- The best travel insurance plans for Dubai
- Is it currently safe to travel to Dubai?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Dubai?
- Why take out travel insurance for Dubai?
- What should travel insurance for Dubai cover?
- The cost of travel insurance for Dubai
- How to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Dubai
- Does my current insurance cover me in Dubai?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Dubai: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Dubai covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and other unexpected travel-related incidents.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for Canadians to enter Dubai but is strongly recommended by the government.
3. Healthcare cost: Private healthcare in Dubai is expensive, with a hospital stay costing over $1,500 CAD per night.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Dubai typically costs between $30 and $60 CAD.
5. Good to know: Be aware of strict UAE laws; some Canadian prescription medications may be prohibited locally.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Dubai.
The best travel insurance plans for Dubai
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | CA$1.5M | Recommended for comprehensive cover in Dubai. - strong medical limit - repatriation included - fits expensive private healthcare |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | CA$1.4M | Solid protection for Dubai travel. - 24/7 assistance - cancellation included - suitable for both business and leisure |
| Tourist Card | CA$700k | Good for tourism in Dubai with essential guarantees. - hospitalisation and outpatient care - fast support - competitive price |
| Travel Pass Monde | CA$1.0M | Balanced all-rounder for most Canadian travellers. - high medical cap - hospitalisation and evacuation - responsive claims |
| Globe Partner | CA$420k | Reliable choice for basic cover. - medical care - repatriation - public liability |
| Globe Traveller | CA$700k | Affordable for short trips and basic needs. - core medical cover - simple claims process - capped benefits |
- strong medical limit
- repatriation included
- fits expensive private healthcare
- 24/7 assistance
- cancellation included
- suitable for both business and leisure
- hospitalisation and outpatient care
- fast support
- competitive price
- high medical cap
- hospitalisation and evacuation
- responsive claims
- medical care
- repatriation
- public liability
- core medical cover
- simple claims process
- capped benefits
Is it currently safe to travel to Dubai?
As of June 2025, Global Affairs Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Dubai due to the evolving regional security situation. While travel is not discouraged for Canadian citizens, the context requires careful planning and attention to official advice.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: there is a heightened threat of missile and drone strikes due to regional tensions, particularly during periods of instability. Extra security checks and movement restrictions may occur in sensitive areas or near government buildings.
- Health risks: private healthcare in Dubai is of high quality but can be extremely expensive for foreigners. Cases of MERS coronavirus have been reported, and Canadians are advised to avoid markets or direct contact with camels and camel products.
- Legal restrictions: strict laws regulate medication, alcohol, and online activities. For example, bringing certain prescription drugs without a permit or photographing government sites can result in detention.
- Cultural considerations: cultural norms are strictly enforced, including the requirement for modest dress, especially near mosques and during Ramadan. Eating in public during daylight hours in Ramadan is forbidden by law.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by Global Affairs Canada, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Dubai.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Dubai?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for Canadian citizens to enter Dubai.
It is still strongly recommended to purchase travel insurance, as medical emergencies, hospitalization, or repatriation can result in very high costs. Private clinics and hospitals in Dubai are expensive, and uninsured travelers are required to pay the full cost of care.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Dubai. This high percentage is due to the costly health system and the risk of unexpected events that may require urgent care.
Why take out travel insurance for Dubai?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Dubai.
In Dubai, health care for foreigners is provided almost exclusively by private clinics and hospitals, such as American Hospital Dubai and Mediclinic City Hospital. Costs are high, with even basic treatments, medicine, or tests often amounting to hundreds or thousands of dollars. Payment is demanded upfront if you are uninsured.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Canada in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Dubai.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at American Hospital Dubai | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | AED 16,000 (CA$6,000) | up to CA$1,000,000 |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | AED 12,000 (CA$4,500) | up to CA$1,000,000 |
| I need to be repatriated | AED 90,000 (CA$34,000) | up to CA$1,000,000 |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | AED 35,000 (CA$13,000) | up to CA$1,000,000 |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What should travel insurance for Dubai cover?
