[Travel] Covid travel insurance still mandatory in 41 countries across the world this summer

For 2 years now, the Covid pandemic has been impacting Canada, its economy and its consumption patterns. In the field of travel, it has forced insurance companies to reorganize by adapting their travel insurance products.

Often less mentioned than the vaccination obligation applied by certain countries, the obligation of Covid travel insurance nevertheless represents an element that each tourist must take into account. That's why HelloSafe has set up an interactive map which lists the 41 countries in which travel insurance is still compulsory as of August 17, 2022.

Nearly 20% of countries in the world require travel insurance when entering their territory

Faced with the cost of taking Covid in charge (especially for its most serious forms), many countries around the world still require proof of travel insurance covering this disease when entering their territory. This is to ensure that each incoming foreign tourist has the ability to reimburse any treatment received on site.

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Thus, 41 countries in the world still require this type of insurance today. These political choices could thus still have an impact on tourism in these destinations during the 2022 summer season.

A 20.6% increase in countries and territories requesting this insurance requirement in 6 months

In January 2022, there were 34 countries that required travel insurance covering Covid-19 when entering their borders. Six months later, there are now 41, an increase of 20.6% in the number of countries requiring travel insurance over this period of time.

We note in particular that around a third of Asian countries are part of this list, and among them very touristic countries, such as Malaysia or the Maldives.

The obligation to take out travel insurance applied in 35% of countries on the Asian continent

Before the pandemic, it was possible to travel without travel insurance in the majority of countries around the world. But today, almost 22% of the countries in the world require it, and particularly in Asia and America.

In fact, Asia is the continent with the largest number of countries requiring travel insurance when entering their territory, with nearly 33% of the countries around the world in which this measure is still in force in August 2022, ahead of America (24.56%). On the other hand, the obligation of travel insurance in Europe is close to zero.

What does the Canadian government recommend for travel?

Canadian government authorities issue health and safety recommendations for each country of destination, depending on the evolution of the situation on site, according to a level system ranging from 1 to 4, detailed as follows:

• Level 1: Take normal security precautions
• Level 2: Exercise a high degree of caution
• Level 3: Avoid non-essential travel
• Level 4: Avoid all travel.

Our methodology

In addition to its expert editorial line around insurance and financial products, HelloSafe covers broader topics relating to global consumption in Canada and around the world. Its aim is to decipher certain complex subjects for consumers and to provide everyone with the latest information.

HelloSafe has carried out this study to highlight the health restrictions relating to travel insurance currently in force in each country. The interactive map was developed according to public information released by the government site Voyage.gc.ca and by the Public Health Agency of Canada in August 2022. Data relating to travel conditions departing from or heading to Canada are from public and private sites - they must not subsist on government information.

About HelloSafe Canada

HelloSafe is a comparison platform that is shaking up the insurance market – giving you access to the best insurance deals in Canada in fewer than 30 seconds. Safe is supported and financed by Blue, an Insurtech Venture Capital firm. Blue already owns two leaders in the French insurance comparison market. These platforms help more than 10 million people find better, less expensive insurance every year. We have developed a unique comparison technology that offers quotes without asking users to give their phone number or email address. This engine is the result of four years of hard work.

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Astrid Roussel
Press Relations Officer