Bahrain is the smallest among the Gulf Nations and shares its borders with Saudi Arabia and Qatar. It is tucked in the Persian Gulf and is also the site of the ancient Dilmun civilization.
Bahrain is an Islamic nation; however, it does not impose strict Muslim laws, making it a popular tourist destination for people around the world. In Bahrain, you can witness the crumbling ruins of ancient civilizations, mighty fortresses, scuba diving sites, quaint desert towns, and much more.
If you're planning a trip to Bahrain, make sure you buy travel medical insurance as a safety net against any unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries.
Bahrain Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
Accidents and injuries on vacation are almost always unforeseen and may require immediate medical attention. You might have a domestic insurance plan in your home country. But what happens when you need medical care in a foreign country? You would have to pay the cost up front, in cash or by card, which can become a cause of financial worry. But when you buy travel medical insurance, you can enjoy your trip instead of worrying about potential extra expenses for medical care.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Bahrain?
No, travel medical insurance is not mandatory when you are traveling to Bahrain. However, for the reason discussed above, buying it before you travel to Bahrain is a wise decision.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Bahrain?
Bahrain is quite safe when it comes to diseases or natural calamities, but accidental injuries are unforeseen. Traveling without travel medical insurance can be compared to driving without a seatbelt. You must buy travel medical insurance to ensure you enjoy a stress-free trip.
Things to Do for Travelers in Bahrain
From wildlife sanctuaries to arid deserts and modern city life to archaic ruins, Bahrain has different attractions that cater to a myriad of interests. Here are the top experiences worth your time in Bahrain:
Keep the Loneliest Tree in the World Company
A 400-year-old tree stands tall amid the desert. It is called the Shajarat-al-Hayat, or the Tree of Life. It gets this nickname due to the location in which it stands, with no known water source feeding it, truly representing the magic and power of life. According to local folklore, the tree was planted in 1583. Another folktale emphasizes it as the site of the biblical Garden of Eden and that the tree is a mark of that paradise.
Visit the Bahrain National Museum
The Bahrain National Museum was among the first museums in the Gulf region. Its ambiance is quite dramatic, with the sea on one side and contemporary sculptures on the other. The artifact collection covers 6,000 years of Bahrain's rich history. You must also visit the Art Center and Cultural Hall near the National Museum, which hosts contemporary exhibitions and concerts throughout the year.
Catch a Bus to the Al Areen Wildlife Park
Do you want to see exotic animals in the wild casually roam their natural habitat? If yes, then book a tour bus to Al Areen Park. You will witness the Arabian oryx, South African cheetah, spotted hyena, Chapman's Zebra, and many more during the tour. The park follows captive breeding of endangered species.
Take a Tour of the Stamps Museum
Out on display are the amazing collections of stamps issued and used in the country. The Stamps Museum will give you an insight into the stamp history of Bahrain. It is located on the premises of the Ministry of Transportation.
Shop at the Manama Souq
No trip is complete without shopping for local goods. The Manama Souq will spoil you with choices of spices, fabrics, kaftans, souvenirs, dry fruits, and just about everything you can imagine on display and available for purchase.
Go Diving for Pearls
For more than 2,000 years, Bahrain has been world-renowned for its pearl fisheries. These treasures were the country's main export for centuries, and hundreds of boats at a time would position themselves offshore and scour the ocean floor. You, too, can test your luck. Licensed diving companies offer pearl-diving expeditions that allow you to collect oysters from the seabed, open them back on the boat, and see what you get.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Bahrain
The ambiance in Bahrain is quite relaxed and attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year. But every new place may pose a risk for travelers. Here are some potential risks that international tourists are exposed to in Bahrain:
- Before you travel to Bahrain, get the usual round of vaccinations, and be sure to add vaccinations for Hepatitis A/B, rabies, and tetanus to the list.
- Heatstroke and sunstroke are also possible risks during summers in Bahrain.
- Mishaps and accidental injuries can pose a potential risk for tourists in Bahrain. If you're indulging in water sports or hiking, the guidance of trained instructors with a proper license can help you evade such incidents.
- Pickpocketing is a serious problem in Bahrain. Stay alert and avoid crowded areas.
- Unethical practices are looked down upon in Bahrain. But there are dishonest local tour guides and agencies who may dupe international tourists by taking their money, cancelling the tour, and then disappearing.
Before You Travel to Bahrain - Do This
Be sure to pack sunscreen and, lots of it. Also remember hats, sunglasses, and necessary medicines.
Remember your travel documents like your visa, passport, photo ID, and so on. Make photocopies or digital copies and keep them safe along with the original ones.