Qatar Insurance Company (QIC) is reporting a notable increase in demand for travel insurance in advance of the Eid al-Fitr holiday, reflecting both a rise in outbound travel by residents and an influx of international visitors to Qatar.
According to QIC’s internal data, the number of travel insurance policies issued for outbound trips during the Eid period has grown by approximately 50% compared to the same holiday timeframe in 2024. The data covers purchases made through early April, coinciding with the peak travel window surrounding Eid celebrations.
European destinations continue to attract the majority of QIC-insured travellers, with over 55% selecting at least one of the Schengen countries. Poland has seen the highest share of interest, followed by France, Germany, Croatia, and Portugal. The UK remains the leading non-Schengen destination for QIC policyholders.
Inbound traffic to Qatar is also contributing to the uptick in insurance sales. QIC reported that visitors from Saudi Arabia, India, Algeria, Turkey, and the US were among the most frequent purchasers of both general travel policies and the country’s mandatory visitor health insurance during the holiday period.
Speaking on the travel trends, Ahmed Al Jarboey, chief operating officer – Qatar operations at QIC, noted that this time of year typically sees a rise in both international departures and arrivals.
“The Eid al-Fitr break is a preferred travel period for many citizens and residents of Qatar and an ideal occasion for international visitors to come and experience Qatar’s festive celebrations during this joyous time,” he said. “At QIC, we take pride in offering a diverse range of insurance plans that cater to every traveller segment, ensuring worry-free journeys for everyone. Our travel insurance solutions are carefully designed to protect travellers against unexpected financial burdens, and we are confident that Qatar-based travellers and international visitors will once again enjoy worry-free trips this Eid with QIC.”
The shift in insurance uptake reflects broader patterns observed across Asia, particularly among younger travellers.
A recent Klook Protect survey identified a mismatch between traditional insurance products and the expectations of Millennial and Gen Z travellers, who are seeking coverage that aligns with flexible travel habits and adventure-focused itineraries.
While QIC has not announced any changes to its product lineup in response to such trends, the current growth in holiday-related insurance sales suggests an increased awareness among consumers about the importance of protection during travel.
In response, QIC spotlighted its travel insurance offerings, including various coverage levels. The Worldwide Plan covers emergency medical incidents, delays, and loss of personal documents. The Fly Europe Plan provides up to $50,000 in medical coverage for travel within Europe.
The Regional Plan is tailored for travel to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and the Gulf, covering medical costs, accidents, and legal expenses.
For international arrivals, QIC facilitates fast access to Qatar’s required visitor health insurance, with prices starting at QAR 50 per month. This plan is designed to cover urgent medical needs while in the country.
