According to Euromonitor International, Dubai was the third most visited city in the world in 2023, with 17 million international visitors. The city attracts tourists worldwide because of its perfect blend of architectural wonders and natural scenic beauty. It hosts more than 800 hotels and is one of the most important tourism centres in the Middle East.

How to navigate a medical emergency in a foreign country?

Medical emergencies may knock on the door anytime, so you must be prepared for travel emergencies. Stay calm if you or your loved one have a hard time and face any health issues that must be addressed urgently. Dealing with a medical emergency in a foreign country like Dubai is overwhelming. Minimise the trouble during a medical emergency as a tourist in Dubai by gaining important information given below:

Emergency contact numbers

The emergency number for an ambulance in Dubai is 998.
Police: 999
Fire: 997
You can also contact your hotel concierge or tourist assistance hotlines for help. Ensure you have their contact details handy to avoid any hassle.

Give first aid

Basic first aid
If you're trained in first aid or feel comfortable doing so, stabilise the person until medical professionals arrive. This will help them better sustain the situation.
Injuries or illness
If you don’t know how to treat an injury or disease, try to stop excessive bleeding, keep the person calm, and avoid moving them (unless they’re in immediate danger). Once emergency responders arrive, always follow their advice.
Follow instructions
Emergency responders may give you instructions while on their way. Listen carefully and follow them.

Learn basic phrases before you visit Dubai

Not knowing the local language is a big challenge during a medical emergency. You can’t ask for help. Yes, using translation apps in case of any emergency is an option, but knowing a few phrases might be a saviour. Dubai's official language is Arabic; we are giving a few phrases you should know before travelling to Dubai.

a. I need help- Ahtaj ila musa'ada
b. Call an ambulance – Ittasil bil-isa'af
c. Where is the hospital? – Ayna al-mustashfa
d. I'm sick/injured – Ana mareedh / Musab

Importance of Dubai travel insurance

While the destination is well known for its humble hospitality to tourists, there is always a risk of unforeseen events. That is why health insurance for overseas travel is mandatory. ICP has introduced a system for integrating insurance into the tourist visa application process. High medical costs are a concern, so you must bear expenses alone if you haven’t bought an insurance policy. You have to pay heavy bills if you ever need to be hospitalised for a medical emergency during your travel. But you can save yourself from many troubles with a Dubai travel insurance plan.

Features of Dubai travel insurance plan

Here, travel insurance can be your companion to help you enjoy your trip without any financial discomfort. You can avail of the following benefits of Dubai travel insurance:

a. Affordable Premium
b. Emergency Hospitalisation
c. Personal Accident
d. Daily Allowance
e. Compassionate Visit
f. Trip Delay/ Cancellation
g. Delay /Loss of Baggage
h. Loss of Passport & International Driving License
i. Single & Multi Trip
j. Cashless Claim Settlement
k. Automatic Trip Extension
Some insurance companies also cover missed flight connections, hijack distress allowance, adventure sports cover and personal liability.

What to consider before buying Dubai travel insurance

When selecting travel insurance for the UAE, you must ensure the plan suits your requirements. Here are the factors to be considered.
● Ideal time to visit UAE: November-February
● Currency: UAE Dirham
● Nature of the trip: Frequent travellers should choose annual plans, while occasional travellers can opt for single-trip plans. There are also specific options for students and tourists.
● Trip duration: Shorter trips typically have lower premiums, priced based on the number of days.
● Medical history: Ensure your policy covers any pre-existing conditions if you have serious health issues.
● Coverage: Review the policy’s inclusions. For example, the overseas UAE travel plan offers comprehensive benefits at an affordable price.
● Exclusions: Read the exclusions carefully to avoid surprises and budget accordingly.
● Claims procedure: Know how to notify the insurer and file a claim if needed.

Wrapping it up!

Travelling is fun but comes with a lot of responsibility for yourself and your loved ones. Knowing the basic safety tips while navigating a medical emergency can save you from a huge loss. Also, keep your trip insured and enjoy Dubai Marina and Desert Safari without any worries. Buy the best travel health insurance before going to your dream destination.