Latest news with #Policybazaar.ae
Time of India
2 days ago
- 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.
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.'
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.
Web Release
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Web Release
Policybazaar.ae Rolls Out Exclusive Car Insurance Perks Under PB Advantage
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.' 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.' Toshita Chauhan, Business Head – Motor Insurance atadded, '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.
Arabian Post
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Arabian Post
Policybazaar Unveils New Car Insurance Benefits
has introduced an expanded suite of car insurance benefits aimed at enhancing customer value through its PB Advantage programme. This initiative offers policyholders a range of exclusive perks designed to reduce the cost of vehicle ownership while rewarding safe driving behaviours. The PB Advantage package now includes 12 complimentary car washes annually, aiming to ease the routine maintenance burden for insured drivers. This tangible benefit reflects a growing trend in the insurance industry where companies seek to provide added lifestyle conveniences alongside traditional coverage. By integrating such services, insurers are shifting focus towards holistic customer engagement rather than solely risk mitigation. A key feature of the programme is a discount of up to 30 percent on premiums for drivers who demonstrate safe driving habits. This incentive responds to rising demands from consumers who wish for their responsible behaviour behind the wheel to be financially recognised. Safe driving discounts are gaining traction globally as insurers incorporate telematics and other data-driven approaches to assess risk more accurately. Through this mechanism, aims to encourage safer roads and reduce accident-related claims. The PB Advantage offers an excess waiver of up to AED 1,000, which lowers the out-of-pocket expenses policyholders face when filing a claim. This waiver can significantly alleviate the financial strain after an accident, thereby improving customer satisfaction and loyalty. Excess waivers are becoming an increasingly common feature in competitive insurance markets, reflecting insurers' efforts to deliver more customer-centric policies. Policyholders also receive a 15 percent discount on car repair services. This partnership with certified garages is expected to streamline claims processing and reduce repair costs, which are often a major concern for vehicle owners. By negotiating discounts with trusted service centres, is positioning itself as a facilitator of efficient and affordable post-accident care. Further enhancing the value proposition, the programme offers a 30 percent discount on car spare parts. This benefit targets the growing demand for cost-effective vehicle maintenance amid fluctuating global supply chains and rising parts prices. By mitigating repair expenses through direct discounts, the insurer supports policyholders in maintaining their vehicles in good condition without excessive financial burden. Policybazaar's move aligns with broader industry shifts towards value-added insurance models that integrate lifestyle benefits and proactive risk management incentives. With increasing competition in the UAE's insurance sector, companies are innovating beyond coverage terms to secure customer retention and attract new segments. The PB Advantage's combination of complimentary services, financial incentives, and post-accident support responds to evolving consumer expectations, where convenience, cost savings, and personalised rewards are paramount. The programme also reflects the insurer's commitment to digital innovation, as leverages technology to streamline enrolment, claims, and communication. Analysts note that the enhanced offering could influence competitors to adopt similar strategies, potentially driving a new standard in the UAE's car insurance market. The emphasis on safe driving discounts is particularly significant amid government initiatives aimed at reducing road accidents and promoting traffic safety. The introduction of excess waivers and repair discounts further positions PB Advantage as a comprehensive solution addressing both preventive and corrective aspects of vehicle insurance. These features may encourage more drivers to opt for policies with improving risk pools and underwriting outcomes over time. Industry experts highlight that integrating such perks requires insurers to balance the cost of added services with pricing models, ensuring profitability while maintaining competitive premiums. The scalability of these benefits depends on partnerships with service providers and accurate data analytics to tailor offerings to customer profiles. See also Aramco Expands US Ties with $90 Billion in Strategic Agreements By offering twelve free car washes annually, taps into a convenience factor that, while modest, can foster positive customer perceptions and frequent engagement. This small yet consistent benefit can enhance brand loyalty and differentiate the insurer in a crowded marketplace. The safe driving discount up to 30 percent marks a considerable incentive, especially for cautious drivers who can demonstrate low-risk behaviour over policy periods. This element encourages the adoption of safer driving technologies, such as telematics devices and smartphone apps, which track and report driving patterns. The excess waiver provision up to AED 1,000 represents an immediate financial relief for many policyholders, addressing a common pain point in motor insurance claims. This benefit also potentially reduces claim hesitation, enabling quicker accident reporting and smoother claims processing. Discounts on car repairs and spare parts complement the core insurance offering by reducing indirect costs related to vehicle ownership. These benefits may attract cost-conscious consumers, especially those owning older or high-maintenance vehicles, who face significant upkeep expenses. PB Advantage initiative exemplifies a strategic response to shifting consumer needs in the UAE's dynamic insurance landscape. As customers increasingly seek not only protection but also tangible value and convenience, insurers are compelled to innovate their product mix. The programme's multi-faceted approach underscores the growing importance of customer experience in insurance, where engagement extends beyond the moment of claim. This evolution is facilitated by digital platforms that enable seamless integration of insurance, maintenance, and reward services.
