- The best travel insurance plans for Yemen
- Is it currently safe to travel to </b>Yemen?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Yemen?
- Why take out travel insurance for Yemen?
- What should travel insurance for Yemen cover?
- What is the cost of travel insurance for Yemen?
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Yemen
- Your current insurance coverage in Yemen
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Yemen: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Yemen covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and other unforeseen events during your trip.
2. Warning: The U.S. Department of State has issued a "Level 4: Do Not Travel" advisory for Yemen.
3. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory, but crucial due to extreme risks and lack of consular support.
4. Price: A one-week high-risk policy for Yemen can cost between $150 and $300, or more.
5. Good to know: Most standard insurance policies will not cover travel to Yemen; a specialist policy is required.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in the United States, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Yemen.
The best travel insurance plans for Yemen
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1M | A robust choice for Yemen given health and security challenges. - top medical cover - repatriation - crisis support |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1M | Best for urgent support and simple documents. - 24/7 hotline - clear terms - cancellation included |
| Tourist Card | $500k | Good basic option for restricted travel. - solid medical cover - emergency help - competitive price |
| Travel Pass Monde | $700k | Balanced plan with broad guarantees. - hospital expenses - repatriation - global reach |
| Globe Partner | $300k | Reliable for short trips in high-risk settings. - medical care - liability - key guarantees |
| Globe Traveller | $500k | Affordable for low-risk travelers. - basic medical - clear exclusions - fast claims |
- top medical cover
- repatriation
- crisis support
- 24/7 hotline
- clear terms
- cancellation included
- solid medical cover
- emergency help
- competitive price
- hospital expenses
- repatriation
- global reach
- medical care
- liability
- key guarantees
- basic medical
- clear exclusions
- fast claims
Is it currently safe to travel to Yemen?
As of June 2025, the US Department of State urges against all travel to Yemen due to the ongoing war, terrorism, kidnapping, and the collapse of essential services. The situation is extremely dangerous and has led to the complete suspension of routine consular support for US citizens.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: active armed conflict, frequent bombings, landmines, and the presence of terrorist groups like Ansarallah (Houthis) pose major dangers throughout the country. For example, airstrikes and checkpoints are frequent on access roads to Sana’a.
- Health risks: medical care is severely limited due to destroyed facilities and shortages of medicine. Disease outbreaks such as cholera and polio have occurred, especially in regions like Houthi-controlled Marib.
- Legal constraints: US citizens may be detained without access to consular assistance, especially in Houthi areas. Special rules apply to dual nationals, and recent travelers have reported unlawful detentions at Sana’a International Airport.
- Other risks: visa issuance is suspended for most foreigners, and unauthorized “tourism” to Socotra Island may involve fake visas or entry refusals. Land borders and airports may close without notice, leaving travelers stranded.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the US Department of State, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Yemen.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Yemen?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for U.S. citizens to enter Yemen.
Even though it is not a legal requirement, having travel insurance with robust medical, evacuation, and crisis assistance coverage is strongly recommended due to extreme security concerns, a collapsed health system, and ongoing armed conflict.
According to our data, 90% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Yemen. This high percentage reflects the very risky environment, expensive medical evacuation, and limited local healthcare.
Expert Tip
It is particularly difficult for travelers from the US to obtain travel insurance for Yemen due to the high-risk status, most insurers exclude Yemen, and special authorization or direct negotiations with specialty insurers are often necessary.
Seek coverage from international insurers specializing in high-risk destinations, and request written confirmation that Yemen is covered in your policy.
Policies must include medical evacuation, crisis response, and 24/7 support.
Why take out travel insurance for Yemen?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Yemen.
In Yemen, public hospitals such as Al-Thawra Hospital in Sana'a often face severe shortages of medicine and equipment, and international travelers usually must seek care in private clinics like Saudi-German Hospital in Sana'a, where prices are considerably higher. Limited infrastructure and ongoing conflict make care expensive and challenging to access.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to the United States in case of serious incidents.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Yemen.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Saudi-German Hospital Sana'a | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 380,000 YER (about $1,500) | up to $100,000 |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 285,000 YER (about $1,125) | up to $100,000 |
| I need to be repatriated | 7,600,000 YER (about $30,000) | 100% covered up to policy terms |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 960,000 YER (about $3,800) | up to $100,000 |
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 Yemen cover?
