Yes, travel insurance is required and mandatory for foreign pilgrims. The authorities of Saudi Arabia recommend and require all the pilgrims travelling from UK to obtain it, ensuring safety, security, medical and financial coverage, and unexpected delays or emergencies. Generally, travel insurance is included in Umrah packages, however it is wise to consult with your travel agent whether it is included or not.
Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Umrah Pilgrims from the UK?
Yes, Travel Insurance is required for Umrah pilgrims from the UK. It is compulsory as it offers and provides visitors with the surety of safety and security while covering emergencies and medical situations.
Saudi Arabia’s Insurance Policy for Umrah Visa Holders
The insurance policy of Saudi Arabia, provided to foreign travellers includes necessary health insurance, covering significant medical aspects during emergencies, hospitalisation, accidents and sudden deaths. This is automatically encompassed with the e-Visas and applicable for the duration of visa. Travellers can also consult a Trusted Umrah travel agency from UK for guidance on insurance requirements.
Coverage Included in the Umrah Visa (as per Saudi regulations)
The insurance policy provided by the Saudi government cover medical situations, hospitalisation, COVID-related issues, accidents, flight cancellations or delays, and other sudden occurrences. The policy is valid with the validity of your visa, typically for 30 days.
What Does the Mandatory Umrah Insurance Cover?
The mandatory coverage included in insurance police includes emergency medical situations, unexpected infections, seasonal diseases, general accidents, and majorly accommodate pilgrims with flight cancellations and delays.
Medical Emergencies During Umrah
Medical emergencies during Umrah are included in the insurance policy. These emergencies include sudden health crises, hospitalisations, and other health-associated situations. Travellers choosing Affordable Ramadan Umrah packages should also review the insurance coverage included in their package.
COVID-19 Coverage and Quarantine Costs
Travel insurance covers COVID-19 related emergencies, ensuring comprehensive assistance during your pilgrimage. The policy typically covers the overall cost for quarantine, additional accommodations and transport.
Repatriation and Death Benefits
A Travel insurance policy typically covers both repatriation and death. The term Repatriation is linked to the process of sending the decedents’ body back to their country, and death benefits cover financial support to the family during the journey.
Should UK Pilgrims Purchase Additional Travel Insurance?
Yes, as it is highly recommended and the authorities of KSA require foreign Muslims, including those travelling from UK to obtain or purchase travel insurance for Umrah. It is important to buy the policy ensuring the coverage of emergency situations such as medical help, hospitalisation, unexpected delays, and last-minute cancellations. Travellers may also apply for Umrah visa online while reviewing the insurance requirements before their journey.
Benefits of Extra Private Coverage
Additional/ extra private coverage provides several benefits such as financial help, medical care, emergency handling, mainly trip cancellation, missing luggage, and delays. It ensures a stress-free, peaceful, and comfortable pilgrimage without worrying about ‘how to handle’ sudden situations.
When to Consider Comprehensive Travel Insurance
Travellers should purchase travel insurance before embarking on their pilgrimage. It is recommended to buy the policy soon after booking your accommodations and flight to cover unforeseen situations. Though Umrah visas provide basic travel coverage but additional insurance offers you more convenience and peace of mind.
How to Get Travel Insurance for Your Umrah Trip
Travellers can get travel insurance either with the Umrah visa or can add it to their package as add-Ons. Travel insurance is necessary to purchase before starting your pilgrimage to enjoy a smooth, stress-free, and peaceful pilgrimage. Travel insurance covers sudden conditions and assists during emergencies. These policies are valid till the visa validity — typically for 30 days.
Included in Visa by Saudi Government
Travellers enjoy the travel insurance added to the visa by the Saudi government. This policy is already included in the Saudi eVisa, covering necessary medical expenses during your trip. However, the insurance included in your visa is basic and general coverage.
Add-Ons via UK-Based Insurance Providers
Many travellers opt for additional travel insurance for extra coverage. Many travel agencies offer comprehensive and major travel insurance for visitors. Extra coverage provides coverage at major levels, including medical expenses, COVID-related situations, hospitalisation, quarantine costs, repatriation, and death benefits, including sending the body to the home country and offering financial support to the family during the trip.
