- The best travel insurance plans for Lebanon
- Is it currently safe to travel to Lebanon?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Lebanon?
- Why take out travel insurance for Lebanon?
- What Travel Insurance for Lebanon Should Cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Lebanon
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Lebanon
- Does my current insurance provide coverage in Lebanon?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Lebanon: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Lebanon covers medical emergencies, repatriation, and other unexpected travel disruptions.
2. Warning: The Australian government advises 'Do Not Travel' to Lebanon due to the volatile security situation.
3. Key protection: Travel insurance is mandatory for Australians to enter Lebanon, covering medical and repatriation costs.
4. Minimum coverage: A minimum of USD 30,000 (approx. AUD 45,000) for medical and repatriation is required.
5. Price: A one-week policy for Lebanon can cost from AUD 80 to AUD 150, if available.
6. Good to know: Any evidence of travel to Israel in your passport will result in entry refusal to Lebanon.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Lebanon.
The best travel insurance plans for Lebanon
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | AUD 1.65M | Meets Lebanon's entry requirements and covers security risks. strong medical coverageevacuation and repatriationwide emergency assistance |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | AUD 1.65M | Well suited for unpredictable environments. 24/7 helplinecancellation covercompliant with official insurance requirements |
| Tourist Card | AUD 825k | Meets core legal requirements for short trips. solid medical and evacuation coverquick claimsattractive pricing |
| Travel Pass Monde | AUD 1.15M | Balanced protection with broad coverage. repatriationhospitalisation supportsuitable for required guarantee in Lebanon |
| Globe Partner | AUD 495k | Fulfils Lebanon's legal minimum. core medical protectionemergency expensesbasic evacuation cover |
| Globe Traveller | AUD 825k | Cost-effective for standard travel needs. covers mandatory limitsprompt medical reimbursementstreamlined for visa compliance |
strong medical coverageevacuation and repatriationwide emergency assistance
24/7 helplinecancellation covercompliant with official insurance requirements
solid medical and evacuation coverquick claimsattractive pricing
repatriationhospitalisation supportsuitable for required guarantee in Lebanon
core medical protectionemergency expensesbasic evacuation cover
covers mandatory limitsprompt medical reimbursementstreamlined for visa compliance
Is it currently safe to travel to Lebanon?
As of June 2025, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises travellers to not travel to Lebanon due to the volatile security situation, ongoing risk of armed conflict and the possibility of airstrikes and airspace closures. The overall situation in Lebanon can deteriorate rapidly, leaving Australians unable to leave the country and with limited consular support.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: ongoing ceasefire violations, the threat of sudden conflict escalation and targeted airstrikes continue in Beirut, southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. Airport closures are possible without notice, and personal security remains at serious risk throughout the country.
- Health risks: public hospitals have limited capacity, and most quality medical care is delivered by expensive private clinics in Beirut. Access to medicines and supplies may be disrupted, especially if conflict escalates or during power shortages.
- Legal requirements: travel insurance covering medical care and repatriation is legally mandatory for Australian visitors to Lebanon. Israeli stamps or evidence of travel to Israel in your passport will result in refusal of entry and detention.
- Environmental hazards: air pollution from generator fumes and burning waste can worsen respiratory diseases. Water quality is unreliable, increasing the risk of waterborne illnesses.
Travel insurance is legally mandatory to enter Lebanon. It must cover at minimum medical care and repatriation costs, as these expenses can be significant in case of illness or accident during your stay.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Lebanon?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for Australian nationals travelling to Lebanon, regardless of visa status.
To enter Lebanon, travellers must present a travel insurance certificate covering at least USD 30,000 in emergency medical and repatriation expenses. The policy must be valid for the full duration of stay in Lebanon and recognised by local authorities.
Why take out travel insurance for Lebanon?
Travel insurance is a legal requirement for visiting Lebanon.
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Lebanon.
In Lebanon, the public health system is limited and not recommended for foreign travellers, particularly in rural areas. Leading private hospitals in Beirut, such as American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) and Clemenceau Medical Center, require upfront payment for all services, with costs often exceeding regional averages.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Lebanon.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at American University of Beirut Medical Center | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 7,500,000 LBP (AUD 7,800) | Up to USD 30,000 (AUD 44,600) |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 4,000,000 LBP (AUD 4,200) | Up to USD 30,000 (AUD 44,600) |
| I need to be repatriated | 80,000,000 LBP (AUD 83,500) | Up to USD 30,000 (AUD 44,600) |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 12,000,000 LBP (AUD 12,500) | Up to USD 30,000 (AUD 44,600) |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What Travel Insurance for Lebanon Should Cover
⚠️ Due to ongoing conflict and unpredictable security in Lebanon, travellers may face disrupted movement, emergency evacuations, and difficulties accessing care or leaving the country.
