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How Canadians Can Get Travel Insurance for Dubai Trips

Although it is not required, having travel insurance for Dubai can provide peace of mind in case of unexpected medical bills, flight delays, or misplaced belongings. Travel insurance can be bought by contacting an insurance broker or by using comparison marketplaces

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Are you interested in learning about the benefits of travel insurance? Do you want to know what to consider when getting travel insurance? Read on to answer all your queries. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will explain the benefits of travel insurance for Dubai trips, help you understand the coverage provided, provide tips for choosing the best travel insurance, and offer advice for a hassle-free trip with travel insurance coverage.

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Improving Your Knowledge of Dubai Travel Insurance 

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Travel insurance provides financial protection against unforeseen situations that could disrupt a trip, such as illnesses, injuries, accidents, and delays in flights or other modes of transportation. It can be purchased for both domestic and international trips, offering reimbursement for eligible claims.

It’s important to note that travel insurance differs from health insurance. While both offer medical coverage, travel insurance specifically focuses on emergency medical treatments. Travel insurance excels at providing coverage for circumstances that can ruin a trip, regardless of health-related issues.

Comprehensive Travel Insurance in Dubai

When traveling, whether for business or leisure, having a comprehensive travel insurance plan offers financial security and peace of mind in the face of unexpected emergencies. It is a crucial consideration, particularly when visiting Dubai.

Dubai boasts cutting-edge medical facilities that are internationally accredited by reputable medical and hospital associations. With travel insurance, you can have the assurance that you will receive top-quality care during any emergency, alleviating concerns about the associated expenses.

Travel Insurance Benefits for Dubai Trips

Before selecting a plan, consider your specific needs and compare the options available to you, including medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption, baggage loss or delay, or personal liability. 

Look for a plan that provides comprehensive coverage based on your travel requirements and preferences. Below is a table with explanations for specific areas of coverage. 

Core Benefits Description
Medical Expenses Coverage for hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation
Trip Cancellation or Interruption Reimbursement for non-refundable expenses if your trip is canceled or cut short
Baggage Loss or Delay Compensation for lost, stolen, or delayed luggage, and reimbursement for essential items
Personal Liability Coverage for accidental damage to property or injury to others

Getting Travel Insurance for Dubai from Canada

When it comes to obtaining travel insurance for your trip to Dubai from Canada, you may either contact an insurance broker or use a comparison marketplace tool. 

Insurance Brokers

Insurance brokers can assist you in streamlining your choices and selecting a travel insurance policy that aligns with your budget while fulfilling your requirements.

Comparison Marketplaces

By utilizing comparison marketplace tools, you can discover comprehensive coverage that suits your needs. These tools allow you to thoroughly examine the policy, including the fine print, enabling you to understand the extent of your coverage and its associated costs.

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/BenefitsIMGVUMIApril International
Age Limit697980
CurrencyUSD, GBP, EUROUSD onlyEURO only
CoverageWorldwide except the USWorldwide coverage, but cannot be sold to US/Canada residentsWorldwide (with plans available to exclude zones 1 and 2)
Pre-existing ConditionNoYesNo
FlexibilityHigh (deductibles and limits)High (annual multi-trips/single trip available)Medium (wide coverage)
Cost-effectivenessGoodMediumGood
Special FeaturesUrgent 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)

How to Pick the Right Travel Insurance for Your Trip to Dubai

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There is a wide selection of travel insurance in Dubai, so you must consider a few factors before taking out a policy. For instance, coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation and interruption, baggage and personal belongings, and additional coverage.

Coverage for Medical Emergencies

Coverage for medical emergencies is imperative when it comes to traveling abroad, as you won’t be eligible for free healthcare. This covers the costs of medical treatment, including medicine and hospitalizations, up to the policy’s limit if you become injured during your trip, like health insurance.

You may also consider looking for medical evacuation coverage if you plan to go to a distant area. If your condition is serious, you will need an air ambulance to medevac you to the nearest treatment facility. Your insurer will cover the cost up to the policy limit.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage

Trip cancellation and interruption coverage can be convenient as it provides compensation for changes in your flights. There are a total of five coverage options available. The first three choices listed below are typically included, while the last two are optional and come at an additional cost.

  • The first option is standard trip cancellation: which allows for a complete refund of pre-paid, unused, and non-refundable trip expenses that you would automatically forfeit if you need to cancel your trip. Acceptable reasons for cancellation usually include illnesses or injuries, serious family emergencies, and severe weather conditions.
  • The second option is trip delay insurance: which covers any expenses related to delays, such as hotel stays or meals at the airport. This coverage is particularly useful when traveling to Dubai, as it often involves connecting flights. Any delays by the airline at any stage of the journey could disrupt your planned trip.
  • The third option is trip interruption insurance: which is necessary when an unfortunate event occurs during your trip and you need to cut it short. In such cases, the insurance will likely cover the cost of a one-way economy plane ticket back home, as well as any unused, pre-paid, and non-refundable expenses that you would have to forfeit.
  • The fourth option is trip cancellation for any reason: offering the most flexibility for your travel plans. This add-on allows you to cancel your trip for any reason, as long as it is done at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. Generally, you can receive reimbursement of 75% of your trip cost with this optional benefit.
  • The fifth option is trip interruption for any reason: which grants you the freedom to return home early for any reason. This is an optional upgrade that reimburses up to 75% of the insured trip cost.

