Healthcare Insurance Requirements Around The World

Starting your expat journey somewhere is never easy. Between the mountains of paperwork and cultural sensitivities, it’s easy for details to get lost. Unfortunately, selecting a medical insurance plan is often far more complicated than deciding what you personally want. Many countries have health insurance requirements for foreigners applying for visas – so in other words, it’s not just about having medical insurance, but having a plan that covers X, Y, and Z.

We know that keeping track of all these requirements is hard, so we decided to publish our own list of requirements in short. Please bear in mind that we try to keep this as up-to-date as possible, but there may be inaccuracies. Always double check official information from a country’s migration service or a specialist migration lawyer for that country.

Country Healthcare Insurance Requirement Official Information Link
Afghanistan Applicants must provide health insurance covering all risks, including medical treatment and repatriation. Embassy of Afghanistan – Visa Information
Albania Applicants must provide health insurance covering all risks, including medical treatment and repatriation. Embassy of Albania – Visa Information
Algeria Applicants must provide health insurance covering all risks, including medical treatment and repatriation. Embassy of Algeria – Visa Information
Andorra Comprehensive health insurance is required, covering medical expenses and repatriation. Government of Andorra – Immigration Service
Angola Comprehensive health insurance is required, covering medical expenses and repatriation. Consulate General of Angola – Visa Information
Antigua and Barbuda Applicants must provide health insurance covering all risks, including medical treatment and repatriation. Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda – Visa Information
Argentina Applicants must provide health insurance covering all risks, including medical treatment and repatriation. Argentine Republic – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Armenia Comprehensive health insurance is required, covering medical expenses and repatriation. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia – Visa Information
Australia Applicants for long-stay visas, such as the Temporary Skill Shortage visa, must have health insurance covering medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation for the entire duration of their stay. Department of Home Affairs – Australia
Austria Minimum coverage of €30,000 covering all risks, including medical treatment and repatriation. Austrian Embassy – Visa Information
Azerbaijan Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan – Visa Information
Bahamas Health insurance is recommended for long-term visitors to cover medical expenses and emergencies. Bahamas Immigration – Visa Information
Bahrain Applicants need insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000. Nationality, Passports & Residence Affairs – Bahrain
Bangladesh Health insurance covering hospitalization and medical expenses is required. Department of Immigration & Passports – Bangladesh
Barbados Applicants for the 12-Month Barbados Welcome Stamp must have health insurance covering medical expenses. Government of Barbados – Welcome Stamp
Belarus Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €10,000 is mandatory. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus – Visa Information
Belgium Comprehensive insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation. Belgium Visa Information
Belize Applicants for long-stay visas, such as the Qualified Retired Persons program, must have health insurance covering medical expenses. Belize Tourism Board – Qualified Retired Persons Program
Benin Applicants must provide health insurance covering all risks, including medical treatment and repatriation. Embassy of Benin – Visa Information
Bhutan Comprehensive health insurance with coverage of at least €60,000 is necessary. Department of Immigration – Bhutan
Bolivia Comprehensive health insurance is required, covering medical expenses and repatriation. Embassy of Bolivia – Visa Information
Bosnia and Herzegovina Applicants need insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina – Visa Information
Botswana Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Government of Botswana – Visa Information
Brazil Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Brazil
Brunei Proof of health insurance covering all risks is required. Department of Immigration and National Registration – Brunei
Bulgaria Health insurance with at least €30,000 in coverage. Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Information
Burkina Faso Applicants must provide health insurance covering all risks, including medical treatment and repatriation. Embassy of Burkina Faso – Visa Information
Burundi Comprehensive health insurance is required, covering medical expenses and repatriation. Embassy of Burundi – Visa Information
Cambodia Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation – Cambodia
Cameroon Comprehensive health insurance is required, covering medical expenses and repatriation. Embassy of Cameroon – Visa Information
Canada Applicants for long-stay visas, such as the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, must have health insurance covering medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation for the entire duration of their stay. Government of Canada – International Experience Canada
Cape Verde Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Embassy of Cape Verde – Visa Information
Central African Republic Applicants need insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000. Embassy of the Central African Republic – Visa Information
