- The best single trip travel insurance plans
- What is single trip travel insurance?
- The price of single trip travel insurance
- What does single trip travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of single trip travel insurance
- Why take out single trip travel insurance?
- How to choose the right single trip travel insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover single trip travel insurance?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
single trip travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Single trip insurance covers one specific journey, protecting you against travel risks from departure until your return.
2. Price: A one-week policy for Europe from the UAE typically costs between 100 and 250 AED.
3. Coverage: It usually covers medical emergencies and cancellations but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk adventure sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank cards and local health plans like DHA offer very limited or no overseas travel protection.
5. Tips: Always verify medical coverage limits and ensure the policy meets Schengen visa requirements if travelling to Europe.
6. Other useful info: Confirm your policy includes COVID-19 coverage for medical expenses, quarantine costs, and potential trip cancellation.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in the UAE, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best single trip travel insurance.
The best single trip travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best single trip travel insurance plans available for residents of the UAE in 2025. These options stand out due to their high medical limits, low deductibles and simplified terms, offering robust protection for trips of any length and destination.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 400,000 AED | 100 AED |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 400,000 AED | 100 AED |
|
| Tourist Card | 275,000 AED | 200 AED |
|
| World Travel | 367,000 AED | 150 AED |
|
| Globe Partner | 300,000 AED | 250 AED |
|
| Globe Traveller | 275,000 AED | 250 AED |
|
- Wide coverage for high-risk destinations.
- Digital claims with quick approval.
- Emergency medical assistance worldwide.
- Includes cancellation and baggage protection.
- 24/7 multilingual support.
- Covers sporting injuries.
- Mobile app access for claims.
- Medical repatriation guarantee.
- High baggage limits for electronics.
- WhatsApp support service.
- Pre-trip medical advice included.
- Visa letter available.
- Direct hospital payment system.
- Upfront COVID-19 coverage.
- Flexible extensions for longer stays.
- Adventure sport accident cover.
- Low premiums for short trips.
- Schengen-compliant coverage.
- Instant certificate delivery.
- Covers stays up to 90 days.
- Long stay coverage up to 12 months.
- No premium increase for age.
- Multilingual customer support.
- Simple renewal process.
The best single trip travel insurance depends on your individual needs and destination. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find and subscribe to the plan that fits you best.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat is single trip travel insurance?
Single trip travel insurance is a policy that covers one specific journey from departure to return for a fixed period.
It provides financial protection against unexpected events such as emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation, or lost luggage.
This insurance is ideal for UAE residents taking a holiday, business, or pilgrimage of any duration to one or multiple destinations.
Unlike annual multi-trip insurance, single trip coverage is valid for only one journey.
It is sometimes called individual trip travel insurance.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out single trip travel insurance is especially important if you live in the United Arab Emirates:
- When you need a visa for the Schengen Area or elsewhere
- If you visit a country with high medical costs, like the USA
- If you book an expensive or non-refundable travel package
- When you undertake a religious pilgrimage like Hajj or Umrah
- In case of any pre-existing medical condition, regardless of severity
- If your trip includes adventure sports or other high-risk activities
- When your UAE health plan offers limited or no overseas cover
The price of single trip travel insurance
On average, single trip travel insurance costs between 2% and 5% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost (AED) | Indicative price per person (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| 5-day city break in Paris | 3,000 | 60 to 150 |
| 2-week cultural tour in Japan | 10,000 | 200 to 500 |
| 3-week family holiday in the USA | 21,000 | 420 to 1,000 |
| 1-month beach stay in Thailand | 7,000 | 140 to 350 |
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 single trip travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer trips generally increase the cost.
- destination: travel to destinations with expensive healthcare, such as the USA or Canada, will raise the premium.
- traveller’s age: older travellers usually pay higher premiums.
- level of coverage: higher limits and lower deductibles cost more.
- selected options: covering adventure sports, electronics, or specific cancellation reasons will increase the price.
What does single trip travel insurance cover?
