Google Trends shows a 42 percent year-on-year jump in the UAE for the search phrase travel health insurance in 2025. With visa-free deals opening new corridors to Thailand and the UK scrapping paper visas, Emiratis and expats alike are traveling more. But higher mobility exposes us to medical and financial risks overseas.
This guide answers the most-asked questions on UAE SERPs: cost, coverage, and how to compare plans.
1. Understand your risk profile
Ask yourself:
- Where am I going? Medical care in Germany costs roughly triple that of Oman.
- How long is the trip? A quick business hop differs from a year at a Canadian university.
- What will I do? Safari in Kenya, ski in Georgia, or lie on a Maldivian beach?
- Do I have chronic conditions? Diabetes, asthma, or hypertension need disclosure.
Matching cover to risk prevents overpaying or being underinsured.
2. Know the must-have benefits
- Medical expenses – Minimum AED 370,000 for Europe, AED 740,000 for North America.
- Medical evacuation – Air ambulance cap of at least AED 275,000.
- Repatriation of remains – Costs average AED 35,000 from Southeast Asia to DXB.
- Trip cancellation – Protects prepaid hotel and flight costs if you fall ill before travel.
- Baggage & passport loss – Saves hassle and unexpected shopping bills.
3. Compare quotes the smart way
Instead of toggling 15 tabs, use insurancehub.ae which already aggregates Central Bank-licensed insurers. What to check:
- Medical limit vs premium – More is not always better if your destination is low cost.
- Excess (deductible) – Aim for zero on inpatient care.
- Adventure coverage – Tick the rider only if you genuinely need it.
- Network & assistance – Global 24-hour hotlines with Arabic support matter when time zones differ.
4. Annual multi-trip vs single-trip policies
If you fly three or more times a year, multi-trip plans often save 20–30 percent. They also avoid last-minute scrambles before each journey.
5. Read the fine print- really
Two common pitfalls:
- Alcohol clause – Injuries while intoxicated may void claims.
- Unapproved treatment – Always call the hotline before major procedures.
6. Buying tips for 2025
- Book early – Trip-cancellation benefit activates from purchase date.
- Bundle and save – Some insurers offer 10 percent off if you combine travel and home contents cover.
- Leverage loyalty cards – Certain UAE credit cards refund premiums as statement credit.
Sample cost breakdown (Europe, 10 days, age 35)
| Insurer | Medical limit | Evacuation | Price via airline | Price on insurancehub.ae | Savings |
| Provider A | AED 500,000 | AED 300,000 | AED 155 | AED 110 | 29 percent |
| Provider B | AED 370,000 | AED 185,000 | AED 145 | AED 95 | 34 percent |
Claim success story
Omar, a 28-year-old engineer from Abu Dhabi, broke his ankle in Tbilisi. Because he called the assistance number immediately, the insurer issued a guarantee of payment within 20 minutes, and Omar paid nothing out of pocket for surgery costing AED 42,000.
Conclusion
Travel health insurance is not a luxury; it is a modest line item that can save hundreds of thousands of dirhams. With InsuranceHub’s three-step comparison tool, you lock in the right protection at the best price—so your only travel worry is choosing window or aisle.
