Travel insurance is always a good idea for international travel (here’s why), but it isn’t usually required.

That may be changing. Recently, more countries have been adding a travel insurance requirement for tourists. “As more and more countries prioritize their public health care systems, this trend is here to stay,” said Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA.¹

We’ve compiled a list of countries that require proof of travel insurance (as of December 2025), as well as answers about how to get this insurance and how it protects you.

Please note that this is not a comprehensive list, and travel rules change frequently. Confirm entry requirements for your destination before you go. For the latest information on travel requirements and entry restrictions for international destinations, check our interactive map. (Content is provided by Sherpa, an affiliated third party).

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Is travel insurance mandatory in Europe?

Schengen Area countries in Europe require travel insurance coverage for stays longer than 90 days. The required travel insurance must include a minimum of €30K of coverage, with coverage for emergency medical care, medical repatriation, and coverage for expenses related to the traveler’s death.²

There are 29 countries in the Schengen area: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Which other countries require travel insurance for entry?

Argentina has a mandatory travel insurance rule. Tourists must carry a plan with coverage for medical emergencies: medical care, hospitalization, 24/7 assistance, medical transport or evacuation, and repatriation.³

Cuba requires non-U.S. medical insurance for visitors. This insurance is often included in the price of your airline ticket; if it’s not, you can buy it at the airport when you arrive.⁴ Keep in mind, however, that this is only medical insurance, with no other benefits. (Also be aware that Americans are prohibited from traveling to Cuba solely for tourist activities.⁵)

Japan is considering adding a mandatory travel insurance requirement for tourists, because of unpaid medical bills for foreigners receiving treatment in Japan. However, travel insurance for Japan is not required as of late 2025.⁶

Qatar requires travelers to have travel insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and transportation.⁷ Travelers may purchase insurance from companies authorized by the Qatar government or from another travel insurance provider, as long as the plan meets the requirements.

Saudi Arabia includes a medical insurance fee in the cost of an eVisa for American visitors. This fee is SAR 395 (about USD $105).⁸

Tanzania has a mandatory travel insurance requirement. Visitors must purchase a plan through the official government provider, which covers the “cost of emergency medical expenses and repatriation expenses (body and medical), personal accident, baggage delay, theft and loss, legal expenses, personal liabilities etc.”⁹ Note that pre-existing conditions and complications of pregnancy are not covered.

Thailand is planning to charge a mandatory tourist fee of around $9 that would include some basic emergency medical insurance. However, this fee system is not yet in place (as of late 2025).¹⁰

Ukraine requires foreigners to have medical insurance. Also, “U.S. citizens are encouraged to consider purchasing additional medical evacuation insurance when arranging their medical insurance for traveling to Ukraine,” the U.S. Department of State says. (The State Department currently advises against travel to Ukraine.)¹¹

Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania, requires mandatory travel insurance for all non-residents. This insurance must be purchased directly from the national insurer, Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, prior to arrival.¹²

Travelers’ questions about mandatory travel insurance

1. If I buy a mandatory travel insurance plan that only includes medical benefits, do I need to purchase normal travel insurance as well?

It’s a good idea. Some countries require the purchase of a plan that only covers medical emergencies, with no additional benefits. If you have to cancel your trip last-minute, or you experience travel or baggage delays, the medical-only plan can’t help you. An Allianz Travel Insurance plan with trip cancellation, trip delay, and baggage benefits can. Get a customized quote.

Read more: Destinations Where Travel Insurance Is a Must

2. Will an Allianz Travel Insurance plan meet my destination’s requirements for travel insurance?

Travel insurance requirements vary by country and continue to evolve. While we continually monitor and adapt our products and services as best as we can, we cannot guarantee that a plan will meet mandatory travel insurance requirements for a specific country. Contact us if you need assistance finding the right travel insurance plan, or if the plan you purchased does not meet your needs. You can also check the U.S. Department of State country information page for your destination, the country’s U.S. embassy, or the country’s official tourism website to find out what’s required.

3. What’s an Embassy Letter?

Countries that require travel insurance for entry may ask for something called an “Embassy Letter.” This is a summary of travel insurance benefits to prove that your plan meets the country’s requirements. If you need an Embassy Letter, submit an online request here and we’ll prepare one for you. Please allow 24-48 hours for a response. If you need your letter sooner than that, call us at 1-866-884-3556.

Not sure whether the information provided in the Embassy Letter satisfies the requirements of your destination country? Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of that country to confirm.

4. If my destination doesn’t require visitors to have travel insurance, do I still need to buy it?

Travel insurance is always a good idea, for one simple reason: If something goes wrong on your trip, and you don’t have insurance, then you’re on your own. You could risk losing your pre-paid trip expenses; having to pay out of pocket for medical bills; being forced to pay for your own accommodations in case of quarantine or other trip interruption; etc. Find the plan that’s right for you.

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