- The best travel insurance plans for UAE
- Is it currently safe to travel to UAE?
- Is Travel Insurance Required to Enter UAE?
- Why take out travel insurance for UAE?
- Travel Insurance Coverage for UAE
- The cost of travel insurance for UAE
- How to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to UAE
- Relying on your current insurance for coverage in UAE
- FAQ
Travel insurance for UAE: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for the UAE covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen travel mishaps.
2. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory for US citizens, but it is highly recommended for protection.
3. Healthcare cost: Healthcare in the UAE is expensive; a hospital night can cost over $1,000 for tourists.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for the UAE typically costs between $30 and $60.
5. Good to know: Ensure your policy covers adventure activities like desert safaris, as standard plans may not.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 42 travel insurance policies available in the US, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for the UAE.
The best travel insurance plans for UAE
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.1M | A comprehensive plan for secure travel in UAE. - high medical cap - emergency evacuation - flexible benefits. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.1M | Strong coverage for medical events and emergencies. - 24/7 helpline - no deductible - suitable for all ages. |
| Tourist Card | $550k | Good value for tourism in UAE. - robust medical cover - assistance abroad - clear conditions. |
| Travel Pass Monde | $770k | Balanced protections for worldwide travel. - covers emergency repatriation - includes hospital stay - large zone. |
| Globe Partner | $330k | Reliable for longer UAE stays. - covers medical costs - civil liability - simple process. |
| Globe Traveller | $550k | Good for brief or low-risk trips. - essential health cover - fast claim process - basic guarantee limits. |
- high medical cap
- emergency evacuation
- flexible benefits.
- 24/7 helpline
- no deductible
- suitable for all ages.
- robust medical cover
- assistance abroad
- clear conditions.
- covers emergency repatriation
- includes hospital stay
- large zone.
- covers medical costs
- civil liability
- simple process.
- essential health cover
- fast claim process
- basic guarantee limits.
Is it currently safe to travel to UAE?
As of June 2025, the U.S. Department of State advises travelers to the UAE to exercise increased caution, due to ongoing regional security risks and the potential for sudden incidents affecting public safety.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: terrorism and missile or drone attacks remain a concern, especially in major cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Large public gatherings and key sites may be targeted without warning.
- Health risks: medical services are generally good, but complex cases may require evacuation to the U.S. Many medications commonly prescribed in the U.S. need prior approval for entry into UAE.
- Legal constraints: the UAE enforces strict laws on drug possession, including trace amounts, and on financial crimes. Offenses such as social media violations or photographing sensitive sites can result in imprisonment or deportation.
- Cultural norms: in public and religious areas, modest dress is expected for both men and women. Public displays of affection and behaviors considered disrespectful can lead to fines or legal action.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the U.S. Department of State, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in UAE.
Is Travel Insurance Required to Enter UAE?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for travelers from the United States to enter UAE for stays up to 30 days.
While not a legal requirement, it is strongly recommended to have travel insurance. Medical care can be expensive, and U.S. Medicare is not accepted. Insurance protects against costly emergencies, including health issues and repatriation.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to UAE due to the high costs of medical treatment and the region's strict legal and security environment.
Why take out travel insurance for UAE?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to UAE.
