Travel Insurance Requirements by Country (2025)
Last updated: September 11, 2025 | 10 min read
1. Quick Summary
Country | Region | Status | Min Coverage | Proof Required | COVID Coverage | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spain | Europe | Visa Applicants Only | $35,000 |
| — | Required for Schengen visa applicants. |
France | Europe | Visa Applicants Only | $35,000 |
| — | Schengen visa applicants only. |
Germany | Europe | Visa Applicants Only | $35,000 |
| — | — |
Portugal | Europe | Visa Applicants Only | $35,000 |
| — | — |
Italy | Europe | Visa Applicants Only | $35,000 |
| — | — |
Croatia | Europe | Recommended | — |
| — | Visa-exempt tourists not required; Schengen visa applicants require proof. |
Estonia | Europe | Visa Applicants Only | $35,000 |
| — | — |
Greece | Europe | Visa Applicants Only | $35,000 |
| — | — |
Poland | Europe | Visa Applicants Only | $35,000 |
| — | — |
Czech Republic | Europe | Visa Applicants Only | $35,000 |
| — | — |
Thailand | Asia | Recommended | $10,000 |
| — | Highly recommended; certain visas may require. |
Japan | Asia | Recommended | — |
| — | Not mandatory, but recommended for visitors. |
India | Asia | Recommended | — |
| — | Some tours/permits may require proof; verify your itinerary. |
Indonesia | Asia | Recommended | — |
| — | — |
Vietnam | Asia | Recommended | — |
| — | — |
Philippines | Asia | Recommended | — |
| — | — |
Malaysia | Asia | Recommended | — |
| — | — |
Singapore | Asia | Recommended | — |
| — | — |
Turkey | Asia | Recommended | — |
| — | — |
United Arab Emirates | Middle East | Required | $50,000 |
| — | Often checked by airlines and immigration; policy should include emergency care. |
Israel | Middle East | Recommended | — |
| — | — |
Saudi Arabia | Middle East | Recommended | — |
| — | Some visa types include mandatory coverage; verify specifics. |
Iran | Middle East | Visa Applicants Only | — |
| — | Insurance proof commonly requested for visas/on arrival. |
Mexico | North America | Recommended | — |
| — | Not mandatory, but recommended and sometimes requested on tours. |
Canada | North America | Recommended | — |
| — | Medical care can be expensive; insurance strongly advised. |
United States | North America | Recommended | — |
| — | Very high medical costs; strong recommendation. |
Cuba | North America | Required | — |
| — | Entry requires proof of health insurance for visitors. |
Brazil | South America | Recommended | — |
| — | — |
Argentina | South America | Recommended | — |
| — | — |
Colombia | South America | Recommended | — |
| — | — |
Peru | South America | Recommended | — |
| — | — |
Chile | South America | Recommended | — |
| — | — |
Australia | Oceania | Recommended | — |
| — | Not mandatory for visitors; students may need OSHC. |
new-zealand | Oceania | Recommended | — |
| — | — |
Morocco | Africa | Recommended | — |
| — | — |
Egypt | Africa | Recommended | — |
| — | — |
South Africa | Africa | Recommended | — |
| — | — |
Kenya | Africa | Recommended | — |
| — | — |
Tanzania | Africa | Recommended | — |
| — | — |
Algeria | Africa | Visa Applicants Only | — |
| — | Insurance typically required for visa applicants. |
Related Resources
How to Choose Travel Insurance
Core coverage to look for
- Medical: $50,000–$100,000 minimum (Schengen applicants need €30,000+).
- Emergency evacuation: $200,000+ including repatriation.
- 24/7 assistance and direct billing where possible.
- Trip interruption and delay coverage with realistic limits.
Adjust based on your trip
- Adventure activities: ensure specific sports are covered (e.g., diving, trekking).
- Pre‑existing conditions: look for clear disclosure and waiver policies.
- Gear and electronics: add riders if traveling with laptops/cameras.
- Long trips: favor multi‑trip or renewable long‑stay policies.
Tip: If applying for a Schengen visa, ask the insurer for a certificate that explicitly states coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies across the Schengen Area for the full duration of your stay.
Schengen Certificate Checklist
- Your full name as in passport
- Trip dates (covering the entire visa‑requested stay)
- Coverage amount (≥ €30,000 for medical) including repatriation
- Validity across all Schengen states
- Insurer details and 24/7 assistance phone number
Some consulates require a signed/sealed letter; digital certificates are commonly accepted but carry a printed copy.
Methodology & Sources
- Status definitions reflect entry or visa-application requirements published by governments and consulates as of January 2025.
- Schengen requirements are standardized at €30,000 minimum medical coverage for visa applicants; not required for visa‑exempt tourists.
- Regional notes (e.g., UAE) reflect airline/immigration checks commonly reported and official guidance where available.
- Always verify with the destination’s official government or embassy site before you purchase or travel; policies and thresholds change.
- EU Home Affairs — Schengen visa policy
- Portugal — AIMA (official)
- Gov.UK — Foreign travel advice (for cross‑checks)
- Dubai — Visa and entry info (insurance notes)
Travel Insurance FAQ
Common questions about insurance requirements and documents.
For Schengen visa applicants, proof of medical insurance with at least EUR 30,000 coverage valid across Schengen states and visit duration.
Often not, but strongly recommended due to healthcare costs and emergencies. Some airlines/tours may require proof.
Increasingly not mandatory; however, comprehensive policies covering illness, evacuation, and trip interruption are advised.
From our table, the UAE commonly requires valid medical insurance for entry. Schengen states require insurance for visa applicants (not visa-exempt tourists). Always verify current rules before travel.
A policy certificate or insurer letter showing your name, dates of coverage, medical coverage limit, and evacuation/repatriation. Schengen applicants should request a specific “Schengen certificate.” Digital proof is usually fine; print a copy for border checks.
A practical baseline is $50,000–$100,000 medical coverage plus $200,000+ evacuation/repatriation. Consider higher limits for remote destinations or adventure activities.
Many basic policies exclude higher‑risk sports (diving, trekking above set altitudes, skiing). Add a sports rider or choose an insurer that explicitly includes your activities.
Often yes, but some insurers impose a 48–72h waiting period before illness coverage starts. If applying for a visa, purchase before submission and include the certificate.
Usually not for long trips. Card coverage often caps medical/evacuation limits and days (e.g., 15–31). Check limits; many travelers add a standalone policy for medical and evacuation.
No. A single policy must cover all Schengen states for the full trip length with at least €30,000 medical coverage plus repatriation.
Extend your policy or purchase a new one ensuring continuous coverage through your stay (and visa validity, if applicable). Carry updated proof.
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