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Which is the best travel insurance for Dubai?
We analyze five travel insurance options for Dubai, so you can choose the coverage that best suits the type of adventure you have in mind.
Visiting Dubai feels like stepping into the future from the middle of the desert. You will see skyscrapers that seem to touch the clouds, enormous shopping malls that feel like entire cities, and activities that range from skiing indoors to sailing through the old souk. But there is something important to keep in mind. Even though Dubai is one of the safest and most modern places in the world, private healthcare can be extremely expensive for visitors. That is why having travel insurance for Dubai is essential. No one expects to get sick or have an accident on vacation, but it is much better to be prepared than to face a medical bill that could cost thousands of dollars.
In this article we explain why getting insurance is important if you are traveling to the United Arab Emirates, what a good policy should include for this destination, which options are available, and which one works best depending on the type of trip you are planning.
And as always, we share an extra tip to help you stay connected throughout your entire trip. After all, in Dubai, technology and good planning go hand in hand.
Why purchase travel insurance for Dubai?
Setting foot in Dubai feels like entering a world where everything runs flawlessly. Still, behind the impressive skyline and the smooth efficiency of the automatic trains, there is something every visitor should know. Healthcare is not free for travelers, and it can be very expensive. A basic checkup can set you back more than $150, and a short stay in the hospital can quickly climb past $3,000.
On top of that, many travelers do more than just explore the city. They head out on desert tours, try water sports around the Palm Jumeirah, take 4×4 safaris, or visit other emirates like Abu Dhabi. All of that adds excitement, but it also brings risks that are better to have covered.
Another important point is that Dubai runs almost entirely on digital systems. Everything is done online, from checking into your hotel to getting a prescription. Having travel insurance that offers a mobile app, round the clock support, and quick approvals by email makes things much easier. But of course, none of that helps if you are not connected to the internet.
The right travel insurance can protect you from everything from small headaches to huge, unexpected medical bills. And the best part is that it is more affordable than most people think. Later, we will show plans starting at just $2 a day that offer wide coverage.
What should travel insurance for Dubai cover?
Not every insurance policy is suitable for every destination, and in Dubai, that quickly becomes obvious. It is a luxurious city with strict medical requirements and flawless infrastructure, but it is expensive. That is why when you choose your policy, it is not enough to pick the cheapest option. You need one that will really have your back if something goes wrong.
These are the coverages that your insurance should definitely include for traveling to Dubai:
- Emergency medical care: At least $100,000. Even something as simple as twisting your ankle on the stairs of the Burj Khalifa could cost you a fortune without insurance.
- Medical repatriation and repatriation in the event of death: Essential at any destination.
- Medication and hospitalization: Dubai requires digital prescriptions, and medications can be expensive. Having insurance that covers them helps you avoid any unexpected costs.
- Loss, theft, or delay of luggage: This is especially helpful if your luggage ends up in a different emirate. A coverage of at least $1,000 is recommended.
- Travel cancellation or interruption: If you need to cancel due to medical or family reasons, this clause can help you recover a significant portion of what you spent.
- Flight delays: Very useful if you have a layover in Europe or Asia, where delays can disrupt your entire itinerary.
- 24/7 assistance in English: Because when something happens, you need to be able to explain yourself clearly. Preferably via WhatsApp or an app.
Extra tip: make sure your policy covers activities like camel rides, water sports, or 4×4 excursions, which are among the most popular experiences in Dubai.
Comparison of travel insurance for Dubai – Which one should you choose?
Finding the right travel insurance can be just as tricky as planning a Dubai trip on a budget. There are plans for every type of traveler, from backpackers to first-class business trips. The important thing to remember is that coverage varies a lot, and the fine details can be crucial when you really need your insurance.
Below is a table featuring five reliable travel insurance options for Dubai, trusted by frequent travelers and known for good real-world support. Some offer more comprehensive coverage, others are more affordable, and some stand out for their flexibility. In each case, we looked at medical coverage, English-language support, and protection against trip cancellations and luggage issues.
| Coverage / Insurance | IATI Star | Allianz Travel – Premium | Axa Assistance – Schengen Plus | Heymondo Top | Intermundial Totaltravel |
| Medical coverage | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $100,000 | $10,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Medical repatriation | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Trip cancellation | Optional (up to $6,500) | Up to $7,000 | Up to $3,500 | Up to $7,000 | $6,000 |
| Loss or damage to luggage | $1,200 | $2,500 | $1,000 | $2,500 | $2,000 |
| Baggage delay | $200 | $300 | $150 | $300 | $250 |
| COVID-19 coverage | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sports/recreational activities coverage | Included | Optional | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| 24/7 support in English | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile management app | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Approximate price for 1 week (without extras) | $54 | $68 | $38 | $61 | $57 |
1- IATI Star: Solid coverage and reliable assistance in English
IATI Seguros is a favorite among travelers. Their Star plan is designed for those who want maximum peace of mind, offering strong medical coverage, solid protection for trip cancellations and lost luggage, and 24‑hour customer support in English.
