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Travel Insurance

Three surprising things your travel insurance may cover

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It’s extremely important to make sure that you have valid holiday safe insurance when going abroad, especially within the current Coronavirus pandemic. There are several things that seem certain to be contained within any travel insurance policy (for example, hospital treatment and hotel cancellations), but there are also many other things that may be included that holidaymakers are not aware of. Listed below are three surprising things your travel insurance may cover.

Death

Whilst most travel insurance companies cover injury to some degree, many policies also cover death. This will depend on the policy itself, so it is worth checking before trying to claim for this, but many travel insurance policies will cover the cost of cancelling a trip if a close friend or family member dies, even if they were not one of the people listed on the policy. Some travel insurance policies even cover the policyholder against death, with the repatriation of remains sometimes covered – your family may even receive a pay-out if you die on your trip, although this may not apply if you visit a country where travel is warned against due to potential danger.

Small medical costs

Surprisingly, a lot of people don’t realise that travel insurance usually covers the cost of small medical procedures, with many instead thinking it only stretches to major surgery. Whilst there may be an excess to pay (so the cost of smaller treatment may actually be cheaper than paying the excess), it’s worth checking out, in case you do encounter minor injury when on holiday.

Pets

When considering travel insurance, it’s usually assumed that it only covers humans. Whilst separate animal/pet insurance can be purchased that is specifically designed for your pet, some travel insurance companies have now started to cover pets under general travel insurance policies. Each policy will differ, but some things a general travel insurance policy may cover include emergency vets visits and treatment, cancellation of the trip in case your pet is too ill for you to travel, and early return costs in case you and your pet have to return home early. If you are taking a pet on holiday with you, it is important to make sure they are covered by your policy.

Shopping for holiday cancellation insurance can sometimes be overwhelming – contact us today to find the best travel insurance policy for your trip!

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Categories
Health Insurance

Can I get tested for Covid-19 in UAE?

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If you’re worried about a persistent cough, breathing problems, high temperature, or can’t shake off a cold, it’s possible you’ve been infected by the new coronavirus. Individuals that have recently returned from overseas, and people from vulnerable groups need to be particularly careful. Although coronavirus testing is available for walk-in patients, drive through coronavirus test centres have also been established.

About the UAE drive through test centres

Drive through test centres are now available in Dubai Festival City and Abu Dhabi. Current test station locations include Al Qusais, Discovery Gardens, and Silicon Oasis. Further test stations are planned at International City and Al Warqa.

It’s not currently possible to check out all UAE citizens at this moment. Of course, if you do have the virus, it is important you get tested as soon as possible, so you need to take the following steps:

How to get tested for Covid-19 at the new UAE drive through centres

1. You’ll firstly need to complete the online health assessment tool to confirm you’re eligible for testing. At the moment the priority is to test the most vulnerable citizens, and people displaying symptoms within 14 days of return from overseas. The online chatbot walks you through the assessment, and is designed to pick up all indications of added vulnerability, such as hypertension or pregnancy. Your recent contact history will also be examined, so it’s important to be open about any contact you’ve had with other people already diagnosed with coronavirus.

2. The chatbot also provides detailed advice about action you should take, including quarantine or self isolation.

3. Your self assessment test will indicate whether you need to chat further with one of the available doctors. If this is the case, you will be forwarded for a tele-consultation and may also be given an appointment to attend your local drive through Covid-19 testing station.

4. If you are eligible for Covid-19 testing, simply arrive at the designated test station at the time of your appointment. You will be given a nasal swab by the nurse at the second checkpoint, and there is absolutely no need to leave your vehicle at all.

5. You will be advised of the results of your test within two or three days, and should self isolate until your Covid-19 test results are received

Your drive through Covid-19 test will cost Dh425 and this could possibly be covered by your existing health cover. We’re proud to offer all UAE residents the best guide on comparing health insurance, find out more about insurance in the UAE at Compare Insurance today!

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Categories
Travel Insurance

Don’t let lockdown get you down: Plan your next holiday today!

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The existing coronavirus curfew and National Disinfection Programme may already be getting you down, but one thing’s for sure, this situation will pass. If you’re stuck at home in the UAE, planning a holiday for later in the year could be one way to inspire hope for the future. There are so many wonderful worldwide locations to discover, and carrying out research now means you’ll be more prepared when it’s time to book.

But remember: We don’t yet know when global travel restrictions will end. The current situation has only highlighted the importance of getting the best travel insurance there is when you book a trip to make sure you are covered in the event of cancelled flights, hotel closures or illness.

But enough about that, here are some great holiday ideas to help keep your spirits up.

A horseback riding holiday

There are loads of horse riding holidays to choose from, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or experienced rider. If you haven’t already visited the United States, a horseback ranch holiday is one way to learn more about its wide-open spaces. Arizona, Wyoming, and Colorado are all popular horseback holiday destinations, giving you loads of opportunity to discover the joys of the cowboy lifestyle.

Horse riding holidays aren’t confined to the US, though. Tuscany in Italy is another popular destination, and you’ll discover an appetite for the Italian way of life when you sample some of the delicious local dishes and luxurious villa retreats!

African safari with a difference

If you fancy a safari with a difference, the mobile camps and horseback safaris in the Okavanga Delta, Botswana could be the most perfect way to view wildlife. You can discover more about these holidays online.

The beach and beyond

You might want to think about chartering a boat for a sailing holiday, exploring coral reefs on a diving trip or taking a short break at a stunning island resort. In need of some serious de-stress time? A palm-fringed yoga retreat or opting for a wellness holiday at one of the world’s most exotic destinations should do the trick.

Plan your next holiday during coronavirus lockdown in the UAE

Once your holiday plans are sorted, finding the best travel insurance policy is simple with Compare Insurance. We eliminate all the hassles of shopping for insurance, and our simple comparison website ensures you benefit from the best deals on travel insurance, health cover, vehicle insurance, and more. Browse our website today to find out more!

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Categories
Health Insurance

Does my UAE health insurance cover me against Covid-19?

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Global panic in stock markets around the world, as well as the World Health Organisation’s concerns about the spread of Covid-19 (coronavirus), are causing many UAE residents to query whether their current health insurance cover provides essential protection. If your existing health insurance is provided by your employer, you’ll need to speak with your manager or occupational health team about this; however, the CompareInsurance team has issued this update for anyone in the UAE with private health care insurance.

Worried about UAE health care insurance cover against Covid-19?

You will already have seen and read lots of news stories about Covid-19, and Gulf News is running a story about ways to protect yourself against catching the virus while at work or travelling. One of the most common queries about the virus relates to health insurances, and whether cover will be available. This will all depend on the type of medical health insurance you have. The quickest way to discover if you’re covered is to get in touch with your insurer direct – this is especially vital if you’ve recently returned from countries like China, Iran or Italy.

It’s likely that your health care insurance will cover you for treatment if you do develop Covid-19, as it is a viral infection. Some individuals do have medical exclusions noted on their Certificates of Insurance. For example, if your Certificate has an exclusion for any respiratory conditions or any pre-existing condition that could be impacted by Covid-19, then you may not be covered for diagnosis or treatment if you develop the infection.

Income protection insurance can help if you need to self-isolate

Many Dubai and UAE employers are stressing the importance of self-isolation if you have worries about visits to areas that have already been severely affected by Covid-19. One way to protect your income throughout any long term self-isolation is via an income protection plan. Just so long as your existing health insurances don’t include medical exclusions, an income protection policy could be the perfect insurance protection needed. You can browse our website to discover more, or chat with one of our experts online to discuss any issues or concerns you may have.

Photo: Free image by Pixabay