Do you need insurance for Tunisia?
Russian citizens travel to Tunisia on holiday without a visa: a tourist may stay in the country for up to 90 days. There is no mandatory medical insurance requirement for entry.
Even so, a travel medical policy is well worth having. Russian compulsory medical insurance (OMS) does not work abroad, and a doctor's visit, tests, medicines and especially a hospital stay in Tunisia are paid for on the spot. Travel insurance shifts these costs to the insurer: in an insured event, treatment is arranged and paid for by the assistance company working under contract with the insurer.
What matters in a policy for Tunisia
Since there are no formal requirements, you choose the terms to fit your holiday. Check a few parameters.
- Sum insured. For Tunisia the policy is usually issued in US dollars; the base option in the calculator is USD 30,000. If you are travelling with children or elderly parents, or plan active excursions, it makes sense to look at programmes with a higher sum.
- Period. The policy must cover every day of the trip, including the departure and return days. If your plans may change, choose dates with a small margin.
- Territory. Tunisia is enough; if you have a stopover in another country on the way, choose a wider territory.
- Deductible. This is the part of the costs you pay yourself for each claim. A policy with a deductible is cheaper, but on holiday a policy without one is more convenient. Terms are explained in the insurance glossary.
Holiday specifics in Tunisia: which risks to consider
Heat and sun
In summer the Tunisian coast is hot, and in the south, closer to the desert, the sun is even harsher. Sunburn is a separate option in the calculator: without it, such a claim may not be covered. If you plan long days on the beach or a trip south, it is better to add this option.
Intestinal infections
Unfamiliar water and food, heat, street snacks and fruit often spoil a holiday in North Africa. As a rule, such cases are covered by the medical part of the policy: a doctor's examination, prescribed medicines and, if needed, a hospital stay. Do not treat yourself at random: if symptoms persist or get worse, call the assistance company.
Sahara excursions
Desert jeep safaris, quad bikes and camel rides are part of almost every Tunisian holiday programme. For the insurer this already counts as active leisure: an injury on a quad bike or a fall from a camel may be excluded without the relevant option. Tick active leisure in the calculator and check in the policy terms which activities it includes.
Thalassotherapy and spa
Many people choose Tunisia for thalassotherapy. It is important to understand that wellness and spa treatments are not insured events, and a travel policy does not pay for them. It is meant for sudden illness and injury, not for planned treatment. If you have chronic conditions, add the option covering their acute flare-ups.
What else may be useful
Emergency dental care helps with sudden toothache, baggage insurance helps if a suitcase is lost, and the flight delay option is useful if the schedule goes wrong. Accident cover and personal liability can be added if you wish.
How to choose the sum insured and programme
| Type of trip | What to look at |
|---|---|
| Beach holiday at a hotel | Medical expenses, sunburn, emergency dental care |
| Desert excursions, quad bikes | Active leisure, accident cover |
| Trip with children or elderly parents | Sum above the base level, chronic conditions |
| Package tour paid in advance | Trip cancellation, baggage, flight delay |
If you are choosing between countries in the region, compare the terms on the pages about insurance for Egypt and for Morocco. General principles of choosing a policy are collected in the travel insurance section.
What to do in an insured event
- First call the assistance company on the phone number given in your policy and describe what happened.
- Wait until the operator selects and approves a clinic. Do not pay for treatment yourself without approval: such costs may not be reimbursed.
- Keep all documents: medical reports, prescriptions, invoices and pharmacy receipts.
- If you had to pay yourself with the assistance company's approval, file a reimbursement claim after you return.
Detailed instructions are in the Insured event section.
How to buy insurance for Tunisia online
Buying a policy on polisre.ru takes a few minutes. The quote and purchase go through the Cherehapa service (Polis Re's partner), and the policy is issued by the insurance company you choose.
- In the calculator, enter the country, travel dates and travellers' ages.
- Compare offers from 16 insurance companies and add the options you need.
- Enter travellers' details in Latin letters exactly as in their international passports.
- Pay online: the policy will be sent to your e-mail.
Some insurers have programmes for people who are already travelling; check the conditions (for example, a waiting period) in the calculator. You can learn more about the companies in the insurance companies catalogue.