Do you need travel insurance for Dubai and the UAE?
Whether you’re visiting dazzling Dubai or culture-packed Abu Dhabi, a holiday to the UAE is vibrant and unique. However, costs can quickly escalate if something goes wrong. Travel insurance for Dubai and the UAE can cover costs for emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation, legal costs, and lost or stolen baggage.
- Dubai is the most expensive city in the Middle East and 15th worldwide. Without insurance, emergency treatment or extended stays can leave you paying huge bills. In some cases, you may even be refused care without insurance or proof of funds. One holidaymaker from Northern Ireland reportedly faced a bill of up to £1 million (over €1.15 million) for a liver transplant in Dubai after falling ill without cover.
- If you have a pre-existing medical condition, the heat, sand and dust in the UAE could make it worse. The World Health Organisation warns that heat stress is a leading weather-related killer and can aggravate underlying illnesses. That’s another reason to make sure you’re covered.
- At the time of writing, most Irish citizens can get a visa on arrival in the UAE. However, in some cases, you may need proof of travel insurance to secure a visa in advance.
How much does travel insurance for Dubai and the UAE cost?
Insurance for travel to Dubai and the UAE is covered under our worldwide policies. These tend to cost more than a policy for Europe, where emergency medical care would be cheaper or covered by your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Healthcare in the UAE can cost more than in other countries, so this will impact your quote. However, if you do not have Dubai travel insurance, you may be refused treatment or have to prove you have the money to fund your care. Travel knowing you're covered, it's that simple.
We tailor your quote to you and your trip. Factors that impact the price include:
- Your pre-existing medical conditions and age: If you’re older or have a medical condition, you’re more likely to need emergency medical care. So your quote is likely to be higher.
- How long you’re going away for: A month-long trip to visit family and explore will carry more risks than a four-night break in the sun.
- What you plan to get up to: Heading to the desert to try an extreme sport? Or visiting one of the largest indoor ski resorts in the world? While our holiday insurance for Dubai includes 100 activities as standard, we offer extra cover if you’re doing something that’s not included. Plus, if you’re one of many visiting Dubai for a golf holiday or on a cruise, we have extra cover for you too.
Do I need a visa to travel to Dubai from Ireland?
According to The United Arab Emirates' Government website, most Irish passport holders should be able to get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival. You should make sure you have at least 6 months’ validity remaining on your passport.
You may be wondering if you need travel insurance for the Dubai tourist visa. For Irish passport holders arriving with a visa on arrival, it is not currently mandatory³. However, if you apply for a visa in advance, you might need to show proof of travel insurance. Always check the latest entry rules before you travel, since these can change.
Even when travel insurance isn’t required, having cover is wise. Medical treatment can be costly in the UAE, and if something unexpected happens, a good travel policy can help protect you. We offer up to unlimited cover for emergency medical expenses and up to €10,000 cancellation cover for certain reasons detailed in our Policy Wording.
What does JustCover’s travel insurance for Dubai and the UAE cover?
Our travel insurance will help if you face a medical emergency while away, or need personal liability or legal protection cover. It’s important to always read our Policy Wording to understand what is and isn’t covered.
What's covered
Emergency medical expenses and repatriation costs – This includes the costs of tests, medications and procedures necessary to treat an illness or injury while abroad. You’ll also be covered for repatriation, making sure you return safely to Ireland.
Cancellation – Cover for flight and accommodation costs if an unexpected event means you have to cancel your trip before you go.
Curtailment – Cover if you need to cut your trip short and return home early following an emergency.
Travel delays – If your flight is delayed, we’ll compensate you for the time.
Personal belongings – You’ll be covered if your baggage or its contents are lost or stolen.
Personal liability – Cover for your legal expenses and any liability due if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while you’re away on holiday.
Legal protection cover – Provides cover for your legal expenses if you have to claim compensation or damages due to something that happened while you were away on holiday.
What's not covered
Claims below the value of the excess – This is dependent on your policy level.
