File this under Things I Didn’t Know. We have insurance but I never thought to carry it with me during check-in for flights or at border control https://www.elliott.org/on-travel/travel-insurance-is-becoming-mandatory-in-more-destinations-heres-what-you-need-to-know/
Like so much, enforcement is erratic, it seems.
The article seems to be focused on medical coverage, which is much narrower than what most people consider travel insurance.
Laurel, good to know. I have noticed comments about mandatory travel insurance (especially medical) recently on travel sites and in documents, but didn't realize it was as extensive as it is. Definitely something to plan for with your trips!
Mandatory insurance has been required in some places for years.
I just download a PDF of my policy in case I need it during my trip. So it's always with me.
Countries who have signed on for visa-free travel have as part of the agreement a number of expectations for travelers. You can be asked at the border for proof of:
Health Insurance or coverage.
Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
Evidence of where you will be staying while in the country
Evidence of the length of stay
Be able to state the purpose of your visit.
These requirements have been around for decades, and apply to just about any country you travel to. If you were to apply for a visa, the same requirements apply, just more proof needed.
Now will they really ask these questions? Likely not, especially for us older, white, US citizens. Be young, of color, looking like you might be going to stay, then yeah, you get asked. But most of the time, you might just be asked how long you are staying, maybe where you are going, and why you are here.
Now, will they really ask these questions? Likely not, especially for
us older, white, US citizens. Be young, of color, looking like you
might be going to stay, then yeah, you get asked.
Im not doubting if you are correct, I would just like to see or read any reliable source that either has statistics or has personally observed this. Or is it just common knowledge that Europeans are racists? All Europeans?
Not that many will be going to Ukraine any time soon (I hope to in November if you would like to join me), but medical insurance is required and you will be checked.
The only border control where I was questioned extensively pre-pandemic was in LHR. Nowhere now or then was ever asked about med. insurance or sufficient funds to stay.
The border control at Passau on the night train from Vienna to Berlin this time did ask me about an additional piece of paper, I assume, since I didn't hear the other word as we were speaking in German. He asked if I had this Aufenthalt something (I assumed he meant Aufenthaltsgenehmigung (approval to stay) or something along those lines....bottom line: I did not ask for clarification, maybe he was testing me, maybe he meant that special whatever that is earmarked to kick in the last quarter of 2026 in the Schengen zone. I just shot back at him saying the passport was the only thing I had. That was the end of it. This entire encounter was witnessed by the passengers around me, all German.
Basically as to the questions above, "they" can ask me all the questions they want, it gives me the chance to shoot my prepared answers back at them .
