- The best travel insurance plans for Ukraine
- Is it currently safe to travel to Ukraine?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Ukraine?
- Why take out travel insurance for Ukraine?
- What should travel insurance for Ukraine cover?
- The cost of travel insurance for Ukraine
- How can you pay less for your travel insurance to Ukraine?
- Will my current insurance cover me in Ukraine?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Ukraine: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Ukraine covers medical costs, repatriation, and assistance during unexpected emergencies.
2. Warning: The Australian government has a 'Do not travel' advisory in place for all of Ukraine.
3. Key protection: A valid health insurance policy is a mandatory legal requirement for Australians to enter Ukraine.
4. Price: A one-week policy for Ukraine can cost from AUD 150 to AUD 400 due to high risk.
5. Good to know: Most standard policies are void if you travel against the 'Do not travel' government advice.
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 Ukraine.
The best travel insurance plans for Ukraine
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | AUD 1.6M | Best for high-risk travel to Ukraine. - high medical cap - repatriation covered - modern guarantees |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | AUD 1.6M | Strong support for emergencies. - 24/7 helpline - cancellation cover - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | AUD 800K | Suitable for basic requirements. - solid medical cover - emergency help - simple claim process |
| Travel Pass Monde | AUD 1.1M | Good cover for diverse scenarios. - hospital and transport included - repatriation - valid for Ukraine |
| Globe Partner | AUD 480K | Reliable for shorter or lower-risk trips. - essential medical care - repatriation - civil liability |
| Globe Traveller | AUD 800K | Basics for limited stays. - standard medical cover - fast reimbursement - budget-friendly options |
- high medical cap
- repatriation covered
- modern guarantees
- 24/7 helpline
- cancellation cover
- no deductible
- solid medical cover
- emergency help
- simple claim process
- hospital and transport included
- repatriation
- valid for Ukraine
- essential medical care
- repatriation
- civil liability
- standard medical cover
- fast reimbursement
- budget-friendly options
Watch out!
These travel insurance policies are the ones we usually recommend due to their excellent value for money and reliability. However, in this particular case, they may not offer travel insurance coverage for Ukraine due to the ongoing armed conflict.
Is it currently safe to travel to Ukraine?
As of June 2025, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) advises do not travel to Ukraine due to ongoing military conflict and extreme security risks. These risks are severe and can directly impact personal safety, mobility, and access to essential services.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: widespread armed conflict affects large parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. Missile strikes, gunfire, and the presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance are ongoing threats, including in cities such as Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odessa.
- Health risks: public health systems are disrupted and access to emergency medical care is poor, especially outside major cities. There are significant risks from infectious diseases including polio, tuberculosis, and hepatitis, and shortages of medicines and medical supplies can complicate care.
- Legal requirements: valid health insurance covering medical emergencies is legally mandatory for entry, regardless of the duration or nature of your visit. Proof of sufficient financial resources and appropriate travel documentation is also required on arrival.
- Consular assistance: the Australian Embassy cannot provide routine in-person services in Ukraine. Emergency consular help is extremely limited and may not be available; the Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra can be reached by phone.
Travel insurance is legally mandatory to enter Ukraine. 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 Ukraine?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for Australian citizens entering Ukraine, regardless of visa status.
You must present a valid health insurance certificate on arrival that covers medical expenses and repatriation for the duration of your stay in Ukraine. The policy must be issued by an internationally recognised insurer and show explicit validity in Ukraine. Proof of insurance will be checked at border control and may also be required by the police or other local authorities.
Expert Tip
Obtaining travel insurance for Ukraine can be extremely difficult given the ongoing military conflict. Many major insurers exclude coverage for active war zones. Contact well-known international brokers or specialist insurers who may still provide compliant cover, and always check the policy details carefully.
💡 If possible, always choose a recognized international travel insurance policy with strong coverage and 24/7 assistance, such as Cap Assistance 24/7, AVA Capital, Globe Trotter, or World Travel Premium.
Why take out travel insurance for Ukraine?
Travel insurance is a legal requirement for visiting Ukraine.
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Ukraine.
In Ukraine, foreigners may have access only to private healthcare facilities such as Boris Clinic in Kyiv or Adonis Medical Group, where costs for treatment, surgery, and emergency care can be high. Public hospitals are often under-resourced and face frequent shortages of medical supplies, especially outside Kyiv, Kharkiv or Odesa. In unstable areas, emergency evacuation to another country is sometimes necessary and can be even more expensive.
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 Ukraine.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Boris Clinic Kyiv | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | UAH 41,000 (AUD 1,600) | up to AUD 2,000,000 |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | UAH 67,000 (AUD 2,600) | up to AUD 2,000,000 |
| I need to be repatriated | UAH 450,000 (AUD 17,400) | up to AUD 2,000,000 |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | UAH 153,000 (AUD 5,900) | up to AUD 2,000,000 |
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 should travel insurance for Ukraine cover?
