Medical insurance isn’t just a “nice to have” service when traveling anymore. Depending on where you are headed, it may actually be obligatory.
Due to rising global healthcare costs, many countries are now requiring that tourists show proof of medical or hospitalization insurance coverage before entering. If a traveler cannot show that they have coverage in their destination country, they will either be denied entry or will be required to purchase coverage on the spot.
Currently, 15 of the 26 Schengen nations (which includes most of the EU countries and some independent nations) require some type of insurance for tourists. Other countries with requirements include Russia, Turkey, Cuba, Antarctica, the United Arab Emirates and more. These regulations are becoming more prevalent as countries pursue ways to relieve themselves of the financial hardship of medical bills left unpaid by tourists.
What can you do?
- Work with your travel management company to understand the entry requirements and the travel insurance regulations in your destination country.
- Few domestic insurance providers cover medical expenses outside of the U.S. Ask your health insurance provider if you are covered if a medical emergency is to arise in another country. If you are, obtain a copy of your policy before you travel.
- Don’t assume that nothing bad will to happen to you. We almost always recommend travel insurance, whether or not the destination country requires it.
Planning a trip? Let Professional Travel, a Direct Travel company, help. Not only will we completely customize your itinerary and handle all travel arrangements, we’ll make sure you are complying with regulations regarding travel insurance.
