Travel Insurance for Dubai

Do I need travel insurance for Dubai?

You do not need a policy to enter Dubai as a UK tourist, but you would be taking a big risk without one. Healthcare in Dubai is excellent, and most visitors are treated in private hospitals, which charge accordingly. There is no healthcare agreement between the UK and the UAE, so you would be paying the full cost yourself. Hospitals often ask for proof of insurance or a deposit before treatment starts.

The policies we offer cover emergency medical treatment, getting you home if you are seriously ill, cancellation, and lost or stolen belongings, with a 24-hour assistance line who can talk to the hospital on your behalf.

Which area covers Dubai?

For a single trip, just choose the United Arab Emirates as your destination. For annual cover, the UAE usually falls under worldwide excluding the USA, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico. You will not normally need full worldwide cover unless you are carrying on to North America. Our guide to geographical areas has more detail.

Dubai stopovers

Lots of people stop in Dubai for a night or two on the way to Australia, Asia or the Indian Ocean. Your policy needs to cover the whole journey, including the stopover, so add every country to your quote. If you are heading on to Australia, see our Australia travel insurance page, and for South East Asia see Asia travel insurance.

Medication rules in the UAE

This is one of the most important things to check before you fly. The UAE has strict rules on medicines, and some that are available over the counter or on prescription in the UK, including some strong painkillers, sleeping tablets and medicines for anxiety or ADHD, are controlled or banned. You may need approval from the UAE authorities before you travel with them.

Carry medicines in their original packaging with a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor. Our guide to travelling abroad with medication explains how to check, and the FCDO travel advice for the UAE has the latest guidance.

Desert safaris, water parks and activities

Dune bashing in a 4x4, quad biking in the desert, skydiving over the Palm and a day at a water park are all popular. Some activities are covered as standard and others need adding or come with conditions such as using an organised tour or wearing a helmet. Check our list of sports and activities before you book excursions, as an accident on an activity that is not covered could leave you paying for treatment yourself.

Heat and health

Summer temperatures in Dubai regularly pass 40°C. Heat exhaustion and sunburn are common reasons visitors need a doctor, so drink plenty of water, stay out of the midday sun and take care if you have a heart condition or other health problem that heat can affect.

If you have pre-existing medical conditions, declare them in our online medical screening when you get a quote. You will see whether we can cover you, and the cost, before you pay anything.

Local laws and before you go

UK passport holders can usually get a visa on arrival for a short tourist stay, but rules can change, so check before you travel. UAE laws on alcohol, public behaviour and dress are stricter than at home, and travel insurance will not cover claims connected to breaking local laws. Regional tensions in the Middle East can also affect flights and travel advice. We cannot cover travel to areas where the FCDO advises against all or all but essential travel.

Our UAE country guide has more on entry requirements, climate and money, and our blog has ideas for why Dubai is worth a visit.