Culture and attractions. Shopping and beaches. Dubai is a place where dreams come to life. Try a desert safari or the world’s longest urban zipline. Our Dubai travel insurance covers you while you experience it all. Take us with you for thrilling adventures in the City of Gold.
What is Dubai travel insurance and do you need it?
Sun-drenched Dubai is famous for its must-see attractions. It’s no wonder over a million Brits take the seven-hour flight there each year. With its vast theme parks and mega malls, there’s so much to explore.
Dubai has low crime rates while the UAE ranks as the world’s second safest country. But while most visits are trouble-free, mishaps can happen. The best travel insurance for Dubai covers you for medical emergencies, trip cancellation and more.
Here’s why getting travel insurance to Dubai from the UK should be top of your holiday to-do list:
- Covers cancellations: Planning on living the high life? Dubai’s the place to be. In 2023 the city welcomed more new five-star hotels than anywhere in the world. Cancelling luxurious accommodation can leave you out of pocket. UAE travel insurance with cancellation cover can pick up the bill if you have to cancel your trip for specific reasons.
- Covers trip disruption: Two years’ worth of rain fell in Dubai on 16 April 2024, causing significant disruption at Dubai Airport. Experts believe it was made worse by climate change. Dubai travel insurance with natural disaster cover can help if an unforeseen weather event means your trip doesn’t go to plan.
- Covers medical emergencies: No one wants to think of the worst happening on holiday. But the UAE has a high rate of traffic accidents. Powerful cars and fast roads make for dangerous driving conditions. Stray camels cause a significant number of accidents each year. Healthcare in Dubai is excellent but tourists may not be able to access it without travel insurance. You may be stopped from leaving the UAE if you can’t pay your medical bill. Dubai travel insurance will cover the cost of emergency medical treatment.
- Do more on your holiday: Dubai is home to the world’s longest urban zipline. Abu Dhabi boasts the world’s fastest rollercoaster. Our UAE travel insurance lets you experience it all. It covers over 100 sports and activities as standard. But we also have cover for more adventurous activities.
Our policy wording provides full terms and conditions or what is and isn’t included with our cover.
Conflicts in the Middle East and Gulf region could affect the UAE. Always check the latest FCDO advice before you travel. Its travel advice can change at short notice. Your travel insurance could be invalid if you travel against their advice.
What does InsureandGo’s Dubai travel insurance cover?
What’s covered?
Our travel insurance for Dubai includes:
- Medical emergency expenses.
- Cover for cancellation of your trip.
- Our 24-hour emergency assistance team, available to call, day or night, wherever you are
- Over 100 sports and activities covered (see your policy wording for a full list of activities)
- Personal belongings and baggage cover.
- Personal money, passports and travel documents cover.
- Accommodation cover.
- Legal expenses cover.
What’s not covered?
There are some situations travel insurance will not cover. For example:
- You cannot cover events or reasons to claim which took place before you booked the trip or purchased insurance. Insurance exists to cover unexpected events outside of the insured’s control
- Claims which are less than the excess for that section of cover. For example, you cannot claim a £40 lost item if your baggage excess is £60
- All our travel insurance policies include cover for cancellation of your trip. There may, however, be some exclusions. For example, you won’t be covered to cancel if you simply decide not to go
Find out about our optional add-ons for activities like extreme sports, cruises and golf.
We will consider all pre-existing medical conditions. Find out more about medical travel insurance.
The excess and amount of cover available varies depending on the level of travel insurance you buy. Check the policy wording to see the full terms and conditions.
The best travel insurance for Dubai and the UAE
Seeking beach serenity? Or something action-packed? Our UAE policies are as flexible as your holiday plans. Not sure what you need? Here are just a few of our optional add-ons:
- Thrill-seeker? Dubai has a vast array of adventurous activities to try. Go quad-biking in sand dunes Try jet-skiing around the Palm Jumeirah. Adding adventurous activities to your policy will make sure you’re covered.
- Taking the kids to a theme park? Good choice. Dubai has more than 20 to try. Our family travel insurance covers everyone under one policy.
- Going shopping? Dubai Mall is one of the global attractions people would most love to return to. If you’re one of them, adding valuables cover to your policy can protect your purchases. From jewellery to antiques, it provides up to £2,000 total cover, and up to £1,000 per single item.
- Here for work? The UAE is an innovative business hub. Choosing business cover will protect your equipment if it gets lost or stolen.
- Hitting the greens? The UAE is a dream destination for golfers. It has 21 courses – and the list is growing. Tee off on some of the world’s best fairways with golf insurance to cover your kit.
Make sure you read our policy wording for more information on what is included.