Coverage for Your Valuables and Luggage

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 coverage for baggage and personal belongings in travel insurance typically has multiple limits, including an overall limit, a per-item limit, and a specific item limit. Specific items, such as jewelry and electronic gadgets, are often valuable and may have their own coverage limits. 

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It’s important to note that the coverage and eligibility requirements for this benefit can vary between insurance policies. It is advisable to carefully read the terms of the policy before signing the contract to understand the specifics of the coverage.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage

Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Coverage provides financial protection in the event of an accident resulting in death or serious injury. This type of insurance policy offers three main components of coverage for accidents and fatalities.

  1. Flight accident insurance: This coverage applies to accidents that occur during flights on a licensed commercial airliner.
  2. Common carrier coverage: This component protects accidents resulting from public transportation, such as train, ferry, or bus travel.
  3. General travel coverage: This part of the policy offers coverage for accidents that happen at any point during a trip.

It’s important to note that certain exclusions may apply. For example, deaths caused by drug overdoses or sickness may not be covered. Additionally, the policy may only cover specific injuries, such as those affecting the hand, foot, limb, or eyesight. There are also limits to the amount that can be paid out for each injury.

While AD&D coverage may not be essential, the benefits provided by your travel insurance policy can be in addition to those paid by your life insurance policy. This means that in the event of an accident resulting in death or serious injury, the coverage can provide more financial support to your dependents.

Additional Coverage

Additional coverage includes risky activities such as skydiving, sandboarding, quad biking, everything that you can think of, and more. Many of them will not be insured under a standard policy. If you wish to be covered, you will have to pay higher premium rates.

Exclusions

Regardless of the extent of your travel insurance plan, there are certain exclusions in Dubai that will not be covered. These exclusions include financial losses resulting from prohibited interactions between couples, dress code limitations, and the consumption of drugs and alcohol.

By respecting the local laws and customs, you can enjoy a safe and hassle-free trip to Dubai. Below is a table of the risks to consider and precautions to take during your stay in Dubai. 

Risks to Consider Precautions
Strict laws and social rules Familiarize yourself with UAE laws before traveling and adhere to them
Public displays of affection Avoid public displays of affection
Alcohol consumption Drink only in licensed venues and avoid public intoxication
Dress code Respect local customs and dress modestly in public places
Photography restrictions Seek permission before taking pictures of sensitive areas
Avoiding sensitive topics Be mindful of local sensitivities and avoid discussing controversial subjects

Remember to read the policy terms about exclusions and compare plans from different insurance providers to find the coverage that is most suitable for you.

How Much Travel Insurance for Dubai from Canada Costs

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In Dubai, travel insurance typically costs around 5-6% of the total trip cost. Opting for travel insurance, even with a slight increase in cost, can provide you with peace of mind and ensure your safety.

The price of your policy will depend on various factors, including your age, health, number of travelers, and duration of the trip. Travel insurance follows the general trend that broader coverage comes with higher premiums.

Insuring pre-existing medical conditions can be expensive, especially for individuals who require long-term or specialized care. Travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions often requires additional premiums or may have certain limitations, such as waiting periods, that you should be aware of.

It’s crucial to be honest and transparent about your medical history and health condition, even if it means higher coverage costs. Failing to disclose relevant information could potentially invalidate your policy if you need to make a claim in the future.

FAQ

Is travel insurance mandatory for Canadians traveling to Dubai?

No, travel insurance for Dubai is not mandatory, but it is highly advisable to protect yourself financially and for peace of mind.

What does travel insurance in Dubai cover?

Travel insurance for Dubai typically covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation and interruption, lost luggage, and emergency evacuation.

How much does travel insurance for Dubai cost?

The cost of travel insurance for Dubai varies depending on factors like trip duration, desired coverage, age, and the number of people included in the plan. On average, expect to pay between 5-6% of your trip cost for travel insurance.

Where can Canadians get travel insurance for Dubai?

Canadians can obtain travel insurance for Dubai from travel insurance companies in Canada or through insurance brokers.

What should I consider when choosing travel insurance for Dubai?

When choosing travel insurance for Dubai, consider factors such as comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, coverage for high-risk activities, and coverage for trip disruptions and lost belongings.

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Conclusion

When planning a trip to Dubai from Canada, you must include travel insurance in your preparations. International travel insurance provides financial protection and ensures peace of mind in case of unforeseen circumstances or emergencies.

Traveling to Dubai can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Canadians, but planning a trip also requires you to think of the unforeseen events that may occur. As such, Canadians should contact a broker to find a travel insurance policy for their unique travel needs. 

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.

Contact us today to get started!

Senior Content Creator at Pacific Prime United Arab Emirates
Serena Fung is a Senior Content Creator at Pacific Prime, a global insurance brokerage and employee specialist serving over 1.5 million clients in 15 offices across the world. With 2+ years of experience writing about the subject, she aims to demystify the world of insurance for readers with the latest updates, guides and articles on the blog.

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.
Serena