⚠️ Ongoing conflict and security risks in Yemen mean travel insurance may have some exclusions or restrictions, especially for war-related incidents or areas under active conflict. Always check your insurer’s policy wording for any Yemen-specific limitations.
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Yemen.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| ? Medical expenses | Covers hospitalization, outpatient care, surgery, and medicines after accidents or illness. Recommended minimum: $100,000. |
| ? Medical evacuation & repatriation | Pays for transport to a suitable medical facility or return to the US if local care is impossible. Recommended minimum: $250,000. |
| ? Baggage loss or theft | Compensation for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage or valuables. Recommended minimum: $1,500 per item. |
| ? Trip cancellation or interruption | Refund of non-refundable travel costs if your trip is canceled or cut short. Recommended minimum: $5,000. |
| ?️ Personal liability | Legal costs or compensation if you injure someone or damage property. Recommended minimum: $100,000. |
| ? 24/7 assistance & translation | Access to an emergency hotline for support, provider referrals, and translation if needed. Always included with good policies. |
| ???? Emergency family assistance | Transport costs for a companion in case of hospitalization or death. Recommended minimum: $5,000. |
Recommended minimum: $100,000.
Recommended minimum: $250,000.
Recommended minimum: $1,500 per item.
Recommended minimum: $5,000.
Recommended minimum: $100,000.
Always included with good policies.
Recommended minimum: $5,000.
Travel insurance issued by local banks or included with credit cards typically offers only partial coverage, with low limits and many exclusions. For peace of mind, select a trusted insurer with comprehensive protection. Compare top providers on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant coverage confirmation.
What is the cost of travel insurance for Yemen?
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $75 – $110 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $130 – $180 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $190 – $260 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $330 – $540 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of travel insurance is shaped by several key factors: your age, the duration of your stay, your destination, the level of coverage, and any add-ons like cancellation protection. For high-risk areas, these elements significantly impact cost. It's vital to consider them to secure appropriate coverage and avoid unexpected expenses.
? 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 Yemen
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Yemen while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| ?️ Level of coverage | The cost depends on coverage limits, especially for medical and evacuation in risk zones. | Choose essential high limits for medical care and evacuation, but skip unnecessary extras. |
| ? Trip length | Insurance policies are priced by duration, so premium increases with longer stays. | Buy insurance only for the actual period of your trip, not extra days you will not use. |
| ? Number of travelers | Family or group policies can be cheaper per person compared to individual plans. | Consider a group or family insurance to benefit from reduced per-person rates. |
| ? Geographic area covered | The broader the coverage region, the more expensive the policy—Yemen is classified as high risk. | Choose a plan that covers Yemen exclusively and not unnecessary global regions. |
| ? Traveller's age | Premiums increase with age, particularly above 60—except for some insurers. | The insurer Heymondo does not increase prices for travelers over 62, which may reduce your cost. |
| ? Deductible amount | Higher deductible (the out-of-pocket portion per claim) lowers your premium cost. | Opt for a higher deductible if you are comfortable paying more out-of-pocket if something happens. |
| ? Pre-existing medical conditions | Pre-existing conditions can greatly raise your premium or restrict your options. | Declare only relevant conditions and compare exclusions carefully before purchase. |
Important
Travel insurance is not required by law for travelers from US to enter Yemen. However, due to the high-risk environment and fragile health system, high medical and evacuation coverage is strongly advised.
Your current insurance coverage in Yemen
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether your current insurance, such as credit card insurance or your U.S. health plan, can cover you during a trip to Yemen. Unfortunately, these protections are often severely limited or insufficient, especially in high-risk destinations. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Yemen? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | No, never | No coverage abroad. No emergency care, medical expenses or repatriation. | Travel insurance covers over $100,000 for emergency and evacuation. |
| Private health insurance (Aetna, UnitedHealthcare) | Yes, partly | Some plans offer emergency abroad—max $25,000—no evacuation, limited direct claim, excludes war zones. | Travel insurance covers up to $500,000+ and provides 24/7 worldwide assistance. |
| Classic credit card (Chase Freedom, Citi Simplicity) | Yes, partly | Emergency care up to $2,500, excludes war/conflict zones, no repatriation or trip interruption. | Travel insurance covers $100,000+ and trip interruption, evacuation, lost luggage. |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X) | Yes, partly | Medical expenses up to $150,000, little or no coverage for evacuation, excludes conflict zones. | Travel insurance adds $500,000+ medical and $1,000+ for baggage, includes conflict zones if specified. |
Example
While working near Taiz, Mark, a U.S. aid worker, was injured by a landmine. A medical evacuation and surgery cost $45,000. His Chase Sapphire card's insurance was voided by the 'Do Not Travel' advisory, and his U.S. health plan denied the claim, leaving him to cover the entire bill.