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers necessary treatment, hospitalization, surgery or consultations after an accident or sudden illness. We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least CA$1,000,000. |
| ✈️ Repatriation and evacuation | Pays for medical evacuation or return to Canada if required due to medical reasons. Recommended coverage: CA$500,000 or more. |
| 💊 Medication and outpatient care | Includes prescribed medicines, follow-up visits, and specialist care. Limit should be at least CA$10,000 per incident. |
| 🚑 Emergency transportation | Covers the cost of ambulances and transport to the nearest medical facility. Minimum recommended: CA$50,000. |
| 🧳 Baggage and personal effects | Reimburses for lost, stolen or delayed luggage. Suggested limit: CA$2,500 or higher. |
| ❌ Trip cancellation and interruption | Refunding prepaid, non-refundable expenses if your trip is cut short. We recommend a limit of CA$7,500. |
| 👨⚖️ Personal liability | Protects against legal costs if you accidentally injure someone or damage property. Recommended coverage: CA$1,000,000. |
| 📞 24/7 assistance services | Access to support and emergency help at any time. Choose policies with unlimited or high assistance limits. |
We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least CA$1,000,000.
Recommended coverage: CA$500,000 or more.
Limit should be at least CA$10,000 per incident.
Minimum recommended: CA$50,000.
Suggested limit: CA$2,500 or higher.
We recommend a limit of CA$7,500.
Recommended coverage: CA$1,000,000.
Choose policies with unlimited or high assistance limits.
Travel insurance provided by local issuers or bank cards often has low benefit caps and numerous exclusions. To benefit from better protection, it is safer to select a recognized insurer with comprehensive coverage. You can compare top plans on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Dubai
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | CA$30 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | CA$60 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | CA$90 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | CA$195 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
For Canadians, travel insurance costs depend on key factors: your age, trip length, destination, coverage limits, and extras like cancellation protection. Riskier destinations or longer stays will cost more. Remembering these points is vital to select the best policy for your needs and budget, ensuring peace of mind on your journey.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Dubai
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Dubai while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🧑 Age of traveller | Insurance premiums rise as you get older, especially for those above age 60 visiting Dubai. | Compare across insurers, as Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 🗓️ Trip duration | The longer your stay in Dubai, the higher your insurance cost will be. | Choose coverage only for your actual travel dates without adding extra days unnecessarily. |
| 🧳 Level of coverage | Higher medical costs in Dubai mean larger limits are essential for your financial safety. | Select only necessary coverages such as medical and repatriation for the best value. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Number of travellers | Family or group rates can be more affordable for trips to Dubai with several people. | Bundle coverage for all travellers to benefit from group discounts if possible. |
| 🚴 Activities covered | Sports and adventure activities can raise the price of travel insurance in Dubai. | Opt out of adventure sports if you do not plan to participate, to reduce your premium. |
| 🛒 Time of purchase | Last-minute policies sometimes cost more or offer fewer options for Dubai trips. | Buy insurance when booking your trip to access early rates and wider choices. |
| 📱 Online insurers | Digital-first insurers may offer less expensive policies for Canadian travellers to Dubai. | Compare quotes from digital platforms for streamlined offers before deciding on your policy. |
Does my current insurance cover me in Dubai?
It is completely legitimate to wonder if your current coverage, such as credit card insurance or your provincial health plan, will protect you during a trip to Dubai. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Dubai? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Canada Health, RAMQ, OHIP, MSP) | Never | No coverage for medical care abroad, repatriation, or hospitalization in Dubai. | Travel insurance covers medical expenses up to CA$1,000,000+, repatriation, hospitalization and on-site support. |
| Private health insurance (Manulife, Sun Life, Blue Cross) | Limited coverage | Partial reimbursement for medical costs, often only after return. Repatriation rarely included. | Travel insurance pays expenses directly up to CA$1,000,000, plus evacuation, baggage, and broader assistance. |
| Classic credit card (TD Classic Visa, RBC Classic, Scotia Value) | Limited coverage | Medical cover usually up to CA$10,000–15,000. Often excludes baggage or interruption/cancellation. | Travel insurance covers up to CA$1,000,000, as well as baggage and trip cancellation/interruption. |
| Premium credit card (Visa Infinite, Amex Gold, RBC Avion) | Limited coverage | Medical claims up to CA$100,000–150,000, limited baggage/trip delay. Not all emergencies included. | Travel insurance includes up to CA$1,000,000+ medical, baggage, full trip protection, and 24/7 assistance. |
Example
In Dubai, Mark suffered a severe heatstroke, resulting in a CA$30,000 hospital bill. His TD First Class Travel card's insurance had a CA$5,000 limit, and his provincial plan covered almost nothing. Without specific travel insurance, he faced a staggering CA$25,000 out-of-pocket expense for his emergency medical care.
