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Trip Insurance Requirements

countries requiring travel insurance

As a travel insurance provider, Trawick International always recommends that travelers purchase a travel insurance plan to protect their investment in their trip.  Yes, we sell insurance, but we don't want travelers to be left exposed and not covered if something unforeseen occurs while traveling.  The Stuffed Suitcase website reported that travelers should plan on budgeting approximately $2,225 for one person, $3,400 for a couple, and $5,750 for a family of four for an international vacation. Of course, this will vary greatly depending on the destination and your hotel choices. 

Let's think about this for a minute. A family of four has an average vacation cost of $5,750.  Could you imagine if one of your family members got sick and couldn't go on the trip?  You would lose nearly $6,000 if you were not insured.  By having travel insurance, you would be able to recoup your money by submitting an insurance claim.  Please note that you could purchase travel insurance for a fraction of the cost of the trip to make sure you are protected. 

The effect of the COVID-19 virus

Unfortunately, the world we live in today is quite different from the world just two short years ago.  In today's world, we have to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.  In 2020 the pandemic brought international travel to a complete halt.  Countries all over the world closed their borders to international travelers to stop the spread of the virus.  Luckily this year, with the release of the COVID-19 vaccination, many countries have allowed international travel to resume. 

Travel regulations differ from country to country

As global travel continues to pick up.  Each country has set up travel regulations for international travelers to follow.  Some countries require proof of vaccination and others require a negative PCR test to enter.  Many countries across the globe require travel insurance to visit. Over 40 countries have some form of travel insurance requirements to comply with before international travelers can enter their country.  Today, with the spread of the delta variant and the potential spread of the lambda variant of the COVID-19 virus, we believe that more countries will require international travelers to have some form of insurance in the coming weeks. 

The countries that require travel insurance

Anguilla

Antarctica

Aruba

Bahamas

Bermuda

Cambodia

Cayman Islands

Chile

Cuba

Curacao

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

Ecuador

Egypt

French Polynesia

Israel

Iran

Jamaica

Japan

Jordan

Lebanon

Nepal

New Zealand

Schengen Countries

St. Maarten

Tahiti

Thailand

Turks & Caicos

Ukraine

United Arab Emirates

Work with a trusted partner

If you and your family are considering international travel in the upcoming months or even next year.  Please reach out to us at Trawick International. We have several travel insurance plans that comply with the travel regulations of the above countries.  We also offer industry-leading travel insurance plans that can protect when traveling to different countries where travel insurance is not required.  Contact us today to get a quote or purchase a policy

PLEASE NOTE: Guidelines may have changed since this was published. Before traveling, you should always check your destination's COVID-19 situation and travel requirements. Countries may have their own entry and exit requirements. Additionally, always check for travel advisories in the area to which you are traveling. Refer to https://www.cdc.gov/ and https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html for up-to-date information and guidelines.


Founded in 1998, Trawick International is a full-service travel insurance provider specializing in protecting travelers of all types worldwide. We offer various travel insurance plans designed specifically by types of coverage, including comprehensive travel protection insurance, international travel medical insurance, visitor’s insurance, and international student insurance. Our company's mission is to deliver superior travel and medical insurance products that offer the best 24/7 emergency assistance services available. Contact us at 888-301-9289 or info@trawickinternational.com. 

By Administrator at 11 Aug 2021

Costa Rica Travel Insurance Requirements Updated

costa rica travel insurance updated requirements

Costa Rica Changed Its Entry Requirements For Travelers 

Did you know that Costa Rica is ranked as one of the most visited international destinations year over year in Central America?  Costa Rica is an eco-tourist's dream vacation with its volcanoes, rainforests, cloud forests, huge waterfalls, and mighty rivers.  Costa Rica is the perfect destination if you are an adventure tourist since it's known for rafting, windsurfing, diving, kayaking, and surfing.  Before you book your trip, you must understand and comply with a few things before entering Costa Rica. 