Single trip travel insurance is a temporary policy that covers you for one specific journey from departure to return. It is ideal for travelers in the UAE who want complete protection for a single holiday, business trip, or visit abroad.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Key guarantee. Refunds prepaid travel costs if you cancel for covered reasons before departure. | We recommend a minimum cover of AED 7,500 and avoiding deductibles over AED 100. Cancellations for change of mind, visa refusal, or pre-existing medical issues are usually excluded. |
| 🛫 Missed departure | Pays extra transport costs if you miss your flight due to unexpected events or delays. | A minimum of AED 1,000 is advised. There should be no deductible. Coverage is excluded if you are late, or if delays are not officially confirmed. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Compensates you for significant delays to your plane or train. | Look for AED 500+ after a 4-hour delay, with no deductible. Delays under 4 hours or lacking official proof are not covered. |
| 🎒 Baggage loss or theft | Key guarantee. Covers loss, damage, or theft of your luggage during the trip. | At least AED 5,000 cover is advised. Avoid deductibles higher than AED 50. Unattended luggage, valuables, and documents often have limited or no cover. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent medical treatment abroad if injured or ill during your trip. | We recommend AED 370K minimum coverage, with no deductible or no more than AED 100. Routine check-ups, pre-existing or chronic illnesses, and elective procedures are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Arranges and pays for transport back to the UAE for medical reasons. | This should be unlimited and organized directly by the insurer. Repatriation is excluded if you or family refuses evacuation, or for non-medical reasons. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for urgent dental treatment due to pain or accident abroad. | AED 2,000+ minimum is best. Deductibles over AED 30 are not recommended. Routine dental care and cosmetic treatments are not covered. |
| 🪪 Personal liability abroad | Key guarantee. Covers claims if you injure someone or damage property abroad. | AED 500K is advised, with deductibles below AED 150. Accidents involving family, deliberate acts, or damage to rented property are excluded. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Refunds for unused services if you cut your trip short due to agreed emergencies. | Minimum coverage of AED 2,500 is recommended. Deductibles should be below AED 50. Voluntary early returns and minor reasons are excluded. |
| 🧍♂️ Personal accident | Key guarantee. Pays compensation for death or permanent disability during your trip. | AED 50,000 is a good starting point, with no deductible. High-risk activities, drugs, alcohol, or suicide are typically excluded. |
Cancellations for change of mind, visa refusal, or pre-existing medical issues are usually excluded.
Coverage is excluded if you are late, or if delays are not officially confirmed.
Delays under 4 hours or lacking official proof are not covered.
Unattended luggage, valuables, and documents often have limited or no cover.
Routine check-ups, pre-existing or chronic illnesses, and elective procedures are excluded.
Repatriation is excluded if you or family refuses evacuation, or for non-medical reasons.
Routine dental care and cosmetic treatments are not covered.
Accidents involving family, deliberate acts, or damage to rented property are excluded.
Voluntary early returns and minor reasons are excluded.
High-risk activities, drugs, alcohol, or suicide are typically excluded.
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 single trip travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of single trip travel insurance
Single trip travel insurance becomes effective only when certain conditions are fulfilled by the policyholder.
- Timing of purchase: the policy must be bought before the start of the journey from the UAE.
- Residency requirement: only UAE residents are eligible to purchase and claim single trip insurance from a UAE provider.
- Trip duration compliance: the cover applies strictly to the stated dates and must not exceed the allowed maximum per the policy.
- No ongoing travel: the trip cannot already have started when the insurance is purchased.
- Destination restrictions: travel to countries under UAE government advisories or sanctions may void cover.
- Incident reporting: all claims must be reported to the insurer promptly, usually within a specified window.
- Documentation: supporting evidence, such as receipts, travel tickets, and medical or police reports, is mandatory for all claims.
- Pre-existing condition disclosure: any known medical conditions must be declared at purchase, or related claims may be excluded.
Watch out!
A common mistake is buying single trip insurance last-minute. For trip cancellation coverage to be effective, you must purchase the policy shortly after booking your flights. Waiting until just before you depart from the UAE means you are not protected against unforeseen events that could cancel your trip.
Why take out single trip travel insurance?
