- The best international travel insurance plans
- What exactly is international travel insurance?
- The Price of International Travel Insurance
- What does international travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of international travel insurance
- Why take out international travel insurance?
- How to Choose the Right international Travel Insurance
- Does Your Current Insurance Cover international Travel?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
international travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: International travel insurance covers unexpected medical costs, trip cancellations, and lost luggage during your travels abroad.
2. Price: A one-week policy for Europe typically costs between 150 and 300 AED, depending on your chosen coverage.
3. Coverage: It usually covers medical emergencies and repatriation but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk adventure sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Your bank card or local health plan (DHA, Daman) offers very limited or no international travel coverage.
5. Tips: Always check medical limits, especially for the USA, and ensure your policy meets Schengen visa requirements.
6. Other useful info: For Hajj or Umrah, consider specialized policies that cover the unique risks of religious pilgrimage travel.
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 international travel insurance.
The best international travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best international travel insurance plans available for residents of the UAE in 2025. These policies are among the top options due to their high coverage limits, low deductibles and simplified conditions, providing strong protection for trips abroad.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 367,000 AED | 0 AED |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 367,000 AED | 0 AED |
|
| Tourist Card | 110,000 AED | 150 AED |
|
| World Travel | 183,000 AED | 100 AED |
|
| Globe Partner | 275,000 AED | 200 AED |
|
| Globe Traveller | 110,000 AED | 200 AED |
|
- Multilingual 24/7 emergency hotline.
- Comprehensive COVID-19 coverage.
- Direct billing with top hospitals globally.
- Quick claims process via mobile app.
- 24/7 international support.
- No deductible applies.
- Adventure sports are covered.
- Direct payment to health facilities worldwide.
- Fast online purchase process.
- Policy meets Schengen visa requirements.
- Basic medical and baggage cover.
- Budget-friendly rates for families.
- Family discounts available.
- Coverage for trip cancellation and interruption.
- Includes pre-existing medical cover.
- Worldwide assistance included.
- Annual multi-trip coverage.
- High medical reimbursement limit.
- Business trips included.
- Quick response in all time zones.
- Flexible cover for long stay trips.
- Assistance in multiple languages.
- Stable rates after age 60.
- Also available for senior travelers.
The best international travel insurance depends on your individual needs and travel plans. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the coverage that suits you and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat exactly is international travel insurance?
International travel insurance is a policy that covers UAE residents for unexpected incidents when traveling outside the UAE.
It offers financial protection for emergencies such as medical expenses, repatriation, trip cancellation, lost baggage, and personal liability during journeys abroad.
This insurance is specifically designed for travel to any foreign country, and may be purchased for single or multiple trips.
International travel insurance is different from domestic coverage, as it addresses the unique risks and expenses found in overseas destinations. It is sometimes called worldwide travel insurance.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out international travel insurance is especially recommended if you live in the United Arab Emirates:
- When visiting countries with high medical costs like the USA.
- If your trip is expensive or has non-refundable bookings.
- For travel to a country requiring a visa with mandatory insurance.
- If you have any pre-existing medical condition or are elderly.
- When undertaking adventure sports like skiing, diving, or trekking.
- If you need medical repatriation back to the United Arab Emirates.
- When travelling with your family and young children for protection.
The Price of International Travel Insurance
On average, international travel insurance costs between 3% and 6% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost (AED) | Indicative price per person (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-week city break in London | 4,000 | 120 to 240 |
| 2-week family adventure in Thailand | 15,000 | 450 to 900 |
| 1-month round trip across the USA | 20,000 | 600 to 1,200 |
| 3-month backpacking tour (multiple countries) | 25,000 | 750 to 1,500 |
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 international travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer trips result in higher premiums.
- destination: countries with high healthcare costs or increased risk require more extensive coverage.
- traveller’s age: older travelers, especially above 65, usually pay more.
- level of coverage: comprehensive plans with higher limits or lower deductibles cost more.
- selected options: coverage for adventure activities, valuable items, or extra cancellation reasons will increase the price.
What does international travel insurance cover?
