A Guide to Dubai’s COVID-19 Travel Insurance Rules

Dubai no longer requires travel insurance for visitors unless you need a visa, and even then coverage for COVID-19 is no longer needed. Yet, it is highly recommended because healthcare costs in the UAE can be substantial, and hospitals may refuse treatment if you cannot prove that you can afford it.

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So, when planning your trip to Dubai, it’s important to consider purchasing travel insurance. Buying it early gives you time to research and compare different policies. Make sure to read the entire policy, including the fine print, to understand the coverage and limitations.

Healthcare in the UAE for Tourists

Buses At A Stop In Dubai.

Although the healthcare standards in the UAE are high, healthcare is not free for tourists. In case of illness or accidents, having a valid travel insurance policy is crucial to access medical care without incurring significant expenses.

The cost of medical treatment in the UAE can be high, especially for non-residents. Without travel insurance, you may be required to pay upfront for medical services, which can put a strain on your finances.

Certain medications that are legal in your home country may be restricted in Dubai. So check with the authorities or your travel insurance provider to ensure that you are compliant with the local regulations and have the necessary permissions to bring your medication into the country.

Where to Get Travel Health Insurance for Dubai

You can obtain this coverage through an insurer or a reputable insurance broker like Pacific Prime Dubai. But if you secure travel insurance through us, you’ll have our support in addition to support from the insurer. Reach out to us for the most suitable coverage for your needs.

You may also get travel insurance quotes online from the comfort of your own home.

What Should Travel Medical Insurance for Dubai Include

Here are some key elements that your insurance policy should include:

Medical Emergencies:

Coverage for ambulance and emergency room services
Medical procedures, doctor’s visits, and hospitalization expenses
The cost of prescription medications

Trip Disruptions:

Coverage for non-refundable reservations or deposits
Compensation for trip cancellations or interruptions due to unforeseen circumstances

Loss of Personal Belongings:

Reimbursement for the loss, theft, or damage of personal items such as luggage, electronics, and valuables

Emergency Evacuation or Repatriation:

Coverage for emergency medical evacuation to the nearest suitable medical facility
Arrangements and expenses for repatriation of mortal remains in case of accidental death

Additional Coverage Options for Dubai Travel Insurance

Dubai Metro Train With City Skyline Backdrop.

Alongside the basic coverage for medical emergencies, trip disruptions, and loss of personal belongings, you have the option to add specialized coverage based on your needs.

Additional Coverage for Expensive Items

If you plan to bring expensive items or technology, it is advisable to check if your travel insurance policy covers their loss or damage. Some policies may have limits on the coverage for expensive items, so adding additional coverage for these items can provide you with peace of mind.

Coverage of Terrorism Events

In the unfortunate event of a terrorist attack, having coverage for medical expenses or losses related to such events can be crucial. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider if this coverage is included or if it can be added to your travel insurance policy.

Personal/Legal Liability Coverage

This coverage can protect you in case of any accidents or incidents where you might be held responsible for causing harm or damage to others. It can help cover legal expenses and potential compensation claims, providing you with a safety net in unexpected situations.

Adventurous Activities or Sports

If you plan on taking part in high-risk activities such as scuba diving or skydiving, make sure your policy covers them. Pay attention to the specific activities covered.

When choosing additional coverage options, it is important to carefully review your travel insurance policy and understand the limitations and exclusions. Some activities, such as skydiving or car racing, may require additional coverage or may not be covered at all.

Cost of Travel Insurance for Dubai

The cost of travel insurance for Dubai varies depending on several factors. Generally, travel insurance for Dubai can range from 4% to 10% of the total trip cost.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Travel Insurance for Dubai

These factors affect the cost of travel insurance in Dubai:

Duration of the trip: The longer your trip, the higher the cost of travel insurance.
Desired coverage: More comprehensive coverage will result in a higher cost.
Age of the insured individuals: Older individuals may have higher insurance premiums.
Number of people included in the plan: Adding additional individuals to the plan may increase the cost.