Trips outside the region of cover – If you go somewhere not covered in your policy documents.
Known events or circumstances – Claims related to problems that you knew about before booking the trip or buying the travel insurance are not covered.
Medical conditions you don’t declare – You need to declare all of your pre-existing medical conditions.
Choosing not to travel – We know that sometimes plans change, but you’re only covered for cancellation where the reason falls within the policy terms and conditions.
Travelling against medical or government advice – We can’t cover you if you’ve been told not to go by a doctor or your medical team, or if you’re going away for treatment. We also can’t offer you a policy if the Department of Foreign Affairs has advised against all but essential travel to a destination.
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We offer different levels of cover to make your Travel Insurance as cost-effective as possible.
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Will the EHIC cover me for my trip to Dubai?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives you access to certain state emergency medical care in some countries. But these are mainly in the EU/EAA and do not include Dubai. You’ll need to buy insurance for travel to Dubai and the UAE if you’re holidaying there. Otherwise, you could face emergency medical costs from your own pocket.
Find the best travel insurance for Dubai and the UAE
Whether you’re a regular holidaymaker or going on your one holiday of the year, we have a Dubai travel insurance policy for you. We help you take off with confidence, knowing you’ve made the smart choice:
Is Dubai your big trip of the year? Tailor your policy to you and your holiday. You can even add extra cover if you’re planning a golf holiday or extreme sports.
Annual multi-trip travel insurance
Going away more than once? You could save time and money with an annual policy. Whether you’re returning to Dubai or visiting somewhere else⁴.
Why choose JustCover for your Dubai travel insurance?
Go away knowing you’re protected with travel insurance for Dubai and the UAE from JustCover. From helping with emergency medical bills to giving you legal protection cover if you need it. Go away knowing you’re covered:
- 98% of our customers would recommend JustCover to family and friends⁵
- 95% of our customers rated their overall experience as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Great’⁶
- Get up to €10,000 cancellation cover⁷
- Plus up to unlimited cover for emergency medical expenses and repatriation
- Optional cover available for extreme sports, golf holidays, cruises and gadgets
When is the best time to buy holiday insurance for Dubai?
With the city being one of the most expensive in the world, trips to Dubai can be pricey. Protect your trip with holiday insurance for Dubai and the UAE. You’ll be covered for cancellation for certain reasons from the moment you buy your policy. Meaning if you get called up for jury duty or made redundant unexpectedly before your holiday, you’ll be protected.
If you’re going away on a last-minute trip, you can buy your policy right up to the day you travel. As long as you haven’t gone through customs at the airport in Ireland yet. We cannot offer you Dubai travel insurance if you’re already in the UAE or elsewhere on your holiday. See our Policy Wording for more details.
What to do before travelling to Dubai and the UAE
There are some important things you need to do before you go on your holiday. From checking if you need a visa, to buying holiday insurance for Dubai and the UAE:
- Check your passport and any visa requirements. You’ll need at least 6 months remaining on your passport. Most Irish passport holders at the time of writing can get a tourist visa on arrival. However, it’s important to check any requirements and whether this is the case for you.
- Contact your bank. Let them know you’re travelling so they don’t freeze any of your cards. Make sure you understand any charges for using them abroad and have backup options if anything is lost or stolen.
- Get travel Insurance for Dubai and the UAE. Look for a policy that includes emergency medical expenses, unexpected cancellation, your belongings and legal protection. Make sure you declare any pre-existing medical conditions you have; otherwise, you may invalidate your policy. Speak to your doctor or medical team to make sure you’re fit to travel.
- Check for travel warnings. The Department of Foreign Affairs has all the latest information on safety and security across the world. Please note: we cannot offer you travel insurance if the Department of Foreign Affairs advises against all but essential travel to your destination.
- Read up on any medication you plan to take with you. The UAE has strict rules on medicines and doesn’t allow some prescription and over-the-counter medicines into the country. Check anything you plan to take with you before you go.
