Countries That Require Mandatory Travel Insurance When You Travel from the UAE
- MooCover
- Nov 6
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 7
When planning an international trip, most of us think of passports, visas, and flight tickets. But there’s another essential document increasingly appearing on entry checklists around the world - travel insurance.
Across the world, more destinations are introducing compulsory travel insurance rules to protect both travellers and their own healthcare systems. For UAE residents, this means checking whether your destination requires proof of insurance before you book your flight or apply for a visa.
If you’re travelling from the UAE, here’s what you need to know about the countries that require mandatory travel insurance, and why you should never leave home without it.
Why Some Countries Make Travel Insurance Mandatory
Travel insurance ensures that visitors can access medical treatment, hospitalisation, or emergency evacuation without burdening local healthcare systems.
In many cases, it’s also a visa requirement, meaning your application won’t be processed without proof of coverage. Some countries even set minimum coverage amounts to make sure travellers are adequately protected.
If you apply for a visa without the right insurance, your application can be rejected. And yes, some travellers have been turned away at the airport for not having proof of cover.
So, before you book that ticket, it’s crucial to know which countries require travel insurance and what their conditions are.
How to Choose the Right Policy
When shopping for travel insurance in the UAE, keep an eye out for:
✅ Minimum coverage- at least €30,000 if travelling to Schengen countries.
✅ Medical evacuation & repatriation- must be included.
✅ Trip cancellation & baggage loss- optional but useful.
✅ COVID-19 coverage- still required by some countries.
✅ Pre-existing condition disclosure- always declare them.
Top Destinations That Require Travel Insurance
Algeria
Visa applicants must provide a passport valid for at least six months, two recent photos, and proof of travel insurance and repatriation assistance. These documents must be submitted along with the visa application at the Algerian Embassy or Consulate.
Argentina
Travellers must fill out an electronic sworn statement form within 48 hours of travel and show medical travel insurance that includes hospitalisation, quarantine, and transportation coverage.
Aruba
Visitors from the UAE applying for a Caribbean visa (for Aruba, Curaçao, or other Dutch Caribbean territories) must provide proof of travel medical insurance valid for their entire stay. The policy must cover all Caribbean parts of the Kingdom and include at least USD 15,000 for medical expenses, hospitalisation, emergency care, medication, and repatriation.
Azerbaijan
All visa applicants must submit a medical insurance certificate covering the duration of their stay unless the host organisation assumes responsibility for medical expenses. The policy is required to process any visa through the Embassy or Consulate.
Cuba
All travellers must hold travel health insurance valid for their entire stay in Cuba. Applicants must also present a passport valid for at least 180 days, confirmed accommodation, and a return ticket.For nationals from certain countries such as India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, a Tourist Visa is required, and travel insurance remains compulsory alongside a financial statement and notarised affidavit confirming travel purpose.
Georgia
UAE citizens and residents can enter Georgia visa-free but must have travel or health insurance covering their entire visit. Those applying for e-visas must upload proof of insurance, flight details, accommodation bookings, and bank statements.
Israel
Visitors must present proof of insurance valid for the full duration of their stay. This document accompanies other requirements such as proof of accommodation, employment confirmation, and bank statements.
Moldova
To obtain a short-stay visa (Type C), travellers must show medical travel insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000. This insurance must be valid for the entire trip and is a mandatory part of the visa application process.
Morocco
Visitors must carry insurance covering hospital and medical repatriation for the full duration of their stay. The policy may be verified at border control, alongside proof of funds, a return ticket, and residence documents.
Qatar
Since the introduction of the Mandatory Visitors’ Health Insurance Policy, travellers requiring a pre-arrival visa must have valid health insurance before entering Qatar.The insurance must cover emergency medical treatment up to QAR 150,000, repatriation (up to QAR 10,000), and COVID-19-related expenses up to QAR 50,000.Visitors eligible for visa-on-arrival are exempt for the first 30 days but must purchase insurance to extend their stay.
Source: https://www.moph.gov.qa/english/departments/ministeroffice/hfid/Pages/Health-Insurance-Scheme.aspx
Russia
Applicants for tourist visas must include a medical insurance policy valid in Russia that fully covers their travel period. This must accompany the official visa support document, travel details, and passport.
Schengen Area (Europe)
While UAE nationals can enter Schengen countries visa-free for up to 90 days, travellers from other nationalities residing in the UAE must provide medical travel insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000.This policy must cover emergency medical care, hospitalisation, and repatriation across all Schengen states. Even for UAE citizens, it’s strongly advised to carry insurance due to the high cost of healthcare in Europe.
The information above is based on the latest updates available from official embassy and consulate websites as of November 2025. Visa and travel insurance requirements can change without prior notice, so travellers are advised to verify details directly with the respective embassy or visa centre before making travel plans.
Why This Matters for UAE Travellers
Travel insurance is a smart investment for any trip, irrespective of the destination you’re travelling to. The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs frequently advises residents to travel with medical insurance, especially when visiting destinations with high healthcare costs.
Unexpected illness, flight delays, or lost luggage can turn a holiday into a financial headache. MooTravel Insurance covers:
Medical and hospital expenses abroad
Emergency evacuation and repatriation
Trip cancellation or interruption
Lost or delayed baggage
COVID-19 coverage and more
With MooTravel, UAE residents can get affordable, region-specific plans whether travelling to Europe, Asia, or the Americas, all designed to meet the mandatory travel insurance requirements of embassies and consulates worldwide.
Final Thoughts
Before applying for a visa or booking your next flight, double-check your destination’s entry requirements and secure travel insurance from a trusted provider like MooTravel. It not only ensures your visa is approved but also gives you the peace of mind to travel confidently, wherever your plans take you.
Don’t be stranded without insurance, and short on cash due to an unexpected emergency in a foreign country.
Travel confidently. MooTravel’s got you covered, wherever you go.
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