The most common mistakes foreigners make when buying insurance in Ukraine

Medical insurance for foreigners in Ukraine is one of the main requirements for crossing the border, especially if the trip is long-term. Learn about the most common mistakes foreigners make when buying insurance and how to avoid them

Take care of reliable insurance for safe entry and stay in Ukraine

BUY

Travel insurance for Ukraine is an important element of any trip to this country. However, the issue of whether a policy is mandatory has not yet been resolved. Since 2017, Ukraine has been part of the Schengen area and operates under visa-free laws, which do not specify the issue of mandatory medical insurance.

However, the likelihood that you will need insurance to cross the Ukrainian border in 2025 is very high. Border guards may ask to see your policy – Schengen rules do not prohibit this – and crossing the border without insurance will be much more difficult. Fortunately, for those wishing to arrive for a long period, this situation is as transparent as possible: insurance for a visa to Ukraine is mandatory, as stipulated in the relevant regulatory and legal acts.

It should also be remembered that for certain categories of persons, insurance covering military risks in Ukraine is mandatory – a policy that will save money if a foreigner becomes a victim of active or passive risks of war (for example, explosions, ‘fly-ins’, terrorist attacks and mass riots). Any foreigner can purchase such insurance – it is more expensive, but extremely relevant in today's reality.

For car owners, a Green Card is a mandatory policy for entering Ukraine – it will cover damages to third parties in the event of an accident. Don't forget about your own interests: if your car is damaged, the ideal car insurance option would be Mini Hull insurance for foreigners in Ukraine.

Learn more about life in Ukraine:

▶ tourism opportunities;

▶ how to get to Ukraine by car;

▶ popular travel destinations;

▶ specifics of employment;

▶ features of education;

▶ immigration procedure to Ukraine;

▶ how you can support Ukraine.

Do foreigners really need insurance to enter Ukraine?

Yes, insurance is mandatory for most foreigners. It is required in the following cases:

– crossing the state border – the border service has the right to request a medical insurance policy.

– visa application – a policy is one of the main requirements for obtaining a visa;

– obtaining a residence permit – without insurance, it is impossible to obtain a temporary or permanent residence permit in Ukraine.

Insurance for foreigners in Ukraine in 2025 covers the costs of emergency medical care, treatment of injuries, hospitalisation and medication. However, in wartime, this coverage is insufficient. Due to the high risks associated with hostilities, it is necessary to have extended coverage that includes reimbursement of expenses caused by military risks.

The most common mistakes when buying insurance in Ukraine

Buying insurance that does not cover military risks

This is the most important and dangerous mistake. Many foreigners believe that the standard policy they purchased at home is sufficient. In fact, most such policies exclude coverage related to war. In the event of an emergency, without such coverage, the insurance may be invalid, and all medical expenses will be borne by you.

Take out a policy with war risk coverage at Visit Ukraine – a guarantee of safety for the entire period of your stay in Ukraine.

Choosing the cheapest policy without checking the coverage

Price is not the only selection criterion. Cheap policies often have limited payout limits and a very narrow list of medical services. Before purchasing, be sure to check the following points:

– Coverage limits: are they sufficient to pay for possible hospitalisation or complex surgery?

– List of services: what exactly does the policy cover (doctor consultations, diagnostics, medication)?

Inattention when checking the validity of insurance for obtaining a visa or crossing the border

Some policies purchased on non-specialised websites may not meet the requirements of Ukrainian border guards or consulates. This can lead to refusal of entry or visa issuance, even if you have all other documents.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Neglecting car and property insurance

If you are entering Ukraine in your own car, in addition to medical insurance, you must have a ‘Green Card’, which covers the driver's liability for traffic accidents. Many people forget about additional options, such as Mini Hull insurance, which will protect your car from damage, including military risks.

Purchasing insurance from unreliable providers

Purchasing a policy on unknown websites or from dubious brokers can lead to fraud. Check whether the company has a licence to conduct insurance activities.

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can choose the policy that suits you best and be sure that it meets all requirements.

How to avoid these mistakes?

1. Buy insurance from trusted services – choose platforms that work with well-known insurance companies.

2. Choose a policy that covers military risks – this is the most important condition for safe travel to Ukraine today.

3. Check whether the insurance is suitable for entry/visa – make sure that the policy meets the requirements of the law.

4. Take out a policy in advance – don't leave it to the last minute to avoid unnecessary stress and risks at the border.

Useful services for foreigners on Visit Ukraine (bonus)

On the Visit Ukraine platform, you can quickly and reliably purchase all the necessary insurance policies online:

➤ Legal assistance – if you encounter problems with documents or insurance at the border, you can contact our specialists for help.

➤ Transfers – choose a comfortable journey within Ukraine and beyond (transfers to Chisinau, Warsaw, Budapest, Krakow and other major cities are available).

➤ Ticket booking – purchase train, plane or bus tickets in just a few minutes and be confident in your journey.

Reminder! We previously told you how to buy insurance for Ukraine online – the procedure takes just a few minutes.

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.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.