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Travel insurance for Dubai from £11.83^

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Written by  Rebecca Goodman
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Reviewed by  Collette Shackleton
10 min read
Updated: 19 Jun 2026

🚩If your travel plans have been affected by the conflict involving Iran in the Middle East, see our guide for updates and check if FCDO travel advice affects your travel insurance

Key takeaways

  • The average cost of travel insurance for Dubai is £36.97^

  • Without insurance, hefty medical bills or denied hospital access could be a reality

  • Always check that a worldwide travel policy includes Dubai, some exclude specific countries

Dubai skyline

Do I need travel insurance for Dubai and the UAE?

Holiday insurance is not a legal requirement. But without it you will be personally responsible for paying all the costs if something goes wrong with your trip.

Travel insurance can financially protect you if your holiday to Dubai is unexpectedly cancelled, you need medical treatment while travelling, or your valuables are lost, damaged or stolen.

According to 2025 data from the Association of British Insurers:

  • British residents had to make 500,000+^ claims on their travel insurance in 2025

  • The most common reason for claiming was to cover unexpected medical expenses, with an average insurance payout of £1,528^

  • In contrast, you can find travel insurance to Dubai from just £2.90^

United Arab Emirates travel advice

Still current at: 19 Jun 2026

While the UAE is generally a safe destination, be aware of regional tensions which could lead to unpredictable situations; it's advised to stay informed via local authorities and FCDO email alerts. British citizens can obtain a visitor visa on arrival, valid for up to 90 days, but ensure your passport has at least 6 months' validity. Always respect local laws and customs, dress modestly in public, and be mindful of strict regulations regarding medication, alcohol, and photography.

While the UAE is generally a safe destination, be aware of regional tensions which could lead to unpredictable situations; it's advised to stay informed via local authorities and FCDO email alerts. British citizens can obtain a visitor visa on arrival, valid for up to 90 days, but ensure your passport has at least 6 months' validity. Always respect local laws and customs, dress modestly in public, and be mindful of strict regulations regarding medication, alcohol, and photography.

This is an AI-generated summary of UK government travel advice. Check the FCDO website for complete information.

What type of insurance do I need for Dubai and the UAE?

Dubai and the UAE are typically covered under worldwide travel insurance policies. The specific type of policy you need depends on your travel plans:

One trip to Dubai and the UAE only

If you are only visiting Dubai or another area of the UAE, choose single-trip travel insurance and select it as your destination.

One trip to Dubai and the UAE and other countries

Combining a holiday in Dubai with visits to other countries, or perhaps you’re stopping off there on your way to somewhere further afield? Single-trip travel insurance can cover multiple countries as long as:

As you’re heading outside Europe you will need to select worldwide cover.

Several holidays throughout the year

You might save money by selecting an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy.

Travelling with a medical condition

You can get travel insurance with a pre-existing medical condition, but it may be more expensive than a standard policy.

How much is travel insurance for Dubai and the UAE?

The average cost of travel insurance for a single trip to Dubai and UAE is £25.84^ . However, the price you pay will vary depending on factors like your party size and how long you are visiting for.

Traveller(s)

7 day trip

14 day trip

Individual

£22.68^

£35.94^

Couple

£38.29^

£76.75^

Family

£47.04^

£89.19^

Group

£52.81^

N/A

The figures in this table are the averages of the costs paid by MoneySuperMarket customers over the last three months.

Can I get last minute travel insurance for Dubai?

Yes, it is possible to get last-minute travel insurance up to the day of your departure, although not all insurance providers will offer this.

You can buy last minute travel insurance through MoneySuperMarket.

Is it cheaper to buy travel insurance closer to my departure date?

No, it is usually more expensive to buy travel insurance last-minute.

If possible you should buy your holiday insurance as soon as you book your trip. That way you'll be covered if you have to cancel your Dubai and the UAE holiday.

What should my travel insurance policy for Dubai and the UAE include?

Standard travel insurance will usually cover:

  • Illness and accidents

  • Trip and activity cancellations

  • Lost luggage (including your passport)

  • Theft

  • Repatriation (bringing you home if you are seriously injured, ill or dead)

  • Personal liability (you are responsible for accidentally harming someone or their property)

🚩 Different travel insurance policies have different inclusions and exclusions. You should always read your documents and check what you're covered for.

What isn’t covered by travel insurance to Dubai and the UAE?

Typical exclusions include:

  • Undeclared pre-existing medical conditions

  • 'Unforeseeable' disasters including terrorism, war, strikes and natural disasters

  • Alcohol and drug-related incidents

  • Travel to areas advised against by the government (found on the FCDO website)

  • Adventure or winter sports

💡 Top tip: You can upgrade your insurance to include add-ons like winter sports, adventure sports, gadget cover and travel disruption cover.

Medical care in Dubai and the UAE

There is a high-quality healthcare system in Dubai and the rest of the UAE with both private and public hospitals. Tourists who need medical treatment while on holiday in Dubai and the UAE will be charged though.

That’s why it’s especially important to have travel insurance otherwise you will be left to pay the cost of your treatment.

If you have a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) it won’t be valid as Dubai and the UAE are not included in the scheme.

Did you know? According to ABTA, one in four UK holidaymakers travels abroad without travel insurance. This could be a risky move in destinations like Dubai, where healthcare is private and costs can quickly run into the thousands, meaning even a minor medical issue could become very expensive without proper cover.

