Travel insurance urged as UAE travellers prepare for summer peak
UAE travel agencies urge travellers to buy travel insurance ahead of the summer peak, citing broader coverage, low premiums and a 30% rise in searches and purchases.
Authorities and travel industry executives in the UAE are advising residents and citizens to include travel insurance in their summer trip plans as the peak season approaches. Travel insurance is being framed not as an optional add-on but as an essential element of responsible trip planning, offering financial and medical protection against a range of unexpected events. Agency representatives said disruptions such as flight cancellations, lost baggage, sudden illness abroad and extreme weather make insurance increasingly necessary for safe travel.
Travel insurance urged as summer peak nears
Travel agents and tour operators told reporters that the coming weeks mark the height of the summer travel rush, and demand for travel insurance is rising accordingly. They said the protection provided by comprehensive policies can prevent travellers from facing large out-of-pocket bills in emergency situations. Industry voices emphasized that even travellers who enjoy visa-free access to many countries—such as some UAE passport holders—should not assume they are exempt from the financial risks of travel.
Low premiums can avert high out-of-pocket costs
Executives at local travel companies noted that the cost of a travel insurance policy is often modest compared with potential medical bills or emergency evacuation expenses overseas. Narouz Sarkis, general manager of Balhasa Tourism, explained that hospital stays or even routine procedures in some destinations can run into thousands of dollars. He added that well-structured travel insurance can cover hospitalisation, surgery and medical repatriation, protecting travellers from steep unexpected costs.
Policies now cover delays, baggage and adventure activities
Insurance providers and travel managers highlighted that modern travel policies extend far beyond basic medical cover. Alaa Al Ali, managing director of Nirvana Travel, said current policies commonly include medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation or curtailment, flight delays, and baggage loss or delay. He also noted that many insurers now offer optional add-ons for higher-risk activities—such as mountain trekking, winter sports or scuba diving—so travellers planning adventure tourism can secure appropriate cover.
Tour operators include insurance in packages but uptake varies
Several tour operators reported that travel insurance is increasingly packaged with tours and flight-hotel bundles, yet a sizeable portion of customers still ask to remove it. Agencies said they include insurance within all-inclusive offers to encourage uptake, but client resistance often stems from misconceptions about cost or the belief that their credit-card benefits are sufficient. Travel firms urged customers to compare coverage limits and exclusions before opting out or relying solely on credit-card protections.
Visa requirements and destination risks shape demand
Industry executives pointed out that visa rules remain a key factor in travel insurance uptake, as several countries still require proof of valid travel insurance for visa issuance. Hessa Al Harthi, head of institutional and leisure services at Dubai Global Travels, said the ease of visa-free travel for many UAE nationals may prompt some to travel without insurance, but that practice carries risks. She advised passengers to base insurance choices on destination healthcare costs, trip length and planned activities rather than visa status alone.
Data shows rising interest but misconceptions persist
Insurers reported measurable increases in both searches for and purchases of travel insurance so far this year. Toshita Chouhan, chief executive for business at Policy Bazaar, said searches for travel insurance climbed by about 30 percent from the start of 2026 compared with the same period last year, and sales rose by a similar proportion. Chouhan identified three recurring reasons for low uptake: the belief that nothing will go wrong, perceptions that insurance is expensive or cumbersome to buy, and overreliance on credit-card benefits that may not provide adequate cover.
When assessing policy design, Chouhan outlined the four core categories most comprehensive travel insurance documents address: emergency medical treatment and hospital costs, trip cancellations and curtailments, baggage loss or theft, and compensation for lengthy flight delays. She stressed that many documents also include assistance services such as emergency evacuations and coverage for lost travel documents.
Practical advice for travellers comparing policies
Travel specialists recommended that travellers read terms carefully and match coverage to trip specifics before purchasing a policy. Key considerations include maximum medical limits, sub-limits for baggage, the policy’s treatment of pre-existing conditions, and whether evacuation or repatriation is included. Agents also urged buyers to check exclusions for adventure sports, the required waiting periods for certain benefits, and claims procedures to avoid surprises when filing a claim.
Comparing policies across multiple insurers and asking for written clarifications on unclear clauses can help travellers select appropriate cover without overpaying. Industry contacts suggested buying a policy at the time of booking to secure cancellation protection and to ensure immediate coverage against common disruptions.
Travel insurance is increasingly being framed by UAE travel professionals as a fundamental safeguard for the summer season rather than a discretionary purchase. As demand rises and policy features broaden, agents encourage travellers to prioritise protection that aligns with destination risks, trip length and planned activities to ensure smoother and safer journeys.
