Best Travel Insurance for Dubai, UAE for Visitors

Dubai is a city known for its luxury, but also its exorbitant costs. Travel insurance is crucial for travellers visiting this city in the UAE, ensuring peace of mind in a destination renowned for high healthcare expenses and adventure activities.

Comprehensive travel health insurance can save you from hefty medical bills and protect against trip disruptions, lost baggage, and other unexpected expenses. In this guide, we'll explore the best options for travel insurance in Dubai and how to choose the right coverage for your needs.

Best Travel Insurance Plan for Natural Disaster in Dubai

Despite its modern infrastructure and desert climate, Dubai is not immune to natural disasters. While the city enjoys year-round sunshine, it also faces risks such as sandstorms and occasional flooding. These natural events can cause significant damage and inconvenience, making it essential for visitors to this city in the UAE to have appropriate travel insurance coverage.

Dangers and Risks of Natural Disasters in Dubai

Natural disasters like sandstorms and floods pose serious threats in Dubai. Sandstorms can reduce visibility to near zero, disrupt air travel, and cause respiratory issues. Flooding, though less frequent, can be equally dangerous, leading to road closures, property damage, and even personal injury. The aftermath of such events often results in costly repairs and medical expenses.

Historical Incidents

Dubai has experienced several natural disasters in the form of flash floods in recent years. In April 2024, the city was hit by deadly storms that trapped residents in their homes, damaged infrastructure, and killed more than 20 people, highlighting the vulnerability of even well-developed cities. As detailed by Reuters, Dubai faced a massive cleanup effort after the deluge, with ongoing disruptions at the airport even well after the floods were over. Such events underscore the importance of having a robust travel insurance plan to cover unexpected travel delays and emergencies.

Natural Disaster Safety Tips in Dubai

What can you do if a natural disaster hits while you are visiting Dubai? Follow these tips to stay safe:

• Stay Informed: Monitor local news and weather updates regularly.
• Emergency Kit: Keep a basic emergency kit with essentials like water, food, and first aid supplies.
• Safe Shelter: Identify the nearest safe shelter locations in case of an emergency.
• Avoid Travel: During sandstorms or floods, avoid non-essential travel and stay indoors.
• Follow Official Advice: Always adhere to advice and instructions from local authorities.

Dubai Travel Insurance Plans Comparison

Based on a 5D single-trip to the United Arab Emirates for 1 person. Premiums are before discounts/promotions.

The best travel insurance for Dubai is one with the appropriate coverage for your specific needs. If you are looking to buy travel insurance for Dubai, the FWD Premium plan offers excellent overall value, providing comprehensive coverage for various potential issues, including trip cancellation and loss of baggage. 

For those on a tighter budget, the Starr TraveLead Essential plan offers cheap travel insurance for Dubai without sacrificing essential coverage. If COVID-19 coverage is a priority, the Singlife Travel Lite plan is the best choice, ensuring protection against pandemic-related issues. For travellers with pre-existing conditions, the MSIG Standard Pre-Ex Plan provides necessary coverage, albeit at a higher premium. 

Picking the Best Travel Insurance Plans for Dubai

FWD Premium

The FWD Premium travel insurance plan is an excellent all-round choice for travellers going to Dubai, offering respectable limits across with comprehensive coverage at a competitive price.

• Overseas Medical Expenses: Up to $200,000 in overseas medical coverage and a $5,000 overseas hospitalisation allowance.
• Trip Cancellation: Coverage for trip cancellation of up to $7,500.
• Loss/Damage of Baggage: Personal luggage coverage of up to $3,000.
• COVID-19 Coverage: Optional-add on coverage for COVID-19-related medical expenses up to $200,000.

Singlife Travel Lite

Singlife Travel Lite is the best travel insurance for Dubai if you are looking for a no-compromise plan with the most comprehensive coverage and competitive limits.

• Overseas medical expenses: Up to $250,000 in overseas medical coverage and $5,000 overseas hospitalisation allowance. 
• Trip Cancellation: Coverage for trip cancellation of up to $5,000.
• Loss/Damage of Baggage: Personal luggage coverage of up to $3,000
• COVID-19 Coverage: Coverage for COVID-19-related medical expenses up to $50,000.

Dubai Travel Insurance Coverage Comparison

Explore and compare coverage across multiple travel insurance plans available online for Dubai.

Based on a 5D single-trip to the United Arab Emirates for 1 person. Premiums are before discounts/promotions.

Key Reasons to Consider Travel Insurance for Your Dubai Trip

Travel insurance is essential for ensuring peace of mind during your Dubai adventure. It provides comprehensive protection against various unforeseen events, safeguarding both your health and your belongings.

