Is the Nipah Virus Outbreak a Concern for UAE Travellers?
Recently, India has reported multiple confirmed cases of the Nipah virus (NiV) outbreak in West Bengal. Initially, the virus was found in 5 health workers in WB. However, around 100-200 individuals have tested positive and are now in quarantine. The concerned officials are continuing their investigations. ...read more
Is the Nipah Virus Outbreak a Concern for UAE Travellers?
Health Insurance UAE Plans
Clinic Only
Outpatient services are limited to clinics & general practitioner. To access a hospital for outpatient a referral is required from your GP. If you need to go to a hospital, you'll need your doctor's approval. This is local coverage with a limited network of hospitals and clinics available Please note, you can access a hospital (within the network) during life threatening emergency situations.
Takaful Emarat
Plan NameECARE BLUE
Medical Cover (AED)150,000
Starting FromAED 5,566/Yearly
Network
The list of hospitals & clinics where your health insurance plan can be applied.
E CARE Blue
Clinic and GP Only
Outpatient services are limited to clinics, However you can direct meet with a specialist with these plans. If you need to go to a hospital, you'll need your doctor's approval. This is local coverage with a limited network of hospitals and clinics available Please note, you can access a hospital (within the network) during life threatening emergency situations.
HAYAH Insurance
Plan NameBlue
Medical Cover (AED)150,000
Starting FromAED 5,739/Yearly
Network
The list of hospitals & clinics where your health insurance plan can be applied.
Blue
Clinic With Specialist
Outpatient services are limited to clinics, However you can direct meet with a specialist with these plans. If you need to go to a hospital, you'll need your doctor's approval. This is local coverage with a limited network of hospitals and clinics available Please note, you can access a hospital (within the network) during life threatening emergency situations.
Orient Insurance
Plan NameHealth Plus - Plan 5
Medical Cover (AED)1,000,000
Starting FromAED 6,780/Yearly
Network
The list of hospitals & clinics where your health insurance plan can be applied.
NEXTCARE RN3
Clinic + Hospital Access
You can see specialists and visit local clinics and hospitals directly. Certain plans provide coverage both in your home country and abroad (outpatient would be on a reimbursement bases and emergency situations are covered on a direct billing basis within network). This plan even covers some dental and optical expenses.
Cigna
Plan NameHealthguard Regional
Medical Cover (AED)2,750,000
Starting FromAED 35,756/Yearly
Network
The list of hospitals & clinics where your health insurance plan can be applied.
General
Clinic + Hospital Access
You can see specialists and visit local clinics and hospitals directly. Certain plans provide coverage both in your home country and abroad (outpatient would be on a reimbursement bases and emergency situations are covered on a direct billing basis within network). This plan even covers some dental and optical expenses.
GIG Gulf (Previously AXA)
Plan NameGlobal
Medical Cover (AED)7,500,000
Network
The list of hospitals & clinics where your health insurance plan can be applied.
In-house A1
Clinic and GP Only
Outpatient services are limited to clinics, However you can direct meet with a specialist with these plans. If you need to go to a hospital, you'll need your doctor's approval. This is local coverage with a limited network of hospitals and clinics available Please note, you can access a hospital (within the network) during life threatening emergency situations.
Fidelity United
Plan NameHealth First Plan G
Medical Cover (AED)500,000
Starting FromAED 5,083/Yearly
Network
The list of hospitals & clinics where your health insurance plan can be applied.
PCP- C Network
Clinic Only
Outpatient services are limited to clinics & general practitioner. To access a hospital for outpatient a referral is required from your GP. If you need to go to a hospital, you'll need your doctor's approval. This is local coverage with a limited network of hospitals and clinics available Please note, you can access a hospital (within the network) during life threatening emergency situations.
Dubai Insurance
Plan NameDubaiCare Next N5
Medical Cover (AED)1,000,000
Starting FromAED 6,097/Yearly
Network
The list of hospitals & clinics where your health insurance plan can be applied.
DubaiCare Next
Clinic With Specialist
Outpatient services are limited to clinics, However you can direct meet with a specialist with these plans. If you need to go to a hospital, you'll need your doctor's approval. This is local coverage with a limited network of hospitals and clinics available Please note, you can access a hospital (within the network) during life threatening emergency situations.
Orient Takaful Insurance
Plan NamePlan 5
Medical Cover (AED)1,000,000
Starting FromAED 6,772/Yearly
Network
The list of hospitals & clinics where your health insurance plan can be applied.
NEXTCARE RN3
Clinic With Specialist
Outpatient services are limited to clinics, However you can direct meet with a specialist with these plans. If you need to go to a hospital, you'll need your doctor's approval. This is local coverage with a limited network of hospitals and clinics available Please note, you can access a hospital (within the network) during life threatening emergency situations.
RAK Insurance
Plan NameNextcare RN3
Medical Cover (AED)1,000,000
Starting FromAED 6,787/Yearly
Network
The list of hospitals & clinics where your health insurance plan can be applied.
NEXTCARE RN3
Dubai National Insurance
Plan NameEssential
Medical Cover (AED)150,000
Starting FromAED 7,350/Yearly
Network
The list of hospitals & clinics where your health insurance plan can be applied.
Network - PCP/RN3
Clinic With Specialist
Outpatient services are limited to clinics, However you can direct meet with a specialist with these plans. If you need to go to a hospital, you'll need your doctor's approval. This is local coverage with a limited network of hospitals and clinics available Please note, you can access a hospital (within the network) during life threatening emergency situations.
