Home

/

Guides

/

Travel

/

When to Buy Travel Insurance in the UAE & Why It’s Essential

Travel

When to Buy Travel Insurance in the UAE & Why It’s Essential

Travel

Published on 18 Oct 2024

Last updated 04 Feb 2026

8 min read

Planning a trip can be exciting but comes with its fair share of uncertainties. Picture this: you’re all set for your dream vacation, bags packed and excitement high, but suddenly, a flight delay or lost luggage threatens to ruin your plans. Situations like these can happen to anyone, turning an otherwise perfect trip into a stressful ordeal.

This is why the decision to buy travel insurance in the UAE is a crucial step for any traveller, whether you’re going on a short weekend getaway or a long international journey. It tends to provide financial security and peace of mind against unforeseen circumstances. 

Let’s dive into when you should buy travel insurance in the UAE and why it’s so important.

What is Travel Insurance and Why Do UAE Travelers Need It?

Before we explore when and why to buy travel insurance in the UAE, we must understand what it is. Travel insurance covers the losses and costs associated with travelling. It protects against unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, flight delays, and other disruptions while you are away from home. Policies can vary, so it is important to choose one that suits your travel needs and provides comprehensive coverage.

Perfect Timing: When Should You Buy Travel Insurance UAE?

Understanding the right time to buy travel insurance in the UAE can help you avoid unexpected costs and ensure a smooth travel experience. 

Here are some key situations when purchasing travel insurance is advisable:

At the time of booking your trip

Why: Purchasing travel insurance right when you book your trip is one of the best ways to ensure you are covered for any trip cancellations or interruptions. You can be compensated for non-refundable expenses if something unexpected happens, like an illness, injury, or a family emergency.

Benefit: In the UAE, when you buy travel insurance early, you can get coverage for pre-existing conditions if you purchase it within 10 to 21 days of booking, depending on your insurance provider. This offers added protection and peace of mind for your travels.

When travelling to countries with high medical costs

Why: Medical treatment in some countries can be incredibly expensive. Medical travel insurance can cover medical expenditures, emergency evacuations, and even repatriation if you travel to a place known for high healthcare costs.

Benefit: This helps you avoid hefty out-of-pocket expenses for unexpected medical emergencies, which is particularly important in countries like the United States or many European nations where healthcare costs are very high. 

If you have pre-existing medical conditions

Why: If you or someone you’re travelling with has a pre-existing medical condition, it’s essential to buy travel insurance that covers these conditions. Not all policies do, so selecting one that does is crucial.

Benefit: This ensures you receive medical care without worrying about costs if a pre-existing condition flares up during your trip.

When participating in adventure or extreme sports

Why: If your travel plans include activities like skiing, rock climbing, or bungee jumping, you’re at a higher risk of injury.

Benefit: Specialised travel insurance buy options or add-ons for adventure sports can cover injuries, equipment damage, and evacuation, providing essential protection.

For frequent travellers

Why: If you travel multiple times a year, an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy might be more cost-effective than buying a new policy for each trip.

Benefit: An annual policy provides continuous coverage for all trips throughout the year, typically up to a maximum duration per trip, saving you both time and money.

When travelling during uncertain times

Why: Travelling during political instability, natural disasters, or global health crises, like pandemics, can lead to sudden changes in your travel plans.

Benefit: When you buy travel insurance with UAE coverage, it can protect against trip cancellations, delays, or interruptions due to these unpredictable events, offering financial protection and assistance services.

When Travelling with Terrorism or War Cover

Why: You should buy travel insurance with terrorism or war cover if you’re travelling to places known for high risks, such as areas affected by terrorism or war, to protect you in such times.

Benefit: This add-on ensures coverage for incidents related to terrorism or war, which standard policies usually exclude. It provides financial protection for medical expenses, emergency evacuations, and other unexpected costs, giving you peace of mind when travelling to high-risk destinations.

When Travelling to Remote Locations

Why: If your travel plans include remote or less accessible destinations, medical facilities might be limited. Emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage are vital in these cases.

Benefit: Travel insurance can cover evacuation costs to the nearest suitable medical facility or repatriation back to the UAE, ensuring you receive timely and appropriate care.

Why Every UAE Traveller Needs Comprehensive Coverage

Now that we’ve covered when to buy travel insurance, let’s look at why it’s important:

Peace of Mind Wherever You Travel

  • Travelling can be stressful enough without worrying about what might go wrong. Knowing you have travel insurance means you can focus on enjoying your trip.

Financial Protection Against the Unexpected

  • Travel insurance helps protect you financially from unexpected events that could be very costly, such as medical emergencies or trip cancellations.

Coverage for Unexpected Events

  • Whether it’s a lost passport, a missed connection, or an unforeseen medical issue, travel insurance for UAE residents can provide a safety net that ensures help is available when needed.

Affordable and Accessible Options

  • With options to buy travel insurance in the UAE online, securing a policy is quick and convenient. You can compare prices, find reasonable travel insurance in the UAE, and choose the best coverage for your needs.
  • Customisable Plans for Every Journey: You can get travel insurance buy options from Dubai and other emirates for multiple countries with coverage to suit every traveller. You can also buy travel insurance in the UAE online from various providers, tailoring your coverage to fit your specific travel plans.

For a deeper dive into the importance of travel insurance, check out the article on why travel insurance is essential for UAE travellers. It covers various scenarios and available coverage types.

Your Complete Guide to Making the Right Decision

When you decide to **buy travel insurance**, it’s a smart decision for anyone planning a trip. Knowing when to purchase your travel insurance policy and understanding why it’s essential can help you avoid unexpected expenses and ensure peace of mind throughout your travels. 

Considering the points mentioned and contacting prominent insurance platforms like InsuranceMarket.ae, you can make an informed decision on when to buy travel insurance in the UAE and travel confidently, knowing you are protected against the unexpected.

Safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance in UAE

1. When is the best time to buy travel insurance in the UAE?

The ideal time to buy travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip. This ensures maximum coverage, including protection for pre-existing conditions if purchased within 10-21 days of booking, and covers you against trip cancellations from the start.

2. Can I buy travel insurance if I’m already travelling abroad?

Yes, some UAE insurers allow you to buy travel insurance while already abroad. However, coverage may be limited and won’t include pre-existing conditions or incidents that occurred before purchase. Always verify terms with your provider.

 3. How much does it cost to buy travel insurance in the UAE?

Travel insurance costs in the UAE typically range from AED 50 to 500, depending on trip duration, destination, coverage level, and add-ons. Annual multi-trip policies offer better value for frequent travellers compared to single-trip policies.

 4. Is travel insurance mandatory for UAE residents travelling to Europe?

Yes, UAE residents need travel insurance with a minimum of €30,000 medical coverage to obtain Schengen visas. The policy must cover medical emergencies, repatriation, and be valid throughout your European stay.

5. What should I look for when I buy travel insurance online in the UAE?

Look for comprehensive medical coverage (minimum AED 150,000), trip cancellation protection, baggage loss coverage, 24/7 emergency assistance, and coverage for your specific activities. Compare policies from reputable UAE providers before purchasing.
author

Ishita Saxena

Contributor

Short Description

Like this article?

Share:

contact whatsapp