Travel Insurance - Is it Compulsory for 5-Year Tourist Visa Holders for Each UAE Visit?

The criteria and requirements for the 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa are outlined in Article 15 of the Cabinet Decision. As per UAE laws, one can get a tourist visa that allows multiple visits and is valid for 5 years without needing a sponsor. However, the said applicant must demonstrate proof of a bank balance of at least $4,000 (or its equivalent in a foreign currency) for the previous 6 months.

The multiple-entry tourist visa permits the holder to remain in the nation for up to 90 days in continuation. It must be noted that the concerned authorities may extend it given that the total duration of the stay does not exceed 180 days in a calendar year.

Note: In unusual circumstances, the stay duration may be extended for a period that exceeds 180 days annually (if approved by the President).

Note that Article 15 does not contain any particular restrictions on health insurance. However, as per the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP), submitting a valid health insurance document and showing evidence of a health insurance policy for the applicant's family members is one of the prerequisites for the issuance of the visa.

In addition, the ICP states that a holder of a multiple-entry visit visa must have appropriate health insurance coverage for themselves and any accompanying family members for each trip into the UAE. The visa holders, thus, should have a health insurance policy that covers their entire stay in the UAE.

It is advisable to search for a plan that covers the following these essentials when you purchase travel insurance for UAE - 

• Urgent Medical Needs

Find an insurance plan that covers expenses related to hospitalisation, ambulance and emergency room visits, surgeries, doctor visits, and prescription drugs, as these expenses can quickly add up to a considerable amount.

• Trip Interruption

With a trip to the UAE generally involving several (often high) expenses, you should obtain coverage for non-refundable reservations or deposits as well. You would want to ensure that at least some of your expenses can be reimbursed if something results in the cancellation of your trip.

• Insurance Against the Loss of Personal Property

Besides medical coverage, you should also check whether your insurance plan extends coverage against any accidental loss of property, as this can bring several additional costs as well. 

Several variables affect how much your UAE travel insurance will cost such as the length of your stay, the level of coverage you want, your age, the number of people covered by your plan, and more.

To wrap up, you must have health insurance coverage approved in the UAE each time you fly to the Emirates as a multiple-entry visa holder. Moreover, this insurance plan must cover your whole stay in the UAE. 

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