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Lebanon.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations | Legally required |
|---|---|---|
| 🚑 Medical expenses | Covers doctor visits, urgent care, surgery, and private hospitalisation if injured or ill in Lebanon. We recommend at least AUD 45,000. | ⚠️ Mandatory |
| 🏥 Hospitalisation | Pays for overnight hospital stays and surgeries at private clinics such as AUBMC in Beirut. Minimum AUD 45,000 suggested. | ⚠️ Mandatory |
| ✈️ Medical repatriation | Covers medical evacuation to Australia if you cannot be treated in Lebanon. Minimum AUD 45,000 advised. | ⚠️ Mandatory |
| 💊 Medicine reimbursement | Reimburses pharmacy expenses for prescribed medicine (often scarce in Lebanon). At least AUD 2,000 recommended. | 🟠 Recommended |
| 🧳 Baggage and personal items cover | Protects against theft or loss of luggage and valuables, frequent in airports and large cities. We recommend a limit of AUD 2,500. | 🟡 Optional |
| 🚗 Personal liability | Covers accidental damage or injury caused to others. Minimum AUD 1,000,000 recommended. | 🟡 Optional |
| 🛬 Travel disruption or delays | Refunds extra costs for delayed flights and unforeseen accommodation. We recommend at least AUD 1,500. | 🟡 Optional |
| ❌ Trip cancellation | Refunds non-refundable travel costs if cancellation is due to illness or emergencies. At least AUD 3,000 advised. | 🟡 Optional |
We recommend at least AUD 45,000.
Minimum AUD 45,000 suggested.
Minimum AUD 45,000 advised.
At least AUD 2,000 recommended.
We recommend a limit of AUD 2,500.
Minimum AUD 1,000,000 recommended.
We recommend at least AUD 1,500.
At least AUD 3,000 advised.
Important information
For Lebanon, travel insurance is required for every short-term visa or free visa-on-arrival. Policies must cover at least medical expenses and repatriation up to USD 30,000 (about AUD 45,000) and be valid for your entire stay. Certificates should be in English and meet Lebanese authorities’ standards.
Travel insurance offered by local providers or included with bank cards usually has limited coverage and low limits, with many exclusions. It is much safer to select a reputable insurer with comprehensive cover. Compare the best options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Lebanon
| Trip duration | Traveller’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AUD 58 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AUD 95 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AUD 160 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AUD 320 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of your mandatory travel insurance for Lebanon is shaped by several factors: your age, the length of your stay, the high-risk destination, your level of cover, and cancellation options. With a 'Do Not Travel' alert, expect higher premiums. Keeping these in mind is crucial to find a suitable policy for this challenging destination.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to Lebanon
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Lebanon while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🧑🎓 Traveller’s age | Premiums often increase with age, especially for seniors or higher-risk travellers. | Compare offers based on age. Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62, which can save money if you qualify. |
| 🧳 Trip duration | Longer trips are more expensive to insure. | Choose the exact travel dates. Avoid overestimating your stay, as insuring extra days unnecessarily raises your premium. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Lebanon requires a minimum medical limit, but policies with higher ceilings cost more. | Opt for a plan with just the required minimum cover for entry (USD 30,000 or equivalent), not unnecessary higher limits. |
| 🏄♂️ Activities covered | Extreme sports or hazardous activities increase the price due to higher risk. | Only include coverage for activities you will actually do. Remove non-essential sport or adventure guarantees from your plan. |
| 💼 Type of policy | Single-trip versus multi-trip or annual plans differ in price for similar durations. | If you travel frequently, compare the cost of a multi-trip policy with several single-trip policies within the same year. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Group options | Family or group policies sometimes provide better rates per person. | Ask insurers if there’s a group discount, especially if you’re travelling with family or a group of friends. |
| 🌏 Excess (deductible) | A higher deductible lowers your premium but raises your out-of-pocket expenses in case of a claim. | Consider choosing a higher excess if you want to reduce the upfront policy cost, but balance it with your risk profile. |
Important
Travel insurance is mandatory to enter Lebanon for travellers from AU. Your policy must include at least USD 30,000 cover for medical and repatriation expenses. Entry without proof of compliant insurance may be refused.
Does my current insurance provide coverage in Lebanon?