Understanding Costa Rica's travel regulations 

We all remember back in October of 2020 when Costa Rica was one of the first countries to reopen to international travelers as long as they had travel insurance.  Effective August 1, 2021, Costa Rica will no longer require international travelers who are vaccinated and show proof of vaccination to have travel insurance.  International travelers who are not vaccinated will still need to have travel insurance to enter the country. For more details on the requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers, visit our Costa Rica Traveler Regulations blog post.

Listen to what the experts suggest 

Did you know that there are currently over 50 countries requiring travel insurance to enter and many more are planning on requiring it?  Many in the travel industry feel that Costa Rica's decision is premature and travelers who have arrival dates after August 1, 2021, when the requirement will be dropped, should be wary that they may reinstitute the insurance regulations. Suppose you haven't made arrangements for insurance at the time of booking. In that case, you may miss out on the availability of certain features like Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR), waiver of Pre-Existing Conditions exclusions, and Bankruptcy or Default of a Travel Supplier if you wait.  These benefits can be vital in certain situations. 

Situations where you need travel insurance  

As mentioned above, missing out on the CFAR benefit can be very costly.  Here is why.  The website Costa Rica Guide states the average cost per person to visit Costa Rica ranges from $850 to $1,450 per week.  To be safe, let's say the average person costs $1,000 for a family of four to visit Costa Rica will cost them $4,000. 

  • If you had the CFAR benefit as part of your travel insurance plan, you would be able to receive up to 75% of your prepaid expenses to be reimbursed if you cancel more than two days prior to departure.  For example, you check the weather and find out a large storm is rolling through and it will rain 100% of the time you're on vacation, so you decide to cancel your trip.  Utilizing the CFAR benefit, you would cancel your trip

  • Or, three days before your scheduled trip to Costa Rica, you find out you had a death in the family. You can claim your lost travel cost and be reimbursed up to 100% of your trip cost for this covered reason under Trip Cancellation. 

  • Most health insurance companies health insurance plans in your home country do not work while traveling abroad.  For example, if you are visiting Costa Rica and you decide that you want to take a tour of the rainforest with a guide for the day.  During your outing, a snake bites you through your shoe while walking.  You immediately feel sick and your guide determines a poisonous snake has bitten you.  With your life hanging in the balance, a helicopter is brought in and medically evacuated to a hospital.  Without a travel insurance plan that provides coverage for medical expenses, you would be responsible for paying out of pocket for all your medical costs that can be way over $100,000. 

  • If you are in Costa Rica with your family and your daughter catches COVID-19 and has to be quarantined for 14 days.  Without travel insurance that provides a benefit to cover quarantine costs, you would be responsible for these extra expenses. 

In all of these scenarios, travel insurance would be able to protect you and your family. 

Enjoy your trip with travel insurance 

These situations are not meant to scare you, but to inform you of what could happen when visiting Costa Rica.  These are actual situations where Trawick International has helped customers utilize their travel insurance benefits. So even though travel insurance may not be required for all travelers any longer, insuring your trip is still strongly recommended whether you are vaccinated or not when visiting Costa Rica. 

PLEASE NOTE: Guidelines may have changed since this was published. Before traveling, you should always check your destination's COVID-19 situation and travel requirements. Countries may have their own entry and exit requirements. Additionally, always check for travel advisories in the area to which you are traveling. Refer to https://www.cdc.gov/ and https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html for up-to-date information and guidelines.


Founded in 1998, Trawick International is a full-service travel insurance provider specializing in protecting travelers of all types worldwide. We offer various travel insurance plans designed specifically by types of coverage, including comprehensive travel protection insurance, international travel medical insurance, visitor’s insurance, and international student insurance. Our company's mission is to deliver superior travel and medical insurance products that offer the best 24/7 emergency assistance services available. Contact us at 888-301-9289 or info@trawickinternational.com. 

By Administrator at 3 Aug 2021

Costa Rica Traveler Regulations

costa rica updated traveler regulations

One of the most popular travel destinations globally has made a significant change to its travel requirements for international travelers.  Costa Rica has announced that international travelers who can provide proof of vaccination for the COVID-19 virus no longer need to provide evidence of travel insurance to enter the Central American Country.  International travelers that are not vaccinated will still need to provide proof of travel insurance that complies with Costa Rica’s travel regulations.  Trawick International offers multiple plans that meet these requirements.

