When it comes to international travel, Dubai today is one of the most sought-after destinations. It is a famous global city for tourism due to tourist attractions like tall buildings, beautiful infrastructure, luxurious services, and constant sunshine. Dubai today has something for all travellers. Be it an adventurous trip or a laid-back one, a trip for shopping or one for sightseeing, tourists today can enjoy Dubai in every possible way.
Nonetheless, it remains apparent that Dubai is a city that has a lot to offer to travellers, but tourists should always consider putting in place adequate travel insurance. A common question that is often asked is if travel insurance for Dubai is mandatory. Let us find out the answer and also know why travel insurance is always a good idea when travelling abroad.
Is travel insurance mandatory in Dubai?
The government of Dubai or the UAE has not made it a mandatory rule when it comes to travel insurance that compels visitors to purchase travel insurance when planning to visit Dubai on a tourist visa. From India, you can apply for a short-term 30-day or a 60-day single entry or a multiple entry visa and from 7 January 2024, you can also apply for a 14-day visa-on-arrival without a valid travel insurance plan.
However, it is highly recommended to get proper medical travel, trip cancellation, lost luggage and other necessary insurance before visiting such a place, which is otherwise very expensive. Though the government has not made travel insurance mandatory to visit exotic locations, it is always advisable to have one whenever you are travelling abroad. Let us see why travel insurance in Dubai is a good idea
Health complications can be costly in many ways, including medical procedures.
A good reason to get travel insurance for Dubai is that, as in many other parts of the UAE, medical costs and emergencies are not cheap in Dubai. In fact, the cost of the following procedures is ranked among the highest in Dubai: trauma care, emergency treatments, hospitalisation, surgeries, medical transports, and prescription drugs, and this is the main reason why you should opt for them.
Travellers who are planning to visit Dubai must ensure that they have comprehensive visitors’ health insurance. Travel medical insurance guarantees that the tourists will be adequately protected and taken care of with no incidence of shockingly high prices that most individuals are likely to encounter in cases of an emergency. It also provides travellers with the appropriate directions to quality healthcare facilities and professionals, which will be vital if the traveller falls ill or gets injured during the trip to Dubai.
Some attractions that foreigners may find interesting may require them to produce health insurance coverage before they are allowed entry.
Also, if you do not wish to run into any financial concerns for delay of your checked-in baggage or a delay fo the same, missing connecting flights, etc., you must opt for a good travel insurance plan.
Other Important Safeguards Additional To Health Care
The following are other important benefits and protections that will make it mandatory for one to take travel insurance when planning for a vacation in Dubai. Some other common insurance claims in Dubai include:
1. Trip cancellation or interruption insurance
It protects non-refundable financial expenses in the event of trip cancellation or interruption due to unforeseeable circumstances, especially since Dubai has expensive hotels and attractions.
2. This policy covers loss, theft, or damage of baggage and personal effects
Pays the traveller an amount if the luggage and personal property are lost, stolen or damaged during transit or during the trip. This is especially helpful considering the high number of theft incidents in the city of Dubai.
3. Travel delay
This covers accommodation, meals, transport, and other expenses that would be incurred in case of a travel delay prompted by situations such as cancelled flights, lost connections, or adverse weather conditions. Particularly useful for a location like the city of Dubai that is far away and which can experience travel time hitches.
4. Transportation cost back home for further treatment
This policy takes care of the huge expenses that may be incurred on the transport of a tourist back to his or her country for further treatment if a tour were to be cut short by a severe medical emergency that needs intensive care.
Key Travel Insurance Considerations
When searching for and purchasing travel insurance for a Dubai vacation, it is essential for travellers to evaluate some key variables and coverage factors:
- Be cautious while using reasons you had initially masked for cancelling or interrupting trips. Search for a reference that points to the largest set of covered unpredictable circumstances that lead to trip cancellation.
- Ensure that sandstorms, which are climatic occurrences affecting journeys in Dubai, are within the policy.
- When travelling to different countries, ensure that both Dubai and the destination countries are covered by the police jurisdiction area.
- Opt for the highest amounts of coverage for medical expenses, personal property, cancellations, delays, etc. Due to the high prices in Dubai, the maximum limits are ideal.
Although the Dubai government does not require travel insurance as a legal necessity for tourists, one must ensure they have a policy with adequate coverage and not just any policy. You need to opt for a plan that protects you for the entire duration of your stay in the UAE. There are many benefits of travel insurance in Dubai, and this is the ideal way to enjoy a holiday without worrying about the financial implications of any emergency.
Conclusion
Due to the extremely high medical costs possible in Dubai, alongside the low theft risk but a high probability of weather interruption, having travel insurance is something one has to take to enhance the trip rather than an additional advantage. Choose a policy that covers all risks and health comprehensions to make travel safe as per the rules set by the government. Having comprehensive coverage for travel insurance in Dubai will ensure a fun-filled trip with less stress.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.