Chad Health insurance covering hospitalization and medical expenses is required. Embassy of Chad – Visa Information
Chile Applicants need insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000. Government of Chile – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
China Foreigners applying for long-term residence permits must have health insurance covering their stay. Embassy of the People's Republic of China – Visa Information
Colombia Health insurance covering hospitalization and medical expenses is required. Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Colombia
Comoros Comprehensive health insurance with coverage of at least €60,000 is necessary. Embassy of Comoros – Visa Information
Costa Rica Applicants for long-stay visas, such as the Rentista or Pensionado programs, must have health insurance covering medical expenses. Costa Rica Immigration – Residency Information
Croatia Requires coverage up to €30,000 for medical expenses. Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs – Visas
Cuba All visitors must have health insurance covering medical expenses; those without proof may be required to purchase insurance upon arrival. Embassy of Cuba – Visa Information
Cyprus Health insurance covering hospitalization and medical costs. Cyprus Civil Registry and Migration Department – Visas
Czech Republic Comprehensive insurance with at least €60,000 coverage. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic – Visa Information
Democratic Republic of the Congo Proof of health insurance covering all risks is required. Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo – Visa Information
Denmark Requires health insurance covering all medical risks. Danish Immigration Service – Visa Information
Djibouti Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Embassy of Djibouti – Visa Information
Dominica Comprehensive health insurance is required, covering medical expenses and repatriation. Embassy of Dominica – Visa Information
Dominican Republic Health insurance is recommended for long-term visitors to cover medical expenses and emergencies. Embassy of the Dominican Republic – Visa Information
Ecuador Comprehensive health insurance with coverage of at least €60,000 is necessary. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility – Ecuador
Egypt Applicants need insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000. Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Information
El Salvador Health insurance is recommended for long-term visitors to cover medical expenses and emergencies. Embassy of El Salvador – Visa Information
Equatorial Guinea Applicants must have health insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000. Embassy of Equatorial Guinea – Visa Information
Equatorial Guinea Applicants must provide health insurance covering all risks, including medical treatment and repatriation. Embassy of Equatorial Guinea – Visa Information
Eritrea For long-stay visas, private health insurance covering the entire duration of the stay is required. Embassy of Eritrea – Visa Information
Eritrea Comprehensive health insurance is required, covering medical expenses and repatriation. Embassy of Eritrea – Visa Information
Estonia Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical expenses. Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Information
Eswatini Comprehensive health insurance covering all medical expenses is required. Embassy of Eswatini – Visa Information
Eswatini (Swaziland) Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Embassy of Eswatini – Visa Information
Ethiopia Health insurance covering hospitalization and medical expenses is required. Ethiopian Embassy – Visa Information
Fiji Health insurance is recommended for long-term visitors to cover medical expenses and emergencies. Fiji Immigration Department
Finland Requires coverage up to €30,000 for medical expenses. Finnish Immigration Service – Residence Permits
France Private health insurance covering entire stay duration; GHIC/EHIC may suffice for some temporary visas. France-Visas – The official visa website for France
Gabon Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Embassy of Gabon – Visa Information
Gabon Applicants need insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000. Embassy of Gabon – Visa Information
Gambia Applicants must provide health insurance covering all risks, including medical treatment and repatriation. Embassy of Gambia – Visa Information
Georgia Applicants must have health insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia – Visa Information
Germany Comprehensive health insurance covering all medical expenses. German Missions Abroad – Visa Information
Ghana Comprehensive health insurance with coverage of at least €60,000 is necessary. Ghana Immigration Service – Visa Information
Greece Minimum of €30,000 coverage for health insurance. Hellenic Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Information
Grenada Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Embassy of Grenada – Visa Information
Guatemala Health insurance is recommended for long-term stays to cover medical expenses and emergencies. Embassy of Guatemala – Visa Information
Guinea Comprehensive health insurance is required, covering medical expenses and repatriation. Embassy of Guinea – Visa Information
Guinea-Bissau Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Embassy of Guinea-Bissau – Visa Information
Guinea-Bissau Health insurance covering hospitalization and medical expenses is required. Embassy of Guinea-Bissau – Visa Information
Guyana Proof of health insurance covering all risks is required. Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Guyana
