War risk insurance highlighted for foreign travellers entering Ukraine
Foreign nationals travelling to Ukraine have been advised to ensure their medical insurance specifically covers war-related risks
Travel information service Visit Ukraine has published updated guidance for foreigners entering the country in 2026, highlighting the importance of arranging appropriate war risk insurance before travelling.
As standard travel insurance frequently excludes claims associated with war, military activity, and terrorism, leaving travellers without cover for injuries resulting from incidents such as shelling or drone attacks, travellers were urged to search for appropriate cover that provides the right insurance for their trip.
Specialist war risk policies may provide cover for emergency medical assistance, outpatient treatment, hospitalisation and surgery, as well as medical evacuation and repatriation.
Coverage can also extend to treatment for injuries directly resulting from shelling or drone attacks, although benefits and exclusions vary between policies.
The guidance is particularly relevant to journalists, humanitarian and NGO workers, volunteers, and business travellers operating in Ukraine.
War risk insurance is mandatory for foreign journalists and other media representatives, according to Visit Ukraine, while travellers are advised to ensure that the geographical scope of their policy corresponds with their planned itinerary.
It is worth noting potential gaps in coverage that travellers should be aware of, and that insurers could consider highlighting when policies are sold.
For example, geographical exclusions can apply: policies described by Visit Ukraine exclude temporarily occupied territories, areas where Ukrainian authorities are unable to perform their functions, settlements along the demarcation line, and territories where active hostilities are taking place.
Travellers have also been warned about potential gaps in cover. Policies purchased before entering Ukraine can become effective from the point of crossing the border, subject to their terms, while policies purchased after arrival may not become active until 24 hours after payment.
Visit Ukraine stressed that war risk insurance provides financial protection rather than guaranteeing travellers’ safety, and should be used alongside official security advice and appropriate emergency planning.
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