Choose a cover level to suit your travel needs
| Black | Gold | Silver | |
| Medical expenses and repatriation | Unlimited | £15 million | £10 Million |
| Cancellation and curtailment | £10,000 | £7,500 | £5,000 |
| Travel delay | Up to £650 | Up to £540 | Up to £450 |
| Personal belongings | £5,000 | £2,500 | £2,000 |
| Legal Expenses | £60,000 | £50,000 | £15,000 |
| Standard Excess | Nil | £50 | £60 |
How to get travel insurance for Dubai and the UAE
There’s so much to think about when you’re travelling long haul. Luckily, you can get your travel insurance for Dubai and the UAE sorted in just two steps.
1. Let us know a little info
Tell us about your holiday, who you want to cover, and when you want the policy to start. Any pre-existing medical conditions? Now’s the time to let us know.
You can do this online or by calling our team:
2. Get your quote
Now we have the details, we can send you a quote! You can buy your policy there and then, or save it for the future.
Russell Wallace- Travel insurance expert
“Travel insurance isn’t mandatory for UK tourists visiting the UAE. But it’s still a wise move. Dubai’s excellent healthcare comes at a premium. Unexpected medical emergencies can quickly become very expensive. Trip disruptions can happen too, from floods to lost luggage. You can’t plan for everything. But finding the best Dubai travel insurance can help you navigate these types of situations.”
Our reviews speak for themselves
Easy to complete transaction
“Not sure what cover was needed for a trip to Dubai but Owen was very knowledgeable and helpful. Also called back when asked so that was encouraging as I did not get the same response from another company. Very satisfied with service received and would use again, if required.”
– Sidwell
– Date of experience: 16 June 2023
There’s a reason 99.7% of our customers would consider buying from InsureandGo again3. Here’s what they had to say about us.
Travel insurance for Dubai and the UAE with pre-existing medical conditions
With its state-of-the-art medical facilities, the standard of healthcare in the UAE is excellent. Dubai has some of the best hospitals in the world. But treatment can be costly. If you’re travelling with a pre-existing medical condition, insurance is a must.
Temperatures can reach 42°C in the summer. The highest temperature ever recorded in Dubai was 49°C, in July 2023. Such extreme heat is always hazardous to health. But people with pre-existing conditions can be particularly affected. Sand and dust storms are also common.
Getting the best travel health insurance for Dubai is a must. At InsureandGo, we’ll consider all medical conditions, including:
Our online medical screening process is simple.
You must declare all medical conditions that fit within the medical warranty when your travel insurance. If you don’t, your policy may be invalid. To learn more, read our page about travel insurance for medical conditions. Or, take a look at our policy wording documents.
If you’d rather talk to someone instead, please get in touch with us.
Frequently asked Questions on Dubai and the UAE Travel Insurance
Do I need travel insurance to travel to Dubai and the UAE?
It is no longer compulsory for British passport holders to have travel insurance to enter any of the UAE’s seven emirates. This includes Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Other nationalities may need a visa to enter the UAE. If you need a visa, travel insurance is mandatory. Read more about entry requirements and visas to the UAE.
UAE travel insurance is strongly advised for British citizens. This is due to:
- High medical costs: Healthcare in Dubai is not free for UK tourists and can be expensive. You may be refused treatment if you don’t have a valid policy. You could even be prevented from leaving the UAE if you can’t pay your medical bill. Travel insurance can cover medical expenses if you fall ill or are injured during your trip.
- Potential trip disruptions: The Dubai floods in April 2024 caused significant disruption to travel plans. Travel insurance with natural disaster cover can help recoup prepaid expenses, like accommodation.
- Higher accident risks: UAE roads are more dangerous than the UK’s. Recent figures show deaths per 100,000 inhabitants to be 8.9 in the UAE and just 2.9 in the UK.
- High-risk sports and activities: Dubai is known for its adventurous activities. InsureandGo policies cover over 100 sports and activities at no extra cost. But we also have additional cover for anything more risky.
What travel insurance do I need for Dubai and the UAE?
At InsureandGo, you can get Dubai travel insurance as a single-trip policy or as part of a worldwide annual multi-trip policy. Our worldwide travel Insurance has two options to choose from:
- Worldwide (excluding the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean)
- Worldwide (including the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean)
You may also need to add optional add-ons. These can make sure you’re covered for things like adventure sports, golf, cruises and gadgets.
Read our policy documents to find out what is and isn’t included.
Does Europe travel insurance cover Dubai and the UAE?
No, it doesn’t. Dubai and the UAE are covered by our worldwide travel Insurance. Our Europe policy only covers countries to the west of the Ural mountains. It also covers countries surrounding the Mediterranean, such as Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt.
Still not sure about Dubai travel insurance requirements? Contact us.
How much is travel insurance for the UAE and Dubai?
UAE travel insurance tends to be cheaper than insurance for trips to places like the USA. Dubai has a low crime rate. The UAE has a good healthcare system – for those with a valid policy or the funds to pay for it.