Unexpected health emergencies abroad can quickly lead to significant costs, even during a short single trip. Without insurance, travelers are fully responsible for these expenses.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to AED 500,000 per trip, usually 100% of costs |
| Medical repatriation |
| Up to AED 1,000,000, often fully covered if urgent |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to AED 500,000, depending on the policy chosen |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Reimbursable up to AED 500,000 per claim, typically 100% |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Up to AED 10,000, subject to sub-limits under dental care |
- Europe: AED 800 to AED 1,200
- North America: AED 1,500 to AED 2,500
- Asia: AED 400 to AED 800
- Europe: AED 25,000 to AED 50,000
- North America: AED 40,000 to AED 80,000
- Asia: AED 15,000 to AED 35,000
- Europe: AED 15,000 to AED 30,000
- North America: AED 35,000 to AED 70,000
- Asia: AED 8,000 to AED 20,000
- Europe: AED 600 to AED 1,000
- North America: AED 1,200 to AED 2,000
- Asia: AED 300 to AED 600
- Europe: AED 500 to AED 900
- North America: AED 1,000 to AED 1,800
- Asia: AED 250 to AED 500
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, single trip travel insurance can include other protection: trip cancellation or interruption, loss or delay of baggage, personal liability, repatriation services, and emergency assistance. These guarantees are useful in case of unforeseen events.
Good to know
Don't let an unexpected medical bill ruin your holiday. A simple foot sprain in Europe can cost over 1,000 AED. Secure comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies and trip cancellations for total peace of mind. Insurers like Mondialcare offer robust plans for UAE travellers.
How to choose the right single trip travel insurance
Not all single trip travel insurance policies are the same: medical limits, reimbursement rules, and exclusions differ widely. Understanding these criteria helps you choose the best coverage for your trip from the United Arab Emirates.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Major medical expenses abroad can easily exceed low policy limits. | For extra security, select at least AED 200,000 medical coverage for each single trip. |
| 📉 Deductible | Higher deductibles leave you with more costs if you need to claim. | Minimize personal expenses by choosing low or zero deductible policies for your trip. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Cover may start only after policy activation, not at booking. | Always confirm your coverage dates match your travel dates for the entire single trip. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Premiums, exclusions, or medical restrictions can apply based on age. | Review all age conditions to ensure no limitations for seniors or young children. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Needs differ for solo travelers, families, students, or groups. | Families or groups should compare combined cover versus separate single trip policies. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Policies have a maximum trip length, often under 90 days. | Make sure the policy duration covers the entire length of your single journey abroad. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Policy must include all destinations visited to be effective. | Check if your plan covers all stopovers and transit countries for the single trip. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | UAE health or credit card insurance rarely provide sufficient travel cover. | Do not rely on bank card policies alone, as limits often fall short for single trips. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Risk or adventure sports are often excluded unless added. | If you will be skiing, diving, or hiking, get specific cover for these single trip activities. |
Do my current insurance policies cover single trip travel insurance?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurance plans, such as credit card or health insurance, can provide you with single trip 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 | Single trip travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Dubai Health Authority) | Never | Emergency care within UAE or GCC, maximum limit: AED 10,000. No overseas medical, no repatriation, baggage, trip cancellation, or personal liability benefits. | Travel insurance can cover medical and trip benefits up to AED 400,000 and offers cancellation and worldwide assistance. |
| Private health insurance (Daman Health, AXA Gulf) | Almost Never | Limited overseas medical, max: AED 25,000–50,000, usually excludes repatriation and travel-related guarantees. No comprehensive cancellation, baggage, trip interruption, or legal liability benefits. | Travel insurance routinely includes worldwide emergency, trip interruption, baggage, and up to AED 400,000 in reimbursement. |
| Classic credit card (Emirates NBD Standard, ADCB Classic) | Never | Some accident, baggage delay, or medical, max: AED 3,000–5,000. No repatriation, full medical, cancellation, or travel-specific guarantees for single trips. | Travel insurance is designed for trip duration, covers cancellation, repatriation, and up to AED 400,000 for all key needs. |
| Premium credit card (FAB World Elite, HSBC Premier) | Limited coverage | Emergency medical, some baggage and delay, max: AED 45,000–100,000. No comprehensive trip cancellation, limited personal accident, and insufficient trip interruption coverage. | Travel insurance provides full trip coverage up to AED 400,000 with guarantees not found in most credit card policies. |
No overseas medical, no repatriation, baggage, trip cancellation, or personal liability benefits.
No comprehensive cancellation, baggage, trip interruption, or legal liability benefits.
No repatriation, full medical, cancellation, or travel-specific guarantees for single trips.
