Travel Insurance Frequently asked questions

Travel insurance is usually optional, but some countries may require it for entry. Regardless of the requirement, we always recommend getting travel insurance for peace of mind and to avoid large unexpected costs.

The cost of travel insurance varies depending on your trip's duration, the coverage selected, your age, and other factors. You can get a quote in minutes on our website find out how much it costs. We offer several levels of coverage so you can find the right coverage for you and your family.

Travel insurance typically covers medical emergencies, flight cancellations, lost luggage, trip delays, etc. Exact coverage can vary by policy, so it's essential to read the details of your chosen plan.

Pre-existing conditions refer to medical ailments or illnesses that you had prior to purchasing your insurance policy. Coverage for these conditions varies across policies, so it's essential to read the terms and check with our representatives.

Yes, holiday insurance is often another term used for travel insurance. Both offer protection against unforeseen events during your trip.

Absolutely. You can buy travel insurance at any point before your departure. However, it's recommended to buy it soon after booking to ensure coverage for any unforeseen cancellations.

Most of our travel insurance policies cover medical emergencies and related expenses. Always check the coverage limit and conditions in your policy details.

Given the evolving nature of the COVID pandemic, coverage may vary. Please refer to the policy details or consult our representatives to understand COVID-related coverage.

Yes, if your flight is delayed for a specified duration due to covered reasons, our policies typically compensate for accommodation, meals, and other related expenses.

Emergency dental care resulting from accidents or acute pain is often covered up to a specified limit. Regular check-ups or cosmetic procedures are not covered.

GIG Gulf Inbound Travel Insurance applies to non-working holidays or business trips that do not involve manual labour. This coverage is not available to people leaving their country of residence permanently.

You can get a quote and be covered in minutes online by clicking here . Alternatively you can visit your GIG branch office or Travel Agent who can assist you in filling out your application form. Cover will commence once your application has been endorsed and the premium paid.

Theft: Written proof from the police that the incident has been reported.
Baggage Delay: Written proof from the airline of the delayed delivery of your baggage.

Yes and no. Having travel insurance with emergency medical cover is mandatory for obtaining some UAE visit visas. This requirement helps ensure that travellers are protected against unexpected health or travel-related incidents during their stay.
 

GIG Gulf provides options for frequent travellers. If you're making more than three trips a year, consider our Annual Multi-trip policy, which covers all your travels over one year.

The UAE is a vibrant destination with many cultures, traditions, and modern attractions. Remember to respect local customs, dress modestly, and avoid showing public displays of affection. In summer, temperatures can soar, so stay hydrated and protected from the sun.

At GIG Gulf, we offer a seamless online claims process. You can initiate and track your claims procedure all from the comfort of your home.

There are no mandatory vaccines required to travel to the UAE. However, being up-to-date on routine vaccines is always a good idea. The COVID-19 situation may also change these requirements, so it's important to check the latest travel advice.

The best time to visit the UAE is from November to March when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches and outdoor events during these months.

The official currency of the UAE is the UAE dirham (AED). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash for smaller vendors and taxis is recommended.

Yes, English is widely spoken across the UAE, in addition to Arabic. Most signs and menus are in both Arabic and English.

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, malls, and cafes throughout the UAE. In Dubai, there is also free Wi-Fi in certain public spaces like beaches and parks. However, it's always good to check with your accommodation about internet access.

Any resident or citizen of the Gulf Cooperation Council who is 70 years of age or younger.

Travel Smart Insurance covers conventional nonworking holidays, or business trips that do not involve manual labor. This coverage is not available to people leaving their country of residence permanently.

Complete the attached application or provide travel details to GIG branch or to your travel agent. Cover will commence only when this application has been accepted and premium received.

• Medical Expenses: A medical claim is payable only if GIG Gulf contacted and has approved the cost. A full medical certificate from the attending doctor must be submitted along with original bills and receipts.
• Theft: You must provide written proof from the police that the incident has been reported.
• Baggage Delay: Written proof of the delayed delivery must be obtained from the airline.

You may cancel the Policy within seven days of the issuance date provided the Period of Insurance did not start, including confirmation of no claims or losses made or known or reported or any incident which may give rise to any claim under the Policy, in which case, you will be entitled to a refund of premium subject to the below Administration fee. Annual Travel plan and Travel Schengen product cannot be cancelled - No refund will be made.

In the UAE, this process is managed by VFS.Global. You can apply for a visa by visiting one of the Visa Application Centres in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. You can book an appointment here. For an extra cost, there is also a facility for getting someone to come to your home or office to complete the application. You should be aware that the visa fee is not reimbursed even if your visa is refused.

Schengen travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a Schengen visa. It covers medical emergencies, including emergency medical expenses and emergency medical transportation, during your travel within the Schengen Area.

No, UAE citizens do not need a Schengen visa to travel to Schengen Area countries for stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. This allows for hassle-free travel and business opportunities.

Absolutely! With GIG Gulf, you can generate a personalised quote, launch, and track a claim – all online. It's travel insurance made easy.

Yes, our Travel Schengen insurance extends coverage to the entire European Union, not just the Schengen Area.

You can't generally extend a Schengen visa except in special circumstances, such as force majeure, humanitarian reasons, or late entry.

The travel insurance doesn’t cover visa refusal under cancellation protection.

Annual Travel plan and Travel Schengen product cannot be cancelled - No refund will be made as per our terms and condition.

Cancellation of a short period Travel Smart insurance is subject to review and if approved an admin fee of 50 AED will be applicable. Subject to no claims during the policy period.

You can get travel insurance, however ,our travel insurance does not cover pregnancy-related medical expenses at all. Any Medical emergency related to pregnancy is an exclusion under our policy, refer to our terms and conditions

Rest of the coverage under the policy is covered subject to policy terms and conditions. Please refer to your policy terms for full coverage details.

No, Travel insurance needs to be purchased before departure.

No, we do not offer extensions on travel insurance policies. If you think your trip might be extended, we recommend purchasing a policy with a longer coverage period from the beginning to avoid any gaps.

We do not allow refund on Travel Annual and Travel Schengen plans. If for any reason you are looking for a refund on your policy, please contact us with your specific situation, and we’ll be happy to review it.

It needs to be noted that, visa rejection is not accepted as a valid reason for cancellation and refund.

Yes, many of our policies cover theft of personal belongings.

You must always take reasonable care of your baggage and money. If your items are lost/stolen, or accidentally damaged while in the care of a carrier, hotel, or transport company, report it to them in writing and get written confirmation . You must report any theft/stolen or lost items to the local police within 24 hours and get a police report to support your claim.

Mysterious disappearance or claim where the theft cannot be proved by the Insured are not covered. Example forgetting a personal belongings is not covered or “not sure when I dropped/left it” is not covered.

No, Cancelled flights are not covered under the policy.

However, with the Travel Smart plan, you can get up to USD 5,000 coverage for any irrecoverable, unused travel and accommodation costs and other prepaid charges, if your trip is cancelled or cut short because of:

• Serious illness or injury (yours or close family’s)
• Death of you or someone close
• Damage to your home (like a break-in)
• Hijacking

You’ll need to provide proof to support the incident, like a doctor’s report, Airline Report, Travel company report as applicable

No, our travel insurance does not cover car rental damage or costs.

However, if you have an accident while driving abroad, your medical emergency coverage will apply for any injuries.

We do not cover delays or cancellations caused by strikes.

No, missed flights are not covered.