However, several other factors could impact how much you pay for your travel insurance to Dubai:
- The level of cover you choose – At InsureandGo we offer Budget, Silver, Gold and Black.
- Whether you want an annual or single trip policy – Heading to the UAE just once? Single trip travel insurance could be more cost-effective. Taking several trips a year? Annual travel insurance could save you money.
- Any policy add-ons you need – For example, you may want to add gadget cover to your policy if you’re taking your laptop.
- Any pre-existing medical conditions – Pre-existing medical conditions can impact how much your travel insurance to the UAE costs.
- Your age – Generally, travel insurance becomes more expensive as you get older.
- The length of your trip – In general, the longer you’re away from home the more you’ll pay for your policy.
These factors can vary, which means that the cost of travel insurance to Dubai can also vary. Find out how much it will be for you. Call our team on 0808 281 0594 or get a quick and easy quote online now.
Does the GHIC cover Dubai and the UAE?
The GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) does not cover Dubai or the UAE. The GHIC is valid for healthcare in European Economic Area (EEA) countries, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein. It also covers some non-EU territories, such as Australia.
Dubai and the UAE are not part of these regions. For travel to Dubai, you need travel insurance to cover your medical expenses in an emergency.
Travel insurance also means you’re covered for a range of issues that could crop up on your trip, including:
- Personal accident and liability
- Cancelling and cutting short your holiday
- Abandoning your trip
- Delayed departure
- Accommodation cover
- Personal belongings and baggage
- Personal money, passport and travel documents
- Legal expenses
No one likes to think of the worst-case scenario. But securing the best travel insurance to Dubai lets you relax and enjoy your holiday.
Is healthcare free in Dubai and the UAE?
No, healthcare is not free for British tourists in Dubai and the UAE. Healthcare in the Emirates is a mix of both public and private:
Public healthcare: Public hospitals and clinics in Dubai are primarily for UAE residents with health cards. Tourists generally don’t qualify for this system.
Private healthcare: Dubai and the UAE boast excellent private healthcare facilities, but they come at a cost. Treatment can be quite expensive, especially for emergencies.
The FCDO strongly recommend that British tourists buy travel insurance with adequate medical cover for their trip to Dubai. This ensures you receive the necessary treatment without worrying about hefty medical bills.
Can I get assistance if I fall ill or injure myself while in Dubai and the UAE?
Yes. If you need emergency medical treatment in Dubai, our 24-hour assistance team is always available to help you. All our travel insurance policyholders can contact our specialised team.
Do I need a visa to visit Dubai and the UAE?
If you hold a British passport, you’ll receive a free tourist visa upon arrival in the UAE. This visa is valid for up to 40 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the UAE.
What laws should I be aware of in Dubai and the UAE?
British tourists in Dubai must respect local customs, laws and religions. There may be serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in the UK but is in the UAE.
The FCDO list a number of laws and customs to be aware of, including:
- Dress code: Modest clothing is expected in public areas. Swimwear is only appropriate at beaches and hotel pools.
- Public displays of affection: Overly affectionate behaviour might even lead to fines or arrests.
- Alcohol: There are strict rules around buying and consuming alcohol. Tourists can only buy alcohol from licensed stores and consume it in licensed restaurants and bars. Public intoxication is a serious offence and can lead to arrest.
- Drugs: The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy for all illegal drugs. Penalties for drug possession can include lengthy imprisonment and hefty fines.
- Photography: Taking photographs of people without their permission can be considered offensive. It’s always best to ask before taking pictures of anyone. This is particularly true in cultural or religious areas.
- Swearing: Swearing or making rude gestures is considered offensive and can lead to arrest or fines.
- E-cigarettes: The legality of e-cigarettes in Dubai is a bit grey. While not explicitly banned, their use is discouraged. It’s best to avoid using e-cigarettes while visiting Dubai.
- Sharing online: Be mindful of what you post online while in Dubai. Criticising the UAE government, culture, or religion online can be considered a crime.
Who can buy an InsureandGo Dubai travel insurance policy?
All our Dubai and UAE travel insurance policies are available to UK residents. This means:
- Someone who has been living in the UK or the Channel Islands for at least six of the last 12 months
- They must be in the UK at the time of purchase
- All trips must start and end in the UK
Get a quote online or browse our policy documents for more information.
Travel insurance guides
Frequently asked questions
If you’ve got more questions about how our Dubai travel insurance works, or more general travel insurance queries, have a read through our FAQs.
Travel advice
Our travel advice section offers handy tips and guides to specific countries, from what documents you need to what you might visit while you’re there.
Travel insurance reviews
If you want to know what our customers think of us, and why they rate us so highly, have a read through some of the reviews they’ve left us.