COVID-19 Coverage

COVID-19 coverage is crucial, as it covers medical expenses if you contract the virus while travelling. This includes treatment costs, quarantine expenses, and even trip cancellation if you test positive before departure, ensuring you aren't left with significant out-of-pocket expenses.

Loss of Passport and Baggage

Coverage for loss of passport and baggage protects you against the inconvenience and cost of replacing lost travel documents and personal items. This ensures you can continue your journey with minimal disruption and expense, providing compensation for the replacement of essentials and travel arrangements.

Personal Accident

Personal accident coverage provides financial protection in the event of accidental injury or death during your trip. This coverage helps cover medical costs, provides a lump sum benefit, and supports your loved ones financially, offering peace of mind during your travels.

Emergency Hospitalisation

Emergency hospitalisation coverage is essential for covering unexpected medical expenses due to sudden illness or injury. This includes hospital stays, surgery, and other critical treatments, ensuring you receive the necessary care without worrying about the financial burden.

Essential Considerations When Choosing Travel Insurance for Dubai

Not sure how to choose the best Dubai travel insurance? To help you find the right plan with the exact health and medical coverage for your needs, here are the key things you need to consider: 

1. Evaluate the Coverage Level

Make sure you have adequate travel insurance coverage to stay protected against all kinds of unforeseen circumstances that could affect you on your travels to Dubai. Compare the benefits and reimbursement limits for standard coverage types such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, flight delays, and loss of belongings. 

2. Check If You Need Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions

If you have pre-existing medical conditions, finding a travel insurance plan can be challenging as most insurers do not offer coverage for these conditions. Always review the policy thoroughly to ensure that coverage for pre-existing conditions is included. This way, you can be confident that your travel health insurance will cover you during your trip to Dubai.

3. Analyse and Compare Policy Premiums

The cost of travel insurance for Dubai will vary depending on length of stay. Companies typically offer several tiers of plans at different price points. When in doubt, it can be helpful to use a travel insurance tool like the one from SingSaver to easily compare premium prices at a glance.

4. Check If You Need Sports Activity Coverage

If you’re planning adventurous activities in Dubai, such as dune bashing, skydiving, or jet skiing, you’ll need a travel insurance policy that covers these specific activities. Opt for a plan that includes adventure sports coverage to protect yourself so you can fully enjoy the thrilling experiences Dubai has to offer.

5. Consider Coverage for Trip Interruptions and Belongings

Comprehensive coverage for trip interruptions, such as flight delays or cancellations due to natural disasters. ensures you are protected against incidents such as airport closures as a result of sandstorms or flash floods. Make sure your insurance for travel to Dubai covers such events so you can recoup some non-refundable costs if it happens to you.

Key Safety Tips and Practical Advice for Travelling in Dubai, UAE

When travelling in Dubai, it’s important to be mindful of local customs and safety practices to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

• Be aware of jellyfish when swimming: Choose your swimming spots carefully and watch for jellyfish warnings to avoid painful stings.
• Dress appropriately for the desert climate: Wear suitable clothing for the daytime heat and be prepared for the sharp temperature drop in the evenings.
• Understand and respect UAE social rules: Follow the social norms, especially during Ramadan, avoid public displays of affection, and adhere to dress codes in certain areas due to the country's Islamic customs.
• Stay vigilant with your drinks: Avoid leaving your drinks unattended to prevent the risk of drink spiking.

FAQs for Travelling to Dubai

Can a tourist get insurance in the UAE?

Yes, tourists can purchase travel insurance specifically for their trip to the UAE. It's advisable to buy travel insurance before your arrival to ensure you are covered from the moment you begin your journey. Many international insurance providers offer policies that cover travel to Dubai and the wider UAE.

Can I go to Dubai without travel insurance?

While it is possible to travel to Dubai without travel insurance, it is highly discouraged. Travel insurance provides essential coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and other unexpected events. Given the high cost of healthcare and the potential for unforeseen incidents, having travel insurance is a smart and safe choice.

What does insurance not cover in the UAE?

Travel insurance typically does not cover pre-existing medical conditions unless specified, elective medical procedures, and certain high-risk activities unless you have purchased additional coverage. It also does not cover losses due to illegal activities, negligence, or violations of local laws and regulations.

What are the things to consider before travelling to Dubai?

Before travelling to Dubai, consider obtaining comprehensive travel insurance, understanding the local customs and laws, and planning for the climate. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry, and check if you need a visa. Additionally, familiarise yourself with the local currency and transportation options.

What are the travel risks a visitor should be cautious of when travelling to Dubai?

Visitors should be cautious of extreme heat, potential sandstorms, and health risks such as dehydration. It's also important to be aware of local laws and customs to avoid legal issues, and to be cautious about personal safety, particularly in crowded areas. Additionally, always be mindful of your belongings and avoid leaving drinks unattended to prevent the risk of spiking.