The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai have issued a crucial advisory, urging all Indian nationals planning to travel to or currently residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to ensure they possess adequate medical insurance. The recommendation, released on October 27, 2026, comes in response to numerous reports of Indian citizens facing severe financial hardship due to unforeseen medical emergencies and substantial healthcare costs.
According to the Indian missions, many individuals have encountered medical bills far exceeding their financial capacity, primarily due to insufficient insurance coverage. Medical treatment abroad, especially for hospitalisation or emergency care, can impose a significant burden on families, highlighting the critical need for comprehensive protection.
Key Advice for Tourists and Visitors
For Indian nationals intending to visit the UAE for tourism or other short-term stays, the advisory strongly recommends securing appropriate medical insurance before commencing their journey. Key considerations for such policies include:
- Sufficient Coverage: The insurance must provide ample coverage for potential medical expenses.
- Cashless Facilities: Where available, policies should include cashless treatment options to ease immediate financial strain.
- Medical Repatriation: Crucially, the policy should cover medical repatriation to India in the event of an unforeseen emergency, ensuring safe return for continued care if necessary.
Travelers are also advised to thoroughly review their insurance coverage details prior to departure to prevent any financial difficulties arising from unexpected healthcare costs during their stay.
Guidance for UAE Residents
The advisory also extends to Indian nationals residing in the UAE on employment visas and their dependants. These residents are urged to verify that their existing medical insurance policies offer adequate coverage for all medical expenses incurred within the UAE. A specific emphasis is placed on confirming that policies cover medical repatriation to India, if required.
Residents should take the time to review the terms and conditions of their current insurance plans, ensuring that policy limits, exclusions, and the availability of cashless treatment facilities are clearly understood. Confirming coverage for emergency medical transportation is also a vital step to mitigate risks.
This advisory serves as a timely reminder for all Indian nationals to proactively assess and strengthen their medical insurance arrangements, safeguarding against the high costs of healthcare in the UAE.