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List of Countries Requiring Travel Insurance for Visa

Team AckoJul 22, 2025

Are you planning a trip abroad? You should know that many countries have made it mandatory to get travel insurance for visa applications or to grant entry to their country. These countries include the 29 Schengen countries in Europe, Cuba, the UAE, etc. These requirements may vary based on the country, and so it's important to check the travel insurance-related regulations of your destination country before travelling.

Contents

Countries That Require Travel Insurance for Visa
List of Countries Where Travel Insurance is Recommended
Why Is Travel Insurance Important and Becoming Mandatory?
How to Confirm if a Country Has a Mandated Travel Insurance?
Final Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions

Countries That Require Travel Insurance for Visa

Here is a list of countries requiring a travel insurance plan to get a valid visa from India:

Sl no.	Name of the Country	Mandatory Travel Insurance Coverage
1	29 Schengen Countries	Minimum coverage of €30,000 (approx ₹30 lakhs)
2	Antarctica	Minimum $100,000 (approx ₹85 lakhs) coverage for medical and evacuation expenses
3	Cuba, Ecuador, Fiji*,	A policy with at least $50,000 (approx ₹42 lakhs) in medical coverage and $100,000 (approx ₹85 lakhs) for evacuation
4	Israel	Minimum $50,000 (approx ₹42 lakhs) medical coverage
5	Russia	Minimum coverage of $30,000 (approx ₹25 lakhs)
6	Rwanda	At least $100,000 (approx ₹85 lakhs) coverage for medical emergencies
8	Turkey	Medical expense coverage of a minimum $50,000 (approx ₹42 lakhs)
9	UAE	At least $100,000 (approx ₹85 lakhs) in medical coverage
10	Zanzibar (Tanzanian Archipelago)	$44 (approx ₹3.8k) per person, and it remains valid for a consecutive 92 days

*For Equador, travel insurance is only required for the Galapagos Islands.

**For Fiji, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Fiji tourism board.

List of Countries Where Travel Insurance is Recommended

Here is a list of countries where getting a travel insurance plan is generally recommended before starting the trip:

Sl No.	Name of the Countries	Recommended Travel Insurance Coverage
1.	Aruba, Australia, Azerbaijan, Canada, Jordan, Peru, Seychelles, Thailand, Vietnam, UK, USA, New Zealand	Minimum coverage of $100,000 (approx ₹85 lakhs)
2.	Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar	Minimum coverage of $50,000 (approx ₹42 lakhs)

Why Is Travel Insurance Important and Becoming Mandatory?

So, here are some reasons why travel insurance is essential during an international trip:

1. Offers Financial Protection

A comprehensive travel insurance provides financial protection to policyholders against unforeseen circumstances, such as sudden illness, accidents or baggage loss during their trip. This way, the policy ensures peace of mind in unfamiliar conditions.

2. COVID-19 Coverage

Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, many nations have mandated travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage as a part of visa applications. It guarantees that tourists do not have to bear any expenses if they are affected by COVID-19 while travelling. Furthermore, with health care costs in most countries being too expensive, travel insurance reduces the financial strains of the travellers.

3. Rising Global Mandates by Nations

Numerous nations, such as Schengen countries, Thailand, and the UAE, currently demand proof of travel insurance for visa issuance. The compulsory aspect guarantees foreign travellers can handle unforeseen costs without drawing from local resources. Governments are implementing these policies to minimise public healthcare costs and deal with incoming travel risks.

4. High-Risk and Adventure Travel

Most tourists participate in adventure activities such as skiing, scuba diving, or hiking. These sports have higher chances of injury, and regular health insurance might not include coverage for such conditions. Travel insurance with customised adventure cover helps protect travellers financially and medically while taking part in high-risk activities in foreign areas.

How to Confirm if a Country Has a Mandated Travel Insurance?

These steps to follow to confirm the countries mandating travel insurance are as follows:

1. Visit the Official Website

The official visa or embassy websites of all international countries specify the latest entry requirements.

2. Ask the Airline

While booking a ticket, you can ask the airline about the requirement for a travel insurance document for entering a foreign country.

3. Confirm When Applying for a Visa

While applying for the visa, go through the document required list or talk with visa officials to confirm if travel insurance is essential.

4. Stay Up to Date on News

Several public domains cover such news, helping travellers to stay up to date on any new changes.

5. Contact Insurers

While looking for a travel insurance plan, you can confirm with the insurer whether it is a mandatory requirement for entry to a country.

Final Thoughts

In recent years, countries requiring travel insurance for visa approval have increased, making it a vital part of international travel. Beyond medical emergencies, travel insurance often covers baggage loss and trip interruptions.

This mandatory requirement ensures financial security abroad. To choose the right policy, travellers should assess their needs and compare insurance quotes. Planning ahead ensures smooth travel while complying with visa norms set by countries requiring travel insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Indians during all International Trips?

No, travel insurance is not mandatory for all international trips. However, it is highly recommended.

What is the Most Important Factor to Consider When Choosing Travel Insurance?

While purchasing travel insurance, check the coverage, date and duration of travel and the premium. Besides the medical coverage, check whether the policy you are choosing has coverage for lost luggage, flight rescheduling or cancellations and trip cancellations.

Do I Need Travel Insurance while Travelling to the UK?

If you are travelling to the UK, as an Indian, it is not mandatory to purchase travel insurance.

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Europe?

No, travel insurance is required for Indians visiting Schengen Area countries; however, not all European nations require it. For countries like the UK, Ireland, and Serbia, no insurance is required.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes. Please check the policy document for cancelation reasons, and terms and conditions of the policy.