United Arab Emirates: Best Travel Insurance Plans in 2025
- What exactly is travel insurance?
- The price of travel insurance
- What does travel insurance cover?
- The conditions to meet
- Why take out travel insurance?
- How to choose the right travel insurance
- Do my current insurers offer travel insurance?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance is a policy protecting you financially from unexpected events like medical emergencies or trip cancellations.
2. Price: For a one-week trip to Europe, basic coverage from the UAE typically costs between AED 50 and AED 150.
3. Coverage: It usually includes medical care and lost baggage, but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk adventure sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Your standard bank card and local health insurance offer very limited or no coverage for overseas travel emergencies.
5. Tips: Compare policy limits and exclusions, and choose coverage tailored to your specific destination and planned holiday activities.
6. Other useful info: For Europe, a Schengen-compliant policy with minimum €30,000 medical coverage is often a mandatory visa requirement.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in the UAE, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best one for you.
What exactly is travel insurance?
Travel insurance is a form of coverage that protects you financially from unexpected events during your travels. It often provides assistance in the event of medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost belongings, tailored to UAE needs.
It is essential because it helps you manage costly emergencies or trip disruptions that may not be supported by your regular health or credit card coverage while outside the UAE.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out travel insurance is especially recommended:
- You are applying for a visa that requires insurance cover.
- You are visiting a country with high private healthcare costs.
- Your trip has significant non-refundable prepaid expenses.
- You plan to do adventure sports or high-risk activities.
- You or a companion have a pre-existing medical condition.
- Your itinerary relies on tight or multiple connecting flights.
- You are travelling with children or elderly family members.
The price of travel insurance
On average, travel insurance typically costs between 3% and 6% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost (AED) | Indicative price per person (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Long weekend in Georgia | 1,800 AED | 54 – 108 AED |
| One week in the UK | 6,200 AED | 186 – 372 AED |
| Ten days in Thailand | 4,000 AED | 120 – 240 AED |
| Two weeks across Europe | 11,000 AED | 330 – 660 AED |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer trips result in higher premium costs.
- destination: travel to countries with high medical expenses or higher risk may increase prices.
- traveller’s age: older travellers, especially those over 70, often pay more.
- coverage limits: higher benefit limits and comprehensive coverage will raise the price.
- existing medical conditions: declaring pre-existing conditions or choosing policies that cover them can increase the cost.
- activities planned: coverage for adventure sports or special activities may require an additional premium.
What does travel insurance cover?
Travel insurance protects you from unexpected problems during your trip. Here's what it usually covers, and what it may not.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| 🛑 Trip cancellation | Reimburses prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you cancel before leaving. |
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| 🕒 Trip interruption | Covers unused portions and extra costs if your journey is cut short. |
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| 🧳 Baggage insurance | Pays for lost, delayed, or stolen luggage and personal effects. |
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| 🚑 Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Pays for medical care and hospitalisation when travelling abroad. |
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| 🛬 Medical evacuation & repatriation | Key guarantee. Pays transport for medical evacuation or return after accident, illness, or death. |
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| ⚖️ Civil liability abroad | Pays costs if you accidentally injure others or damage their property outside the UAE. |
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| 🛠️ Assistance services | Gives 24/7 access to support such as medical or translation help and lost documents replacement. |
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| ⛑️ Accident insurance | Pays a lump sum for accidental death or permanent disability while travelling. |
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- Choose at least AED 3,000 coverage and a maximum AED 100 deductible.
- Exclusions commonly include epidemics, pre existing illness, and voluntary decisions.
- Aim for coverage matching your trip value with a deductible of AED 100.
- Exclusions often include civil unrest, voluntary return, or trips cut short by pre existing medical issues.
- Opt for at least AED 2,000 cover per person, with a deductible under AED 100.
- Exclusions often involve unattended bags, valuable items, or delays under 8 hours.
- At least AED 500k cover is recommended with a maximum AED 0 to 100 deductible.
- Watch for exclusions like pre existing conditions, sports accidents, or alcohol related incidents.
- Minimum AED 300k cover and deductible below AED 100 are advised.
- Common exclusions are war, self inflicted injury, unapproved carriers, and adventure activities.
- At least AED 1 million cover per incident, maximum AED 500 deductible.
- Watch for exclusions involving car accidents, intentional harm, and business activities.
- Ensure unlimited worldwide access and no deductible.
- Exclusions can include technical failures, remote locations, or non urgent support.
- Recommended minimum cover is AED 100k, with a low deductible.
