How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost in the UAE?

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost in the UAE?

Travel insurance in the UAE starts from AED 30 for a Schengen-compliant plan and from AED 70 for broader international cover. Annual multi-trip policies, which cover unlimited trips over 12 months, start from AED 245. All plans mentioned here are issued by AXA and are available through Travl's travel insurance plans for UAE residents. The exact price you pay depends on your destination, trip duration, your age, and the type of cover you need.

What are the different travel insurance plans and their prices?

There are four main types of travel insurance available to UAE residents, each priced according to the scope of cover.

• Schengen Visa Insurance — from AED 30: Meets the EUR 30,000 minimum medical coverage required by all Schengen embassies. Accepted by VFS Global and BLS International. Covers medical emergencies, hospitalisation, and repatriation. This is the minimum you need if you are applying for a Schengen visa from the UAE.
• Single Trip Insurance — from AED 30: Covers one journey between specific travel dates. Schengen-compliant and issued by AXA. Suited for travellers who take one or two trips a year.
• International Travel Insurance — from AED 70: Worldwide coverage with EUR 80,000 or more in medical cover. Includes trip cancellation, baggage loss, and flight delay benefits. A stronger option if you are travelling outside Europe or want higher protection.
• Annual Multi-Trip Insurance — from AED 245: A 12-month policy covering unlimited trips. The most cost-effective choice if you travel more than three or four times a year. No need to buy a new policy for each trip.

What factors affect the cost of travel insurance in the UAE?

The starting prices above are the lowest available rates. Your actual premium will depend on several variables.

Destination

Travel to the United States, Canada, or Australia generally costs more to insure than travel within Europe or Asia. Medical costs in those countries are significantly higher, which is reflected in the premium.

Trip duration

A two-week trip costs more to insure than a five-day trip. Longer trips increase the window of potential risk, so premiums are calculated per day or per band of days.

Age of the traveller

Older travellers typically pay more because of the higher statistical likelihood of a medical claim. If you are buying a family policy, the age of the oldest traveller usually determines the base rate.

Coverage level

A basic plan covering medical emergencies will cost less than a comprehensive plan that also includes trip cancellation, missed connections, and baggage loss. Choose the level that matches your actual travel risk.

Is travel insurance mandatory for a Schengen visa from the UAE?

Yes. Every Schengen visa applicant must submit travel insurance with a minimum of EUR 30,000 in medical coverage, valid for the entire Schengen zone and the full duration of the trip. Without it, your visa application will be rejected. The Schengen visa insurance plan from Travl starts at AED 30 and meets all embassy requirements. It is issued by AXA and accepted by VFS Global and BLS International.

If you are still preparing your visa documents, you will also need a confirmed flight itinerary. Buying a real ticket before your visa is approved is a financial risk — a verified flight reservation from Dummy Ticket 365 gives you a valid PNR code accepted by embassies, starting from USD 13, without committing to a paid ticket. You can read more about this in our post on why buying a real ticket before your visa is approved is a risky move.

Is annual multi-trip insurance worth it for frequent travellers?

If you travel more than three times a year, an annual multi-trip policy at AED 245 is almost certainly cheaper than buying separate single trip policies each time. A single trip Schengen policy at AED 30 per trip adds up to AED 90 for three trips — and the annual policy covers far more, including international destinations and higher medical limits.

Frequent travellers, business travellers, and UAE expats who visit their home countries multiple times a year will find the annual multi-trip insurance plan the most practical and economical option.

Do UAE residents need travel insurance for every destination?

Travel insurance is legally required only for Schengen visa applications. However, it is strongly advisable for any international trip. The UAE government and major airlines recommend it, and the cost of a medical emergency abroad — even in countries with relatively affordable healthcare — can run into tens of thousands of dirhams.

For travel outside Europe, the international travel insurance plan provides EUR 80,000 or more in medical cover, plus trip cancellation and baggage protection. For medical-focused cover including COVID-19 treatment abroad, the travel medical insurance plan is a direct option.

If you have questions about which plan suits your trip, the Travl FAQ page covers common queries on insurance requirements and coverage. You can also read our detailed post on Schengen visa travel insurance requirements for a full breakdown of what embassies expect.

How do you buy travel insurance in the UAE?

You can get a quote and buy a policy entirely online through Travl in minutes. Select your destination, travel dates, and number of travellers, compare plans, and pay securely. Your policy document is emailed to you immediately, ready to submit with your visa application or carry on your trip. Visit the Travl travel insurance hub to compare all available plans and get your quote.