International travel insurance is designed to protect UAE residents and citizens when traveling abroad for work, holidays, or study. It offers coverage beyond domestic health insurance by addressing unexpected risks and costs in foreign countries.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refunds prepaid travel costs if your trip is canceled for a covered reason before departure. | We recommend at least AED 10,000 cover and a deductible not above AED 100. Exclusions include change of mind, work reasons, or visa refusal. |
| 🚫 Missed departure | Pays extra transport if you miss your flight for a valid unavoidable reason. | Minimum cover of AED 1,000 with no deductible. Not covered if you are late, or lack written proof for delay. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or theft | Compensates for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage during your trip. | Look for AED 4,000+ cover, avoid deductibles above AED 50. Excluded: unattended luggage, valuable jewelry, and cash. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Compensation for extra costs due to significant flight or train delays abroad. | Opt for AED 500+ after a 4-hour delay, no deductible. Shorter delays and delays not officially confirmed are excluded. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent medical treatment if you are ill or injured outside the UAE. | Minimum of AED 350,000 and deductible under AED 100 are recommended. Routine check-ups, chronic illness, and mental health care excluded. |
| 🚑 Emergency medical evacuation | Key guarantee. Covers emergency evacuation to the UAE or the nearest facility for serious illness/injury. | Should be unlimited or at least AED 500,000, with low or no deductible. Non-emergencies and patient refusals are typically excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental treatment | Pays for urgent dental care due to pain or accident outside the UAE. | Choose at least AED 1,500 cover, deductible not above AED 50. Routine, cosmetic or planned dental care are excluded. |
| 🪪 Personal liability abroad | Pays if you unintentionally injure someone or damage property during your trip. | Not less than AED 100,000 cover, deductible below AED 200. Excluded: motor vehicles, professional activities, family incidents. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Covers lawyer fees or bail abroad if you are involved in a dispute. | At least AED 10,000 for legal fees and AED 20,000 for bail is appropriate. Exclusions: criminal acts, alcohol, or business disputes. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Refunds for unused bookings if your trip is cut short for covered emergencies. | A minimum of AED 5,000 cover is wise, deductible should be low. Not covered for voluntary or minor interruptions. |
Exclusions include change of mind, work reasons, or visa refusal.
Not covered if you are late, or lack written proof for delay.
Excluded: unattended luggage, valuable jewelry, and cash.
Shorter delays and delays not officially confirmed are excluded.
Routine check-ups, chronic illness, and mental health care excluded.
Non-emergencies and patient refusals are typically excluded.
Routine, cosmetic or planned dental care are excluded.
Excluded: motor vehicles, professional activities, family incidents.
Exclusions: criminal acts, alcohol, or business disputes.
Not covered for voluntary or minor interruptions.
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 international travel insurance best suited to your needs, easily compare options on HelloSafe.
The conditions of international travel insurance
International travel insurance is valid only if specific requirements are met for each trip abroad.
- Timing of subscription: you must purchase the policy before leaving the UAE and before your trip begins.
- Residency status: you must be a UAE resident to buy and claim on international insurance issued in the UAE.
- Trip duration respect: coverage only applies within the period specified in your insurance contract.
- No ongoing travel: international insurance must be bought while you are still physically in the UAE.
- Destination confirmation: coverage is only valid for destinations not restricted by UAE government advisories or the insurer.
- Accurate disclosure: you must declare all relevant pre-existing medical conditions at the time of insurance purchase.
- Incident reporting: claims must be notified promptly to the insurer, usually within the deadlines stated in the contract.
- Claim documentation: all reimbursements require official documents, including receipts, police or medical reports, or travel tickets.
Watch out!
A common pitfall for UAE travellers is relying solely on their bank card's free insurance. These policies often have low medical limits and may exclude crucial benefits like emergency evacuation. Always review the specific coverage to avoid being underinsured on your international trip.
Why take out international travel insurance?
