Health Insurance and Healthcare in the UAE Explained

Jump right in:

• How healthcare works in the UAE
• Pros & cons of the UAE healthcare system
• [All about public healthcare in the UAE](#All about public healthcare in the-uae)
• An overview of private health insurance
• How to find a doctor or dentist
• Giving birth in the UAE

The UAE has a comprehensive, government-funded healthcare system and a rapidly developing private sector that delivers a high standard of care. Healthcare is regulated at both the Federal and Emirate level.

Expats are able to take advantage of both public and private facilities. However, where Emirati nationals receive treatment at public facilities and clinics at a low cost, and sometimes free, expats will have to pay a fee.

UAE healthcare facts

• The UAE ranks among the top six global medical travel destinations, especially for orthopedics, dermatology, and fertility treatments.

• Health insurance is mandatory for all residents, in fact residency visas would not be issued without proof of health insurance.

• If you are uninsured at some point, you would fined a monthly charge of 500 AED (approx. .140 USD)

• Private healthcare facilities currently outnumber public ones.

• It is mandatory that your company provide health insurance for you, while it is not mandatory the government recommends extending coverage to employees’ families as well.

• Dependents include one spouse and up to three children under the age of 18. Health insurance coverage for a fourth child is the responsibility of the employee.

Pros:

• Medical care is of high quality.
• Innovative technology is widely used.
• English is widely spoken within private healthcare facilities.

Cons:

• Healthcare is expensive.
• Public health facilities are less expensive, but wait times are long.
• Those who do not speak Arabic or English may struggle to find a medical professional they can communicate with.

Why is healthcare so expensive in the UAE?

• The UAE’s healthcare system is mostly private and operates on a fee-for-service facilities
• Most hospitals rely on imported pharmaceuticals and medical devices and that increases the costs of healthcare.
• Most residents visit specialists directly without GP referrals.

Free public healthcare in the UAE is exclusively for citizens (Emiratis). Expats in the UAE have access to public healthcare, but it is not free. However, these costs are subsidized and the standard of care is high at both a public and private facility. You can also obtain a health card to access government-run hospitals for lower-cost, routine, or emergency care.

What does the UAE public healthcare cover? In general, public healthcare covers the following basic health needs:

• emergencies
• maternity services
• mental health services
• basic health care services (general examinations, diagnostic and treatment services by general practitioners, specialists, and consultants; laboratory services; radiology diagnostic services; physiotherapy services; prescribed drugs and other medicines)
• preventive services (essential vaccinations and immunizations for children and newborns)

Things that are excluded:

• cosmetic procedures
• dental and gum exams
• hearing and vision aids
• fertility treatment such as IVF
• vision correction by surgery or laser

For more information, see Appendix A in this guide.

The UAE health card

In Dubai, if your employer, or your spouse’s employer, does not offer health insurance coverage, you must apply for a health card. To get the health care you simply have apply on the EHS platform with the following documents:

• Emirati ID
• passport
• proof of residence
• cover letter from a sponsor
• visa application
• two passport size photographs

Health card fees

For expats in Dubai, you can learn more about this card here

The health card offers basic health care coverage similar to what Emirati nationals receive through public healthcare. Expats wishing to take advantage of public hospitals and clinics must have a health card, so even if you are covered by private health insurance, it is wise to apply for the health card. Private policies may not cover every treatment, and, in some cases, it may be cheaper to go to a government hospital or clinic.

Essential benefits plan

If your employer does not provide healthcare for you or your dependents, you can either take on a private healthcare plan or opt for the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP). The EBP provides the same coverage as the UAE public healthcare, the EBP is mainly used by lower-income expats and their dependents, while higher-earning professionals usually choose more comprehensive coverage. It is only available to individuals who earn less than 4,000 AED per month (approx. 1,090 USD).

The process is straightforward and online, typically taking 1–2 weeks for approval. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Confirm eligibility: You must earn less than 4,000 AED (provide a salary certificate), hold a valid Dubai residence visa, and, for dependents, be sponsored by an eligible family member.

