It is always advisable to have health insurance if you are living or working overseas. But there are now an increasing number of countries that won’t let you in without it. Find out which countries these are and how to choose the right insurance for you.
Mandatory health insurance is becoming more common
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, mandatory health insurance for entering a country is becoming more common. Some countries are now requiring visitors to have health insurance before they will issue a visa. In others, you risk being turned away at arrivals if you don’t have cover.
Currently, many countries are restricting entry to travellers. If they are open to travellers, many countries require negative coronavirus tests for entry and/or are imposing quarantine restrictions. The situation is changing rapidly, so make sure you check the requirements for the country you plan to visit before you travel.
Update 08/04/2021: all international arrivals to England, including UK nationals, are required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken up to 72 hours prior to departure.
Why do some countries require you to have health insurance for entry?
Having the right health insurance means visitors and expats will be able to access medical treatment if they need it without being faced with enormous costs. But countries also want to protect their own health systems. Particularly in the age of COVID-19, they do not want to see hospitals and clinics left with unpaid bills for healthcare given to visitors.
Which countries won’t let you in without health insurance?
Countries where you will need health insurance on entry include:
Aruba
This Caribbean island has introduced mandatory Aruba Visitor Insurance to be purchased from the government directly to help cover expenses up to US$75,000 if you test positive for COVID-19 during your stay. Premiums are per person and depend on your age and the length of your stay.
Bahamas
The cost for the mandatory insurance is included in the price of the Travel Health Visa that all tourists are required to apply for before entry.
Brazil
Brazil has removed the requirement of mandatory travel insurance that covers COVID-19 during your stay, however, travellers are still encouraged to purchase coverage for not only COVID-19 related costs but also any other unexpected mishaps. If you do plan to travel to Brazil, consider the current situation and make sure you have the proper travel protection plan. It should also be noted that individuals who have a previously granted Brazilian visa are allowed entry, but visitors without a valid visa may not enter the country until further notice.
Costa Rica
International health insurance guaranteeing at least US$50,000 of coverage for COVID-19 is mandatory.
Cuba
To enter the country you must have travel insurance with cover for COVID-19.
Ecuador
Foreign tourists travelling to the Galapagos must have health insurance.
Russia
International visitors to Russia are required to apply for a Visa to enter the country. During this application process, the Consular Division of the Embassy maintains the right to request “medical insurance valid in the country to be visited and fully covering the period of the first trip,” according to the Embassy of the Russian Federation.
Schengen Countries
Certain countries referred to as the Schengen Countries may have specific requirements regarding what insurance their embassies will accept before issuing a Travel Visa. If you will be traveling to any of the 26 following destinations, you may be required to show proof of specific insurance: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. When traveling to any of these countries, their embassies may request that you show proof of the following insurance benefits: $50,000 of Medical Emergency/Hospitalization Coverage, $300,000 of Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Coverage, $0 Deductible, and proof that the insurance company who provides this coverage has offices located in Europe. For more information, please refer to our full resource on the Schengen Travel Visa.
St. Maarten
Health insurance is compulsory for all visitors and additional insurance covering COVID-19 related expenses is ‘strongly recommended’.
Tahiti
You will need to attest that you have health insurance or that you will personally assume all expenses for the cost of your care if you fall ill.
Turks and Caicos Islands
As well as completing a detailed health screening, visitors will have to provide evidence of having health/travel insurance that covers COVID-19.
United Arab Emirates
Visitors to Dubai must have international health insurance before travelling. online in under 2 minutes.
What other health-related entry requirements are there?
To enter many countries, you will need to have evidence of a recent negative COVID-19 test. You may also be asked to take a test on arrival. There may also be quarantine requirements.
Does Medicare cover me in a foreign country?
Medicare is the US federal health insurance programme. Medicare does not normally cover medical care outside the US and its territories, although there are some very limited exceptions. In all cases, if you have health insurance for your own country, you will need to check whether it offers any coverage in other countries too. If it doesn’t, you’ll need a separate health insurance policy.
Which countries have mandatory health insurance?
In some counties, it is compulsory for citizens to have health insurance, while companies in some countries are obliged to provide health insurance for employees. These countries include:
- Dubai and Abu Dhabi: employers are responsible for providing health insurance cover for employees.
- Oman: it is mandatory for private sector employers to provide basic health insurance coverage for employees, including expats.
What insurance do I need for working abroad?
Whether or not it is compulsory in the country you’re going to work in, for your peace of mind and wellbeing, you will need health insurance that covers you for illness or injury when you’re living overseas. As well as that protection, our international insurance also gives you 24/7 access to help with navigating language barriers and unfamiliar hospital settings.
Which is the best international health insurance?
The best international health insurance for you will depend on your situation and the level of cover you want. Seek an insurer who provide a truly personalised service for expats with a range of health insurance policies that allow you to choose options to suit your lifestyle.
To find out more about expat International Healthcare Insurance click here.
