The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world. As an expat, you’ll gain access to public and private facilities; however, you won’t have the same rights as Emirati nationals, such as tax-free public health services.
While modern and accessible, expats might find this new landscape challenging due to unique issues like the language barrier. Remitly’s comprehensive guide will help you understand health care in the public and private sectors, expat health insurance plan options, and other associated costs within the UAE healthcare system.
Overview of healthcare in the UAE
Expats enjoy public and private healthcare services in the Emirates. In addition, most medical facilities meet high standards, such as Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation. This certification proves that a facility follows international best practices.
Public health services are government-run and funded. This means they are often free or heavily subsidised, but only for UAE nationals. However, public-sector providers often focus on preventive care—actions that prevent diseases such as vaccinations, regular check-ups, and promoting good lifestyle choices.
Key features of the UAE healthcare system
The federal Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHaP) takes the lead in implementing the country’s health care policy. However, the seven emirates—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah—have their own public health authorities, like the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Health Authority-Abu Dhabi (HAAD).
Here are some other unique features of healthcare in the UAE:
- Expats must have international health insurance, and most accepted options are employer-provided.
- If you’re in the UAE as a foreign student, your university may cover the cost of private health insurance. Otherwise, you’ll need to secure coverage yourself.
- The country has a vibrant medical tourism ecosystem, attracting patients seeking high-quality dentistry services, cosmetic surgery, fertility treatments, and more. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are quickly becoming top destinations.
- Increased investment in AI technologies and digital health has helped improve surgery accuracy, patient care, and treatment outcomes.
- Medical institutions, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, and research organisations often establish a presence in healthcare “free zones” like Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC). These facilities can be 100% owned by foreigners and enjoy certain benefits, such as tax exemption. The policy helps attract foreign investors to improve the UAE’s healthcare system.
How expats access UAE healthcare services
Foreigners aren’t entitled to receive free public healthcare services in the UAE, but you have options.
Private healthcare for expats
All expats in the Emirates must have private health insurance, which employers often provide but can also be self-sponsored. This is easily accomplished because it’s a mandatory requirement when applying for a visa to work anywhere in the country.
Expats can access private healthcare services using private local or international health insurance. We’ll discuss your insurance options extensively a little later in the article.
However, what you need to know is this coverage gives you access to a wide range of private medical facilities. Many expats prefer this option because English is commonly spoken in these facilities, and they are often less overcrowded.
Public healthcare options
Expats must pay a fee and present a valid health card to receive public care. This card is renewable annually and received only after applying through the Ministry of Health or local health authority in your emirate.
Follow these simple steps to apply for your health card:
- Visit the Emirates Health Services (EHS) Smart Service portal online. Sometimes, the portal you’ll use depends on the emirate where you live. For example, Dubai residents can register via the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) E-service portal. You can also apply in-person at a typing centre (markaz altibaea) near you.
- Attach all relevant documents, including:
- Valid Emirates ID card
- Proof of residence, such as your valid residency permit or visa
- Valid passport
- Passport-sized photos
- Birth certificate (for newborns)
- Certified marriage contract (for spouses)
- Pay the application fees.
- Wait for application review by the designated health registration officer. You’ll receive your approval notification via email or SMS.
- The health card will be linked to your Emirates ID. If your application is rejected, you can modify your health card request and resubmit.
You’re eligible for the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) if your employer doesn’t pay for your insurance and you earn less than 4,000 AED. This way, you can access basic healthcare in public facilities. However, EBP requires a 20% copayment—insurance pays 80% of the bill, and you’re responsible for the rest.
Children aged five and below are entitled to free immunisations, so make sure your residency visa is valid. Also, you’ll receive free treatment in case of an emergency, regardless of your insurance status. However, you must be insured to get post-emergency care.
How to register with medical facilities
To enjoy these services, private or public, you must register with a healthcare facility. This is especially essential to help you file insurance claims.