2. Choose an insurer: Check DHA-approved providers such as Cigna, GIG Gulf, and DNI for price quotes.

3. Submit documents to your chosen insurer.

4. Pay the fees.

Required documents:

• Emirates ID (for you and your dependents)
• Passport copy (for you and your dependents)
• Your address
• Salary certificate or work contract
• Sponsor documents:
  • Individual sponsor: passport, visa, and ID
  • Company sponsor: Trade License and Establishment Card
• For dependents: You need a signed Medical Application Form (MAF) and proof of previous UAE insurance (if waiving the 6-month waiting period)

If you employ domestic workers, you will need to provide healthcare for them. Most expats choose to use EBP. The EBP costs between 550 and 650 AED per year (approx. 150–175 USD).

Costs and coverage of public health insurance

The type of health insurance you get depends on your salary, and this affects how much your medical care will cost. The main cost of public health insurance is the health card, along with the requirement to pay for healthcare services upfront, as they are not fully covered by the insurance. Here are some typical costs for various services under a public insurance scheme:

• GP Consultation: 100–200 AED per visit
• Specialist Consultation: 200–500+ AED
• Emergency Room Visit: 500–1,500 AED (plus tests/treatment)
• Hospital Stay: 1,000–3,000 AED per night (shared/private room)
• Dental Checkup: 150–250 AED
• Maternity Delivery: 4,000–7,000 AED (normal); much higher for C-section
• Basic Tests (blood work, X-ray): 100–500 AED each

Healthcare cities

"Healthcare Cities" in the UAE refer to massive, specialized free zones and medical districts that act as one-stop hubs for medical treatment, research, and education. Instead of just being single hospitals, these are complexes comprised of clinics of various specialties.

Presently, there are three healthcare cities in the UAE:

• Sheikh Khalifa Medical City
• Dubai Healthcare City
• Sharjah Healthcare City

Although private health insurance throughout the UAE is expensive, the care provided is high quality. Insurance policies typically cover a wide range of services and treatments.

Types of health insurance plans

Most private insurance providers offer four main types of health insurance plans that cover everyone from the solo expat to the relocated family:

• individual plans: for a single person or family group looking for a comprehensive UAE medical insurance

• family plan: these plans can provide great value with qualifying family discounts

• group plans: significant discounts and other extended benefits are possible for policies with more than 20 members

• traveler plans: for individuals and groups who travel to the UAE frequently; these plans typically offer a high level of flexibility and can be tailored according to your travel itinerary

List of private insurance companies in the UAE

• Daman health insurance
• Sukoon insurance
• Cigna Global
• Orient insurance
• ADNIC
• GIG gulf

Average health insurance cost in the UAE

Most companies in the UAE include health insurance as part of their salary package. However, this is not always the case.

Differences between private and public healthcare

Why expats choose public healthcare

• You can use it, but you’ll have to pay the full cost upfront (usually 100–500+ AED per visit).
• No insurance subsidies, cash only.
• Expect long waits (sometimes days or weeks for non-urgent care).
• Facilities are basic, often crowded, and mostly Arabic-speaking.
• You’ll need referrals for specialists, and English support is limited.
• Only low-income earners (less than 4K AED/month) with basic EBP get any coverage.

Why expats choose private healthcare

• This is the main option, covered by mandatory private insurance (at least EBP).
• Insurance covers most costs (plans range from AED 500–35K/year), with minimal co-pays.
• Short or even same-day appointments are common.
• Hospitals are modern, JCI-accredited, and staff are English-speaking.
• You get direct access to international specialists.
• Coverage is comprehensive including inpatient, outpatient, and maternity care.

Why Expats Prefer Private:

• It’s required for your visa in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
• You’ll get faster service and top-notch care at places like American Hospital or Mediclinic.
• The experience is comfortable and meets international standards.

One of the best ways to find a doctor or dentist in the UAE is online. The UAE government website lists resources for finding a doctor. Expats who want to know how to find a specialist can also use the portals through their own private insurance companies.

