Travel Insurance for The UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) attracts millions of visitors each year for its luxury experiences, modern cities, and desert adventures. However, differences in climate, healthcare systems, and local laws can create challenges for travelers. Having travel insurance in place before your trip can help you manage unexpected medical or travel-related expenses and navigate your stay with confidence.

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Will Domestic Insurance Work in The UAE?

Many domestic insurance plans do not cover medical expenses for international visitors incurred while traveling in the UAE. Before you leave, review your home policy to see what is and is not included so you can make an informed decision about purchasing additional international coverage.

Medicare typically does not pay for medical care received outside the United States, except in very limited circumstances, according to Medicare.gov. As a result, travelers who depend on Medicare often need supplemental insurance to access emergency medical benefits abroad—a restriction that is common among many U.S. based health plans.

Because of these coverage gaps, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises international travelers to consider purchasing travel medical insurance. Healthcare systems, costs, and payment practices in the UAE may differ significantly from those in the U.S., so having travel-specific coverage can help you stay prepared for unexpected medical needs.

What Type of Travel Insurance is Right for Your Trip?

When you’re planning your trip, you’ll generally want to consider two main types of travel insurance: comprehensive trip protection and travel medical insurance.

A comprehensive trip protection plan can help reimburse prepaid, non-refundable travel costs such as flights, hotels, and excursions if your trip is canceled or interrupted for a covered reason. It also includes medical benefits for unexpected illnesses, injuries, or emergency evacuations. This type of plan is often better suited for travelers who are more concerned about potential disruptions, delays, or cancellations that could lead to financial loss or added expenses.

For example, with WorldTrips’ comprehensive trip protection plan, Atlas Journey, you may be reimbursed for non-refundable trip costs if your trip needs to be canceled or is disrupted due to a covered reason.

Travel medical insurance, on the other hand, focuses primarily on providing medical coverage for unexpected illnesses or injuries while abroad. It typically includes some limited trip benefits, such as coverage for lost checked luggage or travel delays.

With Atlas Travel insurance from WorldTrips, you’ll also have access to two claimless appointments through Air Doctor, a service that connects you with telehealth consultations, in-clinic care, or even in-hotel visits during your trip. These plans are built for flexibility, allowing you to choose your deductible and coverage limits based on your destination, trip length, and budget.

Healthcare in The UAE

According to On Call International*, here are some things to note about Healthcare in the UAE:

Quality and access: Healthcare facilities are comparable to those in the U.S. and Europe, especially in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Private-sector providers generally speak English and translators are readily available.
Ambulances and navigation: Because street addressing can be inconsistent, it is best to provide a recognizable nearby landmark when calling an ambulance. Response times can be slow, and in some instances, using a private vehicle to reach a hospital may be considered.
Medications and approvals: If you travel with prescription medications, you are advised to seek prior approval through the Ministry of Health and Prevention’s online process, carry necessary and contingency doses in a clearly marked bag, and bring the original prescription.
Infectious disease considerations: Transmission of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus has been reported in the UAE. This illness can spread from camels to humans, so it may be best to avoid contact with camels.
Pregnant women may be required to show proof of marriage in order to receive prenatal healthcare..
Emergency number in the UAE: 999

Why Choose WorldTrips for Your UAE Travel Insurance?

The best travel memories come from the adventures you take — not dealing with the unexpected. With WorldTrips, you’ll have travel insurance coverage designed to help keep your trip running smoothly, backed by global expertise and a trusted reputation.

Global Experience

For more than 30 years, WorldTrips has provided international travel insurance to over five million travelers worldwide, including students, families, and business professionals. As part of Tokio Marine HCC, WorldTrips brings the financial strength and reliability that travelers depend on. The A++ (Superior) rating from AM Best reflects our stability and dedication to delivering dependable travel protection.

Flexible Coverage Options for Your Journey

No two trips are the same. That’s why we offer flexible plans are designed to fit your varying needs. Choose coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellations, interruptions, lost baggage, and more. Whether you’re heading on a short getaway, studying abroad, visiting family, or embarking on an extended stay, we have options to choose from so you can select the plan that suits both your itinerary and your budget.

