If you’ve never traveled outside the United States – or if it’s been a while – here’s a trend you might not be aware of: More countries are requiring proof of travel medical insurance for entry. Throughout parts of Europe and Asia, it’s not enough to have a passport, or even a passport and a visa. In some countries, you must also provide proof of the required travel medical insurance to visit.
Which countries are on the list?
Destinations that require proof of travel insurance include Argentina, Qatar, and 29 countries in Europe – if you plan to stay for more than 90 days. That’s according to Allianz Partners, a travel insurance provider with which SentinelMED works closely.
Because requirements can change, the U.S. State Department recommends that you check with the embassy of the country where you’re traveling to confirm whether it requires travel insurance for entry, the type of insurance, and the amount of coverage. The department has links to embassy information on its website.
Why do countries require proof of travel medical insurance?
Medical care for travelers can quickly get expensive, especially after a serious accident or injury, or for a medical evacuation or repatriation. Countries require travel medical insurance to ensure that travelers don’t leave the country without paying for medical care. They also want assurance that a seriously ill or injured traveler will be able to pay for medical transportation, which can be extremely expensive. Depending on the length and complexity of the transport, costs can range from $20,000 to more than $100,000.
How much coverage is required for travel medical insurance?
The 29 countries in the Schengen area of Europe require travelers to show proof that they have policies that provide €30K of coverage, or about $35,000 in U.S. dollars, for stays longer than 90 days. However, be sure to confirm the regulations for the countries you plan to visit before purchasing a travel medical insurance policy. Some countries require travelers to buy policies directly from the country itself or from specific companies.
Make sure you know what you’re purchasing
Travel medical insurance is not the same as trip insurance. Travel insurance typically covers things like delayed flights, lost luggage, or rental car damage, and may or may not include travel medical insurance. Higher-cost policies generally provide more coverage for medical expenses than low-cost policies.
Here’s another important thing to know about travel medical insurance coverage – unlike private health insurance, it won’t pay the costs of medical care up front. If you get injured or sick while traveling outside the United States, you’ll likely be required to pay your entire medical bill at the doctor's or hospital. Be sure to save your receipts and other documentation so you can submit a claim for reimbursement to your travel medical insurance provider. Most providers request that you submit your claims as soon as possible.
Things to look for in a travel medical insurance policy
The details of travel insurance or travel medical insurance policies can be written very differently. According to the state department, you need to check the following details before purchasing a policy:
- The policy is valid for the countries you are traveling to and the activities you plan to participate in.
- It covers the length of your trip.
- It specifically covers emergency medical care.
- It does not have exclusions for your current or chronic medical conditions.
- The maximum coverage amount is sufficient to cover the costs of a medical transport back to the United States.
About SentinelMED
SentinelMED provides medical transport, medical repatriation, and medical escort services for people who need assistance to travel long distances. With decades of travel medical experience, the members of the SentinelMED team have assisted with patient transports throughout the world.
Our medical professionals work closely with travel insurance providers, patients, and their families to provide safe and comfortable door-to-door transportation after an accident or illness.
At SentinelMED, we understand the complexity of delivering exceptional care to people who need assistance during travel. Please contact us to learn more about the services that SentinelMED offers or its staff.