- Exclusions apply to extreme sports, hazardous locations, and incidents related to pre existing conditions.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
To find the travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions to meet
To ensure your travel insurance is valid during your trip, a few key conditions must be met:
- Policy purchase timing: buy your policy before leaving the UAE. Retroactive coverage is rarely allowed.
- Trip duration: the trip must not exceed the maximum days allowed in the policy, often 30, 60, or 90 days.
- Accurate details: all personal, health, and trip details must be reported correctly. False statements may void your insurance.
- Covered activities: the activities you plan must be included in your coverage. Risky sports and adventure activities may need add-ons.
- Health status: you must be medically fit at departure. Some conditions require stability for a certain period, usually 90 to 180 days.
- Country of departure: coverage is valid if your trip starts from the UAE. Policies may not cover third-country departures.
- Destination risk: no claims will be paid if you travel to a country with a government-issued travel advisory or warning.
- Claim documentation: all claims require proper receipts, medical proof, and explanations submitted within policy deadlines.
Always check your policy wording for possible country-specific requirements and any additional conditions that may apply.
Watch out!
Many travelers in the UAE assume declaring a health issue is enough. However, most standard policies completely exclude pre-existing conditions like diabetes or heart ailments, even if disclosed. To ensure you are protected, you must secure a policy that explicitly covers your specific condition, otherwise claims will be denied, leaving you with substantial medical bills.
Why take out travel insurance?
Travelling abroad comes with many unpredictable risks, and medical emergencies can quickly become financially overwhelming without travel insurance.
Here are some examples of medical costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost (AED) | What travel insurance covers |
|---|---|---|
| Sprained ankle while hiking |
| Up to 100% of costs, often up to AED 5 million total |
| Cut from a scooter accident |
| Up to 100%, including emergency care and minor surgery |
| Food poisoning with hospital stay |
| Up to 100%, covering admission and medication |
| Tooth infection and treatment |
| Often up to 500-1,000 AED for urgent dental care |
| Respiratory infection, consultation |
| Up to 100% of examination and treatment costs |
- Europe: 1,500 to 3,500
- North America: 3,000 to 7,000
- Asia: 600 to 2,000
- Europe: 2,000 to 5,000
- North America: 4,000 to 10,000
- Asia: 800 to 2,500
- Europe: 4,000 to 8,000
- North America: 8,000 to 15,000
- Asia: 1,500 to 4,000
- Europe: 700 to 1,500
- North America: 1,500 to 3,000
- Asia: 300 to 900
- Europe: 400 to 1,000
- North America: 800 to 2,000
- Asia: 200 to 600
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
💡 Travel insurance can also include trip cancellation, lost or delayed baggage, personal liability, or emergency evacuation. These guarantees add an extra layer of security for every trip.
How to choose the right travel insurance
Travel insurance plans in the UAE vary widely in coverage amounts, deductibles, and benefits. Comparing the right criteria allows you to select guarantees that truly match your specific travel needs.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Reimbursement limits | Define the maximum amount paid for claims in each guarantee. | Select at least AED 500,000 for medical costs abroad. |
| 📉 Deductibles | Determine how much you pay yourself before the insurer reimburses. | Choose a deductible below AED 100 if possible. |
| 🗓️ Trip duration | Controls how long each policy will protect you in a single trip. | Annual policies cover many trips, but each trip's length may be limited. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Limits apply to where your coverage is valid, and some destinations may be excluded. | Ensure every country you visit and any transit stop is covered. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Alters price and availability, especially for older travellers. | Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 🧍 Traveller profile | Students, tourists and business travellers all have different needs. | Pick policies adapted to your traveller type, for best coverage and price. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Risky or adventure sports may need optional coverage or be specifically excluded. | Add optional sports coverage for winter sports, trekking, or dives. |
| ⚠️ Pre-existing conditions | Most policies exclude these unless declared and accepted by the insurer. | Ask for specific coverage in case of ongoing or chronic health issues. |
| 💻 Online comparison & purchase | Makes it easy to review and buy policy options quickly and safely. | Use HelloSafe for a fast and reliable comparison and subscription process. |
| 📂 Claim procedure | Impacts speed and ease of claiming in case of emergency abroad. | Read the claims process and required documentation before you depart. |
Good to know
When travelling to Europe, a Schengen-compliant policy is essential. Ensure your insurance guarantees at least €30,000 in medical coverage and includes repatriation. Providers like ACS specialize in these certified plans, which are mandatory for your visa application and provide crucial protection throughout your trip.
Do my current insurers offer travel insurance?