Haiti Health insurance is recommended for long-term visitors to cover medical expenses and emergencies. Embassy of Haiti – Visa Information
Honduras Health insurance is recommended for long-term stays to cover medical expenses and emergencies. Embassy of Honduras – Visa Information
Hungary Coverage for medical expenses up to €30,000 is required. Consular Services of Hungary – Visa Information
Iceland Requires health insurance covering all medical risks. Directorate of Immigration – Iceland
Iceland Health insurance covering hospitalization and medical expenses is required. Directorate of Immigration – Iceland
India Health insurance is recommended for long-term visa holders, covering medical expenses and repatriation. Government of India – Bureau of Immigration
Indonesia Applicants must provide health insurance covering all risks, including medical treatment and repatriation. Directorate General of Immigration – Indonesia
Iran For long-stay visas, private health insurance covering the entire duration of the stay is required. Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Iran
Iraq Comprehensive health insurance covering all medical expenses is required. Embassy of Iraq – Visa Information
Ireland Comprehensive health insurance necessary for long-stay visas. Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service – Visa Information
Israel Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Israel
Italy Health insurance covering medical expenses and hospitalization; comprehensive insurance required for digital nomad visas. Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Information
Ivory Coast Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Embassy of Ivory Coast – Visa Information
Jamaica Health insurance is recommended for long-term visitors to cover medical expenses and emergencies. Embassy of Jamaica – Visa Information
Japan Long-term visa holders are required to enroll in the National Health Insurance system upon arrival. Japan National Tourism Organization – Health and Safety
Jordan Applicants must provide health insurance covering all risks, including medical treatment and repatriation. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates – Jordan
Kazakhstan Comprehensive health insurance is required, covering medical expenses and repatriation. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan – Visa Information
Kenya Proof of health insurance covering all risks is required. Kenya Department of Immigration Services – Visa Information
Kiribati Health insurance is recommended for long-term visitors to cover medical expenses and emergencies. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration – Kiribati
Kosovo Comprehensive health insurance with coverage of at least €30,000 is necessary. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora – Kosovo
Kuwait Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan Applicants need insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic – Visa Information
Laos Health insurance covering hospitalization and medical expenses is required. Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Laos
Latvia Requires a minimum of €30,000 in health insurance coverage. Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs – Latvia
Lebanon Comprehensive health insurance with coverage of at least €60,000 is necessary. General Directorate of General Security – Lebanon
Lesotho Applicants need insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000. Embassy of Lesotho – Visa Information
Lesotho Comprehensive health insurance with coverage of at least €60,000 is necessary. Embassy of Lesotho – Visa Information
Liberia Health insurance covering hospitalization and medical expenses is required. Embassy of Liberia – Visa Information
Liberia Proof of health insurance covering all risks is required. Embassy of Liberia – Visa Information
Liechtenstein Proof of health insurance covering all risks is required. Government of Liechtenstein – Migration and Passport Office
Lithuania Health insurance coverage of at least €30,000 is required. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania – Visa Information
Luxembourg Comprehensive insurance covering all medical costs. Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs – Luxembourg
Madagascar Applicants need insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000. Embassy of Madagascar – Visa Information
Malawi Comprehensive health insurance with coverage of at least €60,000 is necessary. Embassy of Malawi – Visa Information
Malawi Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Embassy of Malawi – Visa Information
Malaysia Health insurance is mandatory for certain visa categories, including the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program. Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture – Malaysia My Second Home
Maldives Proof of health insurance covering all risks is required. Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Maldives
Mali Health insurance covering hospitalization and medical expenses is required. Embassy of Mali – Visa Information
Malta Minimum €30,000 coverage for medical expenses required. Identity Malta Agency – Visa Information
Marshall Islands Health insurance is recommended for long-term visitors to cover medical expenses and emergencies. Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands
Mauritania Proof of health insurance covering all risks is required. Embassy of Mauritania – Visa Information
Mauritius Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Embassy of Mauritius – Visa Information
Mexico Health insurance is recommended for long-term visitors, especially for temporary resident visas. Some visa categories may require proof of financial solvency, which can include health insurance coverage. Instituto Nacional de Migración – Mexico
