A new list released by InsureMyTrip reveals that 60 countries now require visitors to obtain travel insurance. CNBC reports that the reasoning for requiring insurance varies by country, but that many have instated policies as a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as Belize.
According to Travel + Leisure, Beginning Feb. 15, all international visitors must purchase an official travel insurance policy, according to a recent announcement from the Belize Tourism Board. The policy, costing $18, will cover up to $50,000 in COVID-19-related medical expenses and up to $2,000 for lodging expenses should a traveler need to quarantine in Belize.
Some insurance policies cover travel insurance, but many only cover partial costs, so it’s important to check with your provider to see what you’re covered for. Furthermore, the CNBC article noted that many public insurance options, such as Medicare and Medicaid, don’t cover travel insurance, so it’s important for travelers under those plans to have a plan for international trips.
ABC Boston interviewed Steven Benna, the CEO of SquareMouth, a website that helps travelers search through various travel insurance plans. During the piece he said, “Definitely, right now, it’s as busy as it’s ever been. Historically, it’s been an older demographic that’s insured their trips. That’s now skewed younger since the pandemic, just with the increased possibility of something going wrong.”
Some credit cards even provide travel insurance as one of their perks. According to The Points Guy, cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, the United Club Infinite card, and the AMEX Platinum card are among those that do. However, these cards also come with steep yearly fees that are much higher than you’d pay to insure a one-week vacation. But if you have a high-tier card, it’s worthwhile checking to see if it comes with travel insurance as a bonus.
To see InsureMyTrip’s full list of countries that require travel insurance, click here.