UAE Travel Insurance Market Overview, 2030

The travel insurance market in the United Arab Emirates has evolved significantly over the past decade, driven by rising tourism, regulatory mandates, and the adoption of digital technologies. Initially, coverage in the UAE was limited to basic accident and medical protections, but it has expanded to encompass comprehensive packages that include medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage loss, accidental death and dismemberment, and optional add-ons such as adventure sports coverage or travel delays. The market has been shaped by various external shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which heightened traveler awareness of health risks and underscored the importance of insurance coverage for medical emergencies and trip disruptions, as well as by natural disasters, airline delays, and geopolitical uncertainties that have reinforced the need for financial protection during travel. Structural growth drivers in the UAE include the increasing number of international visitors, government-mandated insurance requirements for visa applicants and long-term residents, and rising healthcare costs abroad, all of which incentivize comprehensive coverage. Digitalization has transformed the way policies are distributed, with online platforms, insurer websites, and mobile applications enabling travelers to compare policies, customize coverage, purchase insurance instantly, and file claims seamlessly. Offline channels such as brokers, travel agencies, and insurance agents continue to play a key role, particularly for complex policies or high-value international trips that require personalized guidance. The UAE travel insurance market reflects a balance between modern digital solutions and traditional advisory channels, addressing diverse traveler needs while promoting accessibility, risk mitigation, and confidence for both domestic and international tourists.

According to the research report ""UAE Travel Insurance Market Overview, 2030,”published by Bonafide Research, the UAE Travel Insurance market is anticipated to grow at more than 13.93% CAGR from 2025 to 2030.The travel insurance market in the United Arab Emirates exhibits a dynamic competitive and strategic landscape shaped by a combination of established incumbents, emerging insurtech players, and digital aggregators. Traditional insurers have leveraged their extensive networks and corporate programs to maintain market relevance, offering comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage protection, and accidental death or dismemberment. These incumbents focus on building strong partnerships with airlines, travel agencies, banks, and corporate clients, ensuring their policies are widely accessible and integrated into broader travel services. Concurrently, insurtech companies are increasingly influencing the market through innovative approaches such as embedded insurance within booking platforms, micro-policies for short-term or single-trip coverage, and parametric payouts linked to flight delays, natural disasters, or other predefined events. Players such as Cover Genius, Revolut, and Lemonade have pioneered digital-first solutions that provide fast claims settlement, AI-driven premium calculation, and enhanced personalization, catering to the tech-savvy UAE consumer base. Aggregators and online comparison engines further contribute to market transparency and commoditization, enabling travelers to easily compare policy benefits, premiums, and exclusions across multiple insurers, driving informed purchasing decisions. In response, traditional insurers are adopting digital strategies, including mobile apps, real-time claims processing, and telemedicine integration, to remain competitive. Strategic alliances between insurers, reinsurers, and insurtechs are also emerging, focusing on product innovation, parametric solutions, and cross-border coverage, reflecting a market that is both technologically progressive and highly responsive to evolving consumer expectations.

In the United Arab Emirates, travel insurance is segmented into single-trip, annual or multi-trip, and long-stay policies, each designed to meet the diverse needs of travelers within a rapidly expanding tourism and expatriate market. Single-trip insurance is the most commonly purchased type, particularly by occasional tourists and business travelers visiting the UAE or UAE residents traveling abroad for short durations. These policies typically cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage loss, and accidental death or dismemberment, providing focused, short-term protection without long-term financial commitment. Annual or multi-trip insurance caters to frequent travelers, such as business professionals, expatriates, and families taking multiple journeys throughout the year. These policies consolidate coverage for multiple trips under a single plan, offering cost efficiencies and convenience while maintaining comprehensive protection for medical, trip interruption, and personal property risks. Long-stay travel insurance is tailored for expatriates, students, retirees, and professionals residing outside their home country for extended periods, often exceeding six months. Coverage in these policies is more extensive, including ongoing medical care, repatriation, trip interruption, and liability protection, and frequently meets visa and residency requirements. Across all insurance types, digital platforms have enhanced accessibility, allowing travelers to purchase, customize, and manage policies online while receiving instant support and claims processing. The variety of insurance types in the UAE ensures that travelers can select plans aligned with their trip frequency, duration, and risk tolerance, supporting broader adoption of travel insurance, strengthening financial protection, and contributing to the modernization and resilience of the UAE travel insurance sector.

In the United Arab Emirates, travel insurance coverage is structured to address a comprehensive range of risks faced by both residents and international visitors. Medical insurance constitutes the core element of most policies, covering emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, outpatient care, and medical evacuation, reflecting the high costs of healthcare abroad and the UAE’s emphasis on traveler safety. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage provides reimbursement for non-refundable expenses when unforeseen events such as illness, family emergencies, natural disasters, or airline disruptions force travelers to cancel or shorten their trips. This coverage has become particularly relevant in the post-pandemic era, as travelers seek protection against volatile disruptions. Baggage and personal belongings loss coverage addresses theft, damage, or delayed delivery of luggage and personal items, which is critical given the significant volume of international travel to and from the UAE, including high-value electronics and luxury goods. Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage offers financial support in cases of serious injury or death during travel, catering to adventure tourists, expatriates, and corporate travelers. In addition to these core protections, many UAE insurers provide optional add-ons, such as coverage for travel delays, personal liability, adventure sports, and rental vehicle protection, allowing travelers to tailor policies to specific destinations and activities. Digital platforms and mobile apps have further enhanced convenience, enabling policy comparison, instant purchase, and online claims submission. This breadth and flexibility of coverage ensure that UAE travelers can access comprehensive, customized protection, fostering confidence and broader adoption of travel insurance within a diverse and increasingly mobile population.

In the United Arab Emirates, travel insurance is distributed through a combination of online platforms and offline channels, reflecting the country’s high digital adoption rates alongside traditional customer preferences. Online platforms have become increasingly prominent, particularly among tech-savvy consumers, expatriates, and younger travelers who seek convenience, speed, and transparency. Insurance providers, including local and regional players, offer robust digital portals and mobile applications that allow users to compare policies, customize coverage, purchase insurance instantly, and file claims electronically. Aggregators and comparison websites further enhance transparency and competition by enabling travelers to evaluate multiple policies in terms of coverage, exclusions, and pricing, fostering informed decision-making and streamlined policy management. The digital channel also supports innovations such as AI-driven premium adjustments, telemedicine integration, and parametric solutions for delays and disruptions, appealing to customers who prioritize efficiency and instant service. Meanwhile, offline channels continue to play a vital role for travelers seeking personalized advice or handling complex, high-value, or long-stay policies. Traditional distribution points include insurance agents, brokers, banks, and travel agencies, which provide guidance on coverage selection, documentation, and claims assistance, maintaining trust and reliability for clients less comfortable with fully digital interactions. The coexistence of these channels allows insurers to cater to diverse consumer preferences, balancing the convenience and scalability of digital platforms with the consultative strengths of offline channels. This dual-channel strategy enhances market reach, strengthens customer engagement, and contributes to the overall growth and resilience of the UAE travel insurance sector.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Travel Insurance Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Insurance Types
• Single-trip Travel Insurance
• Annual or Multi-trip Travel Insurance
• Long-stay Travel Insurance

By Insurance Coverage
• Medical Insurance
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption:
• Baggage & Personal Belongings Loss
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Others

By Distribution Channel
• Online Platforms
• Offline Channels Show more