As reported by Visitcostarica.com, the following policies will go into effect for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers as of August 1, 2021:

VACCINATED TRAVELER REGULATIONS

As of August 1, 2021, all tourists who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and inoculated with Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, or Johnson & Johnson can enter the country without a travel insurance policy. The last dose of the vaccine must have been applied at least 14 days before arrival in Costa Rica.

Vaccinated tourists must attach the vaccination certificate to the Health Pass. As proof, vaccination certificates and vaccination cards that contain at least the following information will be accepted:

1. Name of the person who received the vaccine
2. Date of each dose
3. Pharmaceutical house

In the case of US travelers, the “COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card” will be accepted. Tourists who are not vaccinated, with incomplete vaccination, or vaccinated with a serum other than those admitted by the Costa Rican authorities must purchase mandatory travel insurance that covers lodging in case of quarantine and medical expenses due to COVID-19 disease, as detailed below.

International Policies Regarding the policy, you can choose any international travel insurance company that meets the following requirements:

1. Valid during the entire stay in Costa Rica (coverage dates)
2. $50,000 for medical expenses, including COVID-19 disease
3. $2,000 for lodging expenses in case of COVID-19 quarantine

Your travel insurance company must provide a certificate/letter in English or Spanish stating the following:

1. Name of the person(s) traveling
2. Validity of the effective policy during the Costa Rica visit (travel dates)
3. Guarantee of coverage for medical expenses in case of COVID 19 in Costa Rica, for at least $50,000
4. Minimum coverage of $2,000 for lodging expenses for quarantine or trip interruption for this same amount

This certificate must specify that the policy covers COVID-19 and must be uploaded to the health pass to be reviewed and approved by the Costa Rican authorities. Insurance cards are not accepted. It must be a document that allows the verification of the coverage mentioned.

UNVACCINATED TRAVELER REGULATIONS

• Fill out the electronic epidemiological health pass form before departure
• For international insurance policies, tourists must request a certification from their insurance company, issued in English or Spanish, verifying at least the following three conditions:

1) Effectiveness of the policy during the visit to Costa Rica
2) Coverage for Medical expenses in the event of becoming ill with the pandemic COVID-19 virus while in Costa Rica, for at least $50,000
3) Includes minimum coverage of $2,000 for potential quarantine lodging expenses issued as a result of the pandemic

Travel Insurance Certificate

Upon purchasing travel insurance from Trawick International, you will receive a visa letter as well as a certificate for you to present to the Republic of Costa Rica. The  visa letter can be uploaded as required to fill out the required paperwork using this link for Costa Rica Health Pass: https://salud.go.cr

Insure Your Trip To Costa Rica

Trawick International believes you should purchase a travel insurance plan while visiting Costa Rica regardless if you are vaccinated or not.  Check out our recent blog post on why travel insurance is important and gives additional reasons you should insure your trip to Costa Rica.  Travel insurance is meant to protect your investment in your trip and also helps protect you while traveling.

PLEASE NOTE: Guidelines may have changed since this was published. Before traveling, you should always check your destination's COVID-19 situation and travel requirements. Countries may have their own entry and exit requirements. Additionally, always check for travel advisories in the area to which you are traveling. Refer to https://www.cdc.gov/ and https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html for up-to-date information and guidelines.


Founded in 1998, Trawick International is a full-service travel insurance provider specializing in protecting travelers of all types worldwide. We offer various travel insurance plans designed specifically by types of coverage, including comprehensive travel protection insurance, international travel medical insurance, visitor’s insurance, and international student insurance. Our company's mission is to deliver superior travel and medical insurance products that offer the best 24/7 emergency assistance services available. Contact us at 888-301-9289 or info@trawickinternational.com. 

