Whether you need travel insurance while traveling from India depends on the policies of the country you are visiting for your international vacation. International travel insurance is not mandatory in all countries, but there are at least 38 countries where it is a legal requirement.
Governments enforce travel insurance mandates primarily to ensure the safety of visitors and reduce the financial burden on their domestic health care systems.
What is compulsory travel insurance?
When a country mandates travel insurance, it becomes a legal requirement to enter the country or apply for a visa. These compulsory policies usually provide the same benefits as regular travel insurance, such as coverage for medical emergencies, delayed flights, lost luggage/passports, liability for property damage or bodily injury, etc.
Some countries impose additional requirements on compulsory insurance for travelers. For example, you may need to get a policy with a Minimum coverage value for a Minimum period. Similarly, travel insurance is required to participate in some countries Adventure activities or in emergencies such as epidemics or civil unrest. Sometimes, these mandates are temporary. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, countries like Singapore and Bhutan Travelers need insurance with COVID-19 coverage. However, such restrictions have been lifted in many places after the epidemic subsided.
Why do countries make travel insurance compulsory?
Here are some of the main reasons why countries need travel insurance:
1. To provide immediate medical assistance to tourists: Countries mandate international travel insurance to ensure that tourists can receive immediate medical assistance without heavy financial burden. Having your insurer cover the cost of medication and hospitalization can be lifesaving, especially in countries that lack government-funded healthcare infrastructure.
2. To reduce the financial risk to the local health care system: If tourists who do not have travel insurance become ill during their stay, the financial burden of providing medical care to them falls on the local health services. In countries with public healthcare, this can result in higher costs for local taxpayers.
3. To improve public safety and health: If a tourist fails to seek medical attention, especially for cases such as infectious diseases, there is a high risk of spreading the infection to locals. Travel insurance ensures immediate assistance while ensuring the safety of you and your people without worrying about your financial impact.
4. To reduce the burden on the government: In emergencies such as natural disasters, civil unrest and war, local governments may not always be willing to use public funds on tourists. However, if you have travel insurance, you can relax as it covers the cost of medical assistance, emergency transportation, and evacuation.
5. To provide seamless travel experience: Imagine visiting a country for vacation and being slapped with additional expenses due to health emergencies, flight delays, or delayed or stolen luggage. It will ruin your experience, and you may even avoid that destination in the future. However, travel insurance covers any emergency that may occur.
Countries where travel insurance is mandatory
Many countries mandate international travel insurance for Indian travelers, often specifying coverage for medical emergencies, COVID-19 treatment, or evacuation. These include Cuba, Ecuador (for Galapagos), Aruba, Jordan, Nepal (trekking/mountaineering), Vietnam, Iran, Laos, Qatar, Rwanda and Seychelles. Schengen countries require at least €30,000 of coverage, while Russia, Turkey, the UAE (multi-entry visa), Saudi Arabia, and the United States (students) also have special requirements. In remote destinations like Antarctica, comprehensive medical evacuation coverage is essential. Always check the updated regulations with the embassy or official websites before planning your trip.
Consequences of not having travel insurance when mandatory
Failure to present valid travel insurance in countries where it is mandatory can have serious consequences, including:
1. Denial of Entry: Passengers without travel insurance may be denied entry. If insurance is required for visa applications, the visa will be refused.
2. Legal Penalties: Depending on local laws, travelers may face fines or other legal consequences for failing to comply with insurance requirements.
3. Financial stress: Uninsured travelers may face immediate financial obligations such as purchasing a new insurance policy or booking a return flight. Expenses can quickly add up in the event of a medical emergency or lost belongings.
4. Travel restrictions: Without mandatory travel insurance, travelers risk significant disruptions to their plans. This means that housing, transportation, or activities can be rescheduled, causing unnecessary stress and inconvenience.
Finally, protect your travel insurance well when visiting countries with mandatory requirements. Make sure your policy aligns with local regulations, covering the required amount, duration, and scope. Trusted platforms offer seamless processes and comprehensive coverage to purchase and manage travel insurance so you can travel with confidence and enjoy your trip.
(Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of YourStory)