It’s completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage—such as credit card insurance or your public health system—can protect you during a trip to Lebanon. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient. For Australians, travel insurance is mandatory for entry, as only it meets the embassy requirements.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Lebanon? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance | Never | Only covers medical costs in Australia, no reimbursement for care abroad | Travel insurance can reimburse up to 1,600,000 AUD and includes crisis evacuation, hospitalization, and repatriation. |
| Private health insurance | Limited coverage | May cover overseas emergencies, but often capped at 50,000 AUD, not always including repatriation | Travel insurance offers higher medical limits and guarantees like lost baggage, civil unrest, and trip interruption. |
| Classic credit card (ANZ, Westpac, Commonwealth) | Limited coverage | Covers minor accidents up to 20,000 AUD for medical and trip delays, no repatriation or pre-existing conditions | Travel insurance includes full medical, emergency evacuation, and support unavailable via standard cards. |
| Premium credit card (Amex Platinum, Visa Signature, Mastercard World) | Limited coverage | Up to 50,000 AUD for hospitalisation, usually excludes high-risk countries, many restrictions apply | Travel insurance provides comprehensive crisis and health benefits, including terrorism and natural disaster incidents. |
Example
After a bad scooter accident in Beirut, Liam's private hospital bill for surgery was AU$45,000. His CommBank Platinum card's travel insurance had an exclusion for scooter incidents, and his Aussie health fund offered no cover. He had to pay the full amount upfront, a devastating cost for a simple holiday mishap.
Expert advice
Trip interruptions, like a relative's illness, are often excluded from bank card and health insurance policies. Always check the fine print to avoid nasty surprises abroad. For peace of mind, it's always safer to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your specific trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Lebanon?
Australian citizens can obtain a free tourist visa on arrival at Beirut International Airport for up to one month. This visa is extendable for a total of three months. You must have a valid Australian passport for at least six months, a return ticket, and no Israeli visas or stamps in your passport.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Lebanon?
Begin by comparing options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Check cover and exclusions, especially related to emergency medical care, repatriation, and any restrictions connected to Lebanon. Buy your policy online from a trusted provider. Once your purchase is complete, you will receive your insurance certificate by email.
What are the minimum requirements for travel insurance for Lebanon?
Travel insurance for entry to Lebanon must cover at least emergency medical treatment and medical repatriation, with a minimum reimbursement limit of approximately 45,000 AUD (equivalent to 30,000 USD). The certificate should state coverage amounts clearly and generally must be in English or French.
Does travel insurance cover political or security evacuations in Lebanon?
Standard travel insurance usually covers emergency medical evacuations but not military or political evacuations due to war or civil unrest. Some insurers offer crisis management add-ons, but these are limited and may not be available if civil conflict is ongoing. Always check the specific exclusions carefully.
Can I buy travel insurance for Lebanon if I have a pre-existing health condition?
Many insurers require that you declare pre-existing medical conditions when purchasing your policy. Coverage availability and premiums vary. Some conditions may be excluded or covered with an extra premium. Always disclose your health history fully and confirm acceptance with the insurer before travel.
What should I do if I need medical treatment in Lebanon?
Seek treatment at a reputable private hospital, as public facilities can be limited in Lebanon. Keep receipts and medical reports, as most insurers require original documents for claims. Contact your insurer for assistance and to check if they have preferred medical facilities in your area. Upfront payment is usually required.
Do I need a visa to travel to Lebanon?
Australian citizens can obtain a free tourist visa on arrival at Beirut International Airport for up to one month. This visa is extendable for a total of three months. You must have a valid Australian passport for at least six months, a return ticket, and no Israeli visas or stamps in your passport.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Lebanon?
Begin by comparing options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Check cover and exclusions, especially related to emergency medical care, repatriation, and any restrictions connected to Lebanon. Buy your policy online from a trusted provider. Once your purchase is complete, you will receive your insurance certificate by email.
What are the minimum requirements for travel insurance for Lebanon?
Travel insurance for entry to Lebanon must cover at least emergency medical treatment and medical repatriation, with a minimum reimbursement limit of approximately 45,000 AUD (equivalent to 30,000 USD). The certificate should state coverage amounts clearly and generally must be in English or French.
Does travel insurance cover political or security evacuations in Lebanon?
Standard travel insurance usually covers emergency medical evacuations but not military or political evacuations due to war or civil unrest. Some insurers offer crisis management add-ons, but these are limited and may not be available if civil conflict is ongoing. Always check the specific exclusions carefully.
Can I buy travel insurance for Lebanon if I have a pre-existing health condition?
Many insurers require that you declare pre-existing medical conditions when purchasing your policy. Coverage availability and premiums vary. Some conditions may be excluded or covered with an extra premium. Always disclose your health history fully and confirm acceptance with the insurer before travel.
What should I do if I need medical treatment in Lebanon?
Seek treatment at a reputable private hospital, as public facilities can be limited in Lebanon. Keep receipts and medical reports, as most insurers require original documents for claims. Contact your insurer for assistance and to check if they have preferred medical facilities in your area. Upfront payment is usually required.
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