You’re staring at a half-packed suitcase, trying to remember if you packed your extra socks, when it hits you. Do I actually need a specialized policy for this trip? Most of us think of travel insurance as that annoying "extra" at the bottom of a checkout page. Something we skip because we’re "careful" or "healthy."
But honestly, for a growing list of destinations in 2026, it’s not a choice anymore. It's a hard entry requirement.
If you show up at the border of certain countries without the right paperwork, they won’t just give you a stern look. They’ll send you right back where you came from. Or, at the very least, they’ll force you to buy a local policy on the spot—usually at a price that’ll make your eyes water.
The New Reality: Georgia and the 2026 Shift
Let's talk about the biggest change right now. As of January 1, 2026, Georgia (the country, not the state) has officially joined the list of nations requiring every single tourist to have health and accident insurance.
The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs isn't playing around here. Your policy has to cover at least 30,000 GEL (which is roughly $11,000 to $12,000 depending on the daily exchange rate). It also needs to be in English or Georgian. If you’re planning on trekking through the Caucasus or sipping wine in Tbilisi, you’ve gotta have that digital or physical certificate ready at the border.
It’s part of a broader trend. Countries are tired of footing the bill for uninsured travelers who end up in local hospitals. Basically, they want to make sure if you fall off a mountain or get a nasty case of food poisoning, there’s a company ready to pay the bill.
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The Heavy Hitters: Schengen and Beyond
The most famous "you must have this" zone is the Schengen Area. If you need a visa to enter Europe—think citizens of India, China, or South Africa—you cannot get that visa without proof of insurance.
But even for those who don’t need a visa (like Americans or Brits), the rules are tightening. By the end of 2026, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will be fully rolled out. While ETIAS itself is an authorization and not a visa, the "recommendation" for insurance is becoming so loud it’s almost mandatory.
What the Schengen Rules Actually Demand
- €30,000 minimum coverage: This is the magic number.
- Repatriation: Your policy must pay to fly your body back home if the worst happens.
- Coverage in all 27 member states: You can’t just have a policy for France if you’re taking the train to Belgium.
The Tropical Curveball: Island Nations and Remote Spots
You'd think a beach vacation would be low-stakes. Nope. Many island nations have realized that their healthcare systems are small and easily overwhelmed.
Seychelles and Mauritius used to be very strict about this during the pandemic. While they’ve "relaxed" the rules recently, they still require a Travel Authorization where you often have to declare your insurance status. In Seychelles, immigration officers still have the legal right to ask for proof of insurance that covers COVID-19 and medical evacuation. If you can't show it? You're essentially at the mercy of the officer on duty.
Then there’s Cuba. This one is legendary. You literally cannot enter without insurance that is "recognized" by the Cuban government. Most U.S. airlines actually bake the cost of this insurance into your ticket price, but you still need to keep that boarding pass as proof of coverage. It’s a weird, specific quirk you don't want to mess up.
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The "Sorta" Mandatory List: Where it Depends on Your Visa
This is where it gets kinda confusing. Some countries don’t require insurance for a 2-week vacation, but they absolutely require it if you’re staying longer.
Take Thailand. If you’re just popping in for 30 days on a visa exemption, you’re usually fine (though you're crazy not to have it). But if you’re applying for the Long Stay O-A visa or the new DTV (Digital Nomad Visa), the requirements are massive. We’re talking coverage up to 3,000,000 THB ($100,000 USD) for some visa types.
Qatar is another one. Since 2023, they’ve mandated a specific health insurance policy for all visitors. You can often buy it through their government portal for about 50 QAR (roughly $13). It’s cheap, sure, but if you don't have it, you're not getting past the gate.
Real Talk: Why "Recommended" Often Means "Required"
I've talked to travelers who got stuck in Jordan or Ecuador because an official decided to check for "sufficient funds and protection."
Technically, Ecuador "strongly encourages" it. But if you’re heading to the Galápagos Islands, they can and do ask for proof of medical coverage. The logic is simple: if you get sick on an island 600 miles from the mainland, an evacuation flight will cost you $50,000. The government doesn't want to be on the hook for that.
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Countries Requiring Travel Insurance (The Quick Checklist)
Here is a non-exhaustive but critical list of where you'll likely need proof of insurance in 2026:
- Georgia: Mandatory for all tourists (30k GEL minimum).
- Qatar: Mandatory (can be purchased via government-approved providers).
- Cuba: Mandatory for everyone (often included in airfare for some regions).
- Schengen Countries: Mandatory for all visa applicants (€30k minimum).
- United Arab Emirates: Often required or checked depending on visa type.
- Jordan: Required (policy must cover COVID-19/emergencies).
- Bhutan: Mandatory as part of the visa/Sustainable Development Fee process.
- Myanmar: Mandatory (must be purchased from "Myanma Insurance").
- Israel: Proof of insurance covering COVID-19 is frequently requested.
What Most People Get Wrong About Coverage
Most people think their credit card "has them covered."
Look, I love my travel credit card too, but "trip cancellation" is not "medical insurance." Most cards will pay you back if your flight is canceled because of a storm. Very few will pay for a three-day hospital stay in Berlin or an emergency surgery in Tokyo.
And then there's Medicare. If you're a U.S. citizen on Medicare, it basically stops working the second you cross the border. You have zero coverage in most foreign countries.
Actionable Steps Before You Fly
Don't just buy the first policy you see. It's a waste of money if it doesn't meet the specific country's "visa letter" requirements.
- Check the "Visa Letter" format: Many countries (especially Schengen) require a specific letter that states your name, the coverage dates, and that the policy covers "repatriation of remains." A 50-page policy document is useless to a border agent; they want that one-page summary.
- Verify "Local" vs. "International": For places like Myanmar or Qatar, you might be forced to buy from their state-approved insurers. Buying a high-end U.S. policy won't satisfy them.
- Check your Activity Coverage: If you're going to Georgia to ski or Thailand to dive, make sure "Adventure Sports" isn't excluded. Most basic policies exclude anything fun.
- Save a Digital Copy Offline: Don't rely on the airport Wi-Fi. Save a PDF of your insurance certificate to your phone's files or take a screenshot.
At the end of the day, travel insurance is less about the "what if" and more about the "can I get in?" In 2026, the answer for many of the world's most beautiful spots is a resounding "no" unless you’ve got the right policy in your pocket.
Next Steps: Check your destination’s official consulate website at least 30 days before departure. Requirements change fast, and you'll need time to get the correct visa letter from your insurance provider. If you're heading to Europe, specifically look for "Schengen-compliant" plans to ensure the €30,000 limit is explicitly mentioned.