By Administrator at 2 Aug 2021

Travel Regulations For European Countries

Travel Regulations For European Countries

Europe Is Now Open To Travelers From USA 

On June 16, 2021, the European Union designated the United States on the safe list.  So what does this mean for American travelers?  Regardless if the American traveler is vaccinated or unvaccinated, they can visit the 27 countries that comprise the European Union.  Please note the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union and has its own requirements for American travelers that are different than the 27 European Union nations. 

As of right now, the 27 European Union countries do not require international travelers to have travel insurance to enjoy each country.  We at Trawick International highly recommend purchasing a travel insurance plan from a travel insurance provider since trips to Europe are expensive.  The website stuffedsuitcase.com indicated that a one-week European vacation cost approximately $2,225 for one person, $3,400 for a couple, and $5,750 for a family of four.  Think about it a family of four to visit Europe cost almost $6,000. With that type of cost, make sure you have proper protection. 

Each European Union country has some different regulations and nuances to their travel regulations, so make sure you check out the Reopen Europe website.  This site will provide you with pertinent information you will need to know before visiting your destination in Europe. 

What’s Going on in Some Popular European Union Countries 

France 

We bet you didn’t know that before the COVID-19 pandemic, France was the most visited country in the world by international tourists.  Over 89 million international tourists in 2019 visited France, as reported by farandwide.com.  Now that France is open again, many people will be visiting.  Here is some vital information that Lonelyplanet.com stated, France is now in the final stage of its four-stage journey out of lockdown. Nationwide curfew has ended and masks are no longer required outdoors, but you’ll still need to have one when entering enclosed public spaces and public transport, and crowded outdoor areas.  Local authorities can now decide what restrictions to implement, so check ahead to determine the local limits in the region you are traveling to because they might be different. 

Spain 

Spain is almost as popular as France for international travelers and before the global COVID-19 pandemic, they were the second most visited country in the world.  Spain is preparing for an influx of international visitors since reopening.  Lonely Planet has revealed that as of June 26, masks are no longer legally required outdoors, provided people can keep 1.5 meters (5 feet) apart. But it’s a good idea to always take a mask with you as they’re still required in crowded outdoor spaces, public transport and taxis, and indoor spaces such as restaurants, airports, supermarkets, shops, and museums.  In addition, restaurants, cinemas, theaters, cultural attractions, and museums are open with capacity limits. Amusement and water parks are open with enhanced health and safety protocols. Beaches are open with social distancing guidelines in place. 

Italy 

Last but not least, Italy was the second country in Europe to open to international travelers after Greece and it’s the fifth most popular travel destination for international travelers in the world.  Lonely Planet proclaimed that most restrictions had been lifted. Still, social distancing guidelines remain in public areas, as do mask requirements in crowded outdoor locations, public transport, and indoor public spaces.  Indoor dining has returned to Italy’s restaurants, cafes, bars, ice-cream parlors, and pastry shops. Some capacity limits apply, but the general rule is no more than six people per table. Hotels, spas, and swimming pools are open and beaches, but visitors must keep at least one meter apart when setting up towels, deck chairs, or umbrellas. 

Just a Gentle Reminder About Travel Insurance 

As noted above, trips to European nations are expansive, so please consider purchasing a travel insurance policy to provide you and your family with peace of mind if something were to go wrong while traveling.   Trawick International offers various travel insurance plans that can be customized to meet your family’s needs while vacationing in Italy.  


Founded in 1998, Trawick International is a full-service travel insurance provider specializing in protecting travelers of all types worldwide. We offer various travel insurance plans designed specifically by types of coverage, including comprehensive travel protection insurance, international travel medical insurance, visitor’s insurance, and international student insurance. Our company's mission is to deliver superior travel and medical insurance products that offer the best 24/7 emergency assistance services available. Contact us at 888-301-9289 or info@trawickinternational.com. 

By Administrator at 21 Jul 2021

Travel Requirements For Thailand

Travel and Insurance Requirements Thailand

Good News for Travelers Visiting South East Asia

Over this past year, the travel industry globally has started to pick up.  Most notably, we have seen New York City reopen and many European nations open to international travelers.  If we remembered, last year, global tourism essentially came to a standstill.  Cruise ships were docked, planes were placed in hangers and beaches were empty. 

