- The best travel insurance plans for UAE
- Is it currently safe to travel to the UAE?
- Is Travel Insurance Required by Law to Enter UAE?
- Why take out travel insurance for UAE?
- What should travel insurance for UAE cover?
- The Cost of Travel Insurance for UAE
- How to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to UAE
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in UAE?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for UAE: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for the UAE covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and other unexpected travel costs.
2. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory for Canadians but is highly recommended due to expensive healthcare costs.
3. Healthcare cost: Private healthcare is excellent but very expensive, with hospital stays often exceeding CAD $1,000 per night.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for the UAE typically costs between CAD $40 and CAD $80.
5. Good to know: Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of entry.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for the UAE.
The best travel insurance plans for UAE
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.4M CA$ | A high-coverage contract suitable for UAE. - strong medical ceiling - full repatriation cover - modern, clear policy |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.4M CA$ | Flexible for short trips in UAE, with reliable guarantees. - 24/7 helpline - cancellation option - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | 700k CA$ | Practical for business or leisure. - strong medical cover - direct support abroad - good price-quality ratio |
| Travel Pass Monde | 980k CA$ | Adapted for Gulf region travel. - repatriation included - hospital expenses covered - large geographic scope |
| Globe Partner | 420k CA$ | Essential guarantees for the UAE, especially for long stays. - medical costs abroad - repatriation - civil liability |
| Globe Traveller | 700k CA$ | Best for affordable, short UAE trips. - key medical cover - fast claim processing - limited maximum |
- strong medical ceiling
- full repatriation cover
- modern, clear policy
- 24/7 helpline
- cancellation option
- no deductible
- strong medical cover
- direct support abroad
- good price-quality ratio
- repatriation included
- hospital expenses covered
- large geographic scope
- medical costs abroad
- repatriation
- civil liability
- key medical cover
- fast claim processing
- limited maximum
Is it currently safe to travel to the UAE?
As of June 2025, Global Affairs Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting UAE, reflecting ongoing regional tensions and security considerations. The advisory does not forbid travel but underlines several important risks for Canadians to consider.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: the regional security situation remains unstable, with the risk of missile and drone strikes affecting cities such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai. There are enhanced security measures in place, for example, roadblocks and reinforced police presence near airports or military sites.
- Health risks: while there are no specific vaccination requirements for most Canadian travellers, private healthcare services in UAE are very expensive. For example, an emergency hospital visit in Dubai can result in high out-of-pocket costs for foreigners who lack insurance.
- Legal constraints: strict laws apply regarding public behaviour and imported items. It is illegal to possess certain medications without proper documentation, and public displays of affection may lead to fines or arrest.
- Cultural norms: respect local customs, especially during Ramadan when eating or drinking in public during daylight hours is not allowed. Modest dress is required in religious areas, such as the vicinity of the Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque.
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 UAE.
Is Travel Insurance Required by Law to Enter UAE?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Canadian citizens entering UAE, whether visiting for tourism, business, or while transiting with a visa on arrival.
However, travel insurance is strongly recommended due to the high cost of private healthcare in UAE. Without adequate coverage, emergency hospital stays and medical bills in places like Dubai or Abu Dhabi can result in large out-of-pocket expenses for visitors.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to UAE. This is mainly because the health system for foreigners is costly and unforeseen events can lead to significant expenses.
Why take out travel insurance for UAE?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to UAE.
Health costs in UAE can be very high, especially in large cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Foreign visitors are almost always referred to private hospitals or clinics like Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, where medical care, specialist consultations, and hospital stays are expensive. Public hospitals are generally not used by travelers.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalization costs, medications, ambulance transport, and repatriation to Canada if a serious incident occurs.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in UAE.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 14,000 AED (approx. CA$5,200) | Up to CA$1,000,000 |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 8,700 AED (approx. CA$3,200) | Up to CA$1,000,000 |
| I need to be repatriated | 115,000 AED (approx. CA$43,000) | Up to full cost |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 32,000 AED (approx. CA$12,200) | 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 UAE cover?
