Travel insurance is highly recommended for any type of travel, whether domestic or international, as it covers medical emergencies, flight cancellations, and other unforeseen events, according to the contracted policy. Although local health plans do not always cover events outside the contracting state, some countries make travel insurance mandatory for foreigners.
When planning trips, exchanges, or stays outside Brazil, it is crucial to check the specific requirements of each destination to avoid unexpected costs.
South America
In South America, only Argentina, Ecuador, and Venezuela legally require travelers to have travel insurance. To enter Argentina, the policy must cover medical and hospital expenses, without a specified minimum amount. In Venezuela, the health insurance must guarantee a minimum coverage of US$ 40 thousand. Ecuador requires coverage for illnesses and accidents throughout the trip, without a minimum amount, with stricter inspection in the protected area of the Galapagos Islands.
In other South American countries, such as Chile, Uruguay, Colombia, and Brazil itself (if receiving foreign visitors), insurance is not mandatory for entry, but its purchase is strongly advised.
In Central America and the Caribbean, having a policy is necessary to enter Cuba.
North America
The countries of North America—Canada, the United States, and Mexico—do not impose mandatory insurance for entry. However, caution is recommended, as the absence of insurance may force the use of private emergency services, which can result in costs much higher than expected, especially in the United States.
Europe
The most popular destinations in Europe follow the rules of the Schengen Area, a free movement zone comprising 29 nations, including Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Czechia, Sweden, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Tourists from outside this zone can stay for up to 90 days every 180 days for tourism purposes. The insurance rule requires that the policy covers a minimum of € 30 thousand in average expenses and repatriation.
European countries outside the Schengen Area have their own regulations regarding entry documents, which must be checked individually before traveling.
Africa
Generally, African countries do not require travel insurance for entry. However, there are exceptions, such as Zanzibar, in Tanzania, where a policy is mandatory to access the archipelago. Furthermore, nations like Angola and Algeria may request travel insurance linked to the visa, depending on the category of the requested visa.
Asia
In Asia, Saudi Arabia and Qatar require travel insurance for tourist entry, and this insurance is tied to the entry visa. In Nepal, although the policy is not mandatory to enter the country, it becomes compulsory if the traveler plans to hike or climb mountains, as is common among foreigners seeking Everest.
Oceania
For tourists on short trips, it is not necessary to present insurance to enter the countries of Oceania. Conversely, long-term study visas in Australia require proof of OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover), a specific insurance for this purpose, and other long-term visas have their own insurance requirements.