In an effort to protect themselves from the financial burden made by medical bills left unpaid by tourists, more and more countries are now requiring visitors to show proof of travel insurance before being allowed to enter. Many of these locations are very popular tourist destinations for U.S. citizens.
When visiting a country, you may be required to purchase a travel insurance before being allowed to enter. There may even be certain benefit limit requirements – most notably for emergency medical coverage -- requested by the country you are visiting.
If you arrive in a country without the proper travel insurance, you will be forced to purchase insurance or you will not be allowed to enter the country.
Yes, for many of the countries that require travel insurance for entry, there are travel insurance kiosks/offices that offer travel insurance for those who are ill-prepared.
It is better, however, if you get the proper travel insurance before you leave for your trip. That way you can choose your provider and the plan that best fits your need. It can also save you time once you visit the country!
A travel visa does not replace travel insurance. Many of the countries that require travel insurance for entry also require a valid passport and an entry visa.
The list below is accurate as of February 2019. For the most up to date information on which countries required travel insurance as well as the details of the requirement, please visit the State Department’s website.
The following countries are a part of the Schengen Area which are under an official agreement that allows for easy travel between the countries’ borders.
The following countries are a part of the Schengen Area:
As a part of the Schengen Visa application process you must have proof of travel insurance with at least $50,000 in emergency medical benefits. With Arch RoamRight, the Preferred, Elite, Pro, and Pro Plus plans, each have emergency medical benefits that either meet or exceed this requirement. If you choose the Arch RoamRight Essential plan, you can reach that medical benefit limit requirement if you also purchase the additional Medical and Evacuation Coverage upgrade.
As a part of the agreement between Cuba and the United States that now allows American travelers to visit the island nation, travelers from the U.S. must show proof of travel insurance in order to be able to enter.
One of the more recent countries to require travel insurance is Ecuador, which includes the Galapagos Islands.
These other destinations also require travel insurance for visitors:
What is Travel Insurance?:Â Travel is a type of coverage that helps protect you if your vacation or business travel plans change. It may also provide medical coverage for emergencies that occur outside of your network.
The Ultimate Travel Documents Checklist: Tickets? Check. Hotel reservation? Check. Driver’s License? Check. Travel Insurance? Don’t forget your travel insurance and related documentation when you are about to leave for your trip.
Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.
Arch RoamRight recently launched two plans on our website; learn the differences between the plans.Â
Volcanic eruptions are natural disasters that may be covered events under Arch RoamRight travel protection plans. From minor disruptions to catastrophic events, volcanos can affect travelers around the world.
RoamRight's Marketing Communications Specialist, Victoria Zidwick, has worked in the travel insurance industry for more than five years. She has traveled extensively throughout the United States and has a handful of international travel experiences.Victoria's travel experiences have changed in recent years, as her family grows and she is learning the ins and outs of traveling with children. Connect with Victoria on LinkedIn or follow her onTwitter or Google Plus.
Travel smarter with travel insurance from RoamRight. Get your free, no-obligation quote online today.
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