Travel Insurance Requirements by Country (2025)

Last updated: September 11, 2025 | 10 min read

1. Quick Summary

Required
2
Visa Applicants Only
11
Recommended
27
Not Required
0
CountryRegionStatusMin CoverageProof RequiredCOVID CoverageNotes
SpainEuropeVisa Applicants Only$35,000
  • Schengen insurance certificate (EUR 30,000+)
Required for Schengen visa applicants.
FranceEuropeVisa Applicants Only$35,000
  • Schengen insurance certificate (EUR 30,000+)
Schengen visa applicants only.
GermanyEuropeVisa Applicants Only$35,000
  • Schengen insurance certificate (EUR 30,000+)
PortugalEuropeVisa Applicants Only$35,000
  • Schengen insurance certificate
ItalyEuropeVisa Applicants Only$35,000
  • Schengen insurance certificate
CroatiaEuropeRecommended
  • Policy certificate
Visa-exempt tourists not required; Schengen visa applicants require proof.
EstoniaEuropeVisa Applicants Only$35,000
  • Schengen insurance certificate
GreeceEuropeVisa Applicants Only$35,000
  • Schengen insurance certificate
PolandEuropeVisa Applicants Only$35,000
  • Schengen insurance certificate
Czech RepublicEuropeVisa Applicants Only$35,000
  • Schengen insurance certificate
ThailandAsiaRecommended$10,000
  • Policy certificate
Highly recommended; certain visas may require.
JapanAsiaRecommended
  • Policy certificate
Not mandatory, but recommended for visitors.
IndiaAsiaRecommended
  • Policy certificate
Some tours/permits may require proof; verify your itinerary.
IndonesiaAsiaRecommended
  • Policy certificate
VietnamAsiaRecommended
  • Policy certificate
PhilippinesAsiaRecommended
  • Policy certificate
MalaysiaAsiaRecommended
  • Policy certificate
SingaporeAsiaRecommended
  • Policy certificate
TurkeyAsiaRecommended
  • Policy certificate
United Arab EmiratesMiddle EastRequired$50,000
  • Policy certificate
Often checked by airlines and immigration; policy should include emergency care.
IsraelMiddle EastRecommended
  • Policy certificate
Saudi ArabiaMiddle EastRecommended
  • Policy certificate
Some visa types include mandatory coverage; verify specifics.
IranMiddle EastVisa Applicants Only
  • Policy certificate
Insurance proof commonly requested for visas/on arrival.
MexicoNorth AmericaRecommended
  • Policy certificate
Not mandatory, but recommended and sometimes requested on tours.
CanadaNorth AmericaRecommended
  • Policy certificate
Medical care can be expensive; insurance strongly advised.
United StatesNorth AmericaRecommended
  • Policy certificate
Very high medical costs; strong recommendation.
CubaNorth AmericaRequired
  • Policy certificate
Entry requires proof of health insurance for visitors.
BrazilSouth AmericaRecommended
  • Policy certificate
ArgentinaSouth AmericaRecommended
  • Policy certificate
ColombiaSouth AmericaRecommended
  • Policy certificate
PeruSouth AmericaRecommended
  • Policy certificate
ChileSouth AmericaRecommended
  • Policy certificate
AustraliaOceaniaRecommended
  • Policy certificate
Not mandatory for visitors; students may need OSHC.
new-zealandOceaniaRecommended
  • Policy certificate
MoroccoAfricaRecommended
  • Policy certificate
EgyptAfricaRecommended
  • Policy certificate
South AfricaAfricaRecommended
  • Policy certificate
KenyaAfricaRecommended
  • Policy certificate
TanzaniaAfricaRecommended
  • Policy certificate
AlgeriaAfricaVisa Applicants Only
  • Policy certificate
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.

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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