Official health department websites for each emirate:

Abu Dhabi: To find a doctor or dentist in Abu Dhabi, expats should visit the websites of the Health Department-Abu Dhabi (HAAD)

Dubai: Expats looking for a doctor in Dubai can use Dubai Healthcare City listings to search for providers or the Dubai healthcare authority.

Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah: Ministry of Health and Prevention website offers an online search tool for professional doctors in the Northern Emirates of the UAE.

Average wait time to see a doctor in the UAE

On average, a doctor's visit in Dubai takes 79 minutes from check-in to departure. In the UAE, the main difference between public and private healthcare is wait times, public hospitals usually have longer waits. However, finding a popular doctor can take much longer due to high demand, so research and prepare a list of options in advance.

For some expats, you may be wondering what it is like giving birth in the UAE as a non-resident. The country’s high standards for healthcare and advanced medical equipment, giving birth in the Gulf country is worry-free.

Things to know about giving birth in the UAE

In some countries such as the US, as soon as a baby is born they are whisked off to a nursery, but in the UAE your baby will stay in the room with you.

Many private hospitals will allow your husband to be in the room with you while you give birth, and some even allow him to stay in your room overnight. Look around for hospitals if this is important to you.

Home births are not allowed. You must have your baby in a public or private hospital.

All expat mothers must complete baby documentation, including passport and visa, within 120 days to avoid fines.

Steps for having a baby in the UAE as a foreigner

Step one: Birth registration

For married mothers, birth registration is almost automatic with a marriage certificate, and employer insurance typically covers maternity and newborn care.

Giving birth as an unmarried parent, though fully eligible for care, as out-of-wedlock pregnancies are decriminalized. The parent must obtain a court order usually a quick “Paternity Declaration” through a court order (usually issued within 48–72 hours) through the Civil Family Courts. This certificate is needed for the baby’s passport and residency visa within 120 days.

Note that unmarried parents may face out-of-pocket medical costs, as most insurance plans don’t cover non-married maternity.

Step two: Health insurance

Check that your health insurance provider covers maternity needs and see how much is provided. The general costs to give birth in the UAE are as follows:

As health insurance is mandatory to secure a residency visa, expats should not run into the problem of giving birth in the UAE. If your health insurance does not cover maternity costs, see about upgrading the plan.

Step three: Collect required documents

In order to give birth in the UAE, there are several documents you will need to present:

• valid health card of expectant mother
• medical records
• marriage certificate (original and copy)
• original passports and copies of both husband and wife
• residency visa and copies of both husband and wife

Post Birth

You have 30 days to register the birth and 120 days to secure the residency visa to avoid daily fines.

• For babies born in public hospitals, an Arabic birth certificate will automatically be issued.

• For babies born in private hospitals, parents will need to apply the health authority in their emirate of residence for a birth certificate. This can be done via Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), Dubai Health Authority (DHA), or Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DOH).

• Newborn's passport: Applied for through your home country's embassy or consulate.

• Newborn's residency visa: Requires the baby's passport, attested birth certificate, passport-sized photos, and the sponsor’s (usually father’s) salary certificate and tenancy contract (Ejari).

You can apply for a Dubai-specific birth certificate online through the DHA portal

Benefits of giving birth in the UAE

Unfortunately, giving birth in the UAE does not grant citizenship or permanent residency. An expatriate child born in the UAE is only considered a citizen if the father is already an UAE national. If both parents are expats, then the child would take the nationality of their parents.

You can read more about the visa changes in our [Visa and Work Permits section][https://www.internations.org/uae-expats/guide/visas-work-permits]. If your child is granted UAE citizenship, they are many benefits the child would enjoy. The UAE government is known for its lavish spending on its residents, which includes the tax-free income that expats also enjoy.

However, in addition to an Emirati citizen enjoying the benefits of free public healthcare they can experience other luxuries as well such as a substantial retirement fund, provided through social security. If an Emirati man marries an Emirati woman, the couple is awarded nearly 70,000 AED (approx. 19,000 USD) by the UAE government.

There are global rumors that this type of exorbitant spending is not sustainable in the long run, but currently the UAE still provides handsomely for their citizens.