A health card is mandatory for you to be eligible to register with local medical facilities, such as:
- Hospital: Include public and private hospitals, and handle medical procedures, specialist appointments, and emergency care.
- Clinic or health centre: For general, non-emergency care and prescription refills from your family doctor.
- Pharmacy: Get prescription or over-the-counter medication. Often located close to a healthcare facility.
Always try to make your appointments in advance. However, you can access UAE emergency services by dialling 988.
Tips for booking medical appointments
Booking a medical appointment in the UAE is easy—all you need is a laptop and an internet connection. You can make your booking in several ways:
- Book online via the EHS website to access services at the closest medical facility. You can also see live updates on hospital changes, laboratory opening hours, and more.
- Book online directly through the website of your clinic or hospital of choice.
- Call your clinic or hospital’s customer service.
- Visit the healthcare facility directly. You may have to queue before they find an available slot.
Find a healthcare facility near you on the official EHS website. Also, ensure you have a reliable way to pay for services received, such as a medical insurance plan.
Health insurance in the UAE
Finding affordable expat health insurance options requires sifting through different plans and premiums. A premium is the amount you pay for insurance coverage of a particular value. For example, premiums for the EBP range between 550 AED and 650 AED a year for annual claim limits of up to 150,000 AED.
The Emirati government offers several other targeted insurance plans as follows:
- Thiqa: Covers UAE nationals from Abu Dhabi, or foreign expats sponsored by a family member who’s a citizen or resident.
- Enaya: A unified health insurance system for all Dubai citizens and individuals who work in the Dubai government.
Types of health insurance plans for expats
These plans cover essential healthcare services like maternity, inpatient and outpatient care, emergency treatment, and preventive services. They include:
- Individual health insurance plan: This is a good choice if you don’t have any dependents, such as a partner or children. It costs between 3,000 and AED 4,000 AED per year.
- Family health insurance plan: Consider this option if you have a family. Remember, children above age 18 require individual insurance as they aren’t covered under a parent’s medical coverage.
- Senior citizen health insurance plan: It’s a good option if you’re 60 years old and above. However, pre-existing conditions may affect your premiums.
- Group or employee health insurance plan: If you’re moving to work in the UAE, ensure that your employer provides a group/employee health insurance plan. The federal government requires proof of this before issuing or renewing a residence visa.
- Critical illness health insurance plan: This is a cover that you can sometimes add to boost your existing insurance plan. It supports you financially when you’re diagnosed with serious conditions like cancer, stroke, heart attack, or organ failure.
Mandatory coverage and legal requirements
The rules on mandatory expat health insurance coverage differ in specific emirates, as highlighted below:
- Dubai: Employers here aren’t obligated to provide health insurance to your dependents. You’ll pay out-of-pocket expenses unless your employer offers to do so. However, employers risk monthly fines of 500 AED if they don’t insure you.
- Abu Dhabi: It’s a different story in Abu Dhabi, where employers are mandated by law to provide health insurance for you and your dependents. However, you can only sign up one spouse and up to three children under 18 years. Non-compliance will cost the employer 300 AED weekly.
- Northern Emirates: Employers in the northern emirates—Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah—don’t have to provide employees with medical insurance. You’ll have to self-sponsor instead.
How to choose the best health insurance plan in UAE
Consider these factors before settling on an insurance plan:
- Cost: Medical insurance costs between 3,000 to 7,500 AED annually for individual plans and 15,000 to 25,000 AED for family plans. Details like age, family size, and health status can affect the cost.
- Compare multiple plans: Work with a licensed and registered insurance broker to get quotes from leading insurance companies.
- High claim settlement ratio: This tells you how many claims the insurance company settled compared to those they received. For example, a company that settled 80 out of 100 claims is better than one that settled only 40 out of 100.
- Benefits: Select an insurance plan that offers extra benefits at the same price.
- Copayment: Some covers require you to pay a certain percentage, while others pay the full bill.
