| InsuranceBack to all Tips & TricksTravelling to Europe: some countries may require proof of health insurance!As with Cuba, some European countries may require travellers to have proof, upon arrival, that they hold travel insurance covering medical costs. This currently applies to Belarus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine. Here is a brief summary of requirements for each country regarding health insurance:
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Country
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Health insurance requirements
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Belarus
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- Upon arrival, all foreigners must purchase a medical insurance policy. This applies even to those who already have another insurance policy.
- The cost of this insurance varies according to the length of stay.
- This insurance covers medical costs in Belarus but does not cover medical evacuation.
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Czech Republic
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- To enter, all travellers must have travel insurance covering medical costs.
- This insurance must provide at least 30,000 euros in coverage.
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Estonia
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- Upon arrival, travellers may have to present proof of purchase of travel insurance covering medical costs.
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Latvia
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- To enter, travellers must have travel health insurance.
- This insurance must cover the costs of health care begun in Latvia as well as the costs of returning home in case of serious illness, accident or death.
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Lithuania
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- All citizens of countries that are not members of the European Union must have health insurance.
- Travellers who cannot show that they have health insurance must take out a temporary policy at the point of entry.
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Poland
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- Upon arrival, travellers must be able to demonstrate that they have travel/medical insurance.
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Slovakia
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- Proof of health insurance may be required of travellers upon arrival.
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Ukraine
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- Upon arrival, travellers may have to take out a medical insurance policy provided by the national company Ukrainmedstrakh.
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Requirements for entering and leaving countries change constantly. This makes it necessary, before any trip, to consult the “Travel Reports & Warnings” section on the website of Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade: (http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/menu-eng.asp).
Since the Quebec health insurance board (RAMQ) does not cover all medical costs during a trip abroad, CAA-Quebec recommends taking out private health insurance for any trip.
June 13, 2011
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