Report Summary:

  • An increasing number of countries are now requiring compulsory travel insurance before travelers can enter their borders.  In these instances, travelers are asked to show proof of medical or hospitalization coverage before they can enter.
  • This trend is set to continue, as countries seek ways to relieve themselves of the financial burden of medical bills left unpaid by tourists, whether that is travelers taking advantage of free healthcare or simply making a swift exit without paying their bills
  • Seven countries (including the US), and 15 participatory Schengen countries require some type of insurance for visitors, students or expats.
    • Cuba
    • Ecuador
    • Qatar
    • Russia
    • Turkey
    • UAE
    • US
  • Most Antarctica Tour Operators require  customers to have travel insurance
  • On August 28, 2018 Egypt announced its plans to introduce mandatory compulsory insurance;  details are not yet available
  • Thailand is currently undergoing a debate on mandatory travel insurance for visiting tourists
  • The EU (European Union) offers a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) that allows anyone who is insured by or covered by a statutory social security scheme of the EEA countries and Switzerland to receive medical treatment in another member state free or at a reduced cost, if that treatment becomes necessary during their visit.  This is not compulsory and it does not render travel insurance obsolete.

 

Paul Klein Travel Advisers  will  keep you updated on any other countries that might be in negotiations to begin their process.