Is Travel Insurance for Dubai Necessary to Obtain a Visa?

Decades ago, people knew Dubai for its scorching Arabian desert and oil production. But over the years, the city has transformed into one of the hottest travel and shopping destinations in the world – think skyscraper buildings, the world’s largest artificial island, luxury malls, adventure activities, and so on.

Every year, the city attracts thousands of tourists to explore the Burj Khalifa, Palm Island, the Museum of the Future, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, wildlife safari, amusement parks and luxury shopping.

However, when visiting Dubai, you need to be extra careful regarding documentation and other prerequisites like travel insurance for Dubai.

Is travel insurance compulsory for Dubai?

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory to secure a UAE (United Arab Emirates) visa. You need to prove to the concerned officials that you are financially able to deal with medical uncertainty or other scenarios causing financial distress.

How does travel insurance assist in a medical emergency?

Let's understand this concept with an example: Suppose you are flying to Dubai for a seven-day holiday. After arriving and spending a few days in the city, you fall sick due to a shift in climatic conditions and changes in food. When you visit the hospital for general screenings, the doctor recommends hospitalisation.

The hospital bill costs around 5,000 Dirhams (AED), which when converted to Indian rupees is ₹114,031.25 (1 AED = ₹22.81). In this case, the insurer will take care of all your expenses.

In the worst-case scenario, if you need to extend your stay in Dubai due to poor health, the insurer will cover the accommodation expenses and meal charges as specified in the policy document. Some insurer’s even offer for compassionate visit by an immediate family member in certain cases. It is always great to understand the exclusions and inclusions when you buy the policy.

Medical coverage under travel insurance is not limited to the above. In the event of the insured's demise, the insurer will arrange and pay for the repatriation of the policyholder’s mortal remains. Also, if the healthcare establishment where the insured is admitted lacks adequate medical facilities, the insurer will cover the evacuation expenses to a nearby city or the policyholder’s home country where necessary healthcare facilities are available.

However, keep in mind if the medical condition is related to a pre-existing condition, no claims will be admissible.

What does travel insurance cover?

A travel insurance plan covers the following —

1. Trip Cancellation

After making all your bookings in advance and completing the visa process, there may be situations where you need to cancel your bookings. For example, you might fall ill on the day of your flight or face a medical emergency in your family. In such cases, the insurer will reimburse the non-refundable expenses after you provide the proof of cancellation.

2. Baggage Delay

One of the most common concerns travellers have is baggage delay. Imagine landing in Dubai and waiting for hours because your baggage is delayed due to an airline's fault. In such cases, the insurer will reimburse necessary expenses until you recover your belongings.

Similarly, if the baggage is lost, the insurer will cover the cost of necessities.

3. Home Burglary 

If there is a break-in and theft at your home while you are exploring Dubai, the insurer will compensate you for the losses.

4. Dental Treatment 

If you sustain a dental injury while exploring Dubai and require emergency dental treatment, the insurer will handle the cost of treatment.

5. Loss of Passport 

If you have misplaced your passport or it gets stolen, the insurer will cover the cost of obtaining a duplicate one.

Requirements for obtaining a visa for the UAE

Besides travel insurance, you will need the following documents:

• A valid passport with a minimum of six months of remaining validity
• A duly completed visa application form ensuring all details are correctly mentioned
• Coloured copies of your flight tickets, accommodation proof, and itineraries you intend to cover
• Your bank statement that is no more than 6 months old and indicates a balance of at least $4,000 or the equivalent in Indian currency

Step-by-step guide to filing a claim for travel insurance

Step 1: Inform your insurer immediately about the incident by calling the dedicated helpline.

Step 2: Collect necessary documents like your policy number, Passport copy, travel tickets, medical reports, and proof of expenses. For lost baggage or theft, include police reports.

Step 3: Obtain and complete the claim form from your insurer’s website or office. Ensure all details are accurate.

Step 4: Send the completed form and supporting documents to your insurer via email or postal mail; you can also submit the documents and form on their online portal.

Step 5: Monitor the claim status and respond promptly to any additional requests from your insurer.

Conclusion

Travel insurance is not just a formality but a mandatory requirement for securing an UAE visa. It provides essential coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage delays, and more, ensuring peace of mind during your trip to Dubai. By investing in travel insurance, you shield yourself against unexpected costs and potential risks, and can fully enjoy Dubai's vibrant experiences.

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