When travelling abroad, unexpected incidents or sickness can quickly lead to very high expenses not covered by UAE domestic insurance.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to 100% if within the policy limit |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Generally reimbursed at 100%, less any deductible |
| Consultation and treatment for intestinal infection |
| Usually fully covered when medically necessary |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Typically subject to a sub-limit (AED 1,000–AED 5,000) |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to 100% if within annual maximum coverage |
- Europe: AED 800 to AED 1,200
- North America: AED 1,500 to AED 2,500
- Asia: AED 400 to AED 800
- Europe: AED 600 to AED 1,000
- North America: AED 1,200 to AED 2,000
- Asia: AED 300 to AED 600
- Europe: AED 400 to AED 800
- North America: AED 800 to AED 1,500
- Asia: AED 200 to AED 500
- Europe: AED 500 to AED 900
- North America: AED 1,000 to AED 1,800
- Asia: AED 250 to AED 500
- Europe: AED 15,000 to AED 30,000
- North America: AED 40,000 to AED 80,000
- Asia: AED 8,000 to AED 20,000
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.
In addition to medical expenses, international travel insurance may also include useful guarantees such as trip cancellation, lost or delayed baggage, personal liability, travel delay compensation, emergency repatriation and multilingual assistance services.
Good to know
Your UAE health plan offers little to no coverage abroad. Avoid unexpected medical bills and repatriation costs that can exceed 150,000 AED. A specialist policy, like those from ACS, ensures you're covered for emergencies, letting you explore the world with complete confidence.
How to Choose the Right international Travel Insurance
Coverage amounts, reimbursement limits, and exclusions can differ significantly between international travel insurance plans. To ensure you are protected abroad, carefully compare all the main criteria before making your choice.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Medical and evacuation costs abroad are much higher than in the UAE and could exceed your policy limit. | Choose at least AED 500,000 for medical, and more for destinations like the USA. |
| 📉 Deductible | You pay this amount first, then the insurer covers expenses. | Select policies with low or no deductible for medical or trip cancellation claims. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Costs and available guarantees often vary depending on the traveler’s age. | Travelers over 65 should confirm eligibility and check if pre-existing conditions apply. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Maximum single trip limit varies (30, 60, or 90 days); longer trips may be excluded. | For longer or round-the-world trips, check that duration fits policy conditions. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Medical risks and costs differ substantially by country or continent. | Make sure the policy covers all your destination countries, especially high-risk areas. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Bank cards or health policies may offer some cover, but limits are usually low. | Always assess your card or health insurance before buying an international plan. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Adventure sports, diving, or trekking usually require extra cover. | State all planned activities upfront and look for packages including adventure sports. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Some benefits apply only under specific conditions or with certain documentation. | Confirm what documentation is needed for claims and when to buy the policy. |
| 🖥️ Online subscription | Quick digital sign-up, especially important before last-minute travel. | Aim for instantly issued policies with digital management for flexibility and speed. |
Does Your Current Insurance Cover international Travel?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurance, such as credit card coverage or public health insurance, can provide you with international travel insurance, but unfortunately this is often not enough.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | International travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Dubai Health Authority) | Never | Emergency treatment within GCC only, maximum: AED 20,000. No global coverage, no evacuation, no repatriation, no baggage, no cancellation, no liability, or travel assistance included. | Travel insurance can cover emergency and evacuation up to AED 1,000,000 and includes trip cancellation, baggage, and liability. |
| Private health insurance (Daman Health Insurance, AXA Gulf) | Almost Never | Medical emergencies at network hospitals, max: AED 50,000–100,000, no evacuation. No trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss, or global repatriation covered beyond emergencies. | Travel insurance covers up to AED 1,000,000 worldwide, repatriation, trip costs, and personal liability for full protection. |
| Classic credit card (Emirates NBD - Classic, ADCB - Classic) | Never | Limited medical, baggage, or delay coverage, max: AED 2,000–3,000. No evacuation, cancellation, or comprehensive medical coverage, and no personal accident benefits. | Travel insurance provides worldwide protection up to AED 1,000,000, including evacuation, trip cancellation, and legal support. |
| Premium credit card (FAB Platinum, HSBC Premier) | Limited coverage | Emergency and travel inconvenience, max: AED 60,000–100,000, often low limits. No evacuation, limited medical, insufficient accident, no ongoing coverage for long trips or family members. | Travel insurance reimburses up to AED 1,000,000, covers emergencies, family, accidents, baggage, and is valid for long trips. |
No global coverage, no evacuation, no repatriation, no baggage, no cancellation, no liability, or travel assistance included.
No trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss, or global repatriation covered beyond emergencies.
No evacuation, cancellation, or comprehensive medical coverage, and no personal accident benefits.