Specialist travel insurance for Dubai and the UAE
Travel insurance for Dubai and the UAE is a trip essential. Tailor it to you and your holiday using our specialist policies. From cruise protection to travel insurance for those with medical conditions:
Many standard travel insurance providers have an age limit. At JustCover, we don’t, because we think everyone deserves to enjoy their holiday.
Travel insurance with medical conditions
We’ll consider more than 1300 pre-existing medical conditions, including diabetes, heart conditions and COPD.
Get everyone insured on the same policy. You’ll all be covered if something goes wrong, from the grandkids to the grandparents.
Lucky enough to be visiting Dubai on a cruise? Get extra protection for the unique issues you might face, from cabin confinement to missed excursions and more.
Dubai travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, the heat, sand and dust may aggravate your symptoms in the UAE. Emergency medical care can be expensive, and you might be refused treatment if you can’t prove that you can pay. Travel insurance for Dubai and the UAE is essential if you have a pre-existing condition.
As a specialist provider, we’ll consider more than 1,300 conditions. Just make sure you declare them in our medical questionnaire. Conditions we can cover include:
- Diabetes
- Heart conditions
- COPD
- High cholesterol
- Asthma
- Stroke
- Arthritis
- Disabilities
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
What's the standard of healthcare in the UAE?
Healthcare in the UAE is often of a high standard. However, only UAE residents have access to free healthcare. Visitors and expats must pay for emergency medical treatment, which can quickly become very expensive. You may be refused treatment unless you can show proof of Dubai travel insurance or demonstrate that you can pay for your care upfront. For these reasons, it’s really important to buy travel insurance for Dubai and the UAE.
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Expert travel insurance recommendations from our team
"From relaxing by the pool to adventures in the desert, a holiday to Dubai or the UAE can be vibrant and diverse. However, if something goes wrong, costs can quickly build up. Without travel insurance for Dubai and the UAE, you could face high bills from your own pocket or even be refused emergency medical care. With JustCover, you can buy a policy online in minutes. No hassle, no stress."
Peter Clark - JustCover Director
What our customers say
“Had the pleasure of dealing with Mark in relation to the purchase of my travel insurance. He was very informative and clear with what the policy covered, and offered me the best choice for my needs. I am very grateful for his assistance and would highly recommend JustCover for travel insurance.”
see full reviewDubai and UAE travel insurance tips and recommendations
Dubai and the UAE are fascinating places to visit. However, there are many local rules, laws and customs that you need to be aware of. As well as important ways to prepare for your trip:
- Respect the culture and laws. Make sure you research this before you go. Traditional Islamic values are still at the heart of life in the UAE, and there are strict rules and laws. Being drunk in public, public displays of affection and sharing a hotel room when you’re not married are all illegal, as well as taking photos of people without permission.
- Understand the currency and tipping. The United Arab Emirates dirham (AED) is the currency you’ll be paying in. Tipping in Dubai and the UAE is a matter of personal preference, although it’s gratefully accepted for good service.
- Check your vaccinations. Check with the HSE or your local travel clinic whether you need any vaccinations or boosters. You should also speak to your doctor to check that you’re fit to travel and for any advice for your trip. This is especially important if you need travel health insurance.
- Follow rules when visiting places of worship. Dress and act modestly, researching what you should wear and do before you visit. Women will need to cover their hair. Follow any rules or signs regarding photography; many places prohibit it.
- Buy travel insurance for Dubai and the UAE. Make sure you declare any pre-existing medical conditions and answer our medical questionnaire accurately. Otherwise, you may risk invalidating your policy.
What are the travel risks associated with the UAE?
You may be wondering whether Dubai and the UAE are safe to visit. There are a number of factors to consider, including:
- Crime. Rates are relatively low in the UAE and Dubai due to strict laws. However, you should still remain vigilant as a tourist and potential target of pickpocketing and other crimes. You should also be careful not to accidentally break any local laws yourself.
