A significant global shift is underway in international travel, with a growing number of countries making travel insurance mandatory for all international visitors. This move, exemplified by nations like Tanzania and Japan, stems primarily from increasing concerns over unpaid medical bills from uninsured tourists, which have placed considerable financial strain on national healthcare systems. The implementation of such policies aims to ensure both the safety of tourists and the financial sustainability of the host country’s medical infrastructure.

Tanzania, for instance, has officially joined this global trend, with its new mandatory travel insurance policy detailed in its 2025–2026 national budget. This requirement will apply to all non-resident tourists visiting mainland Tanzania, though visitors from neighboring East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) nations will be exempt to foster regional cooperation. The policy mandates that travelers purchase insurance valued at $44, providing comprehensive coverage for up to 92 days. This coverage specifically includes medical emergencies, medical repatriation in case of serious illness or death, protection against travel-related accidents, and compensation for lost or delayed baggage. These provisions are designed to offer peace of mind to visitors and ensure they are well-supported in the event of unexpected disruptions, aligning with similar regulations already in place in areas like Zanzibar and the Schengen Zone.

Japan’s decision to introduce mandatory travel insurance is similarly driven by the escalating problem of unpaid medical bills from foreign tourists. The country reported over ¥61.35 million yen (approximately US$427,000) in unpaid bills in just one month (September 2024), highlighting a substantial financial burden on its healthcare facilities. In response, Japan will incorporate this policy into its fiscal plans, requiring all short-term visitors to show proof of valid travel insurance at border controls. This initiative seeks to protect Japan’s healthcare infrastructure and ensure tourists can access necessary medical services without financially encumbering local hospitals. The scope of this plan may also extend to long-term foreign residents who have defaulted on national health insurance premiums.

The trend of mandatory travel insurance is widespread and expanding. In Europe, Schengen Area countries, including France, Germany, and Spain, have long necessitated proof of travel insurance for short-stay visa applicants, typically requiring a minimum of €30,000 in coverage for emergency medical treatment and repatriation. Russia and Georgia have also implemented similar requirements, with Georgia enforcing a €30,000 minimum coverage since 2024. Across the Middle East and Gulf regions, countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Turkey have made travel insurance a prerequisite for visa issuance, acknowledging the importance of safeguarding their healthcare systems. In Latin America, Cuba mandates that visitors provide proof of insurance or purchase it upon arrival, while Uruguay implemented a similar rule in 2023. Although Costa Rica has relaxed some COVID-era insurance requirements, it continues to strongly advise or require insurance for certain travelers.

For travelers planning future international trips, travel insurance is no longer an optional accessory but an essential component. Authorities may request proof of insurance not only during visa applications but also at immigration checkpoints, and failure to present valid documentation could result in denied boarding, refusal of entry, or being compelled to buy local insurance upon arrival. This fundamental shift underscores a broader governmental effort to ensure travelers are financially prepared for potential medical emergencies and unforeseen incidents, a concern that gained particular prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the policy landscape continues to evolve, understanding and budgeting for travel insurance has become a vital part of comprehensive international travel planning, reflecting a global movement toward safer and more secure travel experiences for all.