Travel safely with travel insurance
Protect your trip from medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage.
Explore providersTravel insurance providers in the UAE
Get to know the providers that offer travel insurance, then head to the official website to complete any step directly with them.
Wide-choice Arabic insurance platform
- Car, health & travel insurance
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Major digital insurance platform in the UAE
- Comprehensive & third-party car insurance
- Licensed & accredited provider
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Insurance for every type of trip
Whatever your destination, we offer the right coverage
Business trips
Comprehensive cover for business trips with protection for electronic equipment and documents.
Leisure trips
Enjoy your holiday with peace of mind and full cover for any emergency.
Honeymoon
Special cover for newlyweds with extra benefits for honeymoon trips.
What does travel insurance cover?
What is travel insurance?
Travel insurance is a policy designed to cover unforeseen costs and risks that can arise before or during a trip. It typically includes cover for medical emergencies abroad, unexpected trip cancellation or interruption, lost or delayed baggage, and personal liability. For UAE residents who travel frequently — whether for work, leisure, or family visits — travel insurance provides financial protection against events that could otherwise result in significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Why travel insurance matters for UAE residents
UAE residents travel extensively, and healthcare costs in many popular destinations can be extremely high for visitors without local insurance. A medical evacuation from a remote destination or an extended hospital stay abroad can cost tens of thousands of dirhams or more. Some countries also require proof of travel insurance as a visa entry condition. Even when not mandatory, travel insurance protects against trip cancellation losses that are particularly relevant given the non-refundable nature of many airline and hotel bookings.
What does travel insurance typically cover?
Travel insurance coverage depends on the plan chosen, but commonly includes: emergency medical treatment and hospitalisation abroad; medical evacuation and repatriation to the UAE if required; trip cancellation reimbursement when cancellation is caused by a covered event such as sudden illness or a family emergency; trip interruption cover for early return; compensation for delayed or lost baggage; and personal liability cover in case you cause accidental damage or injury to others during the trip. Business travel plans may additionally cover loss of travel documents and electronic equipment.
What is usually not covered by travel insurance?
Most standard travel insurance policies exclude medical treatment for pre-existing conditions unless a specific add-on or waiver is purchased. High-risk activities such as extreme sports, mountaineering, or professional sports events are typically excluded unless the policy specifically includes adventure cover. Cancellation due to personal choice or foreseeable work obligations at the time of booking is generally not covered. Travel to destinations under official government travel warnings may also be excluded. Read the policy exclusions carefully before travelling.
Who benefits most from travel insurance?
Frequent travellers benefit from annual multi-trip plans that cover all trips within a year rather than purchasing cover per trip. Families travelling with young children or elderly members need emergency medical cover that meets the higher healthcare needs these groups may have. Business travellers need cover that protects business equipment and important documents. Anyone booking non-refundable travel arrangements well in advance benefits from trip cancellation protection, particularly for high-value bookings.
Key travel insurance terms to understand
Single-trip policy: covers one specific trip from departure to return. Annual multi-trip policy: covers all trips taken within a 12-month period, typically subject to a maximum duration per trip. Medical evacuation: transport to the nearest adequate medical facility or back to the UAE, covered up to a specified limit. Trip cancellation: reimbursement for pre-paid non-refundable costs when you cancel due to a covered reason. Baggage delay: compensation for essential purchases when checked luggage is delayed beyond a threshold period, typically 12–24 hours.
What to check before buying travel insurance
Confirm that the medical coverage limit is adequate for your destination — healthcare costs vary significantly between countries. Check whether your planned activities are covered or whether an adventure sports add-on is needed. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, ask specifically about coverage and any required disclosures. For family travel, confirm the age limits for child coverage and whether elderly travellers require separate declarations. Review the claims process — specifically how to access emergency assistance abroad and what documentation is needed to file a claim after returning home.
Frequently asked questions about travel insurance for UAE residents
Is travel insurance mandatory for UAE residents travelling abroad?
Travel insurance is not generally mandatory for UAE residents departing the UAE. However, several countries and visa categories — particularly Schengen-area visas — require proof of travel insurance as an entry condition. Even where not required, it provides financial protection that many travellers find essential.
Does travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Standard travel insurance policies often exclude pre-existing conditions or impose restrictions on related claims. Some providers offer plans that include pre-existing condition cover, either as part of the standard policy or as an optional add-on, sometimes subject to a medical declaration. Always disclose any relevant health history when purchasing and read the related terms carefully.
What is the difference between single-trip and annual multi-trip plans?
A single-trip policy covers one specific trip from departure to return. An annual multi-trip plan covers all trips taken within a 12-month period, typically up to a maximum trip length per journey (commonly 30–45 days). Frequent travellers generally find annual plans more economical, while single-trip plans suit those who travel occasionally.
What happens if my flight is cancelled or significantly delayed?
Travel insurance typically covers additional accommodation and meal costs incurred during significant flight delays, subject to a minimum delay threshold stated in the policy (commonly 6–12 hours). Trip cancellation cover reimburses pre-paid non-refundable costs when the cancellation is caused by a covered reason. Cancellations caused by the airline's own operations may trigger separate airline compensation rights.
What should I do in a medical emergency abroad?
Contact the insurer's 24-hour emergency assistance line immediately — the number is on your policy documents. The insurer can direct you to approved medical facilities, arrange direct billing to avoid upfront payment, and coordinate medical evacuation if necessary. Keep all receipts and medical reports for any costs you pay directly, as these will be required when filing a reimbursement claim.
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