Latest news with #ToshitaChauhan
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Time of India
UAE: Does your travel insurance cover war and conflict? What travellers need to know
Most UAE travellers' insurance policies do not cover claims related to war or conflict, so checking coverage details is crucial before travel. (Representational Image/ AI for creative and illustrative purposes only) Recent upheavals in the Middle East , including missile exchanges between Israel and Iran, have led to significant travel disruptions. For UAE travellers, this has sparked a growing interest in travel insurance, as many seek protection against unexpected events like flight cancellations and delays. Yet, understanding what travel insurance actually covers, especially in cases of war or geopolitical conflict, is crucial before booking that next trip. Travel Disruptions and Shifting Plans Following the escalation of armed conflict in the region, UAE airlines have extended flight cancellations to key destinations including Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Iran, and Israel. Many travellers from the UAE have had to make last-minute changes to their itineraries, either switching destinations or opting for countries where air travel remains unaffected to avoid delays on their return trips. Despite these challenges, summer travel plans are still in motion for many Emiratis and expatriates. For them, travel isn't just leisure, it's a family tradition and a vital part of their lifestyle. However, it is important to note that most standard travel insurance policies do not cover claims arising directly from geopolitical unrest or military conflict. What Does Travel Insurance Cover? Speaking to a local news agency, Khaleej Times, Toshita Chauhan, Chief Business Officer- General Insurance at explained that 'Claims arising directly from geo-political unrest or military conflict remain excluded under typical policy terms.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why Walgreens Hides This Cheap 87¢ Generic Cialis Health Alliance by Friday Plans Undo She further clarified, 'A standard travel policy offers financial protection against baggage loss, medical emergencies, trip delays, and cancellations but does not provide compensation for in-flight events or operational airline failures unless linked to broader delays or trip curtailment.' Chauhan emphasized that travel insurance still plays a critical role in addressing other common travel issues: 'For problems like missed connections, baggage delays, or last-minute cancellations due to operational failures, travel insurance is proving to be an important safeguard.' She noted a rising trend, stating, 'Recent travel disruptions across the Gulf, especially flight delays, cancellations, and temporary airspace closures, have contributed to a perceptible uptick in demand for travel insurance, with trip cancellation and flight delay coverage becoming some of the most searched-for features.' The Impact of Recent Events on Travel Insurance Demand Another factor contributing to increased interest in travel insurance was the tragic Air India plane crash. According to Chauhan, 'The Air India incident has undoubtedly triggered a rise in consumer interest but with an important distinction. What many travellers are looking for is flight protection or airline coverage, which differs from traditional travel insurance.' She added, 'We've seen a spike in queries related to coverage scope, indicating that travellers are more discerning now—they are asking the right questions and seeking clearer coverage terms before purchasing.' Travel Insurance: Increasingly Important and Often Mandatory While not every country mandates travel insurance, there is a clear global shift toward stricter health and financial safeguards for visitors, especially since the pandemic. Chauhan pointed out, 'Countries within the Schengen zone, for instance, require travellers to have a minimum coverage of €30,000 (Dh126,387) for medical emergencies. Similarly, destinations like Thailand, Turkey, and certain Gulf nations have introduced mandatory travel insurance policies for specific visa categories.' She stressed, 'The global trend is clearly shifting toward stricter health and financial safeguards for visitors, and travel insurance plays a critical role in this framework.' For many UAE travellers, purchasing insurance is more than just a precaution, it's a smart financial decision. 'With rising international medical costs, a single hospitalisation abroad can run into thousands of dollars,' Chauhan said. 'Travel insurance offers comprehensive protection against such expenses, including emergency medical treatment, trip cancellations, baggage loss, flight delays, and even Covid-19-related disruptions. ' Additionally, several foreign embassies across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia now require proof of travel insurance as part of the visa application process. UAE expats visiting their home countries increasingly include travel insurance as a necessary part of their travel checklist, mindful of the risks posed by unexpected medical emergencies or travel mishaps even during short visits. Rising Costs of Travel Insurance in the UAE Even before the recent escalation in Middle East tensions, travel insurance premiums in the UAE were already rising sharply. According to data from Policybazaar UAE, premiums have increased by 12 to 18 percent year-on-year. This surge translates to an added cost of between Dh15 and Dh70 per policy, depending on factors such as trip duration, destination, and the traveller's age. Hitesh Motwani, Deputy CEO at told Khaleej Times , 'There are tailored policies that allow travellers to choose coverage that fits their specific needs and financial plans.' Despite these increases, Motwani reassured travellers: 'Travel insurance remains relatively affordable on a per-trip basis.' Summary for UAE Travellers: War and conflict-related claims are generally excluded from standard travel insurance policies. Travel insurance covers medical emergencies, baggage loss, trip delays, cancellations, and some operational airline failures. Demand for travel insurance is rising due to regional instability and high-profile incidents like the Air India crash. Many countries require travel insurance as part of visa entry rules, particularly in the Schengen zone and some Gulf countries. Travel insurance is a smart financial safeguard against rising medical and travel-related costs abroad. Premiums have increased by up to 18% in the UAE, but affordable tailored options remain available. Travellers are encouraged to carefully review the terms of their insurance policies, understanding exactly what is covered, especially in uncertain times, and to plan their travel with these considerations in mind.