It is reasonable to ask whether your current insurances, such as credit card insurance or public health coverage, can replace a dedicated travel insurance policy. However, these solutions are usually not enough to protect you fully abroad. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance | Never | Routine healthcare in AE, rarely covers emergencies abroad, no repatriation, caps apply, baggage loss not covered | Travel insurance offers emergency cover up to AED 5,000,000 and adds trip cancellation, delays and lost baggage. |
| Private health insurance | Limited coverage | Medical expenses, sometimes limited abroad, pre-approval often needed, few non-medical guarantees, caps often AED 100,000-300,000 | Travel insurance covers medical and non-medical emergencies with higher ceilings, up to AED 5,000,000. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, MasterCard Standard) | Limited coverage | Some emergency medical, caps typically under AED 20,000, often excludes luggage, trip cancellation or repatriation | Travel insurance increases limits, covers emergencies and repatriation, and includes guarantees credit cards exclude. |
| Premium credit card (Visa Infinite, MasterCard World, American Express Gold) | Limited coverage | May include travel medical, trip delay, or baggage but typically capped at AED 50,000-100,000, many adventure or sports activities excluded | Travel insurance provides much broader cover, higher ceilings and support for missed flights, sports or family urgency. |
Expert advice
Your credit card or basic plan may exclude key events like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness. Always read the policy conditions carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe a dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Travel insurance is mandatory for travel to countries such as those in the Schengen area and often required for visa applications to the US, Russia, or China. While not required for all destinations, it is strongly recommended for travellers from the UAE. A single accident or medical emergency abroad, for example during a holiday in Europe, can lead to very high, uninsured costs.
When is it recommended to purchase travel insurance?
It is best to purchase travel insurance shortly after booking your trip. Buying early ensures coverage starts before any unexpected events can occur, such as trip cancellations or medical issues. Early purchase also helps you benefit from enhanced cancellation protection and avoids any waiting periods that might apply.
How do I purchase travel insurance?
Start by comparing offers using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Next, carefully check the guarantees and exclusions, making sure the policy matches your needs. You can purchase your chosen insurance online and will then receive your certificate by email.
Can I purchase travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can buy travel insurance after you have booked your trip, but it is advisable to arrange coverage before departure. Purchasing as early as possible is best, especially if you want cancellation benefits to apply. Last-minute policies may not cover events that have already happened or pre-existing issues.
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim, notify your insurance provider as soon as possible and collect all relevant documents, such as medical bills or police reports. Complete the official claim form, attach the required evidence, and submit your claim online or by email. Claims are usually processed within a few weeks if all documentation is correct.
Is travel insurance valid for multiple trips?
Travel insurance can be bought as a single trip or annual multi-trip policy. Annual plans are ideal for frequent travellers from the UAE, covering all trips within one year, typically with a 90-day maximum stay per trip. Always check policy limits and conditions for each destination.
Are pre-existing health conditions covered?
Most travel insurance policies from the UAE exclude pre-existing conditions unless you specifically declare them and pay an additional premium. It is important to check the policy wording and declare all relevant health issues before purchase to ensure eligibility for any related claims.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Travel insurance is mandatory for travel to countries such as those in the Schengen area and often required for visa applications to the US, Russia, or China. While not required for all destinations, it is strongly recommended for travellers from the UAE. A single accident or medical emergency abroad, for example during a holiday in Europe, can lead to very high, uninsured costs.
When is it recommended to purchase travel insurance?
It is best to purchase travel insurance shortly after booking your trip. Buying early ensures coverage starts before any unexpected events can occur, such as trip cancellations or medical issues. Early purchase also helps you benefit from enhanced cancellation protection and avoids any waiting periods that might apply.
How do I purchase travel insurance?
Start by comparing offers using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Next, carefully check the guarantees and exclusions, making sure the policy matches your needs. You can purchase your chosen insurance online and will then receive your certificate by email.
Can I purchase travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can buy travel insurance after you have booked your trip, but it is advisable to arrange coverage before departure. Purchasing as early as possible is best, especially if you want cancellation benefits to apply. Last-minute policies may not cover events that have already happened or pre-existing issues.
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim, notify your insurance provider as soon as possible and collect all relevant documents, such as medical bills or police reports. Complete the official claim form, attach the required evidence, and submit your claim online or by email. Claims are usually processed within a few weeks if all documentation is correct.
Is travel insurance valid for multiple trips?
Travel insurance can be bought as a single trip or annual multi-trip policy. Annual plans are ideal for frequent travellers from the UAE, covering all trips within one year, typically with a 90-day maximum stay per trip. Always check policy limits and conditions for each destination.
Are pre-existing health conditions covered?
Most travel insurance policies from the UAE exclude pre-existing conditions unless you specifically declare them and pay an additional premium. It is important to check the policy wording and declare all relevant health issues before purchase to ensure eligibility for any related claims.
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