- Sublimits: Check the coverage limit for healthcare services. For instance, how much is the insurance company willing to pay for a bed per night?
- Eligible hospitals: Your hospital of choice must accept the insurance cover you’re using.
- Waiting period: Assess the duration before you can make your first claim after paying for an insurance policy.
- Value: You need health insurance that offers sufficient funds, especially for expensive procedures, to avoid paying out-of-pocket fees through cash or via credit card.
- Comprehensive care: Some insurance plans don’t cover maternity or family healthcare, so confirm the specifics before making a payment.
- Emergency services and urgent care: All plans offer emergency services like ambulance, but not all offer urgent care coverage.
Cost of healthcare in the UAE
The Emirates’ world-class health facilities and highly-trained professionals contribute to a well-developed sector, but could be costly for expats:
- Firstly, only UAE citizens are treated for free or at low government-sponsored rates.
- Secondly, you must pay for health insurance. Although the law requires your employer to sponsor you and your dependents, you may have to take out individual insurance coverage.
- Thirdly, some services are out-of-pocket, especially when your insurance doesn’t cover all necessities or you exhaust it. Finding a bank with good lending policies is vital for moments like this.
Healthcare costs in public vs. private facilities
Let’s look at the costs of common processes and medical procedures across the UAE:
| Procedure/Process | Cost in public facility | Cost in private facility |
| Consultation with a General Practitioner (GP) | Subsidised with a health card | 150–500 AED |
| Consultation with a specialist | Subsidised with a health card | 300–700 AED |
| Hospitalisation | Subsidised with a health card | 1,000–3,000 AED
(per night, for a private room) |
| Maternity | 4,000–7,000 AED | 7,500–22,000 AED |
| Dental checkup | 150–250 AED | 500–700 AED |
| Surgical procedures
(depending on complexity) |
1,500–50,000 AED | 10,000–100,000 AED |
| Diagnostics | 50–150 AED | 200–3,000 AED |
| Emergency Room (ER) | Free to stabilise patients, but you must pay for post-emergency care | 500–2,000 AED |
Cost-saving tips for expats
- Opt for public hospitals for general care. You’ll still receive excellent health services.
- Make use of employer benefits. For example, your employer-provided insurance cover may include wellness services like mental gym membership, health assessments, mental health support, and nutritional planning.
- Join an online expat community to help you navigate life in the UAE and share insight on the best and most affordable hospitals for saving money.
- Don’t pay extra for additional options you may not need. For example, you can avoid dental and optical packages if paying out of pocket is cheaper.
- Supplement your insurance cover with another to keep you insured when you exhaust the first cover.
- Research health insurance options and pick the ones that require low premiums but offer maximum benefits.
Live your healthy life in the UAE
Healthcare in the Emirates is both innovative and well-organised, providing excellent services for citizens and immigrants alike. Whether you’re considering a short visit or planning a longer stay, or you just want to take advantage of the advanced medical care options available here, the UAE makes it easy for you to find the services you need to stay healthy or tackle emergencies as you settle in.
FAQs
Do expats get free healthcare in the UAE?
No, only Emirati nationals can access free or heavily subsidised public healthcare. However, a health card ensures you can access government-run services as an expat at affordable costs.
How can I access healthcare in the UAE as an expat?
Expats need to pay a fee and have an official health card to access services and public facilities. Alternatively, you can pay for medical services at private healthcare facilities using medical insurance, in cash, or via credit card.
How much is health insurance in the UAE?
There are several types of employer-provided or self-sponsored health insurance plans to choose from. Depending on your choice, private medical insurance can cost anywhere from 3,000 AED to 7,500 AED annually for individual plans.
Which insurance is best for health in the UAE?
The best health insurance plan for you depends on several factors, from costs to benefits and much more. A registered and licensed health insurance agent can offer advice and help you compare rates based on your needs, or you can conduct your own in-depth research online.