DirectAsia Travel Insurance | List of Countries Covered

Which Countries Require Travel Insurance for Entry and are Covered by Direct Asia?

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UPDATE (May 2022): 

• All fully vaccinated short-term visitors entering Singapore under its General Travel Category countries or regions via air, land and sea borders will no longer be required to purchase compulsory travel insurance, effective April 1, 2022.
• However, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) encourages all travellers to purchase travel insurance to safeguard against any unforeseen circumstances, including medical emergencies, hospitalisation costs, and travel-related disruptions while travelling.

As you plan for your next trip overseas, you must be wondering; which countries have a mandatory travel insurance requirement? And, which ones are covered by DirectAsia’s travel insurance?

Getting travel insurance should be one of the first things you do before you book a trip abroad. A good travel insurance policy can give you financial protection in case you need to cancel the trip or cover your medical bills if you have an emergency overseas. Many countries are also beginning to require mandatory COVID-19 related travel insurance in response to the recent pandemic. And some countries are now mandating that international travellers have travel insurance with a minimum coverage.

So, we’ve compiled a list of countries that require travel insurance (as of May 2022), and those that are covered by DirectAsia, for easy reference. 

However, please note that this is a comprehensive list at the time of publishing. But, seeing that travel rules are changing rapidly, you should confirm the entry and travel insurance requirements for your destination, via the country’s official tourism website.
 

Which countries require travel insurance for entry?

Not all, but many countries across the globe have made travel insurance mandatory. There are 44 countries, for which you require a travel insurance policy upon entering, whether specifically for COVID-19 or just a general travel insurance policy.

Bear in mind that your travel insurance coverage is subject to the plan type, country or geographical zone and optional benefits you have selected with the corresponding policy terms and conditions. 

So, if you’re planning to travel to any of the countries listed above, ensure that your insurer will cover you. You should also have the right cover limit with optional benefits, like COVID-19 travel cover, if required. 
 

What countries are covered by Direct Asia’s travel insurance?

For a single trip policy with DirectAsia, your certificate of insurance will show the specific country you are covered at. For annual travel insurance policies, the geographical zone you are covered at is displayed.

Here is the list of countries, covered by DirectAsia, according to the geographical zones:

DirectAsia also offers COVID-19 related travel insurance as part of their policy’s optional benefits. This does not apply to annual travel policies, but you can add on COVID-19 travel cover to your single-trip policy for a maximum of 90 days per overseas trip. 

You may want to consider purchasing a specific travel insurance plan that covers COVID-19 emergencies, even if not mandated by your destination country. If you have a medical emergency while travelling, or you have to cancel your trip at the last-minute because of COVID-19 related matters, the basic travel insurance plan can’t help you. 
 

It’s Time to Start Travelling Again!

Travel insurance is a form of protection for your overseas trip. It ensures that you will receive compensation for any unplanned expenses due to medical emergencies abroad, loss of personal items while travelling, missed or delayed flights, or in case you have to cancel your trip.

But, don’t forget that some of these countries have additional travel requirements, like a tourist visa, proof of a negative COVID-19 test, proof of vaccination, and/or a mandatory quarantine period for unvaccinated travellers. We suggest that you check your destination’s policies and requirements before you book your flight.

Are you planning to travel abroad soon? Is your destination country in the list that requires mandatory travel insurance and is it covered by DirectAsia? Let us know in the comments section below!