Imagine you are on a trip to the US, Europe, or Asia, enjoying your vacation when you suddenly fall sick or get injured. You need immediate medical care, but the hospital asks for upfront payment before treatment. Your UAE-based health insurance does not cover you abroad, and you are left with no choice but to pay out of pocket.
This is why emergency medical coverage in travel insurance is crucial for UAE travellers. It ensures that emergency medical expenses abroad are covered, so you don’t have to worry about high healthcare costs or unexpected emergencies. Without travel insurance, you could face hefty medical bills, making your trip financially stressful.
In this article, we will see why medical coverage in travel insurance is essential, what it includes, and how it protects UAE travellers from financial risk.
What is medical coverage in travel insurance?
Medical coverage in travel insurance offers financial protection for medically necessary emergency treatment overseas, ensuring you receive the necessary care without bearing the high cost. This coverage typically includes:
- Emergency medical expenses – Covers doctor visits, medicines, diagnostic tests, and emergency procedures.
- Hospitalisation abroad – Pays for hospital stays, surgeries, and intensive care treatment.
- Medical evacuation – Covers transport to the nearest medical facility or repatriation back to the UAE.
- Doctor consultation abroad – Covers the cost of visiting a general physician or specialist.
Without this coverage, paying for overseas healthcare costs out of pocket can be overwhelming.
Why UAE travellers need medical coverage in travel insurance
Travelling exposes people to new environments, unfamiliar food, and different climates. These factors increase the risk of unexpected health issues. Medical emergencies can become costly and stressful without medical coverage in travel insurance.
Here’s why UAE travellers should never travel without medical coverage in travel insurance:
1. Medical treatment costs are extremely high in many countries
Healthcare expenses vary widely across the world, and in many destinations, they are far higher than in the UAE.
- In countries like the US and Canada, a single hospitalisation abroad could cost tens of thousands of dirhams.
- Even a simple doctor consultation abroad can be significantly expensive.
- If surgery or intensive care is needed, costs can escalate rapidly.
Many travellers assume they won’t need medical care, but accidents and illnesses are unpredictable. Without international travel insurance, these expenses could cause financial hardship.
2. Many countries require travel insurance for entry
Some countries have made travel insurance with emergency medical coverage a mandatory requirement for visa approval.
Examples include:
- Schengen countries – Require proof of at least €30,000 (approx. $34,000 USD) in medical expenses abroad coverage.
- Turkey – Travel insurance is required for long-term visas.
- Thailand – Mandatory insurance covering COVID-19 and general travel health risks.
Without a policy that meets these requirements, visa applications can be rejected.
3. UAE health insurance does not cover medical treatment overseas
Many UAE health insurance plans do not extend coverage outside the country. Those that do often have limited benefits or exclusions for overseas healthcare costs.
- Regular UAE-based health insurance may not cover medical expenses abroad, which can leave travellers with unexpected bills.
- In some cases, travellers may need to pay upfront and seek reimbursement later, which can be financially burdensome.
A comprehensive travel insurance policy eliminates these risks by providing emergency medical coverage without requiring upfront payments.
4. Medical evacuation can cost a fortune
If a UAE traveller has a severe injury or illness, medical evacuation may be required.
- In cases of life-threatening emergencies, travellers may need to be taken to the nearest medical facility or repatriated to the UAE.
- Air ambulance services are extremely expensive and can cost as much as a business-class flight or more.
- Without trip protection that includes medical evacuation, travellers must cover these costs themselves.
5. The risk of illnesses and accidents increases while travelling
Travelling to different countries exposes one to new environments, foods, and climates, which increases the risk of health issues.
Common travel health risks include:
- Food poisoning and stomach infections – Common in regions where food and water hygiene differs from the UAE.
- Respiratory illnesses – Changes in climate or exposure to polluted cities can lead to infections.
- Injuries from activities – Adventure sports, skiing, or even simple slips and falls, can lead to hospitalisation abroad.
Without emergency medical coverage, getting treatment for these issues can be expensive and stressful.
6. Financial protection and peace of mind
- Unexpected medical expenses can disrupt travel plans and drain savings.
- Having a travel insurance policy ensures that medical costs are covered without financial strain.
- Many insurers offer cashless claim processing, eliminating the need for upfront payments.
Travelling without medical coverage in travel insurance is a major financial risk that no UAE traveller should take.
How to choose the right medical coverage in travel insurance
While medical coverage is essential, selecting the right policy is equally important. Here’s a concise guide on what to look for:
1. Coverage amount – Ensure adequate protection
- Choose a policy that covers medical expenses abroad, including hospitalisation, surgeries, and emergency procedures.
- Consider the medical costs in your destination before selecting a coverage limit.
2. Medical evacuation and repatriation – A must-have feature
- Ensure the policy includes medical evacuation in case of severe injury or critical illness.
- Some policies cover air ambulance services, which are otherwise extremely costly.
3. Trip protection – Covers additional expenses
- Look for coverage that includes trip cancellations, flight delays, and lost baggage.
- Some policies also provide accommodation coverage if hospitalisation extends the trip.
4. 24/7 Emergency assistance – Immediate help when needed
- A good policy should offer round-the-clock support for medical emergencies.
- Some insurers provide cashless hospital arrangements, ensuring quick treatment.
Tip: Always read the policy terms carefully to ensure it meets your travel safety needs.
Final takeaway
For UAE travellers, medical coverage in travel insurance is not just an option—it’s a necessity. It provides protection against emergency medical expenses, hospitalisation abroad, medical evacuation, and other unexpected costs that can arise while travelling.
Before booking your next trip, make sure you have the right international travel insurance that covers medical expenses abroad, doctor consultations abroad, and emergency medical coverage. A small investment in travel insurance can prevent massive financial losses in an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is travel insurance mandatory for UAE travellers?
While not always required, many countries, including Schengen states, mandate travel insurance for entry. Even where it’s optional, it is highly recommended due to the high cost of medical care abroad.
2. How does medical evacuation coverage help?
It covers the cost of taking you to the nearest medical facility or back to the UAE in case of severe illness or injury. Without it, evacuation costs can be extremely high.
3. Are adventure sports covered under travel insurance?
Most standard policies exclude high-risk activities like skiing, scuba diving, and skydiving. However, many insurers offer an Adventure Cover add-on, which provides protection for injuries sustained during such activities. If you plan on adventure sports, check whether your insurer offers this option.
4. What should UAE travellers consider when choosing travel insurance?
Look for policies with comprehensive medical coverage, emergency evacuation, trip protection, and personal belongings coverage. Ensure it covers all destinations and planned activities.