Adamjee
Plan NameSilk Road
Medical Cover (AED)1,000,000
Starting FromAED 10,500/Yearly
Network
The list of hospitals & clinics where your health insurance plan can be applied.
MEDNET Silk Road
Clinic and GP Only
Outpatient services are limited to clinics, However you can direct meet with a specialist with these plans. If you need to go to a hospital, you'll need your doctor's approval. This is local coverage with a limited network of hospitals and clinics available Please note, you can access a hospital (within the network) during life threatening emergency situations.
Watania Takaful (Previously Noor Takaful)
Plan NameNAS NRICare Plan 6
Medical Cover (AED)1,000,000
Starting FromAED 11,058/Yearly
Network
The list of hospitals & clinics where your health insurance plan can be applied.
NAS-VN
Clinic + Hospital Access
You can see specialists and visit local clinics and hospitals directly. Certain plans provide coverage both in your home country and abroad (outpatient would be on a reimbursement bases and emergency situations are covered on a direct billing basis within network). This plan even covers some dental and optical expenses.
Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company
Plan NameBronze
Medical Cover (AED)250,000
Starting FromAED 17,993/Yearly
Network
The list of hospitals & clinics where your health insurance plan can be applied.
MSHI Bronze
Clinic + Hospital Access
You can see specialists and visit local clinics and hospitals directly. Certain plans provide coverage both in your home country and abroad (outpatient would be on a reimbursement bases and emergency situations are covered on a direct billing basis within network). This plan even covers some dental and optical expenses.
Allianz
Plan NameSelect Pearl (Comprehensive excl CCAD network)
Medical Cover (AED)6,426,800
Starting FromAED 69,520/Yearly
Network
The list of hospitals & clinics where your health insurance plan can be applied.
In-house
Clinic + Hospital Access
You can see specialists and visit local clinics and hospitals directly. Certain plans provide coverage both in your home country and abroad (outpatient would be on a reimbursement bases and emergency situations are covered on a direct billing basis within network). This plan even covers some dental and optical expenses.
Sukoon Bupa
Plan NameSelect
Medical Cover (AED)6,239,000
Starting FromAED 69,883/Yearly
Network
The list of hospitals & clinics where your health insurance plan can be applied.
Premium Network
Plans shown as per selected filters. T&Cs apply
Plans shown as per selected filters. T&Cs apply
As per health experts, Nipah is a highly lethal zoonotic virus. Its case fatality rate ranges roughly from 40% to 75%.
Disclaimer: The article is for informational purposes only. It does not replace advice or guidance from qualified medical professionals as well as health authorities. Always refer to agencies like MOHAP, WHO, and more for the latest travel and health advisories.
How Does the Nipah Virus Spread?
Nipah virus is originally carried by animals like fruit bats (its natural reservoir). It later spreads to humans, possibly through contaminated food (such as raw date palm sap or bitten fruit). However, human-to-human transmission can also occur through close contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons.
Symptoms & Severity of Nipah Virus
The first signs of the Nipah disease are non-specific ‘flu-like’ symptoms, such as fever, headache, muscle pain, and sore throat. In severe cases, it extends to respiratory distress and encephalitis (brain inflammation) — this can lead to confusion, seizures, coma, or death.
At present, there is no approved vaccine or specific cure for Nipah. Treatment mainly involves supportive care, symptom management, and management of complications.
Quick Nipah Virus Facts at a Glance
Virus
Nipah (NiV), Zoonotic
Origin
Fruit bats are natural hosts
How Does it Spread
Animal-to-human — human-to-human possible via close contact
Nipah Virus From UAE’s Perspective: Risk and Preparedness
Is the UAE at Risk?
Public health analysts say that as of Jan 27, 2026, there are no confirmed Nipah cases in the UAE. However, considering UAE’s strong connection with India and Indian expatriates, the concerned authorities are conducting screening protocols for those travelling from affected areas.
For the general population, the Nipah disease risk remains low. This is because unlike COVID-19, Nipah does not spread easily. Only close contact with infected individuals and contaminated materials can increase the chances of developing the disease. However, it still requires caution.
UAE Health Measures Underway
National health agencies and airport authorities are reactivating fever screening and health surveillance for passengers from India.
Travellers are encouraged to monitor symptoms for up to 14 days after travel to affected regions and seek immediate medical care if symptoms arise.
Asian Airports on Alert: Travel Measures and Screening
Considering the major outbreak, several Asian countries, including Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan, have reintroduced COVID-style health screenings at airports for passengers arriving from affected regions in India.
These measures to check and control the spread of the Nipah disease include —
Temperature checks
Health declarations
Quarantine requirements for symptomatic travellers
Enhanced monitoring of travel histories
Prevention Tips for Travellers and Residents
Health officials and infectious disease specialists recommend —
For Travellers to India or Returning Residents
Avoid contact with sick individuals, animals, and bats
Do not consume raw date palm sap or half-eaten fruit
Maintain strict hand and personal hygiene
Watch for early symptoms such as fever, headache, and sore throat
Disclose recent travel history to healthcare providers promptly
For Residents in the UAE
Stay informed through official health advisories from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention and local health departments
Routine daily life and interactions should remain unaffected, but awareness helps reduce risk
For UAE Travellers to Kerala
Avoid travelling to containment regions
Get consultation if any symptoms arise
Track your health status while travelling and post-travel
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