Coming soon: UAE to roll out health insurance with tourists visas

Image credit: Getty Images

The UAE has announced a new plan to issue health insurance at the time of granting tourist visas. This initiative is aimed at simplifying the process for visitors and tourists.

Major-General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, director-general of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), highlighted that the project will facilitate the issuance of health insurance for tourist visas, through their electronic platform, supporting the tourism sector and ensuring visitors have emergency health cover.

When will this plan be launched?

While, no specific launch date has been disclosed, the announcement hints at a release in the coming weeks.

Will there be any additional costs involved?

Details regarding any additional costs have not been revealed.

What changes does this bring for applicants?

As per the Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism’s ‘Visit Dubai’ information page, those wanting to visit the city, can apply for seven different types of visas.

These include single-entry or multiple-entry visas.

Document requirements for each type of visa differs; however, a valid health insurance scheme is mandatory for any and every application sent to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDFRA).

Currently, individuals applying for visitor visas through travel agencies need to purchase insurance separately. The new plan will streamline this process, allowing applicants to obtain insurance at the same time as their visa.

How will the health insurance be provided?

Tourists will be able to obtain health insurance while applying for their visas online through the ICP website or app.

Packages from major insurance companies will be accessible directly through the ICP site during the visa application process. The electronic platform will manage the pricing and issuance of insurance packages from all major insurance companies in the UAE.

The ICP has confirmed that the platform will monitor and manage the pricing of insurance packages from UAE’s major insurance companies to ensure competitive rates.

Read: UAE-Armenia visa-free travel for multiple nationalities: Check full list