x Countries Now Require International Health Insurance......

1 ~~~ These Countries Now Require International Health Insurance for Entry ~ Conde Nast Traveler ~~~ 37

Visiting a different country has always come with entry requirements—a visa, a return ticket, or a passport with six months of validity remaining. But since the COVID-19 pandemic, countries have enacted more stringent requirements: proof you purchased international healthcare coverage.

More tourist-frequented nations than ever are requiring proof of health insurance for entry, with the island nation of Aruba even requiring visitors buy a compulsory government policy, whether or not you already have your own separate coverage. This new requirement is largely because international healthcare coverage is wholly separate from your standard health insurance (and trip-cancellation insurance), and coverage abroad is rarely included in U.S.-based health policies. Officials are seeking to protect their healthcare systems from potential costs that mount and go unpaid when visitors who become COVID-19 patients don’t have coverage.

“What frequently happens is that domestic health insurance is simply not accepted by healthcare providers outside the U.S.,” a spokesperson for travel insurance provider Allianz said via email.

During the current global pandemic, any existing international healthcare coverage in your own existing policy can even be voided by traveling to an outbreak-affected area, due to the risk involved (only reading the fine print will tell what’s covered and what voids a policy).

“The reason for [requiring healthcare coverage] is to prevent local healthcare providers and governments from having to foot the bill for uninsured tourists,” the Allianz spokesperson said. “The coverage also does protect travelers from potentially catastrophic medical bills or emergency medical transportation costs.”

While many nations are requiring a negative COVID-19 test for entry, an insurance policy that would cover potential medical costs during the trip is a separate requirement. The cost of the initial COVID-19 test required for entry is typically separate from the local health insurance coverage, which typically begins the moment you touch down for the trip.

Are you considering traveling abroad as more nations reopen to tourists, or do you still need to travel internationally? The below destinations are enforcing mandatory travel healthcare coverage, typically separate from your existing health insurance, as a new post-COVID requirement. Online services where you can compare travel healthcare coverage policies and costs can depend on where you live, but include Allianz Travel, GeoBlue, and IMG Global. Check with the destination you’re visiting first, in case they require their own specific policy.

www.cntraveler.com/story/these-countries-now-require-international-health-insurance-for-entry ~ 7 August 2020 ~