Indians travelling to UAE urged to secure adequate medical insurance

The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai and the Northern Emirates have urged Indian residents and tourists in the UAE to ensure they have adequate medical insurance.

The advisory highlights the financial risks associated with unexpected illnesses and medical emergencies, which can leave patients and their families facing substantial hospital bills if their insurance coverage is insufficient.

In an advisory shared on X on Tuesday, the Indian missions said they had received several reports of Indian nationals facing medical emergencies that resulted in medical expenses beyond their financial capacity because of inadequate insurance coverage.

Tourists Urged to Purchase Medical Insurance Before Travelling

The Indian missions have advised Indian nationals travelling to the UAE for tourism or visits to purchase appropriate medical insurance before starting their journey.

The advisory stated that insurance policies should ideally include cashless medical facilities and cover the cost of medical repatriation to India in the event of an unforeseen medical emergency.

The missions said:

“All Indian nationals who are travelling to UAE for visit or tourism purposes are hereby advised to take adequate and appropriate medical insurance, prior to commencement of their journey, which also covers cashless facilities including the cost of medical repatriation to India in the event of unforeseen medical emergency.”

Indian Residents in the UAE Asked to Review Existing Policies

The advisory also applies to Indian nationals already living in the UAE on employment visas or as dependents.

The missions have urged residents to verify whether their existing medical insurance policies provide sufficient coverage for healthcare expenses in the country, including the cost of medical repatriation to India if necessary.

The advisory added:

“Indians residing in UAE on employment visa or as dependents are advised to verify that their medical insurance is adequate to cover all medical expenses in UAE and medical repatriation to India.”

What Should Indians Check Before Travelling to the UAE?

The advisory underlines the importance of understanding insurance coverage before travelling to the UAE or relying on an existing policy.

Indian tourists and residents should check the following points:

Emergency medical coverage: Confirm that the policy covers unexpected illnesses, accidents and emergency treatment.

Cashless facilities: Check whether the insurer offers cashless treatment at eligible hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Medical repatriation: Verify whether the policy covers the cost of returning to India for medical reasons when required.

Coverage limits: Review the maximum amount the insurer will pay for hospitalisation and other medical expenses.

Policy exclusions: Understand which treatments, conditions or services the insurance policy does not cover.

Why Adequate Medical Insurance Matters in the UAE

Medical emergencies can occur unexpectedly, and treatment costs may place a significant financial burden on individuals and their families.

Through the advisory, the Indian missions have encouraged nationals travelling to or residing in the UAE to review their insurance arrangements and ensure they have appropriate protection against unforeseen medical expenses.

The guidance serves as a reminder to check policy terms carefully before travelling or relying on existing coverage while living in the UAE.