Worldwide Network of Care

Travel confidently knowing you have access to healthcare providers, along with 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance. Whether you need help with a emergency medical evacuation or finding a local doctor, support is just a call away. Our partnerships with global providers like Air Doctor make it even easier to access medical care when you’re traveling.

Reliable Claims Process

Our streamlined online claims system is designed to get you reimbursed for eligible expenses. We provide you with a Description of Coverage at purchase to help you know what’s covered and excluded.

Here’s what our customers had to say:

"They assigned a single point person, and that person stayed with me from start to finish. I wasn’t passed around or forced to explain my situation over and over again. Thanks to Atlas Journey’s 24/7 travel assistance, I always had someone helping me navigate the confusion." - Linda
“I was expecting the usual insurance runaround, but the process was so easy. I submitted the claim with the documents they asked for, and a couple of weeks later, we had two checks in the mail. Atlas Journey made it seamless.” - Kyleigh

At WorldTrips, our mission is simple: to help you enjoy your travels while we help you handle the unexpected.

Travel Requirements: Visas, Documents & Laws

The UAE operates under Sharia Law, a system that draws from Islamic religious texts and customs, supplemented by secular laws as well (U.S. Department of State). Because of this, some laws and requirements may be unfamiliar to travelers from the U.S. or other countries without similar governance.

Required Entry Documents

Passport: Always carry a copy of your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your date of arrival. The UAE only accepts passports marked as Male or Female.
Proof of Return Ticket may be requested to ensure you will not be overstaying your visa.
Proof of Sufficient Funds
Prescription medications: If bringing prescription medicines, obtain prior approval through the Ministry of Health and Prevention’s online process and carry the original prescription with clearly labeled doses. Failure to do so may result in subjection to drug laws for illegal narcotics.

What are the visa requirements for travel to the UAE?

According to the US Department of State, you do not need a visa prior to arriving in UAE for a tourist visit under 30 days. Upon arrival, you will obtain a visitor visa with no fee.

Regardless of visa type, carry your passport or a copy at all times and comply with local laws.

Local Laws

Note that each Emirate (territory or “state”) has its own government, and laws may vary, so it is important to research your specific destination. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are known to be more relaxed with social regulation compared to the other Emirates as they are accustomed to tourists. Here are some general guidelines to help navigate these local UAE laws, according to On Call International* and the U.S. Department of State:

Cross-dressing is illegal. Transgender individuals may be scrutinized at immigration and can be refused entry.
Homosexuality is illegal, so travelers should exercise discretion.
Pre-marital sexual relations and pregnancy are illegal. You and your partner can be denied healthcare, deported, detained, and even jailed if you seek healthcare as an unmarried pregnant woman. Proof of marriage certificate may be requested from pregnant women seeking prenatal healthcare, and for couples staying in the same hotel room.
Public consumption of alcohol and driving under the influence are both strictly prohibited. Non-Muslim residents need a license to consume alcohol, and tourists can only drink at licensed venues. In the emirate of Sharjah, alcohol is banned entirely.
Drugs, including CBD and THC are illegal and even trace amounts found in the bloodstream can be subject to high penalties including jail time.
Public displays of affection (PDA) is illegal. While in recent years it has become more acceptable to hold hands or walk arm in arm with your partner, you should refrain from kissing or passionately embracing in public, as this can result in arrest.
Dress codes are often enforced, especially outside of Dubai and Abu Dhabi where they are typically less strict. It is best to cover your shoulders and knees when leaving your hotel.
While the official religion in UAE is Islam, it allows individuals the freedom of religion, even offering churches, synagogues, and temples. However, it is illegal to distribute or preach non-Islamic religious material to Muslims.
During the month of Ramadan, it is illegal to publicly eat, smoke, or drink between sunrise and sunset, including those who are not Muslim. Some western hotels may provide restaurants that remain open to tourists during this time.
It is illegal to take photographs of people without their permission, as privacy, especially of women, is central to Islamic culture. It is also wise to refrain from taking pictures of military or government buildings.
You can be criminally charged for what you post on social media. Be careful of what you post online particularly regarding the local or national government, royal family, or Muslim culture.

