The landscape of international travel has changed radically. In 2026, compulsory travel insurance is no longer a simple comfort option, but a veritable administrative pass in many countries. To avoid refusal of entry at the border or exorbitant medical costs, Santexpat takes a look at the destinations where health cover is now legally required.
Africa: The special case of Zanzibar (Tanzania)
As of October 1, 2024, the rules have been tightened for the archipelago.
- Zanzibar (Inbound Travel Insurance): Please note that the Zanzibar authorities require specific local insurance. Your standard international insurance is not sufficient for entry
.
Asia and the Caucasus: Georgia takes the plunge
The major change at the start of the year concerns Georgia, which has amended its tourism law.
- Georgia (New January 1, 2026): Insurance is now mandatory for all (tourism, business, transit)
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Tighter controls
Argentina
Since July 1, 2025, Argentina has made insurance compulsory for all foreigners, even those exempt from visa requirements.
- Obligations: Hospitalization, 24-hour assistance and, above all, medical repatriation to the country of origin.
Cuba
The obligation remains strict in 2026.
- Vigilance: Although sometimes included in airline tickets, coverage is often “low-end”. The authorities may require a certificate translated into Spanish. If you’re not up to scratch, you’ll have to buy local insurance at the airport, which is often more expensive and less protective.
Europe : The Schengen Area
As a reminder, if you are inviting non-European family members subject to visa requirements, Schengen insurance is imperative.
- Minimum guarantee: €30,000.
- Countries concerned: France, Spain, Italy, etc. It must cover the entire area and duration of your stay.
Asia & Middle East: Qatar
Qatar makes travel insurance compulsory for all visitors to the country, regardless of length of stay.
Main requirements:
- Insurance approved by the Qatar Ministry of Health (MOPH)
- Medical and hospitalization coverage
- Policy valid for entire stay
The Qatari authorities require a certificate that complies with local standards. If your international policy does not appear on the list of approved insurers, you will have to take out local insurance online before departure or on arrival, which is often more restrictive in terms of cover.
Santexpat’s advice: make sure your policy is compliant before you travel, to avoid being denied boarding or blocked at immigration.
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Summary of 2026 requirements
| Destination | Effective date | Type of insurance | Special features |
| Georgia | 01/01/2026 | Health & Accident | Certificate in English or Georgian required |
| Zanzibar | 01/10/2024 | Local (ZIC) | International insurance not accepted on entry |
| Argentina | 01/07/2025 | Full medical | Mandatory medical repatriation |
| Cuba | Permanent | Medical | Spanish translation recommended |
| Qatar | Permanent | Approved MOPH | List of approved local/international insurers |
Why your bank card could fail you in 2026
For destinations such as Georgia, Zanzibar, Qatar or Argentina, don’t take any unnecessary risks. Choose an international travel health insurance policy issued by a specialized broker, able to provide you with a certified certificate as quickly as possible, to avoid entry refusals, border blockages and unpleasant financial surprises.
Bank guarantees increasingly unsuited to international requirements
In 2026, the insurance included with high-end bank cards such as Visa Premier or Gold Mastercard is no longer sufficient to meet the growing demands of host countries. Reimbursement ceilings are often too low to cover the real costs of care abroad, particularly in private clinics in Argentina, Qatar or Zanzibar, where a simple hospitalization can quickly cost several thousand euros. Many countries now require an official document specifying the exact dates of stay, the territory covered and details of benefits, sometimes accompanied by a translation. However, these documents are not systematically provided by banks, which can result in denied boarding or blocked immigration.
Coverage that is limited in time and often restrictive
Credit card insurance generally only covers short-term stays, usually under 90 days, and only if the trip has been paid for in full using the card concerned. They are therefore unsuitable for long-distance travel, expatriation, PVT or nomadic lifestyles. In addition, there are numerous exclusions, deductibles and special conditions, which can considerably reduce compensation in the event of a serious medical problem. In today’s increasingly stringent regulatory environment, only international travel health insurance can offer high medical ceilings, immediate proof of compliance and truly operational 24-hour assistance.
Travel health insurance in 2026
In 2026, there’s no room for improvisation. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon in Zanzibar or a trek in Georgia, travel insurance is your No. 1 priority after your passport. Leaving soon? Check in 2 clicks whether your current policy meets the criteria of your destination country with our Santexpat comparator.
