TRAVEL INSURANCE GUIDE

Travel Insurance for Dubai

From camel rides to medical cover, find out what to consider when choosing travel insurance for your trip.

Heading to Dubai? Here’s what you need to know

As part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai offers plenty to do, making it an ideal destination for those seeking some fun. Whether you love basking on a beach, shopping in the city or experiencing a desert safari, there are a few things worth knowing before you go.

From emergency medical needs to making sure your activities are covered, a little pre-planning can help keep the hassle out of your holiday.

Read on to discover:

• Why travel insurance matters in Dubai
• What to look for in your cover
• Medical treatment and healthcare
• Cover for desert trips and activities
• Passports and entry requirements
• Local laws and customs
• Dubai travel insurance FAQs

Do you need travel insurance for Dubai?

Getting good cover is an important part of planning your trip to Dubai. In fact, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office recommends it, paying specific attention to travel insurance that includes medical treatment and unexpected repatriation.

The right policy could also help with other holiday what-ifs, such as flight delays and lost or stolen belongings.

At Holiday Extras, we offer single and annual multi-trip insurance options. You can also choose from different cover levels (Bronze, Silver and Gold) to fit your trip.

What should my Dubai holiday insurance cover?

A holiday in Dubai offers plenty of possibilities, so think about what you want to do before you get there. When choosing travel insurance, here are some things worth considering:

Unexpected medical costs

Medical treatment in the UAE can be expensive, and UK visitors may need to pay for the care they receive. If you pick up a little bug, become unexpectedly ill or get injured while you’re away, it’s worth looking for insurance that has your back.

We include medical emergency and repatriation cover as well as access to AnywhereGP in all of our cover options.

Travelling with a pre-existing medical condition? It doesn’t mean Dubai is off the cards. We consider most health issues during our confidential screening process. Simply answer some medical questions, and we’ll let you know if we can cover you.

Cancellation cover

If your flights are booked, your hotel is sorted, your excursions are paid for, and life throws you a curveball, you might have to call off your trip. Cancellation cover is designed to help you reclaim some of those non-refundable costs, and with us, it’s built in.

Lost, stolen or damaged belongings

Check whether your policy provides cover for lost, damaged or stolen luggage as well as any personal belongings you might be taking with you. If you’re travelling with expensive tech, getting additional gadget cover might be worth considering.

Sports and activities

From select desert excursions to watersports and camel rides, there’s a lot on offer for those planning to venture beyond the pool. Use our activity checker to see what’s covered and whether any additional options are available. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office recommends using reputable tour operators with appropriate health and safety procedures for any desert-based activities.

Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and excesses apply to all of the above. Please read your policy wording for full details.

Are you taking medication to Dubai?

Some prescribed and over-the-counter medicines available in the UK are controlled substances in Dubai. Check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office guidance well before you travel and find out whether your medication needs advance approval.

Dubai need-to-knows at a glance

Country: United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Currency: UAE dirham (AED)

Official language:Arabic

Emergency ambulance:998

Passport and visa: Entry requirements can change at any time, so look at the latest FCDO advice before booking your trip.

Your questions, answered

Do I need travel insurance for Dubai?

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office recommends appropriate travel insurance when travelling to Dubai. It should cover your destination, planned activities and potential medical emergency expenses.

Is healthcare free for UK tourists in Dubai?

Free healthcare is not available for UK citizens visiting the UAE, so to avoid unwanted expenses, make sure you have the right cover before you leave. Take a look at our travel insurance page to explore what Holiday Extras offers.

Can I take my medication to Dubai?

It depends on what medication you’re on. Some over-the-counter medicines in the UK are controlled in the UAE, meaning that you may need approval. You’ll be able to check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office guidelines before you go.

Do I need to declare a medical condition before flying to Dubai?

If you’re buying travel insurance through Holiday Extras, make sure you declare your pre-existing medical conditions, as failing to do so could affect your cover or a related claim.

Does travel insurance cover desert activities?

This will always depend on the policy you’ve booked and the activities you’re doing. You can use our activity checker or read our policy wording to find out what’s covered and what isn’t.

Ready to holiday in Dubai?

If your trip is booked, your bags are packed, and you’ve signed up for some fun, it’s time to get your travel insurance sorted. Here’s a quick way to do that…