In the UAE, foreign visitors often use private hospitals such as Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi or American Hospital Dubai, renowned for high standards but with costly care. Public hospitals are accessible but may not always offer services in English, and private care is frequently required in emergencies.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transport, and emergency repatriation to the United States in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in UAE.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 15,000 AED (about 4,080 USD) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 8,000 AED (about 2,180 USD) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 120,000 AED (about 32,700 USD) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 40,000 AED (about 10,900 USD) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
Travel Insurance Coverage for UAE
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for UAE.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers doctor consultations, medical treatments, and prescriptions after an accident or illness in UAE. For UAE, we recommend a reimbursement limit of at least $100,000. |
| 🚑 Hospitalization | Pays for hospitalization costs in private or public hospitals if admitted for more than 24 hours. For UAE, choose a limit of $100,000 or more. |
| 💊 Medications | Covers prescribed medications necessary during your stay. Recommended coverage limit: $1,000 or more depending on medical needs. |
| 🚨 Emergency evacuation and repatriation | Includes air ambulance or medical repatriation to the US in case of severe accident or illness. We recommend a limit of at least $150,000 due to high air evacuation costs. |
| 🦴 Accidents and injuries | Expenses related to accidents, sports injuries, or urgent care needs. Recommended minimum: $25,000 coverage. |
| 🧳 Lost or delayed luggage | Recovers costs if your baggage is delayed, lost, or stolen. Choose coverage of $1,000–$2,500. |
| ✈️ Trip interruption or cancellation | Reimburses non-refundable travel expenses if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason. Aim for coverage equal to your total trip cost. |
| 🕵️♂️ Personal liability | Pays for accidental injury or property damage to others. Recommended minimum: $50,000. |
For UAE, we recommend a reimbursement limit of at least $100,000.
For UAE, choose a limit of $100,000 or more.
Recommended coverage limit: $1,000 or more depending on medical needs.
We recommend a limit of at least $150,000 due to high air evacuation costs.
Recommended minimum: $25,000 coverage.
Choose coverage of $1,000–$2,500.
Aim for coverage equal to your total trip cost.
Recommended minimum: $50,000.
Local providers or bank cards often offer limited travel insurance, usually with low maximum coverage amounts and many exclusions. For better security, choose a trusted specialist with comprehensive coverage. Compare top policies on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for UAE
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | 35 USD |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | 65 USD |
| 1 month | 35 years old | 90 USD |
| 1 month | 70 years old | 195 USD |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of your policy depends on several key factors, including the traveler's age, trip duration, destination, and any add-ons like a cancellation option. It's crucial to keep these in mind when comparing plans to find the right coverage for your trip and avoid any surprises.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to UAE
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to UAE while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🗓️ Trip duration | Prices rise with longer stays, so only select coverage for your actual itinerary in the UAE. | Set your insurance dates exactly to your travel dates. Avoid insuring days before or after your trip. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Medical care is of good quality but can be expensive, so adequate coverage is important in the UAE. | Choose a policy with a reasonable cap for medical care, but avoid unnecessary add-ons to keep costs low. |
| 👦 Traveler's age | Many insurers increase premiums for those over 60, affecting the total cost significantly. | Compare offers from different insurers. Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 🧒 Family or group plans | Group policies are often cheaper for families or multiple travelers visiting UAE together. | Select a group or family policy to get reduced per-person rates when traveling with others. |
| 🌏 Multi-trip insurance | For frequent business or leisure travelers to the region, annual plans may be more economical. | Consider an annual multi-trip plan if you visit UAE or other destinations several times a year. |
| 🚫 Deductible amount | Higher deductibles lower your premium, but increase your potential out-of-pocket costs. | Pick a deductible you can afford in case of claim, to balance upfront premiums and risk. |
| 📱 Online subscription | Getting your policy online often means fewer fees and immediate proof of coverage for UAE entry. | Buy your insurance online for a faster process and possible savings compared to traditional providers. |
Relying on your current insurance for coverage in UAE
It is understandable to consider whether your current coverages, such as credit card insurance or U.S. public health programs, will protect you on a trip to UAE. In most cases, these options are limited or exclude essential benefits. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in UAE? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | No, never | No coverage for healthcare outside U.S. No reimbursement for treatment abroad. | Travel insurance can offer $100,000+ for medical care and medical evacuation. |
| Private health insurance (Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross) | Yes, partly | Emergency care abroad up to $10,000-$20,000, often excludes evacuation or repatriation. | Travel insurance covers $100,000+, repatriation, and daily hospital allowances. |
| Classic credit card (Chase Freedom, Citi Double Cash, Capital One Platinum) | Yes, partly | Medical emergencies up to $2,500-$5,000, limited or no baggage/trip cancellation. | Travel insurance raises limits to $100,000+, includes lost baggage and cancellation. |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X) | Yes, partly | Medical up to $25,000-$50,000, basic trip delay/baggage, no extended hospital stay. | Travel insurance provides $100,000+ for medical, trip cancellation, and real local support. |
Example
During a trip to Dubai, Sarah suffered a severe heatstroke, resulting in a $25,000 ICU bill. Her US-based health insurance only paid $3,000. Her premium Chase Sapphire card's travel coverage had a $10,000 limit, leaving her with a shocking $12,000 out-of-pocket expense for a common, yet serious, desert risk.