Khaleej Times
19-06-2025
- Khaleej Times
What UAE travellers need to know: Does travel insurance cover war, conflict?
Recent travel disruptions across the Middle East region have contributed to an uptick in demand for travel insurance. Travellers are actively seeking protection against such contingencies, an insurance company confirmed to Khaleej Times on Thursday, a week after Israel and Iran exchanged missile attacks. UAE airlines have been forced to extend flight cancellations to several destinations – including Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Iran, and Israel – due to the rapidly spiralling armed conflict. Some travellers from the UAE have changed their destinations at the last minute. In contrast, others have deliberately chosen countries unaffected by suspended air routes, hoping to avoid any surprises that could delay their return. Still, many Emiratis and expats are gearing up for summer travel, as they do every year. For them, travelling is not just a vacation; it's a personal or family tradition that they are unwilling to abandon. It's important to note, however, that most standard travel insurance policies do not cover claims arising directly from geo-political unrest or military conflict. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Toshita Chauhan, chief business officer–general insurance at explained to Khaleej Times, "Claims arising directly from geo-political unrest or military conflict remain excluded under typical policy terms. "A standard travel policy offers financial protection against baggage loss, medical emergencies, trip delays, and cancellations but does not provide compensation for in-flight events or operational airline failures unless linked to broader delays or trip curtailment," she added. "That said, for issues like missed connections, baggage delays, or last-minute cancellations due to operational failures, travel insurance is proving to be a critical safeguard," underscored Chauhan, noting: "Recent travel disruptions across the Gulf, particularly flight delays, cancellations, and temporary airspace closures, have contributed to a perceptible uptick in demand for travel insurance, with trip cancellation and flight delay coverage emerging as some of the most searched-for features." Triggered by Air India plane crash Another incident that "undoubtedly triggered a rise in consumer interest," according to Chauhan, was the Air India plane crash that reportedly left all people aboard the plane – except one – dead. Chauhan said, "The Air India incident has undoubtedly triggered a rise in consumer interest but with an important distinction. What many travellers are looking for is flight protection or airline coverage, which differs from traditional travel insurance. We've seen a spike in queries related to coverage scope, indicating that travellers are more discerning now—they are asking the right questions and seeking clearer coverage terms before purchasing." How important is travel insurance? While not every country mandates travel insurance for incoming tourists, an increasing number of nations have incorporated it into their entry requirements, particularly in the post-pandemic era. Chauhan said, "Countries within the Schengen zone, for instance, require travellers to have a minimum coverage of €30,000 (Dh126,387) for medical emergencies. Similarly, destinations like Thailand, Turkey, and certain Gulf nations have introduced mandatory travel insurance policies for specific visa categories." "The global trend is clearly shifting toward stricter health and financial safeguards for visitors, and travel insurance plays a critical role in this framework," she added. It's not just a precaution For Chauhan, purchasing travel insurance is not just a precaution — it's a smart financial decision. This comes with rising international medical costs, where a single hospitalisation abroad can run into thousands of dollars. "Travel insurance offers comprehensive protection against such expenses, including emergency medical treatment, trip cancellations, baggage loss, flight delays, and even Covid-19-related disruptions," she added. Some foreign embassies in Europe, North America, and certain Asian countries also now require proof of insurance as part of visa applications. UAE expats travelling to their home countries are also increasingly opting for travel insurance as part of their travel checklist, mindful that even a short visit can expose them to unexpected costs due to medical emergencies, baggage mishandling, or flight issues. Double-digit price increase Meanwhile, even before the recent Israel-Iran missile attacks erupted, travel insurance premiums in the UAE have surged at a double-digit rate, particularly for Europe-bound travellers, ahead of the peak outbound travel season. According to Policybazaar UAE, travel insurance premiums have risen by 12 per cent to 18 per cent year-on-year. This translates to an increase of Dh15 to Dh70 per policy, depending on the travel duration, destination, and age of travellers. Hitesh Motwani, deputy CEO at earlier told Khaleej Times there are "tailored policies that allow travellers to choose coverage that fits their specific needs and financial plans. "Despite the recent hikes, travel insurance remains relatively affordable on a per-trip basis," he added.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Time of India