Can I get travel insurance for Dubai and the UAE if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

Yes, you can get travel insurance cover with a pre-existing medical condition, but it may be more expensive than a standard policy.

A pre-existing condition is any medical issue for which you had symptoms, medication, medical advice, treatment, or tests before you took out your insurance policy. It includes mental health conditions and disabilities.

You must disclose all pre-existing medical conditions. If you don't, your insurer can refuse to pay out for a claim.

You can buy medical travel insurance through MoneySuperMarket.

Do I need vaccinations to visit Dubai and the UAE?

The NHS Fit for Travel website recommends that your regular vaccinations are up to date before you travel to Dubai and the UAE, including your flu and Covid-19vaccines if you are eligible for these.

A course or booster of Tetanus is usually advised and other vaccines which can be taken include diphtheria and Hepatitis A.

🚩 Vaccination recommendations may be different for individuals with specific health conditions. We recommend speaking to your doctor before travelling.

Do I need a visa to visit Dubai and the UAE?

If you are a UK passport holder you will be given a free tourist visa when you arrive, which you do not need to arrange in advance. The visa is stamped in your passport and it is usually valid for up to 40 days.

🚩 Visa requirements for a country can change. For the most up-to-date information, check the UK government’s foreign travel advice website.

What travel insurance do I need for a desert safari trip in Dubai?

You may need to have cover for extreme sports if you’re planning a trip out on the sand dunes. The type of cover you need will depend on what your trip includes, if it’s on a quad bike for example or if you’ll be driving another type of vehicle.

You may not be covered under a standard travel insurance policy. You may be able to add extreme sports cover to your existing travel insurance for a fee.

What travel insurance do I need for jet skiing in Dubai?

You may need to have adventure sports cover. Standard travel insurance policies often will usually cover jet skiing – or other water sports such as kayaking.

How to claim on my travel insurance?

  • Report the incident you want to claim for to your insurer as soon as possible

  • If something is stolen, report it to the local police within 24 hours and get a report

  • Keep records of what has happened, including photos or videos and the contact details of anyone involved

➡️ Learn more: How to make a claim on your travel insurance.

Where can I get cheap travel insurance for Dubai and UAE?

With MoneySuperMarket you can compare quotes from up to 42 different travel insurers, helping you find the best price for the level of cover you want.

Plus, we offer our travel insurance customers rewards! Get a voucher worth up to £5^ , a Free Days Out pass worth £180, and much more.

Just sign up to our free SuperSaveClub^ before you buy your travel policy.

💡 Top tip: Looking for travel insurance for another destination? Check out our travel insurance destination guide hub.

Author

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Rebecca Goodman

Personal Finance & Insurance Expert

Rebecca is an award-winning financial journalist with over a decade of experience writing for print and online media. Her mission is to take the jargon out of personal finance and to help everyone...

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Reviewer

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Collette Shackleton

Content Writer

Collette Shackleton is a highly skilled Content Writer who has over nine years’ experience creating helpful and engaging personal finance content for consumers. Collette shares her experience as a...

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Data based on the average price of travel insurance sold through MoneySuperMarket to Uae in 2026.

Source: Association of British Insurers (ABI), 2025. '‘Eight to Embark’ – the ABI shares top travel insurance tips as claims data highlights importance of cover' https://www.abi.org.uk/news/news-articles/2025/8/eight-to-embark-travel-insurance-tips/

Source: Association of British Insurers (ABI), 2025. '‘Eight to Embark’ – the ABI shares top travel insurance tips as claims data highlights importance of cover' https://www.abi.org.uk/news/news-articles/2025/8/eight-to-embark-travel-insurance-tips/

Data based on the minimum price of travel insurance sold through MoneySuperMarket to Uae in 2026. Prices vary based on your personal details & circumstances.

Data based on the median price of travel insurance sold through MoneySuperMarket to Uae in June 2026.

The median premiums, for a single trip cover for 7 days where no travellers have pre-existing medical conditions and where the destination was UAE and the party type was One person. Using Moneysupermarket policies sold between March 2026 and May 2026

The median premiums, for a single trip cover for 14 days where no travellers have pre-existing medical conditions and where the destination was UAE and the party type was One person. Using Moneysupermarket policies sold between March 2026 and May 2026

The median premiums, for a single trip cover for 7 days where no travellers have pre-existing medical conditions and where the destination was UAE and the party type was A couple. Using Moneysupermarket policies sold between March 2026 and May 2026

The median premiums, for a single trip cover for 14 days where no travellers have pre-existing medical conditions and where the destination was UAE and the party type was A couple. Using Moneysupermarket policies sold between March 2026 and May 2026

The median premiums, for a single trip cover for 7 days where no travellers have pre-existing medical conditions and where the destination was UAE and the party type was A family. Using Moneysupermarket policies sold between March 2026 and May 2026

The median premiums, for a single trip cover for 14 days where no travellers have pre-existing medical conditions and where the destination was UAE and the party type was A family. Using Moneysupermarket policies sold between March 2026 and May 2026

The median premiums, for a single trip cover for 7 days where no travellers have pre-existing medical conditions and where the destination was UAE and the party type was A group. Using Moneysupermarket policies sold between March 2026 and May 2026

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SuperSaveClub restrictions and T&Cs apply. Click here for details.