Safety Tips for The UAE

The UAE is generally considered a safe country to visit due to low levels of crime; however, it is always important to exercise caution. Here are some safety tips from On Call International*:

Crime and personal security

Crime is generally low, but it is wise to keep valuables secure and avoid walking alone at night.
To protect yourself against cybercrime, beware of scams that involve requests for urgent money transfers, protect devices with strong passwords and two‑factor authentication, and avoid unknown links or attachments. Use a VPN on public or hotel Wi‑Fi when possible.
Unaccompanied female travelers should exercise increased caution. Avoid sitting in the front seat of taxis and avoid casual conversation with drivers, which can be misinterpreted as a romantic interest. If a person experiences a sexual assault, seek advice from the embassy or consulate before reporting to local authorities due to legal risks that can be difficult to navigate.

* Country safety data provided by our trusted partner On Call International

** Pre Existing Condition Definitions

Pre existing condition definitions vary by plan type. Review the definition that applies to the product you are considering.

Comprehensive Trip Protection

(Atlas Journey, Atlas Cruiser, Atlas On the Go)

Pre existing condition means an illness, disease, or other condition during the 90 day period immediately before your coverage effective date for which you did any of the following:
• received a test, examination, or medical treatment
• received a recommendation for a test, examination, or medical treatment
• took or received a prescription for medication

Item (3) above does not apply to a condition that is treated or controlled solely through the use of prescription medication and remains treated or controlled without any change in required prescription throughout the 90 day period before your coverage effective date.

Change in required prescription means the dosage or frequency has been increased, reduced, stopped, and or new medication has been prescribed due to the worsening of the condition being treated. Exceptions include:
• switching between brand name and generic medication with equivalent dosage
• adjustments to insulin or anti-coagulant dosage

Pre-existing Condition Exclusion Waiver: Pre-existing conditions are excluded from coverage unless you meet both of these requirements: 1) you purchase your Atlas Journey Elevate or Explore plan within 21 days or purchase your Atlas Escape plan within 14 days of the date you made your first payment toward your trip; and 2) you are medically able to travel on your coverage effective date.

If you do not purchase your Atlas Journey plan within the required time period, a 90-day lookback period will apply to pre-existing conditions. Coverage varies by plan and state of residency. Please review the policy documents specific to your plan and state of residency for a full list of covered reasons, conditions, and exclusions.

Travel Medical Insurance

(Atlas Travel, Atlas Premium, Atlas Nomad, Atlas MultiTrip, Atlas America)

Pre-existing Conditions are excluded except for an applicable Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition.

Pre existing condition means any injury, illness, sickness, disease, or other physical, medical, mental, or nervous disorder, condition, or ailment that, with reasonable medical certainty, existed at the time of application or at any time during the 2 years prior to the effective date of this insurance. This applies whether or not the condition was previously manifested, symptomatic, known, diagnosed, treated, or disclosed, and includes any subsequent, chronic, or recurring complications or consequences related to the condition.

An Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition means a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence that is of short duration, is rapidly progressive, and requires urgent care. A pre-existing condition that is a chronic or congenital, or that gradually becomes worse over time is not acute onset of a pre-existing condition. An Acute Onset of Pre-existing Condition does not include any condition for which, as of the Effective date, the Insured Person (i) knew or reasonably foresaw he/she would receive, (ii) knew he/she should receive, (iii) had scheduled, or (iv) was told that he/she must or should receive, any medical care, drugs or treatment.

Travel Insurance for The UAE

Do You Need Travel Insurance for The UAE?

Will Domestic Insurance Work in The UAE?

What Type of Travel Insurance is Right for Your Trip?

Travel Medical Insurance

Atlas Travel

Trip Protection Plans

Atlas Journey