French Citizens Guide To Getting Travel Insurance For Dubai
Travel insurance for Dubai can be obtained through travel insurance companies in France, such as AXA, by contacting a broker, or by making comparisons using online tools. These platforms allow you to compare multiple insurance providers and find the best policy for your trip.
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By obtaining travel insurance, you can ensure that you are covered for medical emergencies, trip disruptions, loss of personal belongings, and emergency evacuation or repatriation of mortal remains.
This Pacific Prime article will go into detail on where and how you can secure travel insurance, the key areas of travel insurance coverage to consider, and why a broker can help you.
Understanding Dubai Travel Insurance
Travel insurance offers protection against unforeseen events that can disrupt a trip and result in financial losses. These events include illnesses, injuries, accidents, and delays in flights or other modes of transportation.
It’s important to distinguish travel insurance from health insurance. While both types of insurance provide medical coverage, travel insurance specifically focuses on emergency medical treatments. The primary purpose of travel insurance is to provide coverage for circumstances that can ruin a trip.
Travel Insurance for Dubai Visa Requirements and Considerations
It is important to understand the visa requirements and ensure that you have the necessary documents in order to enter the UAE. If you are visiting Dubai without a visa, travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement. However, if a visa is required for your visit, proof of travel insurance is necessary.
Obtaining travel insurance that meets the requirements is a straightforward process. A few options are to contact a broker or make comparisons using online tools, where you can obtain a free quote and purchase a travel health insurance plan specifically designed to meet the visa requirements for Dubai.
Before purchasing a travel insurance plan for your Dubai visa, it is important to review the policy details and coverage. Ensure that the policy includes coverage for medical emergencies, trip disruption, loss of personal belongings, and emergency evacuation or repatriation of mortal remains.
The Best Travel Insurance Carriers
For travel insurance, IMG, Vumi, and April International are the best for globetrotters. Below is a table illustrating their relative advantages.
| Insurer/Benefits | IMG | VUMI | April International |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age Limit | 69 | 79 | 80 |
| Currency | USD, GBP, EURO | USD only | EURO only |
| Coverage | Worldwide except the US | Worldwide coverage, but cannot be sold to US/Canada residents | Worldwide (with plans available to exclude zones 1 and 2) |
| Pre-existing Condition | No | Yes | No |
| Flexibility | High (deductibles and limits) | High (annual multi-trips/single trip available) | Medium (wide coverage) |
| Cost-effectiveness | Good | Medium | Good |
| Special Features | Urgent dental cover No cover in home country | Cover unforeseen pregnancy up to 20 weeks Free coverage for dependents under two years old | 15-day waiting period if already in the country Emergency dental treatment of up to EURO 400 A minimum of 3 months cover) |
Coverage for High-Risk Activities in Dubai
Traveling to Dubai offers numerous opportunities for thrilling and adventurous activities. However, engaging in risky activities comes with a higher chance of accidents or injuries. It is important to consider the coverage provided by your plan for such activities to ensure safety and financial security.
Types of High-Risk Activities
Dubai is known for its exhilarating high-risk activities such as skydiving, dune bashing, scuba diving, car racing, and skiing. These activities can be both thrilling and dangerous, and standard travel insurance policies may not provide coverage for accidents that occur during these pursuits.
If you are planning to participate in any of these high-risk activities during your trip to Dubai, check with your insurance provider to see if additional coverage can be purchased. Some insurance companies offer optional coverage for high-risk activities, ensuring that you are protected.
Below is a table denoting the coverage types for high-risk activities:
| High-Risk Activity | Description | Insurance Coverage |
| Skydiving | Jumping from an aircraft and experiencing a free fall | Some insurance policies offer coverage for skydiving, but it may come with certain restrictions or higher premiums. |
| Dune Bashing | Off-roading adventure on sand dunes in a 4×4 vehicle | Check with your insurance provider to see if dune bashing is covered under your policy. It may require additional coverage. |
| Scuba Diving | Exploration of the underwater world using scuba gear | Some policies offer coverage for scuba diving, but it may be subject to specific depth limits and certifications. |
| Car Racing | Thrilling experience of driving high-performance cars on tracks | Insurance coverage for car racing may not be provided by standard travel insurance policies. It is important to inquire about specific coverage for this activity. |
| Skiing | Enjoying winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding on artificial slopes in Dubai | Some insurance plans may provide coverage for skiing, but it is essential to confirm the specifics with your insurance company. |
Baggage and Personal Belongings Coverage
Baggage and personal belongings coverage provides reimbursements for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage. It typically covers items throughout an entire trip, but some only cover luggage while it is checked on a common carrier.