Why more UAE residents are buying travel insurance, even when visiting home
Travel insurance premiums in the UAE have jumped 12% to 18% as more residents insure even familiar trips this summer. With summer holidays around the corner and schools on break, UAE residents are gearing up for vacations, many of them heading to their home countries. But what's different this year is the growing number of people purchasing travel insurance, even for destinations that feel familiar. This trend was highlighted in a recent Khaleej Times report on changing travel insurance habits among UAE residents. Industry experts say this rising trend is driven by a mix of practical concerns and evolving travel patterns. Hitesh Motwani, Deputy CEO at said there's a significant shift in how UAE travellers view insurance when heading abroad. 'There is a noticeable trend of UAE residents purchasing travel insurance even when travelling to their home countries,' he said. 'This shift is driven by increased awareness of potential risks such as medical emergencies, travel disruptions, or baggage issues that can occur regardless of familiarity with the destination. The affordability of travel insurance also contributes to its growing adoption among travellers seeking comprehensive protection during their trips.' Toshita Chauhan, business head of general insurance at confirmed that more expats are now insuring trips home during high-traffic periods like summer, Eid, and school breaks. 'Yes, we've definitely seen that shift. More and more UAE expats are buying travel insurance when flying back home for holidays — especially during summer, Eid, or school breaks,' she said. 'Even if they're going somewhere familiar, many realise that medical expenses or flight delays aren't always easy to manage. The ease of comparing policies online and the affordability of plans has made it a convenient decision for most.' Premiums are rising: Here's what's behind It Travel insurance is becoming more common, and more expensive. As summer travel picks up, insurance premiums in the UAE have risen by 12% to 18% year-on-year, According to figures shared by industry executives with Khaleej Times, the increase reflects global medical cost pressures and growing claims activity. Toshita Chauhan explained that this increase translates to a difference of AED 15 (approx. $4.08) to AED 70 per policy, depending on the travel duration, destination, and the traveller's age. 'The primary factors behind this increase include rising global medical costs and increased claims from travellers bound for Europe, particularly Schengen countries, largely due to hospitalisation and lost baggage.' She noted. She added that France, Spain, and Italy have topped the list of destinations where UAE travellers request help with medical emergencies. In contrast, tropical vacation spots like Thailand, Bali, and the Maldives have seen more flight cancellations, mostly due to weather-related disruptions. Travellers heading to the UK and US also face higher medical costs, which has added to the upward pressure on insurance premiums. So far this year, the most common claims filed by UAE travellers are for missed flights and delayed baggage. Who's paying the most? Not all travellers are affected equally by these price hikes. Those aged 60 and above have seen the largest premium increases, between 25% and 30%. Meanwhile, people purchasing coverage for adventure sports are facing the steepest rise overall, with premiums up by as much as 40% compared to standard plans. Even frequent travellers are feeling the change. According to Chauhan: 'Multi-trip annual policies have also become more expensive, with prices increasing by more than 15% due to evolving claims trends and longer average travel times.' She told Khaleej Times. A word of caution for high-risk destinations Travellers heading to conflict zones or politically unstable regions, such as Syria, should exercise extra caution when choosing travel insurance. Syria is considered a high-risk destination, and coverage is usually limited or outright excluded by most insurers. 'Many insurers exclude war-prone countries from their standard policies, making it challenging to obtain comprehensive coverage for travel to Syria,' said Hitesh Motwani. 'As a result, most travellers to Syria may not purchase travel insurance, either due to limited availability or the perception that coverage won't be applicable. For those seeking insurance, specialized policies with higher premiums and restricted benefits may be available through select providers, but these are exceptions rather than the norm.' Toshita Chauhan agreed that some travellers still try to get coverage for Syria, mainly for medical emergencies, trip delays, or baggage loss, but warned that exclusions are often buried in the fine print. 'Importantly, most travel insurance policies explicitly exclude coverage for war zones, areas under conflict, or destinations marked as high-risk by government advisories,' she said. 'Before purchasing a policy, travellers should confirm if Syria is included in the policy's coverage region. Due to the complex risk profile, travellers are strongly advised to proceed with extreme caution and ensure they have complete clarity on coverage terms before making the trip.'