Expert advice
Credit cards and provincial health plans often exclude key coverage like trip interruption for a family emergency. Carefully read your policy's fine print to avoid costly surprises abroad. For peace of mind, it's always safer to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your specific trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Dubai?
Canadian citizens do not need to apply for a visa before travelling to Dubai. A 90-day visa on arrival is provided free of charge, allowing you to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Dubai?
Start by comparing different insurance options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Carefully review the coverage and exclusions in relation to specific health and safety risks in Dubai. Purchase your chosen policy online. You will then receive your insurance certificate, which you should bring during your trip.
What should my travel insurance for Dubai cover?
Travel insurance for Dubai should cover at least CA$1,000,000 in medical expenses including hospitalization, emergency evacuation, and repatriation. Because private medical care in Dubai is expensive, you should also look for coverage for baggage loss, theft, and travel interruptions, which are frequent due to security alerts and the local climate.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered in travel insurance for Dubai?
Coverage for pre-existing conditions varies by insurer. Many policies offer add-on coverage for stable conditions if declared in advance. Be sure to read the wording carefully, as exclusions and surcharges can apply. Average complete coverage with this option ranges from CA$80 to CA$200 for two weeks.
What should I do in case of a medical emergency in Dubai?
If you need urgent medical attention, call 999 for an ambulance. Go to a recognized private hospital if possible, as care is high quality but costly. Keep all treatment documents and receipts, and contact your insurer as soon as possible to ensure smooth claims and emergency support.
Is hospital care expensive in Dubai without insurance?
Yes, healthcare and hospitalization costs in Dubai are high, even for minor treatments. Daily rates for basic care can exceed CA$2,500. Without insurance, full payment is required upfront, and you may have limited access to English-speaking physicians and direct-billing options. Insurance provides quicker, stress-free access.
Do I need a visa to travel to Dubai?
Canadian citizens do not need to apply for a visa before travelling to Dubai. A 90-day visa on arrival is provided free of charge, allowing you to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Dubai?
Start by comparing different insurance options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Carefully review the coverage and exclusions in relation to specific health and safety risks in Dubai. Purchase your chosen policy online. You will then receive your insurance certificate, which you should bring during your trip.
What should my travel insurance for Dubai cover?
Travel insurance for Dubai should cover at least CA$1,000,000 in medical expenses including hospitalization, emergency evacuation, and repatriation. Because private medical care in Dubai is expensive, you should also look for coverage for baggage loss, theft, and travel interruptions, which are frequent due to security alerts and the local climate.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered in travel insurance for Dubai?
Coverage for pre-existing conditions varies by insurer. Many policies offer add-on coverage for stable conditions if declared in advance. Be sure to read the wording carefully, as exclusions and surcharges can apply. Average complete coverage with this option ranges from CA$80 to CA$200 for two weeks.
What should I do in case of a medical emergency in Dubai?
If you need urgent medical attention, call 999 for an ambulance. Go to a recognized private hospital if possible, as care is high quality but costly. Keep all treatment documents and receipts, and contact your insurer as soon as possible to ensure smooth claims and emergency support.
Is hospital care expensive in Dubai without insurance?
Yes, healthcare and hospitalization costs in Dubai are high, even for minor treatments. Daily rates for basic care can exceed CA$2,500. Without insurance, full payment is required upfront, and you may have limited access to English-speaking physicians and direct-billing options. Insurance provides quicker, stress-free access.
On the same topic