The Best Travel Insurance Carriers

Waterfront View Of Dubai Marina's Buildings.

For travel insurance, IMG, Vumi, and April International are the best for globetrotters. Below is a table illustrating their relative advantages.

Insurer/Benefits	IMG	VUMI	April International
Age Limit	Up to 69	Up to 79	Up to 80
Currency	USD, GBP, EURO	USD only	EURO only
Coverage	Worldwide except the US	Worldwide coverage, but cannot be sold to US/Canada residents	Worldwide, with plans restricted to certain locations
Pre-existing Condition	No	Yes	No
Flexibility	High (deductibles and limits)	High (annual multi-trips/single trip available)	Medium (worldwide coverage)
Cost-effectiveness	Good	Medium	Good
Special Features/Remarks	Emergency dental cover No cover in home country	Cover unforeseen pregnancy up to 20 weeks Free coverage for dependents under two years old	15-day waiting period if already traveling in the country Emergency dental treatment of up to EURO 400 A minimum of 3 months cover)

A Note on Pre-existing Conditions

Street Art Near Jumeirah Beach, Dubai.

Even if you have a pre-existing condition, you are not out of luck purchasing travel insurance–the insurance can still cover disruptions during the trip, baggage loss/theft/delay, and loss and damage to your personal belongings.

While it’s true insurers typically do not cover pre-existing conditions, some may still cover them as long as your condition is sufficiently stable.

That said, note that only medical emergencies will be covered–The coverage will not pay for regular check-ups and medications.

FAQ

Is travel insurance mandatory for visiting Dubai?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for visiting Dubai unless you need a visa. However, it is advisable to have travel insurance due to the high cost of healthcare in the UAE.

Can hospitals refuse treatment if I don’t have travel insurance in Dubai?

Hospitals may refuse treatment if you cannot prove that you can afford the medical expenses.

What should my travel insurance for Dubai cover?

Your travel insurance for Dubai should cover medical emergencies, trip disruption, coverage for loss of personal belongings, and emergency evacuation or repatriation of mortal remains.

Can I get additional coverage for activities or sports in Dubai?

Additional coverage can be obtained for adventurous activities or sports in Dubai. However, it is important to check with your insurance provider if coverage is included or if additional coverage is needed.

How much does travel insurance for Dubai cost?

The cost of travel insurance for Dubai varies depending on factors such as the duration of the trip, desired coverage, age, and number of people included in the plan. Generally, it can range from 4% to 10% of the total trip cost.

Is healthcare free for tourists in the UAE?

Healthcare in the UAE is not free for tourists. Medical costs can be high without health insurance.

Conclusion

Your trip to Dubai can be stress-free and worry-free if you have comprehensive travel insurance. Imagine enjoying the luxurious city lifestyle, exploring stunning landscapes and landmarks, and creating fond memories, all while ensuring your personal and financial safety.

When it comes to finding an affordable insurance plan that meets your requirements, Pacific Prime Dubai is your best partner. An experienced insurance broker, we are dedicated to offering unbiased advice and comparing insurance plans from leading global insurers in your best interest.

Author
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Martin Lee

Content Creator at Pacific Prime Dubai

Martin is a writer and translator with over 10 years of experience. He writes articles and blog posts, creates infographics and videos, translates between Chinese and English, and more. Skilled at explaining complicated concepts in layman’s terms, Martin believes the gold standard of translation is attained when the translated text is not only accurate, but also reads like an original text. Martin holds a degree in Economics from the University of London, UK.

Since joining Pacific Prime, Martin has become even more aware of the gap between the true value of insurance products and most people’s appreciation of it, and developed a passion for demystifying and simplifying matters, so that more people get the protection they need at a cost they can easily afford.

In his free time, Martin attends concerts of various genres, and plays the violin with piano accompaniment he pre-recorded himself or played live by his niece.

A Guide to Dubai’s COVID-19 Travel Insurance Rules

Discover the world's top health insurers.
Compare quotes with a click of the button.

Healthcare in the UAE for Tourists

Where to Get Travel Health Insurance for Dubai