Can I be denied entry to the EU if I don't have insurance?

Many Ukrainians wonder whether it is possible to enter the EU without insurance and what the consequences of not having it at the border are. Find out whether you need insurance to travel to Europe, what rules apply in Schengen countries, what risks travellers without a policy face, and how to quickly obtain medical or travel insurance for travelling abroad

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside of Ukraine

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Planning a trip to Europe? One of the main issues before travelling is insurance. Many Ukrainians ask themselves: can I enter the EU without insurance and what are the risks? Let's take a look at the current rules in 2025.

Is medical insurance mandatory for travel to the EU?

Schengen countries require travellers to have medical insurance covering expenses of at least €30,000 for the entire period of their stay. Formally, insurance is not always checked for short trips, but it may be requested when obtaining a visa or at the border.

Documents are checked particularly carefully where internal border controls are in place: Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary. If you are travelling without a visa but cannot confirm that you have insurance, the officer may refuse you entry.

To avoid the risk of being denied entry, it is better to take out travel or medical insurance for the EU in advance. The most convenient way to do this is online before your trip — the Visit Ukraine service offers policies with different coverage and instant delivery by email.

What are the consequences of not having insurance?

Can I be denied entry to the EU without insurance? Yes, there is a risk. Border guards have the right to request documents for travel to Europe, including an insurance policy. If you do not have one, you may be denied entry, deported or fined.

Foreigners are randomly checked for insurance. However, if you do not have a hotel reservation, a clear itinerary, and an insurance policy, this may raise suspicion and complicate your entry.

It is important to understand that in case of illness or accident, all medical expenses without insurance are paid by the tourist themselves. In Europe, such services are expensive, sometimes costing tens of thousands of euros.

Types of insurance for travel to the EU

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is not only a requirement of many countries, but also a guarantee of your safety. Experience shows that the cost of medical services for foreigners can reach tens of thousands of euros, especially when it comes to emergency care. That is why insurance is a wise investment in your peace of mind and financial protection.

What does it include?

▪️ Medical expenses: compensation for treatment in case of illness or injury abroad (this can be either inpatient or outpatient care).

▪️ Dental care: in urgent cases, for example, in case of acute pain.

▪️ Evacuation and transport: assistance in transport to a hospital in emergency cases.

▪️ Repatriation of the body or burial: in the event of an accident or sudden death of the insured person abroad.

▪️ Flight cancellation or delay: reimbursement of costs for waiting in the departure lounge or meals.

▪️ Loss of luggage: compensation in the event of loss of belongings by the carrier.

▪️ Legal assistance: support in the event of legal problems abroad, in particular if documents need to be replaced or if the insured person's rights are violated.

▪️ Protection in the event of a traffic accident: this can include both legal support and transport of the insured person to their destination if their personal vehicle is unusable as a result of the accident.

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Medical insurance

Medical insurance is an important part of safe travel abroad. It is not only a way to avoid unexpected expenses in case of illness or injury, but also a mandatory requirement for visiting many countries, especially when it comes to long-term stays outside your home country. With insurance, you can be sure of receiving quality medical care wherever you are.

What does it cover?

Medical insurance can cover a variety of unforeseen health and travel-related situations. Typically, a basic policy covers:

▪️ Doctor consultations and diagnoses;

▪️ Treatment in case of illness or injury;

▪️ Emergency medical care, including hospitalisation;

▪️ Medicines prescribed by a doctor;

▪️ Transport costs for evacuation to the nearest medical facility;

▪️ Emergency dental care, etc.

Extended medical insurance may additionally cover the costs of vaccinations, emergency surgery, gynaecological care, repatriation of the body to the home country in the event of the insured person's death, as well as other travel-related risks:

▪️ flight delays and cancellations;

▪️ loss of luggage;

▪️ telephone expenses;

▪️ damage to personal transport in the event of an accident;

▪️ expenses for processing documents for return from abroad, etc.

Insurance for motorists: ‘Green Card’

If you are travelling by car, a Green Card is a mandatory document — it is an international motor insurance certificate valid in European countries and beyond.

Not having a Green Card may result in a fine, refusal of entry and inability to cross the border.

A Green Card — international motor insurance — is required for travelling abroad by car. You can get one at Visit Ukraine in just a few minutes online.

How to get insurance quickly before your trip?

No more searching for insurance company offices. The Visit Ukraine online service offers:

❗️ Basic and extended insurance with coverage for travel to Europe;

❗️ Policy issuance in 5 minutes;

❗️ Electronic delivery of documents to your email.

The cost depends on the duration of the trip and the package selected. For trips with children or elderly relatives, it is better to choose the extended option.

Don't take any chances — get your medical or travel insurance online in just a few clicks. Visit Ukraine offers policies with coverage starting at €30,000, which are accepted by all EU countries.

Reminder! We previously discussed whether insurance is required when entering Poland and what rules apply in general in 2025.

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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