The baggage and personal belongings coverage has an overall limit, a per-item limit, and a specific item limit. Specific items are often expensive, like jewelry and electronic gadgets. The amount covered depends on your insured value and is usually done through other sources.
Note: The coverage and eligibility requirements for this benefit differ from policy to policy. Please read the policy terms before signing the contract.
Healthcare Costs in the UAE for Tourists
In Dubai, travel insurance typically costs around 5-6% of the total trip cost. By opting for travel insurance, even with a slight increase in price, you can gain peace of mind and prioritize your safety.
The cost of your policy is influenced by various factors, including your age, health, the number of travelers, and the duration of your trip. Similar to other insurance plans, broader coverage often comes with higher premiums.
Insuring pre-existing medical conditions can be costly, especially for individuals who require long-term or specialized care. Travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions generally involves additional premiums or may impose limitations, such as waiting periods that require your attention.
It is important to be honest and upfront about your medical history and health condition, even if it results in higher coverage costs. Failure to disclose relevant information could potentially render your policy invalid if you need to make a claim in the future.
Laws and Cultural Adjustments in Dubai
When traveling to Dubai, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the laws and cultural norms of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While Dubai is known for its low crime rates, the UAE has strict regulations that must be respected to ensure a trouble-free visit.
- Drugs and alcohol: Drinking alcohol is only allowed at a licensed hotel or bar. Only non-Muslims over the age of 21 are permitted to drink alcohol. It is also illegal to drink or be visibly intoxicated in public. You won’t be covered if you’re involved in an accident under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
- Dress code: Always dress conservatively when out in public in Dubai. Cover your shoulders and upper arms, as well as legs to the knees, especially when visiting cultural or religious sites. Fines and accidents related to the dress code will not be covered.
- Couples: Only heterosexual married couples and close relatives can share accommodation in Dubai. Unmarried couples must book separate accommodations. Hotel room cancellations or rearrangements because of marriage status will not be covered.
Comprehensive Travel Insurance in Dubai
When traveling to Dubai, it is crucial to obtain a comprehensive travel insurance plan that offers financial security and peace of mind in the face of unforeseen emergencies. Whether your trip is for business or leisure, securing travel insurance is one of the most important considerations.
Dubai is renowned for its advanced medical facilities, many of which hold international accreditations from reputable medical and hospital associations. However, quality healthcare often comes with substantial costs.
FAQ
Is travel insurance mandatory for visiting Dubai?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for visiting Dubai, but it is required to obtain a UAE visa.
Where can I purchase travel health insurance for Dubai?
Travel health insurance for Dubai can be obtained through travel insurance companies in France, by contacting a broker, or by making comparisons using online tools
What should a travel insurance policy for Dubai include?
A travel insurance policy for Dubai should include coverage for medical emergencies, trip disruption, loss of personal belongings, and emergency evacuation or repatriation of mortal remains.
Can I get additional coverage for expensive items, terrorism, personal/legal liability, and adventurous activities?
Yes, additional coverage for these items can be considered when purchasing travel insurance for Dubai.
How much does travel insurance for Dubai cost?
The cost of travel insurance for Dubai depends on factors like the duration of the trip, coverage amount, age, and number of people included in the plan.
Is healthcare free for tourists in the UAE?
No, healthcare in the UAE can be expensive for tourists without health insurance.
Do standard travel insurance policies provide coverage for high-risk activities in Dubai?
Standard travel insurance policies may not provide coverage for high-risk activities in Dubai. It is important to check with insurance providers for additional coverage options.
What should I be aware of regarding laws and cultural adjustments in Dubai?
It is important to be aware of the strict laws and social rules in the UAE. Actions considered normal in Western countries may be illegal in Dubai. Familiarize yourself with UAE laws and follow them while traveling in Dubai.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a trip from France to Dubai, it is highly recommended that you consider purchasing travel insurance coverage. Although not mandatory, having travel insurance can provide valuable protection, especially when it comes to healthcare costs in the UAE.
To find a budget-friendly plan that satisfies your requirements, it is best to work with Pacific Prime Dubai. As an experienced insurance broker, we have a team of experts to provide you with impartial advice and compare insurance plans across top insurers around the globe to help you.
Additionally, if you’re Russian, it is worth reading up on how Russian citizens can get travel insurance for Dubai. However, if you’re Mexican, you may also read up on how Mexicans can get travel insurance for Dubai.
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Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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