For UAE residents, buying travel insurance online is the best option. Online purchases make it easier to compare policies and select a plan in minutes. But even if you’re looking for travel insurance Dubai options online, consider a few things. Compare premiums and check what the policy actually covers, including its limits, exclusions, destination restrictions, and claim requirements.
What to Check Before Buying Travel Insurance Online?
Medical Coverage Limit
Check what’s included for emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, doctor consultations, and medical evacuation or repatriation. The right amount of coverage depends on your destination and the cost of healthcare in the country you’re visiting.
Destination and Geographical Coverage
Check if your destination is included in the policy. Some policies cover a single country. Others cover a region, such as the Schengen zone, where you don’t need to buy separate policies for each Schengen country. Some may offer coverage across the globe, except in sanctioned countries.
Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits
Check the terms associated with trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage. Both can happen due to several reasons. But importantly, cancellation coverage applies only to the reasons listed in your policy, and not because you’ve changed your mind.
Flight Delay, Missed Connection and Travel Disruption
Travel insurance plans also cover flight delays, missed connections, accommodation compensation, meals, and other essential expenses caused by disruption. Check their coverage limits as they vary from one insurer to another.
Baggage and Personal Belongings Coverage
Lost personal belongings, such as your passport, cash, and other documents, and delayed baggage are included in travel insurance Dubai. However, the coverage terms, limits, and exclusions are subject to certain terms and conditions. Check the maximum baggage compensation, any per-item limits, and how lost, stolen, or delayed baggage claims need to be made.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Some travel insurance Dubai plans may cover pre-existing conditions, but they often include this as an add-on. If your policy covers pre-existing conditions, declare them at the time of buying. Also, note that not all pre-existing conditions are covered. Confirm the coverage with your insurer.
Policy Exclusions
Some circumstances are not covered by travel insurers. These generally include adventure or sports activities (unless an add-on is available), alcohol-related incidents, unattended belongings, a few destinations, and more. Always read the policy wording to know the list of exclusions in your policy.
Claim Process and Emergency Assistance
The claim process in travel insurance varies as per different situations. This means that the medical claims are different from travel inconvenience-related claims. Check which documents are necessary, their claim processes, and the deadlines for filing claims. Also, see whether the insurer offers 24/7 assistance and what emergency contact numbers are provided.
Policy Validity and Purchase Timing
Confirm that the start and end dates of your trip match your policy validity. Also, you may need to buy a plan within a certain timeframe for visa application purposes. Make sure you know the requirements of the country you’re travelling to.
Is Buying Travel Insurance Online Safe in the UAE?
Yes, buying travel insurance online is completely safe and secure, as long as you buy from a trusted insurer or an insurance aggregator. Verify the market presence of the platform and read customer reviews and testimonials before buying.
How to Compare Travel Insurance Dubai Options
- Medical cover: Look for maximum benefit
- Coverage: Consider the coverage limits and conditions
- Cancellation: Know the reasons for which the cancellation is covered
- Baggage: Know limits and exclusions in case of lost or delayed baggage
- Destination: Check the geographical scope of coverage
- Deductible: The amount you have to contribute outside the policy coverage amount
- Exclusions: Know which situations are not covered
- Claims: Stay updated with the claims processes and deadlines for filing claims
Which Documents Should You Keep After Buying Travel Insurance Online?
Once you’ve bought travel insurance online, keep the following with you: a soft copy of your insurance document, emergency assistance details, the claim form or instructions, your flight and accommodation booking documents and receipts, and any relevant medical records.
