IntrepidAfrican2

that cost goes far higher than AED56.... Then the probability of getting badly enough I’ll to be hospitalised versus the costs comes into play.

IntrepidAfrican2

not sure that’s the correct way to use EV....

Saltire74

I’m not going to get into a deep and meaningful about it but the fact is I know of hundreds of cases where people have been caught out for the sake of a few extra quid. It’s not nice watching people having to scramble around every friend or relative with a begging bowl trying to raise cash to pay a hefty medical bill overseas.

thijsseh

This is sort of true for all (or maybe almost all ) insurance products. Otherwise there would not be an insurance market. The insurance companies use probability theory to set the premiums. It is unwise for individuals to rely on probability theory ONLY to make insurance decisions.
My rule of thumb of insurances generally is that if when the event cripples you financially, it is worth seriously considering insuring against it (especially when the premium is relatively affordable). But I self-insure for things I can afford to do so: my laptop, mobile phone, relatively expensive watch (and lots of other stuff) are not insured. My property is insured, the cost thereof is small.
A few years ago, I had a nasty fall in AMS, breaking 4 ribs and ending up in hospital for 4 days with something called a heamothorax. Emirates would only agree to fly me home (on my existing J ticket) if I had a medical escort. The insurance paid for the hospital (including CT scans etc), the doctor and his J fare. I was very happy to have paid the small sum in travel insurance (standard credit card insurance would actually have covered it, but my trip was >30 days so I bought the additional product).

suley

As someone who deals with Insurance, I get the probability argument and yes, insurance is sold on probability, I don’t think anyone was expecting country airspaces to be closed which was a cool feature of my parents travel insurance, was extremely useful when they were stranded by EK. For me, I have to say, two years I didn’t make a single claim, last 2 years I have made a claim for alternative flights, lost camera, getting robbed in Turkey and to make it an amazing trip, BA broke my iPad. I would say it's paid its value and if not more. I would always say, travel insurance is only as good as the terms so always read what you are covered for. If you do become unwell abroad, the last thing you want is to think how do I pay for this and the world is not as helpful as our NHS, in fact the NHS charges foreigners, albeit it, we may not get the money back

cager

Thanks for the reminder... Another PSA though... The Free COVID Insurance through Emirates only applies to Emirates flights purchased through their website.
I booked a flight from the AirCanada website (YYZ->LHR->DXB), and even though my LHR->DXB ticket is on Emirates, the agent I talked to said the free COVID insurance does not apply to my ticket.

ft101

Theories are great until you experience real life.

iFlyMoreThanYou

So is observation bias (few posts above) and basic understanding of probability theory. How do you guys think insurance companies make money?

Gaz

Has anyone had experience of the 'PCR on arrival' traveling from the UK into DXB?

From what I can tell, it sounds like UK citizens can simply do the test on arrival at the airport, then isolate in hotel until they receive a (hopefully) negative result. However as the removal of a pre-flight PCR test for UK is quite new, I can't find anyone who's actually done this. Any reports on the process would be appreciated!

iFlyMoreThanYou

The test for residents on arrival is very smooth and is how it was back in July. Took 5min to get out.

cant be 100% sure but I'd say this is the same approach as for uk/de tourists. Post passport control you are funnelled left for a test on arrival and right if you already have one. Efficient setup

ElJudioErrante

Does one get emailed certificate that can be used for departure within 96 hrs ex DXB?

iFlyMoreThanYou

not emailed, but you can do this manually by logging into the pure health website and download a PDF with test results.

ElJudioErrante

Great.. I'm not resident but will give it a go on my 3 day trip to DXB coming up. I look forward to not only saving money for a test before departure in town but also the time I've previously spent to do that!

Dijonspurs

I'm also looking forward to this new option as a UK resident. I've been to Dubai twice in the past couple of months, and the test costs/time add up. Is the PCR test on arrival provided free to UK (/German) tourists?

There are still very good reasons to test before the flight to Dubai though. If ever you were positive, at least you'd know about it before you've left and you don't risk infecting others en route. Testing positive on arrival in Dubai would also mean you're on the hook for 14 days in a hotel room, with no ability to socialise / meet clients and obviously the extra costs.

As someone who usually travels for no more than a week and to a fairly full schedule, the (admittedly small) risk of being stuck in a hotel room for 14 days likely justifies the £110 for a test in London first!

m3red

You no longer need a test before you leave DXB to travel to the UK