Health insurance requirement upon entry

This page answers the question "is insurance mandatory?" for Turkish citizens traveling to Ukraine. There is currently no general insurance requirement for short visa-free visits; however, insurance is mandatory for long-term visa and residence card applications. Below, you will find which insurance is required in which situation, when the rule from the pandemic period ended, and what to consider when choosing a policy.

• Health insurance is not included in the entry requirements list dated March 3, 2025, issued by the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. The list consists of five requirements: a valid passport, no entry ban, a visa (if required), documentation of the purpose of travel, and sufficient financial resources (see U1.1).
• There is also no insurance policy among the documents accepted as proof of financial resources at the border.
• The entry information issued by the Embassy of Ukraine in Ankara for Turkish citizens also does not include an insurance requirement for short visa-free stays.
• Nevertheless, it is in your interest to obtain health insurance covering Ukraine and the entire duration of your stay. Turkey and Ukraine do not have a social security agreement (see below).

• In 2020, Ukraine introduced a requirement for foreigners entering the country to have health insurance covering Covid-19 treatment. Foreigners with permanent residence permits were exempt from this requirement.
• At that time, the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Kyiv advised that the policy should clearly state that the insurance covered Covid-19 treatment and was valid in Ukraine.
• Starting in August 2021, a test result or vaccination certificate was also required in addition to insurance.
• These rules were linked to the pandemic quarantine. The Ukrainian government lifted the quarantine and the state of emergency as of July 1, 2023.
• You may come across old webpages describing the insurance requirement from that period. For current requirements, consult the Border Guard Service's list.

• The Embassy of Ukraine in Ankara requires an insurance policy covering the duration of the stay in Ukraine, with coverage of at least 30,000 euros, for visa applications.
• This policy is not required from holders of diplomatic and service passports.
• Turkish citizens obtain a type D visa for stays longer than 90 days. Therefore, this requirement applies to long-term stays for work, education, and family purposes (see U1.2).

• The State Migration Service of Ukraine (ДМС) requires a valid health insurance policy covering the entire validity period of the card when applying for a temporary residence card. Certain groups specified by law are exempt from this requirement.
• When renewing the card because it has expired, a policy covering the new period and a copy of it must also be submitted.
• For details about the residence card, see U2.1.

• The Ukrainian government's foreign student portal, Study in Ukraine, requires valid health insurance when applying for a student visa (type D).
• For stays for educational purposes, see U4.1 and U4.2.

• Türkiye has no social security agreement with Ukraine. According to the Social Security Institution's list, Türkiye has agreements in force with 35 countries; Ukraine is not among them.
• Therefore, you cannot receive healthcare in Ukraine under SGK coverage based on an agreement. You must cover treatment costs through private insurance or pay for them yourself.
• For social security and borrowing for periods abroad, see O1.5. For health insurance in Ukraine, see U6.2.

• Make sure Ukraine is explicitly listed in the policy.
• The policy should cover the entire duration of your stay in Ukraine. For a visa application, coverage must be at least 30,000 euros.
• For a residence card application, the policy must cover the entire validity period of the card.
• Ask your insurance company in writing whether events occurring during wartime and martial law are excluded from coverage.
• Leave a copy of the policy with your family. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends this to everyone traveling abroad.

• The single emergency number in Ukraine is 112; ambulance: 103 (see O2.1).
• For access to healthcare and emergency assistance, see U6.1.

• Deciding that "insurance is mandatory" or "not needed at all" based only on the old Covid-period rule. The requirement varies depending on the type of stay.
• Submitting a policy with coverage below 30,000 euros for a visa application.
• Submitting a policy for a residence card application that does not cover the entire validity period of the card.
• Assuming that SGK coverage is valid in Ukraine.
• Failing to check whether Ukraine is included in the policy.

• Is insurance mandatory for a short visit? It is not among the visa-free entry requirements of the Border Guard Service. Nevertheless, it is in your interest to obtain it.
• How much coverage is required for a visa? At least 30,000 euros.
• What kind of insurance is required for a residence card? A health insurance policy covering the card's entire validity period.
• Is Covid insurance still required? No. The quarantine ended on July 1, 2023.
• Is my private health insurance in Türkiye sufficient? Ask your company in writing whether your policy covers Ukraine and the duration of your stay.

• State Border Guard Service of Ukraine – General requirements for foreigners
• Embassy of Ukraine in Ankara – Documents required for a visa
• State Migration Service of Ukraine – Temporary residence card
• Study in Ukraine – Student visa requirements
• SGK – Social security agreements