Does the UAE require travel insurance? All you need to know

When you are about to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it is vital to know the travel insurance requirements of the country. This guide explains the mandatory or otherwise nature of travel insurance, when it is required and why it is strongly advised to all visitors.

Is travel insurance mandatory for entering the UAE?

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for applicants from countries that require a UAE tourist visa. It is part of the required documents during the visa application process through embassies or authorized travel agents. When applying, the applicants are required to submit evidence of valid travel health insurance.

Travel insurance is not technically necessary at the border in case you are entitled to visa-free entry or visa on arrival (including EU and UK citizens, US citizens, Australian citizens and Gulf Cooperation Council countries citizens). Nevertheless, it is also strongly advised because of healthcare expenses in the UAE.

Note: If you are applying for a UAE residence visa (for work, family, or long-term stay), health insurance is mandatory under UAE law.

When is travel insurance required?

You will be required to show travel insurance if:

You are using an embassy or authorized visa agent to apply through tourist visa or visit visa.
You are coming in on a sponsored visa (by a hotel, travel agency or relative) and insurance is part of the application process.
You are on the road when there is a worldwide health crisis or pandemic, and there can be extra entry requirements. During the COVID-19 pandemic, travel insurance covering COVID-19 treatment was mandatory for many travelers. Although no longer compulsory as of 2025, it remains strongly recommended.
Some airlines like Emirates or Etihad have offered complimentary travel insurance in certain periods, so check your airline before purchasing separately.
Technically, UAE requires health insurance for visa applicants, but purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance plan is advisable for broader protection, including trip cancellations and baggage loss.

Your insurance policy in such instances should show clear coverage of medical costs, hospitalization and in some cases COVID-19 treatment.

What should UAE travel insurance cover?

A good travel insurance policy for the UAE should typically include:

Emergency medical expenses
Hospitalization and surgery
Repatriation (in case of severe illness or death)
Personal accident coverage
Trip cancellations or interruptions
Loss or theft of luggage or documents

Coverage amounts may vary, but most visa application systems require at least AED 100,000 (approx. USD 27,000) in medical coverage.

What happens if I enter without insurance?

In case you are applying for a visa which requires that you show insurance cover and you fail to do so, there is a probability that your visa may be denied. In general, immigration officers at the airport will not check your travel insurance unless it is explicitly required as part of your visa approval process. However, if you enter visa-free or with a visa on arrival, you are not required to show insurance — though having one is still highly recommended. In case of an emergency during your stay, you will be required to pay all the medical bills yourself which are quite costly in UAE hospitals.

Conclusion: Is travel insurance worth it?

You might not require travel insurance to gain entry into the UAE, but it is strongly advised. The UAE medical care is of utmost quality yet it is expensive to foreigners. Uninsured one emergency can cost thousands of dollars. For example, an emergency room visit in Dubai can start at USD 500, while major surgery can cost upwards of USD 20,000 or more.

Before you fly to the UAE, make sure you have a good travel insurance cover to fly smart and safe. It makes you feel secure and confident of any eventualities in your adventure.

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