Do I need travel insurance for Ukraine if I already have insurance in the USA?

Do you need travel insurance to enter Ukraine if you already have US health insurance? Find out how American insurance works under martial law, whether it is recognized in Ukraine, and why a policy with war risk coverage is a smart decision if you are traveling to Ukraine in 2025

Apply for an insurance policy covering military risks for entry and stay in Ukraine

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Planning a trip from the United States to Ukraine? One of the most common questions travelers ask is: do I need insurance to travel to Ukraine if I already have American health insurance? The answer is more complex than it seems – especially in 2025, with Ukraine still under martial law and elevated travel risks due to the ongoing war.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the Ukrainian travel insurance requirements, explain how US insurance works (or doesn’t) in Ukraine, and help you make an informed decision about getting Ukraine travel insurance with war coverage.

We have already told you how convenient it is to get from the USA to Ukraine in 2025 and what to consider when planning a trip.

Read here what exactly can be imported or exported to/from Ukraine, and which goods are subject to prohibitions or restrictions.

Does American Health Insurance Work in Ukraine?

In most cases, American health insurance is not valid in Ukraine – especially if you rely solely on domestic coverage like Medicaid, Medicare, or a private US-based HMO. These plans are usually limited to treatment within the United States or offer only out-of-network emergency care, which may not apply abroad. So, if you’re wondering "is US insurance valid in Ukraine?" – the short answer is: generally not.

Even if you have a travel health insurance plan from the US, many of these exclude destinations with active conflict zones. American health insurance in Ukraine often comes with exclusions or doesn’t apply at all, especially in wartime conditions. That’s why, despite having international coverage, Ukraine is often not covered under standard policies – or comes with strict limitations such as:

- Emergency care only.

- No coverage in case of military actions, missile strikes, or evacuation.

- No support for loss of documents or legal assistance during crisis events

That’s why many travelers choose to buy travel insurance for Ukraine separately – specifically tailored to the country’s current conditions and entry requirements.

Is travel insurance mandatory for entry into Ukraine?

According to Ukrainian legislation, foreign citizens and stateless persons must have an insurance policy for the entire period of their stay in order to enter Ukraine. This insurance must be issued by a Ukrainian insurance company or a foreign company that has an official representative office or a cooperation agreement with a Ukrainian insurance company. A medical insurance policy is also a mandatory condition for obtaining a long-term visa to Ukraine.

Additionally, it is worth noting that in accordance with Part 53 of Article 7 of the Law of Ukraine “On Insurance”, insurance covering war risks is mandatory for foreign journalists, reporters, correspondents, opinion leaders, and media representatives. However, in conditions of ongoing hostilities, this policy will be useful for all foreigners traveling to Ukraine.

Earlier, we told you how foreigners can contact an insurance company and receive compensation.

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What to do if you are already in Ukraine without Ukrainian insurance?

Without a valid policy in Ukraine, you may experience:

- Denial of medical care or full payment at your own expense;

- No coverage in the event of a war-related incident;

- Problems with travel documents to Ukraine, visa or border checks.

If you are already in Ukraine and do not have a valid Ukrainian insurance policy, you can still purchase it online in a matter of minutes.

A digital confirmation is sent to your email, and coverage begins immediately upon payment. This is especially important if you are traveling between regions or are engaged in volunteer or humanitarian activities.

Apply for medical insurance on Visit Ukraine now - it only takes a few minutes!

What to do if you plan to stay longer? Legal and insurance nuances

If you are planning a long stay – for work, study or personal reasons – standard travel insurance may not be enough.

You will need to consider additional coverage or a policy that meets the rules of a long-term visa or residence.

It is also important to prepare a full package of documents for obtaining a Ukrainian D visa.

If you have any doubts about your status, visa regime or registration – Visit Ukraine lawyers are ready to provide advice on all issues of legal stay in Ukraine.

A detailed guide on what insurance is needed to enter Ukraine in this article.

What risks does standard insurance not cover?

Standard medical insurance covers expenses due to illness or accident:

- Hospitalization and outpatient treatment.

- Emergency medical care and transportation (evacuation).

- Repatriation of the body in the event of death.

- Treatment of injuries sustained in accidents.

However, the standard policy does not cover risks related to war, in particular: injuries caused by military actions, acts of terrorism, etc.

Insurance with military risks guarantees that you will receive medical care and compensation if you suffer due to these circumstances. This is critically important for your safety in Ukraine.

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can choose between basic medical insurance for traveling to Ukraine and extended plans that include full war risk insurance Ukraine.

How to quickly and easily buy travel insurance for Ukraine?

To apply for a health insurance policy on the Visit Ukraine portal, you only need a passport, and the procedure itself takes only 5 minutes. To purchase insurance, you must perform the following actions:

1. Prepare a passport;

2. Choose an insurance package (that meets your request) - Visit Ukraine offers both basic insurance and a policy with military coverage.

3. Choose the insurance validity period

4. Specify your date of birth.

5. Fill out the form with information about the insured person (full name, e-mail, contact phone number, passport details, citizenship and place of residence).

6. Sign the insurance contract (you will need to enter a special code that will be sent to the specified e-mail).

7. Pay for the insurance policy to your email address. It becomes effective immediately after payment.

Taking out a quality insurance policy is your step towards a safe and secure stay in Ukraine. Take care of it in advance!

Conclusion: Should You Get Ukrainian Travel Insurance If You Already Have US Coverage?

Yes. If you're traveling to Ukraine in 2025, having a dedicated travel insurance policy – especially one with war coverage – is not just a precaution, but a smart and responsible choice.

Your American insurance will not protect you in the event of an injury resulting from military action, hospitalization, or evacuation. Travel safety in Ukraine depends on being prepared for unexpected situations. Thankfully, it takes just 5 minutes to secure the right policy and travel worry-free.

Reminder! If you are planning a trip to Ukraine in 2025 and want to carry cash with you, it is important to understand what rules and restrictions are currently in effect in Ukraine. We have already told you how much cash can be imported without declaring it, how to properly fill out a customs declaration, what documents are required to confirm the origin of funds, and what rules apply to foreigners and residents.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

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