Expert advice
Always check the terms, exclusions, and limits of your existing insurance. Essential situations, like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness or death, might be excluded. Read the conditions carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to purchase dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to UAE?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays of 30 days or less in the UAE as tourists. However, your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry. Make sure to check any updated requirements before you travel, as rules can change with little notice.
How do I purchase travel insurance for UAE?
First, compare travel insurance plans by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Make sure to check coverage details and exclusions, particularly for medical expenses, evacuation, and incidents relevant to UAE. Buy your chosen plan online, then receive your travel insurance certificate by email.
Are there any medical requirements for traveling to the UAE?
There are currently no special medical entry requirements for U.S. citizens going to the UAE. However, some medications may be restricted and require advance approval. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care and evacuation is strongly recommended, since healthcare for foreigners can be costly.
What does medical evacuation coverage include for a trip to the UAE?
Medical evacuation coverage pays for transportation to the nearest adequate hospital if you are seriously ill or injured. In the UAE, it also covers repatriation to the U.S. if necessary. Coverage limits often start around $50,000 and may reach $250,000 depending on your policy.
How soon will I receive proof of travel insurance for the UAE?
You will receive your insurance certificate by email immediately or within a few hours after completing your online purchase. This document serves as proof of coverage should you need to show it to authorities, hospitals, or for your own peace of mind during your trip.
Are there restrictions on insurance claims for incidents related to terrorism or civil unrest in the UAE?
Some travel insurance policies include coverage for trip interruptions or cancellations due to terrorism or civil unrest, but conditions and exclusions apply. Always check your policy wording to know exactly what is covered before purchasing. Not all insurers treat terrorism risk the same way.
Do I need a visa to travel to UAE?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays of 30 days or less in the UAE as tourists. However, your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry. Make sure to check any updated requirements before you travel, as rules can change with little notice.
How do I purchase travel insurance for UAE?
First, compare travel insurance plans by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Make sure to check coverage details and exclusions, particularly for medical expenses, evacuation, and incidents relevant to UAE. Buy your chosen plan online, then receive your travel insurance certificate by email.
Are there any medical requirements for traveling to the UAE?
There are currently no special medical entry requirements for U.S. citizens going to the UAE. However, some medications may be restricted and require advance approval. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care and evacuation is strongly recommended, since healthcare for foreigners can be costly.
What does medical evacuation coverage include for a trip to the UAE?
Medical evacuation coverage pays for transportation to the nearest adequate hospital if you are seriously ill or injured. In the UAE, it also covers repatriation to the U.S. if necessary. Coverage limits often start around $50,000 and may reach $250,000 depending on your policy.
How soon will I receive proof of travel insurance for the UAE?
You will receive your insurance certificate by email immediately or within a few hours after completing your online purchase. This document serves as proof of coverage should you need to show it to authorities, hospitals, or for your own peace of mind during your trip.
Are there restrictions on insurance claims for incidents related to terrorism or civil unrest in the UAE?
Some travel insurance policies include coverage for trip interruptions or cancellations due to terrorism or civil unrest, but conditions and exclusions apply. Always check your policy wording to know exactly what is covered before purchasing. Not all insurers treat terrorism risk the same way.
