Travelers to the UAE are advised by the Indian Embassy to purchase medical travel insurance.
Following allegations of exorbitant medical expenses, the Indian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates has encouraged travelers heading to the country to purchase sufficient medical insurance that covers emergency care and repatriation.
Indian foreign missions have reported examples of patients with unmanageable hospital bills, prompting Indian nationals visiting or residing in the United Arab Emirates to verify their health insurance coverage.
On October 27, 2026, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Indian Consulate General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates sent a warning, advising Indians to make sure they had sufficient medical travel insurance.
What Indian Travelers Should Know
Both tourists and Indians living in the UAE are subject to the warning.
Visitors and tourists: Indian nationals visiting or vacationing in the United Arab Emirates should have the necessary health insurance before leaving.
Emergency repatriation: Should an unanticipated medical emergency need it, policies ought to pay for medical evacuation or repatriation to India.
Indian residents: If you are an Indian living in the United Arab Emirates on a work visa or as a dependent, you should find out if your current insurance covers medical costs and go back to India.
The missions said that they had heard of Indians experiencing medical emergencies and unanticipated diseases that led in expenditures that patients or their families could not afford.
Prior to your trip to the United Arab Emirates, compare travel insurance plans.
Five top travel insurance plans that cover emergency medical care, evacuation, and repatriation are available for Indian travelers to compare. Examine premiums, restrictions, and coverage limits before selecting a policy for your trip to the United Arab Emirates.
Why Indian Travelers Should Pay Attention to This
In the United Arab Emirates, medical care can very costly, especially if hospitalization or emergency care are needed. Even if travelers already have insurance, a policy with limited coverage may result in significant out-of-pocket expenses.
The important thing to remember is that having a policy is insufficient. Before flying from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Hyderabad to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, Indian travelers should review the coverage limitations, emergency treatment provisions, and repatriation benefits.
Travunited Perspective:
We advise Indian tourists to consider health insurance as a crucial component of their trip preparation to the United Arab Emirates. To prevent unforeseen expenses and financial strain, confirm emergency care limitations and repatriation coverage prior to travel.