Micronesia Health insurance is recommended for long-term visitors to cover medical expenses and emergencies. Federated States of Micronesia Immigration
Moldova Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova – Visa Information
Monaco Applicants must have health insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000. Government of Monaco – Immigration Service
Mongolia Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Mongolia
Montenegro For long-stay visas, private health insurance covering the entire duration of the stay is required. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro – Visa Information
Morocco Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Information
Mozambique Applicants must have health insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000. Embassy of Mozambique – Visa Information
Myanmar Applicants must have health insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000. Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Myanmar
Namibia Comprehensive health insurance with coverage of at least €60,000 is necessary. Namibia Ministry of Home Affairs – Visa Information
Nauru Health insurance is recommended for long-term visitors to cover medical expenses and emergencies. Government of the Republic of Nauru
Nepal For long-stay visas, private health insurance covering the entire duration of the stay is required. Department of Immigration – Nepal
Netherlands Proof of health insurance covering all medical risks. Government of the Netherlands – Long-stay Visa (MVV)
New Zealand Applicants for long-stay visas, such as the Essential Skills Work Visa, must have health insurance covering medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation for the entire duration of their stay. Immigration New Zealand
Nicaragua Health insurance is recommended for long-term visitors to cover medical expenses and emergencies. Embassy of Nicaragua – Visa Information
Niger For long-stay visas, private health insurance covering the entire duration of the stay is required. Embassy of Niger – Visa Information
Nigeria Applicants must have health insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000. Nigeria Immigration Service – Visa Information
North Korea Comprehensive health insurance covering all medical expenses is required. Embassy of North Korea – Visa Information
North Macedonia Comprehensive health insurance covering all medical expenses is required. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia – Visa Information
Norway Comprehensive health insurance covering all medical expenses. Norwegian Directorate of Immigration – Visa Information
Norway Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Norwegian Directorate of Immigration
Oman Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Royal Oman Police – Visa Information
Pakistan Applicants must provide health insurance covering all risks, including medical treatment and repatriation. Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan
Palau Health insurance is recommended for long-term visitors to cover medical expenses and emergencies. Palau Bureau of Immigration
Palestine Comprehensive health insurance is required, covering medical expenses and repatriation. Embassy of Palestine – Visa Information
Panama Applicants for long-stay visas, such as the Pensionado program, must have health insurance covering medical expenses. Embassy of Panama – Visa Information
Papua New Guinea Health insurance is recommended for long-term visitors to cover medical expenses and emergencies. Immigration and Citizenship Authority – Papua New Guinea
Paraguay Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Paraguay
Peru Applicants must have health insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000. Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Peru
Philippines Foreign nationals are advised to secure health insurance covering their stay. Bureau of Immigration – Philippines
Poland Minimum €30,000 health insurance coverage required. Republic of Poland – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Portugal Medical insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000. Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF)
Qatar Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Ministry of Interior – Qatar
Republic of the Congo Comprehensive health insurance covering all medical expenses is required. Embassy of the Republic of the Congo – Visa Information
Rwanda Proof of health insurance covering all risks is required. Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration
Saint Kitts and Nevis Applicants need insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000. Embassy of Saint Kitts and Nevis – Visa Information
Saint Lucia Health insurance covering hospitalization and medical expenses is required. Embassy of Saint Lucia – Visa Information
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Comprehensive health insurance with coverage of at least €60,000 is necessary. Embassy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Visa Information
Samoa Health insurance is recommended for long-term visitors to cover medical expenses and emergencies. Samoa Immigration
San Marino Applicants need insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000. Consulate of San Marino – Visa Information
Sao Tome and Principe Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Embassy of Sao Tome and Principe – Visa Information
Saudi Arabia Applicants need insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000. Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Saudi Arabia
Senegal Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Embassy of Senegal – Visa Information