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for UAE.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers treatment, doctor visits, and hospitalization following illness or accident. Recommended reimbursement limit: CA$1,000,000 or more, due to high costs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Pays for ambulance transport or repatriation to Canada in case of serious medical need. Recommended reimbursement limit: CA$250,000 at minimum. |
| 👨✈️ Repatriation | Covers the costs if you need to be returned to Canada for medical or emergency reasons. Recommended reimbursement limit: CA$250,000 or more. |
| 💼 Baggage loss/theft | Reimburses you for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage or personal items. Recommended reimbursement limit: CA$2,000 or higher. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refunds pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs if you must cancel for sudden covered causes. Recommended reimbursement limit: CA$5,000 to CA$10,000. |
| ⛔ Personal liability | Protection if you accidentally cause damages or injury to others while in UAE. Recommended reimbursement limit: CA$1,000,000. |
| 💊 Emergency dental | Covers dental treatment for sudden pain or accidental injury. Recommended reimbursement limit: CA$1,000 or more. |
| 🔄 Trip interruption | Reimburses unexpected costs for an early return home due to emergencies. Recommended reimbursement limit: CA$5,000 to CA$10,000. |
Recommended reimbursement limit: CA$1,000,000 or more, due to high costs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Recommended reimbursement limit: CA$250,000 at minimum.
Recommended reimbursement limit: CA$250,000 or more.
Recommended reimbursement limit: CA$2,000 or higher.
Recommended reimbursement limit: CA$5,000 to CA$10,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: CA$1,000,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: CA$1,000 or more.
Recommended reimbursement limit: CA$5,000 to CA$10,000.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards usually has low limits and many exclusions. For better security, choose a trusted insurer offering full coverage. You can compare top offers and purchase online instantly through HelloSafe for maximum peace of mind.
The Cost of Travel Insurance for UAE
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | CA$32 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | CA$64 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | CA$85 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | CA$180 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of travel insurance for Canadians is influenced by several key factors: your age, trip duration, destination, desired coverage amount, and add-ons like trip cancellation protection. Keeping these elements in mind is essential to select a suitable policy that provides adequate protection for your travels without overpaying for unnecessary coverage.
💡 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 UAE
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to UAE while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🗓️ Trip duration | The longer your stay in the UAE, the higher your premium. | Match your policy dates to your exact trip to avoid paying for unnecessary extra days. |
| 🧍 Traveller’s age | Insurers often raise prices for older travellers, and age bands vary between providers. | With Heymondo, the price does not increase for people over 62, so compare offers. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | High medical care costs in the UAE require robust coverage, but over-insuring increases costs. | Choose a limit of at least CA$1,000,000 for medical treatment; avoid excessive extras. |
| 🏨 Coverage options | Additional protections like electronics or rental cars increase the price. | Select only those coverage options you truly need for your specific activities in the UAE. |
| 👫 Group policies | Family or group plans can lower the per-person cost if traveling together. | Insure the group or family on one policy to benefit from lower combined rates. |
| 💳 Payment method | Discounts may be available for full payment or with specific Canadian credit cards. | Check for discounts or cash-back when you pay your premium using certain cards or in full. |
| 💸 Deductible level | Higher deductibles reduce premiums, but you pay more out-of-pocket in case of claims. | Raise your deductible only if you can afford those costs in the UAE in an emergency. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in UAE?