Expert advice
Always check the terms, exclusions, and limits of your existing insurance. Essential situations, like trip interruption for a relative’s illness, might be excluded. Read the conditions carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe a dedicated travel insurance tailored to the trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Yemen?
Entry visas for Yemen are required for all U.S. citizens. However, as of March 2025, visa issuance is currently on hold except for travelers with Yemeni origin, international organization workers, selected media, and diplomats. It is not possible for most American tourists to obtain a visa for Yemen at this time.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Yemen?
To buy travel insurance for Yemen, first compare available policies using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Carefully review coverages and exclusions, paying close attention to war, terrorism, or geographic limitations. Purchase your chosen policy securely online. Once completed, you will receive an insurance certificate by email, which you should keep for your records.
What specific risks does travel insurance cover in Yemen?
Travel insurance for Yemen typically provides coverage for medical emergencies, evacuation in case of severe illness or injury, trip interruption, and sometimes political evacuation. Given the security situation, ensure your policy covers conflict zones, acts of terrorism, and includes high limits for emergency evacuation, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Is travel insurance legally required to enter Yemen?
While not legally mandatory for U.S. travelers, travel insurance is highly recommended due to the severe security, health, and medical risks present in Yemen. Embassies and government agencies strongly advise having comprehensive coverage, including medical and evacuation, because healthcare infrastructure is extremely limited.
Can I get medical care in Yemen if I have travel insurance?
Medical care in Yemen is extremely limited and often not up to the standards found in the United States. Even with insurance, you may have to pay up front or require evacuation to another country. Always contact your insurance provider for guidance and assistance if you face a medical emergency in Yemen.
Are any destinations in Yemen considered safe for travel insurance coverage?
Currently, the U.S. State Department advises against all travel to Yemen due to terrorism, crime, civil unrest, and armed conflict. This includes regions like Socotra Island, despite some misleading offers for "safe" travel. Always verify with your insurer that the entire territory is covered and review any exclusions related to high-risk zones.
Do I need a visa to travel to Yemen?
Entry visas for Yemen are required for all U.S. citizens. However, as of March 2025, visa issuance is currently on hold except for travelers with Yemeni origin, international organization workers, selected media, and diplomats. It is not possible for most American tourists to obtain a visa for Yemen at this time.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Yemen?
To buy travel insurance for Yemen, first compare available policies using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Carefully review coverages and exclusions, paying close attention to war, terrorism, or geographic limitations. Purchase your chosen policy securely online. Once completed, you will receive an insurance certificate by email, which you should keep for your records.
What specific risks does travel insurance cover in Yemen?
Travel insurance for Yemen typically provides coverage for medical emergencies, evacuation in case of severe illness or injury, trip interruption, and sometimes political evacuation. Given the security situation, ensure your policy covers conflict zones, acts of terrorism, and includes high limits for emergency evacuation, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Is travel insurance legally required to enter Yemen?
While not legally mandatory for U.S. travelers, travel insurance is highly recommended due to the severe security, health, and medical risks present in Yemen. Embassies and government agencies strongly advise having comprehensive coverage, including medical and evacuation, because healthcare infrastructure is extremely limited.
Can I get medical care in Yemen if I have travel insurance?
Medical care in Yemen is extremely limited and often not up to the standards found in the United States. Even with insurance, you may have to pay up front or require evacuation to another country. Always contact your insurance provider for guidance and assistance if you face a medical emergency in Yemen.
Are any destinations in Yemen considered safe for travel insurance coverage?
Currently, the U.S. State Department advises against all travel to Yemen due to terrorism, crime, civil unrest, and armed conflict. This includes regions like Socotra Island, despite some misleading offers for "safe" travel. Always verify with your insurer that the entire territory is covered and review any exclusions related to high-risk zones.
