In a remarkable move by the UAE immigration authorities, a new initiative has been launched to streamline health insurance with online tourist visa applications. The ICP website or app will help users purchase valid health insurance through an online platform while applying for their visa permits online. The UAE government announced on Monday that the new initiative intends to ease purchasing valid health insurance provided to users online along with their visa permits as an added convenience. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) stated that health insurance for all forms of tourist visas is among the top transformative projects they initiated.
The director-general of ICP, Major-General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, stated that the new initiative aims to provide an added layer of convenience to visa applicants to obtain their health insurance along with their visa permits. Health insurance is a key friend for all tourists traveling to the UAE, as emergency health cases do not come with an invitation. The health insurance initiative is automated through an online system governed by the ICP that will also help check the pricing and issuance of insurance packages offered by all major insurance companies in the UAE.
Additional perks to the local healthcare system and the visitors
The local UAE healthcare system will deeply benefit from this new initiative along with the insurance coverage for the visitors that will help them meet any emergency health situations and hospitalization during a medical emergency in their travel, stated Ramzi Ghurani, the Managing Partner at Petra Insurance Brokers. He also stated that travelers are generally unaware of taking comprehensive health insurance while traveling, and the ones who are aware should note what all the health insurance would cover and its exceptions. He added that travelers should take a comprehensive medical cover that suits their travel needs and desires to stay fully protected in a medical emergency.
A fabulous tourist experience will enhance UAE’s position among the top global destinations
Several key stakeholders in the tourism industry welcomed this new initiative. They applauded the UAE government for leading this transformational move to enhance the tourist experience for all visitors and maintain the UAE’s position as one of the leading and friendly tourist destinations worldwide. Akbar Moideen Thumbay, the Vice President of Thumbay Healthcare, stated that combining the tourist visa permits and health insurance as a combo package is a giant leap toward the growth of the entire tourism and healthcare industry. Health insurance plays a key role in evading unforeseen medical expenses, including hospitalization, that can severely hamper their tourist plans and desires.
He mentioned that visitors will now be able to enjoy the tourist attractions and activities in the UAE as the health and safety aspects of their holiday are prioritized the moment they apply for a tourist visa. This new project will also help visitors receive quality healthcare facilities and provisions to cover any emergency medical crisis. In addition, the competitive prices offered by various insurance providers will help tourists choose the best coverage that will match their travel needs and desires. The safety and wellbeing of visitors and tourists have always been one of the top priorities for the UAE government. They stand among the major supporting pillars for cementing the UAE’s position as one of the top global tourist destinations.
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