It’s completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage, such as credit card insurance or your public health system, can protect you during a trip to UAE. 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 UAE? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (provincial health plan) | Never | No reimbursement for medical treatment, hospitalization, or evacuation outside Canada. | Travel insurance covers up to CA$1,000,000+ for medical care and emergency repatriation. |
| Private health insurance | Limited coverage | May include partial reimbursement (up to CA$10,000) for emergencies, rarely covers repatriation. | Travel insurance can reimburse CA$1,000,000+ and includes direct payment to UAE hospitals. |
| Classic credit card (TD Classic, RBC Classic, Scotiabank Value) | Limited coverage | Accident and medical costs often capped below CA$50,000, few days coverage, baggage issues not included. | Travel insurance covers higher costs, lost luggage and trip interruption, even for longer stays. |
| Premium credit card (Visa Infinite, Amex Gold, World Elite MC) | Limited coverage | Medical emergencies up to CA$250,000 for brief trips, limited trip and baggage coverage. | Travel insurance goes up to CA$1,000,000+ for medical, includes hospital cash and 24/7 assistance. |
Example
During a desert tour near Dubai, David suffered severe heatstroke, requiring urgent hospitalization. The total bill was C$25,000. His premium RBC Avion Visa card covered only C$2,000, and his provincial health plan was not applicable. He was left with a shocking C$23,000 bill for this unexpected medical emergency.
Expert advice
Critical coverage, like trip interruption for a relative’s illness, is often excluded from credit cards and provincial health plans. Carefully review your existing policies to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to purchase dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to UAE?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits up to 90 days in the UAE. Entry is granted on arrival, provided your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. You may be asked for proof of onward travel and accommodation during your stay.
How do I purchase travel insurance for UAE?
First, compare plans using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to find options that fit your needs. Review policy details carefully, taking into account medical coverage, exclusions, and UAE-specific requirements. Purchase your selected plan online and then receive your insurance certificate by email for immediate use.
Are medical costs expensive for Canadians in the UAE?
Medical care in the UAE, especially in private hospitals, is of high quality but can be very costly. Without insurance, an emergency hospital visit or treatment can quickly exceed CA$10,000. It is common for providers to require proof of adequate coverage before providing non-urgent care.
Does travel insurance cover disruptions such as flight delays or political unrest in the UAE?
Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include coverage for travel disruptions, such as flight delays and trip interruptions due to unforeseen events. Before you buy, always check if the policy covers disruptions caused by security incidents or regional tensions specific to the UAE.
Can I buy travel insurance for the UAE after starting my trip?
Most insurers require you to purchase travel insurance before your departure from Canada. However, a few providers may offer limited coverage if you apply while already abroad, but there are usually waiting periods and restrictions. It is always best to secure your policy in advance for full protection.
Is coverage for risky activities, like desert safaris in the UAE, automatically included?
Basic travel insurance plans often exclude higher-risk activities such as dune bashing, quad biking, or camel riding. If you plan to participate in adventure activities in the UAE, check your policy’s wording or choose an add-on to ensure you are covered for any accidents or injuries during these excursions.
Do I need a visa to travel to UAE?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits up to 90 days in the UAE. Entry is granted on arrival, provided your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. You may be asked for proof of onward travel and accommodation during your stay.
How do I purchase travel insurance for UAE?
First, compare plans using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to find options that fit your needs. Review policy details carefully, taking into account medical coverage, exclusions, and UAE-specific requirements. Purchase your selected plan online and then receive your insurance certificate by email for immediate use.
Are medical costs expensive for Canadians in the UAE?
Medical care in the UAE, especially in private hospitals, is of high quality but can be very costly. Without insurance, an emergency hospital visit or treatment can quickly exceed CA$10,000. It is common for providers to require proof of adequate coverage before providing non-urgent care.
Does travel insurance cover disruptions such as flight delays or political unrest in the UAE?
Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include coverage for travel disruptions, such as flight delays and trip interruptions due to unforeseen events. Before you buy, always check if the policy covers disruptions caused by security incidents or regional tensions specific to the UAE.
Can I buy travel insurance for the UAE after starting my trip?
Most insurers require you to purchase travel insurance before your departure from Canada. However, a few providers may offer limited coverage if you apply while already abroad, but there are usually waiting periods and restrictions. It is always best to secure your policy in advance for full protection.
Is coverage for risky activities, like desert safaris in the UAE, automatically included?
Basic travel insurance plans often exclude higher-risk activities such as dune bashing, quad biking, or camel riding. If you plan to participate in adventure activities in the UAE, check your policy’s wording or choose an add-on to ensure you are covered for any accidents or injuries during these excursions.
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