⚠️ Due to the ongoing conflict and military activity in Ukraine, many insurers restrict or exclude coverage, particularly for war-related incidents or travel to certain regions. Coverage options may be limited or come with significant exclusions, so review policy details carefully before purchase.
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Ukraine.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations | Legally required |
|---|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Pays for hospital, outpatient care and doctor visits. Recommended minimum: AUD 500,000. | ⚠️ Mandatory |
| 🚑 Emergency evacuation | Covers medical evacuation to another country or back to Australia if local care is insufficient. Minimum: AUD 300,000. | ⚠️ Mandatory |
| ✈️ Repatriation | Pays to return you to Australia for medical reasons or after death. Minimum: AUD 200,000. | ⚠️ Mandatory |
| 💼 Loss of belongings | Cover for loss, theft, or damage to luggage, tech devices, and passports. Recommend: at least AUD 5,000. | 🟠 Recommended |
| ⌛ Trip interruption | Non-refundable travel expenses if you must interrupt a trip for covered reasons. Recommend: at least AUD 10,000. | 🟠 Recommended |
| 💳 Personal liability | Protection if you injure someone or damage property. Minimum: AUD 1,000,000. | 🟠 Recommended |
| 🦟 Infectious disease cover | Treatment for illnesses such as polio, hepatitis or tick-borne diseases. Minimum: AUD 500,000. | ⚠️ Mandatory |
| 🕊️ Emergency assistance | 24/7 help for medical or security emergencies and evacuation logistics. Provider should offer support in English. | ⚠️ Mandatory |
Recommended minimum: AUD 500,000.
Minimum: AUD 300,000.
Minimum: AUD 200,000.
Recommend: at least AUD 5,000.
Recommend: at least AUD 10,000.
Minimum: AUD 1,000,000.
Minimum: AUD 500,000.
Provider should offer support in English.
Important information
Travel insurance is legally required to enter Ukraine, including cover for medical expenses, hospitalisation, repatriation, and treatments for infectious diseases. Your certificate must state the period of validity and be in English or Ukrainian. Health insurance is essential even for short visa-free stays.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards usually has low coverage limits and many exclusions. It is safer to choose a trusted insurer with full cover. Compare good options for Ukraine on HelloSafe and subscribe online for immediate certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Ukraine
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AUD 56 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AUD 100 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AUD 185 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AUD 315 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
When considering travel insurance for Ukraine, the price is influenced by your age, trip duration, the high-risk destination, and the required level of medical and evacuation cover. Given that health insurance is mandatory for entry and the extreme risks involved, it's vital to weigh these factors to understand the significant potential cost and limited availability.
💡 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 can you pay less for your travel insurance to Ukraine?
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Ukraine while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🕒 Trip duration | The shorter your stay, the less you pay, as insurance is calculated based on trip length. | Adjust your policy precisely to your travel dates to avoid unnecessary extra charges for unused days. |
| 🧑 Traveller's age | Older travellers typically face higher premiums, but not all insurers apply higher rates in the same way. | Compare multiple providers; Heymondo does not increase prices for people over 62, which may benefit senior travellers. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Ukraine requires proof of medical insurance for entry, but very high coverage limits can increase your premium. | Choose the minimum required level for entry plus essential benefits, but avoid costly add-ons. |
| 🗓 Time of purchase | Buying early provides a wider choice and may lock in lower rates before demand rises or prices change. | Purchase insurance as soon as your trip is confirmed to access competitive rates and suitable cover. |
| 🏢 Insurer type | Direct-insurance providers and online brokers often deliver lower premiums, especially for standard travel policies. | Use comparison websites to check many options and select basic, compliant policies at the best available price. |
| 💼 Coverage for valuables | Insuring expensive belongings increases premiums, but Ukraine is not generally a high-risk destination for theft. | Only insure valuables you must take and limit the insured value to essential items to keep the premium low. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation limit | Emergency medical evacuation is essential due to the conflict, but excessive limits can drive costs up. | Seek policies with a reasonable evacuation cap that meets Ukraine’s entry requirement and does not add unnecessary expense. |
Important
Travel insurance is legally required for entry to Ukraine. Ensure your policy specifies coverage in Ukraine, clearly indicates the required coverage amount, and includes both medical and evacuation expenses.
Will my current insurance cover me in Ukraine?
