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Countries where Travel Insurance is Mandatory

Offering a break from the monotony, travelling is like therapy for some, while for others, it is an enthralling experience. No matter why an individual may choose to travel, whether it is to experience a new horizon or to learn more about different cultures, travelling has certainly become an integral part of one's life. In order to ensure hassle-free travel and a safer journey, there are travel insurance plans that are designed to meet the different needs of travellers. You can choose to buy travel insurance when travelling to different countries such as Thailand, Singapore, the United Kingdom, or any other.


Basic Requirements for Travelling Abroad:

- Passport: The fundamental requirement for international travel is a valid passport with at least six months' validity beyond your planned return date.

- Visas: Depending on your destination, you may need to secure a visa before departure. Some countries offer visas on arrival or electronic visas for short stays.

- Vaccinations: Certain destinations require proof of vaccination against diseases like yellow fever. Always check the health requirements for your destination well in advance.

- Return Tickets: Some countries may ask for evidence of your intended departure, like a return ticket or an onward journey.

- Funds: Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay is often a necessity, which can be in the form of cash, traveller's cheques, or bank statements.


Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for International Travel?

The requirement for travel insurance varies by destination. Some countries have made it mandatory for incoming travellers to possess insurance to cover any potential medical expenses during their stay. This is particularly true for countries within the Schengen Area, which strictly require visitors to have travel insurance.


Even when not mandatory, travel insurance is strongly recommended. Why? Because it serves as your financial safety net, covering unforeseen circumstances that could otherwise ruin your trip and impact your finances significantly. Let's talk about why opting for travel insurance is a wise decision:


- Medical Emergencies: If you fall ill or get injured, travel insurance can cover your medical expenses, which can be exorbitant abroad.

- Trip Cancellation or Interruption: Should you need to cancel your trip or cut it short due to emergency situations, travel insurance can help you recover non-refundable costs.

- Lost or Stolen Luggage: Losing your bags or having them stolen is distressing. Travel insurance can provide compensation for your lost items.

- Legal Issues: If you find yourself in legal trouble while abroad, some travel insurance policies offer coverage for legal fees.

- Emergency Evacuation: In the case of a natural disaster or sudden political upheaval, travel insurance can cover the cost of an emergency evacuation.


While travel insurance is an additional expense, its value becomes apparent when faced with situations that are often beyond your control. It's about peace of mind—knowing that in a foreign land, you have a support system that can help you tackle emergencies effectively.


In conclusion, while it's not always mandatory, travel insurance stands as a crucial component of international travel requirements. It safeguards your journey and ensures that should the unexpected happen, you're not left stranded or financially burdened. As you check off your list of travel must-haves, consider travel insurance to be as essential as your passport and visa—it's your ticket to a secure and stress-free adventure across borders.



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List of Countries Where Travel Insurance is Mandatory


There are certain countries which have made it mandatory for a traveller to purchase a travel insurance plan Listed below are the countries where you cannot travel without a valid travel insurance plan:

  • Schengen Countries: This comprises a list of 26 European countries where you must have a travel insurance

  • United States of America

  • United Arab of Emirates

  • Turkey

  • Qatar

  • New Zealand

  • Singapore


This means that in order to set foot in any of these countries, you must have a travel insurance plan.


Benefits of Travel Insurance Plans

A travel insurance plan is an insurance product that helps you stay protected in case any uncertainty arises while travelling. A travel insurance plan is one of the best ways to secure your trip. Moreover, many countries such as the USA, UK, Singapore, and more have made it a mandate for travellers to carry a travel insurance plan when travelling to these countries. So, listed below are some of the benefits of having travel insurance plans for different foreign countries:

  • Journey Cover: With a travel insurance plan, you can get coverage for any uncertainty that may arise on your trip. Some of the common inclusions under these are travel assistance, flight delays, etc. So, when you have travel insurance, you can get protection if your flight is delayed or cancelled, your visa or passport is lost, or your flight is hijacked. For any such unforeseen circumstances, travel insurance provides assistance.

  • Baggage Coverage: A travel insurance plan also provides baggage-related coverage. For instance, if during your international trip, your baggage is lost or delayed, then a travel insurance plan will help you get compensation for the same. Compensation will be provided for the total items that are lost or stolen in that particular baggage.

  • Medical Coverage: Yet another benefit of travel insurance is to get medical assistance during the trip. For instance, if you fall ill and require medical treatment, then with travel insurance, you can get your medical expenses covered. Moreover, you will also get coverage in case you require medical evacuation, or want your family to visit you when you have fallen ill in a foreign land.

  • Automatic trip extension: Travel insurance also assists in automatic trip extension. This facility is offered, if the policyholder falls ill and wants their trip to be extended for getting adequate medical help.

  • Immediate cash allowance: In case you need an emergency cash allowance during your foreign trip, then with a travel insurance plan, you can also seek immediate cash. So, when you are travelling to the UK, Mauritius, Singapore, or any other country, make sure to purchase a travel insurance plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Should I get a travel insurance plan when travelling to Dubai?


    Yes, you must have a travel insurance plan for going to Dubai.



  • What factors should be considered while purchasing a travel insurance policy?

    While purchasing a travel insurance policy, you should consider travel duration, travel insurance coverage, claim settlement ratio, and the support team. 



  • What are the benefits of buying travel insurance?


    Some of the benefits of buying travel insurance are getting coverage for trip cancellations, flight delays, medical assistance, and more.



  • Which countries require mandatory travel insurance?

    There are a few countries that mandatorily require travel insurance such as UAE, the UK, Schengen countries, and more. 



  • What are the different types of travel insurance plans?


    Some of the major types of travel insurance plans are Senior Citizen Travel Insurance, Student Travel Insurance, and more. 



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