Planning a trip to Dubai or Abu Dhabi? Then travel insurance for UAE should be on your priority packing list. The Consulate General of India in Dubai has asked every Indian visitor to buy adequate medical insurance before the journey.
In this guide, you will learn why the advisory was issued. You will also see what your policy must cover. Finally, we compare 5 popular travel insurers in India, so you can choose with confidence.
List of Topic Covered
Why India issued the UAE medical insurance advisory
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai saw many worrying cases. Indian visitors fell ill or met with an accidents during their trip. However, many of them had little or no medical insurance.
As a result, they faced huge hospital bills. In some cases, the bills were more than the patient or their family could pay. That is why the Consulate General of India in Dubai now advises all visitors and tourists to get insured before they leave India.
What your travel insurance for UAE must cover
The advisory names three things your policy should include which are listed below. Check each one before you pay.
- Medical emergencies: sudden illness or an accident during your stay.
- Cashless treatment: the insurer pays the hospital directly, so you avoid a big upfront bill.
- Medical repatriation: the cost of flying you back to India for further treatment.
In short, a basic plan is not enough. Your cover should handle the full cost of care abroad.
How to choose the best travel insurance in India
Don’t buy on price alone. Instead, check these six points before you choose a plan.
- Enough medical cover. Hospital bills in the UAE are high. So, pick a sum insured in US dollars, not a small rupee amount.
- Cashless hospitals abroad. Make sure the insurer has a cashless network in the UAE.
- Medical repatriation. Confirm the plan pays to bring you back to India if needed.
- Pre-existing diseases. Declare conditions like BP or diabetes honestly. Then check if they are covered.
- Age limit and trip length. Travelling with senior parents? Check the maximum entry age and number of days.
- Claim process and exclusions. Read the policy wording. Also check the 24×7 helpline and claim speed.
Also, get quotes from at least three insurers. This way, you compare cover, not just cost.
Top 5 travel insurance companies in India compared
Each of these insurers is strong in a different area and strongly regulated by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). Therefore, the right choice depends on your age, health and trip. All figures come from each insurer’s official brochure, prospectus or website, checked on 28 October 2026. Click an insurer’s name to see its official document.
| Insurer | Max cover (top plan) | Ages covered | Why people choose it |
| TATA AIG | US$500,000 (Platinum, online quote for UAE) | 3 months to 81+ | UAE, 17 days: ₹619 for US$50,000, ₹739 for US$200,000, ₹1,253 for US$500,000; Super Senior plans for 81+ |
| ICICI Lombard | US$500,000 (Platinum, Gold Plus, Gold) | Up to 85 (Senior: 71–85) | Pre-existing illness extension in every plan; evacuation to India included in medical cover |
| HDFC Ergo | US$1 million | From 91 days | Over 1 lakh cashless hospitals worldwide; evacuation and repatriation covered |
| Bajaj General | US$1 million (Maximum plan) | 6 months to 99 | From about ₹13/day; senior plans up to 99; cashless for bills over US$500 |
| Acko | ₹5 crore | 91 days to 85 | Fully digital; medical evacuation cover up to ₹1 crore |
Note: a brochure may list a higher maximum than you can buy for your trip. For example, Tata AIG's brochure lists a US$1 million plan. However, its UAE quotes offered up to US$500,000 for a 17-day trip and up to US$750,000 for a 32-day trip. So, always check the cover in the actual quote.The list is in no order of rank. Actual premiums change with your age, trip length and destination. So, always confirm the latest details on the insurer's website.
FAQs on travel insurance for UAE
India’s Consulate in Dubai strongly advises it for all visitors and tourists. So, it is wise to buy it before every trip, even a short one.
There is no fixed rule. However, UAE hospital costs are high, so choose cover in US dollars. Then compare the limits across insurers, as shown in the table above.
Some plans do, often as an add-on. For example, ICICI Lombard includes a pre-existing illness extension in every plan. Always declare your conditions to avoid claim rejection.
It is the cost of flying a sick or injured traveller back to India. The advisory asks travellers to make sure their policy covers it.
Yes. For instance, Tata AIG offers plans for travellers aged 81 and above. Check age limits before you buy.
Conclusion: buy travel insurance for UAE before you fly
A medical emergency abroad can wipe out years of savings. Fortunately, a small premium today can protect your family from lakhs in hospital bills.
So, before your next Dubai or Abu Dhabi trip, follow the checklist above. Compare at least three plans, and make sure yours covers cashless treatment and medical repatriation.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and is not a recommendation of any insurer. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. Please read the policy wording carefully before buying.