Serbia Health insurance covering hospitalization and medical expenses is required. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia – Visa Information
Seychelles Applicants must have health insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000. Seychelles Department of Foreign Affairs
Sierra Leone Applicants must provide health insurance covering all risks, including medical treatment and repatriation. Embassy of Sierra Leone – Visa Information
Singapore Certain visa categories require health insurance; for example, students must have medical insurance coverage. Immigration & Checkpoints Authority – Student's Pass
Slovakia Health insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage required. Slovak Republic – Visa Information
Slovenia Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical expenses is required. Republic of Slovenia – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Solomon Islands Health insurance is recommended for long-term visitors to cover medical expenses and emergencies. Solomon Islands Immigration Division
Somalia Comprehensive health insurance is required, covering medical expenses and repatriation. Embassy of Somalia – Visa Information
South Africa For long-stay visas, private health insurance covering the entire duration of the stay is required. Department of Home Affairs – Visa Information
South Korea Long-term residents are required to enroll in the National Health Insurance system. National Health Insurance Service – South Korea
South Sudan Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Embassy of South Sudan – Visa Information
Sri Lanka Health insurance covering hospitalization and medical expenses is required. Department of Immigration and Emigration – Sri Lanka
Sudan Applicants need insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000. Embassy of Sudan – Visa Information
Suriname For long-stay visas, private health insurance covering the entire duration of the stay is required. Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Suriname
Switzerland Comprehensive health insurance with coverage of at least €30,000 is necessary. State Secretariat for Migration – Switzerland
Syria Comprehensive health insurance with coverage of at least €60,000 is necessary. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates – Syria
Tajikistan Proof of health insurance covering all risks is required. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan – Visa Information
Tanzania Comprehensive health insurance covering all medical expenses is required. Tanzania Immigration Services Department – Visa Information
Thailand Applicants for long-stay visas must have health insurance covering medical expenses up to 400,000 Thai Baht for inpatient and 40,000 Thai Baht for outpatient treatment. Thai General Insurance Association – Health Insurance for Long Stay Visa
Timor-Leste (East Timor) Comprehensive health insurance is required, covering medical expenses and repatriation. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation – Timor-Leste
Togo Health insurance covering hospitalization and medical
Tonga Health insurance is recommended for long-term visitors to cover medical expenses and emergencies. Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago Health insurance is recommended for long-term visitors to cover medical expenses and emergencies. Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago – Visa Information
Turkmenistan Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan – Visa Information
Tuvalu Health insurance is recommended for long-term visitors to cover medical expenses and emergencies. Government of Tuvalu
Uganda Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control – Uganda
Ukraine Proof of health insurance covering all risks is required. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine – Visa Information
United Arab Emirates Applicants need insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000. Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship – UAE
United Kingdom Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. UK Visas and Immigration
United States While health insurance is not legally mandatory for visitors, it is highly recommended due to the high cost of medical care. Certain visa categories, like the J-1 exchange visitor visa, require health insurance meeting specific criteria. U.S. Department of State – Exchange Visitor Program
Uruguay Comprehensive health insurance covering all medical expenses is required. Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Uruguay
Uzbekistan Health insurance covering hospitalization and medical expenses is required. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan – Visa Information
Vanuatu Health insurance is recommended for long-term visitors to cover medical expenses and emergencies. Department of Immigration and Passport Services – Vanuatu
Vatican City Applicants must provide health insurance covering all risks, including medical treatment and repatriation. Holy See Press Office
Venezuela Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory. Ministry of People's Power for Foreign Affairs – Venezuela
Vietnam Health insurance is recommended for long-term visa holders, covering medical expenses and repatriation. Vietnam Immigration Department
Yemen Comprehensive health insurance with coverage of at least €60,000 is necessary. Embassy of the Republic of Yemen – Visa Information
Zambia For long-stay visas, private health insurance covering the entire duration of the stay is required. Zambia Department of Immigration
Zimbabwe Comprehensive health insurance covering all medical expenses is required. Zimbabwe Department of Immigration