Is travel insurance compulsory?

Is travel insurance compulsory?

Most countries don't require you to have travel insurance to enter as a visitor. However, there are some visas that do require you to have cover for the duration of your trip. These are generally longer term or working visas.

That said - it's a really bad idea to travel without travel insurance. The cost of medical care overseas can be REALLY expensive if you don't have coverage, especially if you need a medical evacuation back home. We're talking prices of over $100,000 or more in some cases.

Travel insurance isn't that expensive, and the peace of mind is worth it.

Which countries can't you enter without travel insurance?

There are a few dozen countries that require a minimum level of medical travel insurance before you can enter as a tourist. These include countries like Belarus, Cuba, Qatar, Turkey, Israel, Fiji and many more.

You'll also need travel insurance for longer term visits to countries like Australia, Canada and the Schengen countries, which include most countries in western Europe. The requirements will change based on your visa.

We can't list all of the countries that require you to have travel insurance, so you'll need to check the details of the visa you're entering the country on.

Compulsory travel insurance - worth every penny

"I lived in Canada for a couple of years under a work visa, and it was compulsory to get travel insurance for the entire trip. Luckily, there was a long term policy from Fast Cover made for my exact visa. I was lucky that I didn't need to make a claim, but the covid pandemic happened while I was over there. The cost of getting cover was more than worth it - Australia doesn't have a reciprocal health care agreement with Canada, so I would have had to pay all my medical expenses out-of-pocket if I didn't have cover and something went wrong."

Tim Bennett

Insurance expert

How much travel insurance do I need?

When travel insurance is compulsory, there will be minimum standards. Generally you need enough cover to pay for your medical costs as well as repatriation, if you need emergency evacuation back to Australia.

That's also the minimum travel insurance you should be taking out whenever you travel internationally. Basic medical travel insurance isn't that expensive, but can save you tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars if something goes wrong.

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Why get travel insurance even when it's not compulsory?

A night in hospital in a country such as Singapore or the United States of America (USA) could end up costing you almost $900 and $750 a night respectively. Travelling to these countries without travel insurance is like playing with fire.

Top 6 most expensive destinations to have an emergency

Other medical expenses you must be aware of

Other medical emergency expenses that you should be aware of include:

Frequently asked questions

• What happens if I do not have compulsory travel insurance?

  If travel insurance is compulsory for your destination or visa you might be denied entry. Even if you are allowed to enter you could face significant financial hardship if you need medical care repatriation or if your trip is interrupted. Some countries will require proof of insurance at the border so it is important to check the specific entry requirements for your destination well in advance.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for the Schengen Area?

  Yes if you are applying for a Schengen visa you must have travel insurance that meets specific requirements. This typically includes a minimum medical cover of €30,000 and cover for repatriation. For short term tourist stays as an Australian citizen it is not compulsory to have travel insurance but it is highly recommended due to the high costs of European medical care.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for Canada?

  For Australian tourists visiting Canada travel insurance is not compulsory. However for longer term visas such as a working holiday visa or study visa travel insurance is often a mandatory requirement. Always check the specific conditions of your visa or entry requirements before travelling.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for Bali or Indonesia?

  No travel insurance is not compulsory for Australian tourists visiting Bali or other parts of Indonesia. Despite this it is highly advisable to get cover. Medical facilities in Indonesia can be basic and a serious illness or injury could require medical evacuation which can cost well over $100,000. Even minor incidents like scooter accidents are common and without insurance you would pay all medical bills out of pocket.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for domestic travel within Australia?

  No travel insurance is not compulsory for domestic travel within Australia. However many Australians choose to get domestic travel insurance to cover risks like trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen luggage and rental car excess. While Medicare covers medical expenses within Australia it will not cover other travel related losses.

• Which visa types generally require compulsory travel insurance?

  Compulsory travel insurance is typically a requirement for longer term visas such as working holiday visas study visas or some extended visitor visas. These visas often require applicants to demonstrate they can cover potential medical expenses and repatriation costs during their stay. Always check the specific visa application guidelines for your chosen country to confirm the insurance requirements.

• Can I be denied entry to a country if I do not have travel insurance?

  Yes if a country or specific visa requires travel insurance for entry you can be denied entry if you do not have adequate cover. Some border officials may ask for proof of your insurance policy upon arrival. It is crucial to understand and meet all entry requirements for your destination before you travel.

Written by

Jessica Prasida

Travel Insurance Expert

Jessica Prasida brings a decade of experience in the travel industry, including over four years as a travel agent and branch manager at STA Travel. She holds a Bachelor of Business and a Master of Marketing from the University of Technology, Sydney, as well as a Tier 1 General Insurance qualification that complies with ASIC guidelines. An avid traveller herself, Jessica combines her professional expertise with a passion for ensuring safe and enjoyable journeys for all travellers. Jessica was a Travel Insurance Publisher at Finder from 2019 to 2024. See full bio