No comprehensive trip cancellation, limited personal accident, and insufficient trip interruption coverage.
Expert advice
Bank card and health insurance often exclude critical situations like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness. 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
Is single trip travel insurance mandatory?
Single trip travel insurance is mandatory when visiting countries with specific insurance entry requirements, such as Schengen states or some Asian destinations. For most other countries, it is not strictly required but is highly recommended. For example, if your suitcase is lost or you face a medical emergency in the USA, insurance can prevent significant unexpected costs.
When is it recommended to purchase single trip travel insurance?
It is best to purchase single trip travel insurance immediately after booking your journey. Early purchase enables you to benefit from trip cancellation coverage in case unforeseen events occur prior to your departure. Waiting until just before travel risks missing out on certain policy benefits that only apply if cover is in place before a problem arises.
How do I purchase single trip travel insurance?
Start by comparing plans using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to choose a policy suited to your trip. Next, check the coverage guarantees and key exclusions—especially those relevant to single trip needs and destinations. Then, purchase your preferred plan online and receive your official insurance certificate by email for immediate use or visa processing.
Can I purchase single trip travel insurance after making my flight booking?
Yes, you can still purchase single trip insurance after booking your flight. However, buying insurance promptly ensures maximum coverage, particularly for trip cancellation, pre-departure incidents, or last-minute emergencies. Some benefits only activate if the policy is in force before such events occur.
How do I make a claim under single trip travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s claims department as soon as an incident occurs and provide relevant documents such as medical reports, receipts, police reports, or proof of trip interruption. Always keep all supporting evidence to speed up claims processing and check your policy for exact documentation requirements.
Does single trip travel insurance cover COVID-19?
Most modern single trip travel insurance policies from UAE insurers now include COVID-19 related expenses as standard. This may cover medical treatment, quarantine costs, or changes to travel plans if you contract COVID-19 abroad. Still, always review the policy to ensure pandemic events are explicitly included.
Can single trip travel insurance cover adventure activities?
Many single trip travel insurance policies offer cover for popular adventure sports, such as scuba diving, trekking, or skiing. However, not all policies include these by default. Confirm the specific activities you plan to undertake are covered, and consider a sports upgrade if necessary to avoid out-of-pocket medical costs.
Is single trip travel insurance mandatory?
Single trip travel insurance is mandatory when visiting countries with specific insurance entry requirements, such as Schengen states or some Asian destinations. For most other countries, it is not strictly required but is highly recommended. For example, if your suitcase is lost or you face a medical emergency in the USA, insurance can prevent significant unexpected costs.
When is it recommended to purchase single trip travel insurance?
It is best to purchase single trip travel insurance immediately after booking your journey. Early purchase enables you to benefit from trip cancellation coverage in case unforeseen events occur prior to your departure. Waiting until just before travel risks missing out on certain policy benefits that only apply if cover is in place before a problem arises.
How do I purchase single trip travel insurance?
Start by comparing plans using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to choose a policy suited to your trip. Next, check the coverage guarantees and key exclusions—especially those relevant to single trip needs and destinations. Then, purchase your preferred plan online and receive your official insurance certificate by email for immediate use or visa processing.
Can I purchase single trip travel insurance after making my flight booking?
Yes, you can still purchase single trip insurance after booking your flight. However, buying insurance promptly ensures maximum coverage, particularly for trip cancellation, pre-departure incidents, or last-minute emergencies. Some benefits only activate if the policy is in force before such events occur.
How do I make a claim under single trip travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s claims department as soon as an incident occurs and provide relevant documents such as medical reports, receipts, police reports, or proof of trip interruption. Always keep all supporting evidence to speed up claims processing and check your policy for exact documentation requirements.
Does single trip travel insurance cover COVID-19?
Most modern single trip travel insurance policies from UAE insurers now include COVID-19 related expenses as standard. This may cover medical treatment, quarantine costs, or changes to travel plans if you contract COVID-19 abroad. Still, always review the policy to ensure pandemic events are explicitly included.
Can single trip travel insurance cover adventure activities?
Many single trip travel insurance policies offer cover for popular adventure sports, such as scuba diving, trekking, or skiing. However, not all policies include these by default. Confirm the specific activities you plan to undertake are covered, and consider a sports upgrade if necessary to avoid out-of-pocket medical costs.
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