There are several reasons why purchasing travel insurance before you travel abroad is a good idea. From the medical coverage and trip cancellation protection to safeguards for unexpected delays and the general peace-of-mind you get with a customized travel insurance policy from Allianz Global Assistance.
But did you know that having a travel insurance plan could mean the difference between experiencing the joys of a foreign land and never getting past customs? That’s because there are several countries that require proof of travel insurance before you even set foot on their soil.
Here are some of the more notable destinations that require travel insurance for entry.
Renowned for its cultural vibrancy, bustling beaches, and exceptionally savory cuisines, Cuba is a time-capsule country that is a top attraction for tourists. In fact, since the early 1990s, tourism in Cuba has grown exponentially in just a couple of decades.
So, if this country is next on your bucket list, it’s important to note that the federal government mandated back in 2010 that all visitors to the country, foreign and domestic, must maintain travel insurance with medical coverage before entering the country. It’s always wise to purchase travel insurance anyway, but in Cuba it is a necessity, particularly the medical coverage aspect.
For one, safe drinking water isn’t always available in Cuba, and if you were to get sick, Cuban authorities can delay your return home if you have outstanding medical bills. Not only that, due to the country’s warm and humid climate, the risk of mosquito-borne illness is higher, and a hospital stay in the country’s capital, Havana, may cost you hundreds of dollars a day out of pocket without health insurance.
This oceanic country with more than 300 islets is a top destination for couples and adventure enthusiasts alike. With white sand beaches, lush rainforests, and world class waves, Fiji is the perfect place for those looking to either relax on a hammock or scale the rural mountains.
But before you go, travel insurance with medical coverage is a requirement. And it also needs to include international coverage for COVID-19 and related costs. If you’re on a cruise in Fiji, additional coverages may be required as well.
Fiji’s remote location also plays a role in the need for travel insurance with enhanced coverage. If you require a remote medical evacuation, it could cost thousands of dollars out of pocket, if not more. But with a Medical Plan from Allianz Global Assistance, you can get the help you need quickly, without hurting your wallet.
Quickly becoming one of the fastest growing travel destinations in the Middle East, This country along the Arabian Peninsula received nearly three million tourists in 2015. In fact, Qatar will soon play host to one of the most anticipated international soccer matches of the decade—the 2022 FIFA World Cup—making it the first Muslim country in the Arab world to host the event.
But Qatar offers more than epic soccer matches. As visitors to this historic city have lots to see and do. From the Al Reem Biosphere Reserve and the ancient Barzan Towers to the Museum of Islamic Art and the Souq Waqif Marketplace.
However, unexpected mishaps may happen anywhere you travel. This is why the Qatari government mandates that all foreign visitors maintain travel insurance with medical coverage.
Generally, if a country requires a visa for visiting, they likely require proof of travel insurance as well. But it’s best to always practice precaution and purchase a travel insurance plan from Allianz Global Assistance. For a full list of countries that require travel insurance before entry, please review this list of countries that require travel insurance fo entry. And remember, when planning your next excusion, be sure to check with Canada's travel advisory and advice portal making any final decisions.
Travel insurance is underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company, a member of The Co-operators Group of Companies, administered by Allianz Global Assistance, which is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc.