One of the biggest advantages of this insurance is that it fully covers high demand destinations like Dubai, including private hospital care, surgeries, repatriation, and prescription medications. Another plus is that you never have to pay out of pocket because claims are handled directly with the medical providers.
Key coverage for traveling to Dubai
- International medical coverage: $1,000,000
- Medical repatriation and repatriation in the event of death: Included
- Trip cancellation: Up to $6,500 (optional)
- Loss or theft of luggage: Up to $1,200
- Baggage delay: Up to $200
- COVID-19 coverage: Included
- Moderate recreational sports: Included at no extra cost
- 24/7 assistance in English
- App for managing claims and emergencies
Estimated price: The IATI Star plan costs around $54 for one year.
Cancellation is not included by default and must be added separately. The base price covers one week in Dubai per person without optional extras. If you add cancellation coverage, the cost can go up by $10 to $15.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Excellent balance between price and coverage. No need to pay upfront for medical assistance. Perfect for Dubai with its comprehensive medical coverage and hospital support. Includes activities such as desert excursions and theme parks. | Luggage coverage could be more generous. Cancellation is not included by default (it must be added). |
This plan is perfect for travelers who want peace of mind without overspending. If you are planning a leisure trip to Dubai, want to enjoy it worry-free, and prefer a company that speaks your language and takes care of everything, the IATI Star plan delivers on all counts.
2- Allianz Travel – Premium: International support and high coverage for demanding destinations
Allianz Partners is one of the largest insurance companies in the world. Their Premium plan is aimed at travelers who want the support of a global provider and strong coverage for destinations with high medical costs, like Dubai.
With this plan, you get access to top‑tier private clinics, prompt care, and phone support in multiple languages. It also comes with an app that makes it easy to find nearby medical centers and handle claims directly from your phone.
Key coverage for traveling to Dubai
- International medical coverage: $1,000,000
- Medical repatriation and repatriation in the event of death: Included
- Trip cancellation: Up to $7,000
- Loss or theft of luggage: Up to $2,500
- Baggage delay: Up to $300
- COVID-19 coverage: Included
- Moderate recreational activities: Optional (requires selection at time of purchase)
- 24/7 multilingual assistance
- Mobile app with medical geolocation
Estimated price: The Allianz Travel – Premium plan costs approximately $68 for one week in Dubai.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| High international medical coverage. High trip cancellation limit ($7,000). Excellent coverage for lost luggage. Modern app for managing emergencies and locations. Extensive international medical network. | Recreational activities not included by default. Higher price than other insurance policies with similar coverage. Some processes may require more paperwork than others. Customer service available in English, but not always immediately. |
This insurance is ideal for discerning travelers, families, or older adults who value international support and high coverage limits. It is also a great choice if you have already booked an expensive trip or have non‑refundable reservations.
3- AXA Assistance – Schengen Plus: A basic, reliable, and affordable option
AXA Assistance is an international company with extensive experience in travel insurance. Their Schengen Plus plan, while originally designed to meet European requirements, has become a popular choice for destinations like Dubai thanks to its affordable price and adequate medical coverage for standard trips.
This insurance is a great choice if you want something affordable that covers the basics and do not plan to take part in risky activities or make significant non‑refundable bookings.
Key coverage for traveling to Dubai
- International medical coverage: $100,000
- Medical repatriation and repatriation in the event of death: Included
- Trip cancellation: Up to $3,500
- Loss or theft of luggage: Up to $1,000
- Baggage delay: Up to $150
- COVID-19 coverage: Included
- Recreational activities: Limited (does not include sports or excursions)
- 24/7 assistance in English
- Does not include advanced mobile app
Estimated price: The AXA Schengen Plus plan costs approximately $38 for one week in Dubai.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| It is one of the most affordable insurance policies on the market. It includes cancellation and repatriation. Ideal for travelers on a budget. 24-hour customer service in English. Backed by a renowned international insurance company. | Basic medical coverage compared to other plans. Does not cover sports or outdoor activities. Low limit for baggage and delays. No mobile app for quick processing. May require advance payment at some medical centers in Dubai. |
AXA’s Schengen Plus plan is perfect for travelers who want basic coverage without spending a lot. If you are planning a relaxed trip to Dubai, without risky activities or special adventures, and your main concern is having basic medical support, this policy will serve you well.
4- Heymondo Top: High-level medical care and technological coverage
Heymondo is a digital insurance company that has grown in popularity in recent years thanks to its modern interface, fast support through the app, and very high medical coverage limits. Their Top plan is a premium option that covers almost everything you might need in Dubai, from private hospital stays to trip cancellations, theft, and recreational activities.
It is one of the most comprehensive policies on the market, perfect for those who want to travel with complete peace of mind.
