Before relocating to the UAE, it’s essential to understand its healthcare system and health insurance. The UAE offers high-quality healthcare with modern hospitals and skilled doctors. While healthcare can be expensive, the quality is worth it. Nationals enjoy low-cost access to public healthcare, whereas expatriates need a health card and pay fees. The guide provides insights into navigating healthcare in the UAE, including how to get medical insurance in Dubai.
Understanding Healthcare in the UAE
The UAE’s advanced healthcare system is largely government-funded, providing comprehensive care for its residents. Additionally, the country boasts a rapidly expanding network of private hospitals offering excellent services. Each emirate in the UAE manages its healthcare system, ensuring high-quality treatment throughout. Expatriates have access to both public and private hospitals, with some distinctions: Emiratis benefit from low or no-cost services in public hospitals and clinics, while expatriates must pay fees.
Coverage of UAE Public Healthcare
Public healthcare coverage in the UAE varies by location. However, it generally addresses fundamental health requirements, including:
- Maternity services
- Emergency care
- Routine check-ups, treatments, and tests by doctors and specialists
- Lab tests, X-rays, and therapy
- Doctor-prescribed medications
- Preventive services such as necessary vaccinations and immunizations for children and infants
Exclusions include:
- Vision correction through surgery or laser
- Hearing and vision aids
- Dental and gum examinations
In certain cases, public healthcare may also cover surgical procedures, maternity follow-ups, and physiotherapy.
UAE Healthcare Costs
The extent of health insurance coverage provided by your employer depends on your salary and job position, varying from person to person. The more coverage is provided, the less you will need to pay for medical expenses. Ultimately, it depends on your insurance plan and the level of financial support your employer offers.
Is Health Insurance Required in the UAE?
To reside in the UAE, proof of health insurance is mandatory for obtaining a visa. While Emirati citizens receive free insurance, expatriates must pay for both private and public health insurance.
- Dubai: Companies must provide health insurance for employees but not their families.
- Abu Dhabi: Employers are required to cover health insurance for employees and up to four dependents (one spouse and three children under 18). Expats with more than four children must secure additional coverage.
- Sharjah and Northern Emirates: Employers are not obligated to offer medical insurance.
The UAE Health Card
In Dubai, if your employer or your spouse’s employer does not provide health insurance, obtaining a health card is necessary. The health card offers basic healthcare similar to what Emiratis receive from public facilities.
A health card is required for accessing public hospitals and clinics. Even with private insurance, having a health card can be advantageous as private plans may not cover everything, and government facilities might be more cost-effective.
Health Card Fees
Health service fees in the UAE vary by age. For ages 0 to 9, the fee is 100 AED (about 27 USD). For ages 10 to 17, it costs 200 AED (about 54 USD). For those 18 and older, the fee is 300 AED (about 82 USD). These fees help cover healthcare services.
Requirements for Obtaining a UAE Health Card
- Passport copy
- Sponsor’s covering letter
- Visa application copy
- Two passport-size photos
- Completed application form
Average Health Insurance Cost in the UAE
Many UAE companies include health insurance as part of employee compensation, but this is not universal. Comprehensive insurance may cost around 10,000 AED (about 2,720 USD) annually.
Insurance costs can vary. For instance, a 30-year-old seeking extensive coverage might pay around 5,500 AED (about 1,500 USD) per year. For a family of four seeking comprehensive coverage, the cost might be approximately 33,500 AED (about 9,120 USD), while a basic plan could be around 17,000 AED (about 4,630 USD).