It is understandable to wonder whether your Australian public health insurance or credit card insurance could cover you during a visit to Ukraine. Unfortunately, these options typically offer only limited or insufficient coverage abroad. Entry to Ukraine legally requires valid health insurance, as only travel insurance meets embassy requirements.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Ukraine? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | Covers health expenses in Australia only. No international care, evacuation, or assistance for incidents in Ukraine. | Travel insurance covers up to AUD 1,000,000 for overseas medical, evacuation, hospital bills, and 24/7 support services. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa, HCF, Medibank) | Limited coverage | Overseas cover may be available as an optional add-on, usually capped at AUD 2,500. No repatriation guarantee. | Travel insurance provides higher maximums, medical evacuation, repatriation, lost baggage, and trip interruption coverage. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard) | Limited coverage | Accident coverage and travel delay up to AUD 1,500, only if travel is paid by card. No evacuation or major health protection. | Travel insurance covers medical emergencies, evacuations, and a broader range of incidents specific to travel in Ukraine. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Platinum, Westpac Altitude Black) | Limited coverage | May reimburse medical events up to AUD 10,000, strict conditions and exclusions, rarely covers war-related events or pandemics. | Travel insurance offers comprehensive protection including higher limits, evacuation, emergency medical and mandatory embassy cover. |
Example
Near Kharkiv, an Aussie aid worker was severely injured by unexploded ordnance. Emergency surgery and stabilisation cost AU$150,000. His CommBank card's insurance was void due to the 'Do Not Travel' warning, and his mandatory local policy only covered AU$5,000, leaving him with a crippling AU$145,000 bill.
Expert advice
Your credit card or private health insurance often won't cover trip interruptions, like a relative's illness. Always check the fine print of your existing policies to avoid nasty surprises abroad. For peace of mind, it's always safer to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Ukraine?
No, Australian citizens do not need a visa for tourist or private visits to Ukraine of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Your Australian passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date and have a minimum of two blank pages for entry stamps.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Ukraine?
Start by comparing policies using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Carefully check what each policy covers and excludes, with close attention to guarantees relevant to travel in Ukraine. Buy your preferred policy online. You will receive your insurance certificate by email, which you must present upon entry.
Are there age restrictions for travel insurance to Ukraine?
Most insurers offer cover for travellers of any age, but seniors may face higher premiums or reduced cover. Policies for older travellers, especially those above 65 or 70 years old, can cost more and sometimes impose different limits on claims. It is important to always check age-related terms before purchasing your policy.
Will travel insurance cover war-related incidents in Ukraine?
Due to the current military conflict, many insurers exclude claims resulting from war, civil unrest, or terrorism in Ukraine. Some specialist insurers may offer limited cover, but premiums will be significantly higher. Always read the policy documents and ask the insurer about specific coverage for risks present in Ukraine before you commit.
How much medical cover should I select for Ukraine?
The Australian government recommends a high level of health cover due to the high cost and limited availability of medical care, especially outside major cities. A minimum of AUD 250,000 for medical and evacuation expenses is advised. Confirm that your policy meets Ukraine’s mandatory health insurance entry requirement.
What documents do I need to make a travel insurance claim in Ukraine?
You will need to keep all proof of expenses such as medical and hospital bills, police reports in case of theft or assault, and your policy certificate. Submit these documents online or via your insurer’s claim portal, and always notify your insurance provider as soon as possible after an incident.
Do I need a visa to travel to Ukraine?
No, Australian citizens do not need a visa for tourist or private visits to Ukraine of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Your Australian passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date and have a minimum of two blank pages for entry stamps.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Ukraine?
Start by comparing policies using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Carefully check what each policy covers and excludes, with close attention to guarantees relevant to travel in Ukraine. Buy your preferred policy online. You will receive your insurance certificate by email, which you must present upon entry.
Are there age restrictions for travel insurance to Ukraine?
Most insurers offer cover for travellers of any age, but seniors may face higher premiums or reduced cover. Policies for older travellers, especially those above 65 or 70 years old, can cost more and sometimes impose different limits on claims. It is important to always check age-related terms before purchasing your policy.
Will travel insurance cover war-related incidents in Ukraine?
Due to the current military conflict, many insurers exclude claims resulting from war, civil unrest, or terrorism in Ukraine. Some specialist insurers may offer limited cover, but premiums will be significantly higher. Always read the policy documents and ask the insurer about specific coverage for risks present in Ukraine before you commit.
How much medical cover should I select for Ukraine?
The Australian government recommends a high level of health cover due to the high cost and limited availability of medical care, especially outside major cities. A minimum of AUD 250,000 for medical and evacuation expenses is advised. Confirm that your policy meets Ukraine’s mandatory health insurance entry requirement.
What documents do I need to make a travel insurance claim in Ukraine?
You will need to keep all proof of expenses such as medical and hospital bills, police reports in case of theft or assault, and your policy certificate. Submit these documents online or via your insurer’s claim portal, and always notify your insurance provider as soon as possible after an incident.
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