The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai and Northern Emirates have issued a joint advisory urging Indian nationals traveling to or residing in the United Arab Emirates to ensure they have sufficient medical insurance coverage. The advisory was shared on social media platforms on Tuesday and was provided in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Malayalam, and Telugu.

Indian diplomatic missions highlighted concerns stemming from numerous cases in which Indian expatriates and visitors faced unexpected medical emergencies without adequate insurance. These situations resulted in significant medical bills that were often unaffordable for the patients or their families.

For Indian nationals visiting the UAE on tourism or short-term visits, the advisory recommends obtaining comprehensive medical insurance before departure. The recommended coverage should include cashless treatment options as well as provisions for medical repatriation to India if needed.

For Indian residents in the UAE holding employment visas, along with their dependents, the missions advised verifying that their existing medical insurance policies provide sufficient coverage for all medical expenses incurred within the country. This includes ensuring that coverage extends to medical repatriation services.

The UAE hosts a large Indian expatriate community estimated at around 4.5 million people, making such precautions particularly critical. Officials stressed that access to adequate medical insurance is essential given the high costs associated with unforeseen healthcare needs.

This advisory continues a series of reminders issued by Indian diplomatic missions emphasizing the importance of securing proper medical insurance to avoid financial hardships related to emergency health situations while in the UAE.