If you’re planning an international trip this year, the right kind of insurance is always recommended. A travel insurance plan from Insubuy can protect you financially in many common scenarios you may encounter while travel abroad. But is travel insurance required? As it turns out, that largely depends on the destination and the length of your trip.
Do You Need Travel Insurance to Visit the USA?
The USA only requires international medical insurance coverage if you are visiting on a J1/J2 exchange visitor visa, in which case the US State Department requires you to have exchange visitor insurance. If you’re visiting on a B2 tourist visa or without a visa, visitors medical insurance is not required, but it is highly recommended. The US has some of the highest healthcare costs in the world. You may not be able to afford treatment if you get sick or hurt while visiting the US otherwise.
Do You Need Travel Insurance to Visit Europe?
Many of the most popular tourist destination countries in Europe are members of the Schengen Agreement, a consortium currently made up of 29 countries with a common visa and no internal border controls. If you require a Schengen visa to visit these countries, then you’re also required to show proof of compliant Schengen visa insurance. If you’re allowed to travel to Schengen countries without a visa, travel insurance is optional for you, but highly recommended. After all, your domestic health insurance is unlikely to be accepted overseas, leaving you no way to pay for treatment if you get hurt or sick without it.
What Other Countries Require Travel Insurance?
Every country has their own rules in place regarding travel insurance requirements, and these requirements can change. For instance, many countries instituted travel insurance requirements during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic that have since been rescinded. We recommend checking official government websites prior to planning your trip for the most up-to-date information, but you can also check our list of countries that require travel insurance.
Travel Insurance is Essential for Everyone
Regardless of requirement, every international traveler should purchase the travel insurance, travel medical insurance, or visitors insurance that suits their situation. It only takes a single emergency abroad to cause a major impact on your finances. Travel insurance from Insubuy can help protect you if something unexpected happens on your trip.