South East Asia has slowly reopened compared to Europe and the United States for international travelers.  Many countries are still fighting the COVID-19 virus and have not fully opened up to international travelers.  As of July 1st, the island of Phuket, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in South East Asia, is reopening effective immediately. 

What You Need to Know About Visiting Phuket 

MSNBC reported that starting July 1st, tourists can visit Phuket without quarantining for the first time since March 2020.  If you are unfamiliar with Phuket, it's the largest island in Thailand and is considered one of the most popular destinations in the region.  To avoid quarantining for 14 days, international travelers must comply with the following requirements from the Travel Authority of Thailand: 

Pre-arrival 

  1. Travelers are advised to avoid at-risk areas or crowded places no less than 14 days before their travel date. 

  2. Travelers must travel from countries/territories (list) approved by the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), per the guidelines of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), as proposed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MoTS) and TAT, and must have been in the said countries for no less than 21 days before their travel date – except Thai nationals and foreign expatriates returning from overseas. They must register their travel via the designated system or website, and have the following documents: 

    • A certificate of Entry (COE). 

    • A medical certificate with a laboratory result by an RT-PRC method indicating that COVID-19 is not detected no more than 72 hours before their travel date. 

    • Copy of an insurance policy in English covering healthcare and treatment expenses for COVID-19 per applicant for the whole duration in Thailand with coverage clearly identified as no less than US$100,000. 

    • Copy of the payment confirmation for no less than 14 nights stay and RT-PCR tests at hotels approved by the MoTS or TAT. In the case that the length of stay is less than 14 days, travelers must present a confirmed flight ticket out of Thailand and payment confirmation for accommodation and RT-PCR tests at hotels that cover their intended duration of stay. 

    • A certificate of vaccination against COVID-19 with a vaccine approved by the MoPH or the World Health Organisation (WHO) no less than 14 days before their travel date. Travelers under 18 years of age, traveling with their parents or guardians, must have a medical certificate with a laboratory result by an RT-PRC method indicating that COVID-19 is not detected no more than 72 hours before their travel date. 

  3. Travelers must undergo exit screening before departure. 

Arrival 

  1. Entry screening and Immigration and Customs procedures: 

  2. Download and install an alert application, as well as set the application on at all times for the whole duration in Thailand. 

  3. Proceed directly to the reserved hotel on the approved airport transfer service. 

  4. Undergo a COVID-19 test (RT-PCR method) at your own expense as per the following requirements: 

    • Taking the first test upon arrival and await the test results in the accommodation. 

    • Taking additional RT-PCR tests as per the following requirements: 

      • Travelers with the length of stay of fewer than 7 days are required to take another test on Day 6 or 7, or as per the MoPH's guidelines. 

      • Travelers with the length of stays between 10-14 days are required to take the second test on Day 6 or 7 and the third test on Day 12 or 13, or as per the MoPH's guidelines. 

    • In the case that travelers are tested positive for COVID-19, travelers will be referred to specified healthcare facilities for medical treatment, for which the expenses must be covered by the required insurance. 

  5. If tested negative for COVID-19, travelers can go anywhere in Phuket. 

  6. Travelers with an intended length of stay of fewer than 14 days must leave Phuket (Thailand) immediately on an international flight to another country on or before their intended departure date. (see FAQs) 

  7. Travelers who have completed 14 nights in Phuket will be allowed to continue their journey to other Thai destinations. 

How can Trawick International Help You Enjoy Phuket? 

Trawick International offers multiple travel insurance plans that provide over $100,000 in travel medical benefits.  Contact us today to get a quote so you can enjoy Phuket! 


Founded in 1998, Trawick International is a full-service travel insurance provider specializing in protecting travelers of all types worldwide. We offer various travel insurance plans designed specifically by types of coverage, including comprehensive travel protection insurance, international travel medical insurance, visitor’s insurance, and international student insurance. Our company's mission is to deliver superior travel and medical insurance products that offer the best 24/7 emergency assistance services available. Contact us at 888-301-9289 or info@trawickinternational.com. 

By Administrator at 20 Jul 2021
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