Do you need travel insurance for Ukraine if you already have EU coverage?

Are you planning a trip and wondering if your EU insurance covers Ukraine? Not always. Find out more about whether you need additional insurance and how to purchase it online in 5 minutes

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

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Despite popular belief, EU health insurance in Ukraine is not always a valid reason for entry. In fact, you may be denied at the border.

In this article, we explain do I need insurance for Ukraine, what the Ukrainian entry requirements for foreigners are, and why even the best EU-issued policies don’t exempt you from obtaining travel insurance for Ukraine.

Can you enter Ukraine with only EU travel insurance?

In most cases, the answer to is EU travel insurance valid in Ukraine is no. Ukraine is not part of the EU or the Schengen Zone.

Furthermore, the country is under martial law, which qualifies as a force majeure situation — often excluded from coverage in standard European insurance policies.

Many travelers mistakenly believe that their EU health insurance in Ukraine will apply. But this can lead to denial at the border or a complete lack of medical support in an emergency.

Standard EU-issued policies are not required to cover accidents or medical treatment in Ukraine. Even if such coverage formally exists, insurers can refuse payouts due to the war risk exclusions.

What type of insurance is required for entering Ukraine?

According to official Ukrainian entry requirements for foreigners, all travelers must have a policy that:

- Covers treatment and quarantine for COVID-19;

- Is valid for the entire duration of stay in Ukraine;

- Is issued by a Ukrainian company or one with official representation in Ukraine;

- Ideally includes insurance with war coverage Ukraine (highly recommended due to the current conditions).

To comply with Ukrainian law, travelers can obtain official Visit Ukraine travel insurance, which includes insurance with war coverage Ukraine — something that most European policies do not provide.

What if you’re already in Ukraine without Ukrainian insurance?

If you're already in the country and don’t have valid Ukraine medical insurance for foreigners, several issues may arise:

- Denial of medical assistance or full out-of-pocket costs;

- No coverage in case of incidents related to the war;

- Problems with travel documents for Ukraine, visas, or at border control.

There’s a simple solution: you can purchase travel insurance for Ukraine online, even after arriving. Get your Visit Ukraine travel insurance now — it only takes a few minutes!

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Are there exceptions or accepted EU policies?

Yes, some foreigner health insurance Ukraine policies issued in the EU may technically apply. However:

- Coverage depends on the specific insurer and terms and does not guarantee insurance with war coverage Ukraine;

- Border officials are not obligated to accept such policies without validation from a Ukrainian partner;

In many cases, especially when applying for a visa or residence permit, a Ukrainian-issued policy is required.

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.

What if you plan to stay longer? Legal and insurance considerations

If you intend to stay in Ukraine for more than 90 days, you may need:

- A D-type visa or temporary residence permit;

- Long-term Ukraine medical insurance for foreigners that meets immigration standards;

- Legal support for foreigners in Ukraine, especially when handling documentation.

The Visit Ukraine platform offers one-year foreigner health insurance Ukraine policies and access to expert legal support for foreigners in Ukraine. Apply for insurance and get a legal consultation now.

Final tips: Avoid surprises at the border

1. Don’t rely on assumptions — is EU travel insurance valid in Ukraine? Often, it’s not.

2. Check your policy’s terms for war exclusions.

3. Get a policy that’s recognized by Ukrainian border officials.

4. Always carry both digital and printed copies of your insurance.

Order your travel insurance for Ukraine today — with or without insurance with war coverage Ukraine!

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