Khaleej Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Travel insurance premiums see double-digit increase
Travel insurance premiums in the UAE have surged at a double-digit rate, particularly for Europe-bound travellers, as the peak outbound travel season approaches, according to industry experts. Toshita Chauhan, business head – general insurance at Policybazaar UAE, said premiums have risen by 12 per cent to 18 per cent year-on-year. This translates to an increase of Dh15 to Dh70 per policy, depending on the travel duration, destination, and age of the travellers. "The primary factors driving this increase include rising global medical costs and a spike in claims from Europe-bound travellers - especially to Schengen countries - largely due to hospitalizations and baggage losses," Chauhan told Khaleej Times. She noted that popular European destinations such as France, Spain, and Italy are leading in medical emergency claims. Meanwhile, tropical destinations like Thailand, Bali, and the Maldives have seen a rise in trip cancellations due to weather-related disruptions. Travellers from the UAE heading to the UK and USA are reporting some of the highest medical treatment costs, contributing to elevated premiums. While missed flight connections and baggage delays have also emerged as the two most common claim categories among UAE residents this year, she added. Summer rush Summer is the peak travel period for outbound UAE tourism, coinciding with school holidays that last over two months. Many families opt for vacations in cooler European climates during this time, leading to a sharp spike in airfares – particularly to high-demand destinations like the UK. Dubai Airports and Emirates airline regularly issue passenger advisories ahead of the summer rush, especially during July, when hundreds of thousands are expected to depart from Dubai. Highest premium payers Chauhan also highlighted that travellers aged 60 and above have experienced the steepest hike in insurance premiums, with rates rising between 25 per cent and 30 per cent. Meanwhile, those seeking coverage for adventure sports have faced the highest increases – up to 40 per cent more than standard base plans. 'Annual multi-trip policies have also become more expensive, with rates climbing over 15% due to evolving claim trends and longer average travel durations,' she added. Hitesh Motwani, deputy CEO at said insurers are responding by offering more streamlined and budget-friendly plans to make travel insurance more accessible. 'These tailored policies allow travellers to choose coverage that fits their specific needs and financial plans. Despite the recent hikes, travel insurance remains relatively affordable on a per-trip basis,' Motwani said. He pointed out that while not all countries require travel insurance for incoming travellers, many have made it mandatory for visa issuance or entry. 'For example, the Schengen zone requires a minimum medical coverage of €30,000, including repatriation. Thailand mandates insurance for specific visa categories, particularly long-term stays. Russia requires coverage for those applying through unified e-visas, and Turkey makes it a condition for visa applicants,' he explained.
Mid East Info
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Policybazaar.ae Rolls Out Exclusive Car Insurance Perks Under PB Advantage - Middle East Business News and Information
the UAE's leading online insurance marketplace, has expanded its flagship initiative PB Advantage to car insurance customers, redefining the way UAE residents experience motor coverage and car insurance claims. believes that car insurance should be more than just a policy — it should be a promise of speed, ease, and trust when you need it most. We are transforming the claims experience in the UAE by offering a one-of-a-kind, seamless, and customer-first approach that gets you back on the road with minimal hassle. From free car washes and flat-rate savings on servicing and repairs to special discounts on the Registration Readiness Package, these benefits are designed to enhance the everyday car ownership experience. Valid until May 31, these exclusive offers are made possible through their partnerships with leading insurers and service providers across the UAE that will deliver real-world value to our customers. In collaboration with leading partners, is redefining traditional insurance by enabling a smarter and more rewarding car ownership experience. The initiative is designed to help customers lower their car-related expenses and remain well-protected with some of the best car insurance plans available in the UAE, while ensuring a high standard of customer satisfaction and full compliance with regulatory requirements. With customers can benefit from fast-track claims processing, access to a nationwide garage network, a dedicated claims concierge service, and smart digital tracking with priority repairs. Through PB Advantage, customers can now enjoy 12 free car washes, up to a 30% discount for safe driving, an excess waiver of up to AED 1,000, a 15% discount on car repairs, a 30% discount on car servicing, and 50% off on the Registration Readiness Package. Neeraj Gupta, CEO of said: 'We're proud to expand PB Advantage to our car insurance customers. Buying car insurance shouldn't just be about paperwork and price — it should come with real, tangible value. These benefits make sure that once the policy is bought, the customer keeps winning throughout the year. From savings on car service to free washes, we're driving value where it matters most — behind the wheel.' Toshita Chauhan, Business Head – Motor Insurance at added, 'Motor insurance is often seen as a mandatory purchase, but we wanted to flip that narrative. With PB Advantage, we've built a value-first ecosystem where every customer — from a daily commuter to a weekend road-tripper — gets rewarded for making responsible choices. Whether it's safe driving discounts or after-policy care like servicing perks, we're here to make car ownership smarter and more rewarding.' This move follows the successful rollout of PB Advantage for health insurance customers, a program that introduced Auto Recharge, No Claim Bonuses, and 30-minute claim desk support — setting a new benchmark in insurance experience. PB Advantage for Car Insurance marks another step in mission to move insurance beyond a transactional product, making it a lifestyle benefit that rewards smart choices and safe habits. -end- About started in 2018 is PB Fintech's (NSE: POLICYBZR ) first overseas venture and is an online financial products marketplace aimed to educate people on the importance of insurance as a protection tool and becoming a platform for consumers' personal financial needs in the UAE market. currently partners with more than 35+ insurance and banking partners with 400+ products on offer ranging from new-age life insurance,health insurance, motor insurance, credit cards, bank accounts, personal loans, car loans, home loans, and more.