No evacuation, limited medical, insufficient accident, no ongoing coverage for long trips or family members.
Expert advice
Your UAE bank card or health insurance often excludes trip interruptions due to a relative’s illness or death. Read the conditions carefully to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe a dedicated travel insurance tailored to the trip.
FAQ
Is international travel insurance mandatory?
International travel insurance is mandatory for entry to certain destinations, such as Schengen countries and Russia, which require proof of medical coverage for visa approval. Even where it is not required, it is strongly recommended, as emergency medical costs abroad can be extremely high—for example, a hospital stay in the USA may cost tens of thousands of AED without insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase international travel insurance?
The ideal time to purchase international travel insurance is immediately after confirming your trip, ideally before paying for flights or hotels. Early purchase ensures you are protected against unexpected cancellations and emergencies that could arise before your departure, maximizing both your coverage and financial security.
How do I purchase international travel insurance?
Begin by comparing options with HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform, which helps you find suitable plans for UAE residents. Check guarantees and exclusions carefully, ensuring all essential features for international trips are included. Purchase your chosen plan securely online and receive your certificate instantly by email for visa or travel use.
Can I purchase international travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can buy international travel insurance even after you've booked your trip, provided you do so before leaving the UAE. However, benefits like trip cancellation protect you only if the policy is purchased before the incident occurs. Early purchase offers the most comprehensive peace of mind and coverage.
How do I make a claim with international travel insurance?
If you need to claim, contact your insurer’s 24/7 assistance line or online portal as soon as possible. Provide required supporting documents such as medical reports, receipts, or police statements. Most UAE insurers handle claims digitally for faster processing, but always keep copies of all evidence and communication for your records.
Does international travel insurance cover adventure sports and activities?
Many international travel insurance plans offer coverage for activities like hiking, diving, or skiing, but these may be optional add-ons or available only under premium plans. Always review your policy for exclusions and confirm all planned adventure activities are included to avoid denied claims later.
Is international travel insurance valid for multiple trips abroad?
Yes, annual multi-trip international travel insurance is designed for frequent travelers, typically covering unlimited trips per year up to a maximum stay per journey. This can be more cost-effective and convenient for UAE residents who travel several times yearly, compared to buying separate single-trip policies.
Is international travel insurance mandatory?
International travel insurance is mandatory for entry to certain destinations, such as Schengen countries and Russia, which require proof of medical coverage for visa approval. Even where it is not required, it is strongly recommended, as emergency medical costs abroad can be extremely high—for example, a hospital stay in the USA may cost tens of thousands of AED without insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase international travel insurance?
The ideal time to purchase international travel insurance is immediately after confirming your trip, ideally before paying for flights or hotels. Early purchase ensures you are protected against unexpected cancellations and emergencies that could arise before your departure, maximizing both your coverage and financial security.
How do I purchase international travel insurance?
Begin by comparing options with HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform, which helps you find suitable plans for UAE residents. Check guarantees and exclusions carefully, ensuring all essential features for international trips are included. Purchase your chosen plan securely online and receive your certificate instantly by email for visa or travel use.
Can I purchase international travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can buy international travel insurance even after you've booked your trip, provided you do so before leaving the UAE. However, benefits like trip cancellation protect you only if the policy is purchased before the incident occurs. Early purchase offers the most comprehensive peace of mind and coverage.
How do I make a claim with international travel insurance?
If you need to claim, contact your insurer’s 24/7 assistance line or online portal as soon as possible. Provide required supporting documents such as medical reports, receipts, or police statements. Most UAE insurers handle claims digitally for faster processing, but always keep copies of all evidence and communication for your records.
Does international travel insurance cover adventure sports and activities?
Many international travel insurance plans offer coverage for activities like hiking, diving, or skiing, but these may be optional add-ons or available only under premium plans. Always review your policy for exclusions and confirm all planned adventure activities are included to avoid denied claims later.
Is international travel insurance valid for multiple trips abroad?
Yes, annual multi-trip international travel insurance is designed for frequent travelers, typically covering unlimited trips per year up to a maximum stay per journey. This can be more cost-effective and convenient for UAE residents who travel several times yearly, compared to buying separate single-trip policies.
On the same topic
