traveling abroad. THANKS!
Great information as always! Can’t imagine not having health insurance – you never know what can happen and it can be a life changer in so many ways. Best to be prepared!
Insurance can be so complicated! So glad for Australia’s medicare system.
I actually had no idea that there are some countries that require you to have health insurance before they’ll let you in. That actually seems like a pretty smart thing to require of visitors. I’d love to do some traveling over the next year or so, but I don’t actually have any kind of health insurance lined up yet. That’s something that I’ll need to take care of before I actually start trying to travel.
I was not aware that even country like Turkey requires health insurance for tourists. I guess it is important to have a travel insurance whether it is mandatory or not because it will to save you money on medical and other costs.
In the next few weeks, my sister and I will be taking a vacation to France, and I had no idea the country requires all visitors to have health insurance. It makes sense, and thankfully we are both fully insured. Either way, thank you for making me aware of this potential problem, so we can both be sure to have all our insurance paperwork organized and ready in case something should happen.
Health insurance is so interesting to examine around the world. It’s so varying, but all has the same purpose. I didn’t know that some countries, like Cuba, don’t even let you in their country without health insurance! I’ll have to look at the laws for some of the countries we are planning to visit next summer. Thanks!
What are the countries that don’t require travel insurance? What are the countries if any that are easiest for foreigners to receive state-sponsored coverage?
Hi Megan and Mike,
Amazing post to share!!
When it comes to health insurance I think everyone needs it. The best part of your post is that you have mentioned the name of countries that makes health insurance mandatory. I love traveling to new places.
My wife and I was planning to Cuba last week. My wife needs health insurance; now after reading that purchasing insurance from local Cuban insurance provider is expensive we have decided to purchase health insurance here in our home country.
Thank you so much!!
If you are an EU national you DO NOT need any proof of health insurance to enter those Schengen countries. I’ve been traveling between Austria, Hungary, Italy, Greece, and Slovakia (since 2012) and have never been asked.
Spain seems to be pretty much the same as France then. I’m based here now and had to show proof of health insurance for the duration of my long term visa (9 months). Still, good and comprehensive private insurance here was only $400 for the whole year for amazing coverage! And then I talk to my grandmother in the U.S. who says she literally can’t even afford her hearing aids =( The U.S. health insurance situation makes me sooo angry!!!
I’m always amazed at how many people I meet who tell me they aren’t getting travel insurance because their belongings don’t cost much so they don’t care if they lose them. They seem ignorant to the possibility of losing the cost of the trip itself (or having to pay for replacement hotels or flights if something goes wrong), let alone the far more serious issue of health cover in case of accident or illness. On our second Antarctica trip there was a situation of very severe illness (which unfortunately was handled poorly) and it really underlined how important evacuation cover is from remote places.
That’s a great list, Megan!
Personally, I think having an insurance – life, health and travel is a must for every individual. I know of many travellers who just think of it as an additional expense and don’t bother with it. Or think they don’t need it. But in fact, insurance is something that you buy when (and even if) you don’t need it so that it’s there when you do.
Great post and regardless where you are in the world, travel insurance is a must for me. However I leart today from this post that Iceland and Norway are part of the Schengen agreement. I thought they were outside but was proved wrong. And I am European…oppsie! :D So everyone….get travel insurance!
I really think that health insurance should be mandatory. There was a well reported case in the British press a few years back about a man who had travelled to Thailand for an extended stay without insurance and now needed 80k to pay for medical treatment. He was looking to raise funds off the British public to okay his way home. Get lost is what I say, if you had enough money to go to Thailand, you have no excuse not to pay for it and why should someone else bail you out for pure stupidity. Thanks for trying to raise awareness of this important issue
Such good information I think many people have no idea about these rules. We struggle to always stay insured as we have no home base and move every year to a new country and then spend every summer in another county. It is exhausting trying to keep up with insurance. Thanks for the info – we will check out your link for sure!
Oh i didn’t know that but its a good news!!We should always have a travel insurance , its so important… Thanks for the info :-)
I had no idea about some of these. I’m really terrible about checking these things out before I travel somewhere so it’s nice to have a list like this put together. Great advice, thanks so much!
Valuable information, I think we have pretty much of the world covered over here. I guess even if it is not mandatory, it is prudent to have health insurance so that you are prepared for eventualities.
It’s so interesting to read which countries won’t allow you entry without insurance – but I do wonder when/if they check. I would never have had cause to be concerned about it because we always travel with insurance – and I’ve been through and visited a lot of the countries on this list! But ultimately I think it;s a good thing. No-one should be a burden on any system or family member to stump up for accidents/injuries that happen and if you can afford to travel you can afford insurance and shouldn’t be selfish enough not to have it!
It’s funny I have never ever thought that there would be countries that wouldn’t let you in if you didn’t have medical travel insurance. I found that really interesting and learnt something new.
As I have a yearly policy, it’s something I just renew and never have to think about until renewal time again. Ends up being cheaper and way more easier. Plus covered without thinking.
I am curious if anyone knows the most inexpensive – let’s say it CHEAP – health insurance a would-be expat can purchase. I am just looking for a limited term like 3-6 months so I can get entry to certain countries like Ecuador, Spain, Costa Rica, etc…Once I get there and gain entry I can work on renewal, etc…a
ANY help would be greatly appreciated
Wow this is some really good information. I dint know about Turkey, Im feeling so frustrated now because it was in my list of countries to travel to this year.
Would you be knowing a cheap insurer that I could take cover with since I only plan on being there for less than 3 months…
Thanks Megan! This was a super helpful post! :)
Well, it’s not nice for other countries to isolate those who has no health insurance coz there are some of us that aren’t able to afford it. Do you get what I mean?
Insurance is really important. But how about those who can’t afford it? It’s Just unfair for them.
Insurance can be so complicated! So glad for Australia’s medicare system.
Insurance is so important for each and everyone of us. But the thing is, what if they have not enough money to sustain their insurance?
How interesting. Thanks for sharing :) I knew about the Schengen States, but definitely not the others.
This just reflects how important health insurance is, and nice of you to cover this topic as I’m pretty sure not a lot of people would know about these specific requirements before visiting these countries.
great info, thank you!It’s so interesting to read which countries won’t allow you entry without insurance
The trip insurance is very important, everyone before travel is interested in this issue, I am also planning for your trip and I see the information you share is very Thank you very much
Great Article. Can you confirm that Turkey still requires mandatory travel insurance upon arrival? I have read conflicting reports online and from travel agents. If so, do the authorities not let you in if you have not obtained travel insurance for your visit? Thanks!
Amazing post! Thanks for sharing.
Hi!
I am interested in posting on your blogs…I need to know some things in advance before I include your site in my offer.
Looking forward to working with you!
Cheers!
Hey Megan!
Thanks for the information. Went to Cuba last week and didnt know anything about healt insurance or that they had such a policy in Cuba! but before went there I run into you post an had to buy one before getting there. health insure prices are not so bad there tho!
can I move to Serbia without health insurance coverage