Key coverage for travel to Dubai
- International medical coverage: $10,000,000
- Medical repatriation and repatriation in the event of death: Included
- Trip cancellation: Up to $7,000
- Loss or theft of luggage: Up to $2,500
- Baggage delay: Up to $300
- COVID-19 coverage: Included
- Sports and recreational activities: Included
- 24/7 assistance in English via app or phone call
- App with medical chat, claims management, and emergency call
Estimated price per person: The Heymondo Top plan costs around $61 for one week in Dubai.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Extremely high medical coverage ($10,000,000). Very intuitive app with useful features at your destination. Includes recreational activities at no extra cost. Excellent baggage and cancellation coverage. Immediate assistance in English via chat or phone call from the app. | Not available for purchase from all countries. Some travelers report delays in reimbursements. Slightly higher price than other plans. |
This insurance is perfect for demanding or tech-savvy travelers, digital nomads, freelancers, or anyone who wants to manage their coverage entirely from their phone. It is also highly recommended for those planning activities like buggy rides, water sports, or desert excursions, as these experiences are automatically included.
5- Intermundial Totaltravel: Comprehensive coverage with excellent value for money
Intermundial is one of the most well-known insurers, especially among frequent travelers for business or leisure. Their Totaltravel plan offers strong medical coverage, reliable customer service, and essential protections like repatriation, trip cancellation, and lost luggage, all at a competitive price.
It also handles destinations like Dubai with ease, providing support at private clinics and covering typical activities such as desert tours, theme park visits, or helicopter rides.
Key coverage for traveling to Dubai
- International medical coverage: $1,000,000
- Medical repatriation and repatriation in the event of death: Included
- Trip cancellation: Up to $6,000
- Loss or theft of luggage: Up to $2,000
- Luggage delay: Up to $250
- COVID-19 coverage: Included
- Recreational activities (safaris, parks, water parks): Included
- 24/7 assistance in English
- App for emergencies and claims management
Estimated price: The Totaltravel plan costs around $57 for one week in Dubai.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Excellent medical coverage for the price. Good protection against cancellation, theft, and delays. Includes typical recreational activities in Dubai. Immediate assistance in English. Overall balance between price and benefits. | Some optional coverages are not included by default. The app may be less intuitive than Heymondo’s. Less medical coverage than Heymondo, although still very solid. Does not cover extreme sports without an upgrade. |
Totaltravel is perfect for travelers who want solid medical coverage and protection against unexpected events without overspending. It is a great choice for families, couples, or anyone planning a classic sightseeing trip in Dubai who wants reliable and well-balanced insurance.
So what is the best travel insurance for Dubai?
Choosing the right travel insurance for Dubai depends on the kind of trip you are planning. But looking at coverage versus cost, on-the-ground support, and the overall quality of each policy, two options clearly stand out above the rest.
- If you want top-tier medical coverage, a modern app, and quick, hassle-free support, the best choice is undoubtedly Heymondo Top. With $10,000,000 in medical assistance, coverage for recreational activities, and full management from your phone, it is perfect for travelers who want to explore Dubai without limits.
- If you prefer a more balanced option with solid coverage and a competitive price, the IATI Star plan is an excellent choice. It provides $1,000, 000 in medical assistance, support without any upfront payments, and strong backing at private clinics.
Both plans take care of the most important needs for a trip to Dubai, including expensive medical care, repatriation, theft, trip cancellations, and genuine support in English. With either option, you can explore one of the most captivating destinations in the Middle East and the world without worries.
Connectivity in Dubai – Key to using your travel insurance without delays
In Dubai, almost everything is done through your phone, from booking restaurants to accessing care at private clinics. If you choose insurance with a support app like Heymondo or IATI, you will need an internet connection to handle any task, whether it is sending your location, uploading documents, getting medical approvals, or chatting with a doctor.
Staying connected while traveling is no longer optional, it is an essential part of any trip. The best way to do this is with a Holafly eSIM. For longer trips or journeys that include multiple countries, we recommend Holafly Plans, a month to month subscription that gives you unlimited data not just in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, but in more than 160 countries around the world.
The best part is that you activate the eSIM by scanning a QR code before you fly, so you arrive in Dubai with internet access from the moment you land.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Frequently asked questions about travel insurance for Dubai
It is not legally required for tourists, but it is highly recommended. Dubai does not offer free healthcare for visitors, and medical costs can be very high. Insurance protects you from unexpected expenses and gives you direct access to top private clinics.
The price depends on the level of coverage. For a one-week stay, costs range from $38 for a basic plan to $68 for a premium option. Ideally, you should choose a plan that provides at least $100,000 in medical assistance, although some policies offer coverage up to $10,000,000.
With a good insurance plan, you will not have to pay anything upfront. Most providers work directly with private clinics and handle everything through their app or support service. All you need is an internet connection and your policy number available.
Some companies allow you to purchase it after arriving, but it is best to arrange coverage before you travel. If you wait until you are at your destination, you might be without protection for the first 48 to 72 hours. On top of that, any medical emergency that happens before the policy is active would be entirely at your own expense.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