- Walking alone after dark. The UAE is considered safer than many places in terms of crime. However, you should still carefully consider whether you walk alone at night. Remember, as a tourist, you won’t know the area as well as locals and may be a target for any crimes.
- Political and geographical conflicts. At the time of writing, the Department of Foreign Affairs advises “that Irish citizens exercise a high degree of caution” when travelling to the UAE. It’s important to check the department’s website frequently before your trip for any advice and changes. Remember, we cannot offer you a policy if the Department of Foreign Affairs advises against all but essential travel.
- Hot weather. Take precautions in the sun and plan plenty of breaks from the heat. Consider how the heat, sand or dust may impact any pre-existing medical conditions.
Frequently asked questions about travel insurance for Dubai and the UAE
Is travelling to Dubai safe?
Crime rates are relatively low in Dubai due to strict laws. However, you could still be a target of crime as a tourist. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions. The Department of Foreign Affairs offers lots of information to help you prepare for your trip.
Is healthcare free in the UAE?
UAE residents have access to some free healthcare services, but you won’t be able to use these as an Irish tourist. If you need emergency medical care, you may need to prove that you have travel insurance for Dubai and the UAE. Otherwise, you’ll need to show you have the money to pay in advance.
Where is the UAE for travel insurance?
The UAE is covered in our worldwide policies. We offer these as single trip travel insurance, as well as annual multi-trip cover. If you’re going away more than once this year, you might be able to save time and money with an annual policy. Our team is happy to help you find the right policy for you.
Will I be covered for my golf trip in Dubai?
Our standard travel insurance policies offer some protection for your golf holiday. Read our Policy Wording for full details of what is included and excluded. We also offer optional extra cover for golf holidays. This provides protection both on and off the course. Whether you’re injured and lose out on green fees, or face a big bar bill after a hole-in-one.
Can I buy alcohol in Dubai?
Tourists are only able to buy and drink alcohol in licensed venues in Dubai. It is illegal to drink alcohol or be drunk in public. Residents can only drink alcohol in their homes if they have a permit. Read up about the strict local laws in Dubai and the UAE before you go, as there are many rules to be aware of.
Can I get cover for desert safaris in Dubai?
Yes – desert safaris are covered as standard with JustCover travel insurance. You’ll be protected for personal accident and emergency medical expenses if something unexpected happens while taking part in a desert safari, as long as:
- You're not taking part professionally (i.e. you're not being paid or sponsored).
- You’re not racing or competing.
- You’re adequately supervised and taking part in an organised event, session or excursion.
There’s no need to purchase an add-on to be covered for this activity. Just make sure to check your Policy Wording for any conditions or exclusions that may apply.
If you’ve booked a desert safari in advance, we also offer cancellation cover for prepaid tours and activities, subject to terms.
How long will my travel insurance allow me to stay in Dubai?
You can buy insurance for travel to Dubai and the UAE for up to 365 days. Just let us know your plans when getting your quote. However, you should make sure you can get a visa on arrival or in advance for the length of the trip you wish to take. There are limitations on how long you can stay, depending on the passport that you have and other requirements. Visit the UAE website for more information.
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2. Based on 2,000+ Trustpilot responses, as of 12/05/2025.
3. Correct as of September 2025.4. Up to a maximum of 183 days of travel per year.
5. Based on 128 responses, correct as of 27/08/2025.
6. Based on 128 responses, post-purchase survey August 2025.
7. Covers cancellation for certain reasons outside of your control and detailed in our Policy Wording. Amount of cover depends on the policy level you have purchased. Read our Policy Wording for full exclusions and Ts&Cs.
* Discount applies to the base price only and does not apply to any premium generated to cover medical conditions or optional extras. This discount is automatically applied and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Discount tiers of 5% for premiums between €0-49, 10% for €50-249, & 20% for €250+ apply. Offer ends at 23:59 on 30/09/25. T&C's apply.