The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is renowned for its world-class infrastructure, thriving economy, and diverse culture. Along with this, the country is fast becoming known for its fantastic range of healthcare facilities and services.
Before you head to this diverse country, knowing about healthcare in UAE is essential to ensure you can get the best care possible.
In this guide you will learn about:
- Overview of healthcare in the UAE
- Who can access healthcare in the UAE?
- Registering for healthcare in UAE
- What is covered by UAE healthcare?
- UAE healthcare costs
- Quality of healthcare in UAE
- Health insurance options in the UAE
- Private healthcare in the UAE
- Healthcare facilities across the UAE
- In case of emergency in the UAE
- Healthcare professionals in the UAE
Overview of Healthcare in the UAE
UAE Healthcare System
The United Arab Emirates healthcare system is divided into public and private sectors. Healthcare in the UAE is overseen by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHaP). They are responsible for the various health regulations throughout the UAE and granting accreditation to health facilities.
While most of the Emirates are overseen by MoHaP, three have their own healthcare authorities, including:
Sharjah | The Sharjah Health Authority |
| Abu Dhabi | The Abu Dhabi Department of Health |
| Dubai | The Dubai Health Authority |
Who Can access healthcare in the UAE?
UAE nationals
While the UAE Ministry of Health has made it mandatory for all Emirates to offer universal healthcare, only Abu Dhabi and Dubai have implemented this change as of January 2025. To access free or partly subsidized public healthcare, UAE nationals (those with a UAE passport) are required to obtain mandatory health insurance. Here are some of the options:
- Abu Dhabi: Thiqa
- Sharjah: Shajah Health Insurance
- Dubai: ENAYA
Once UAE nationals have signed up for the above, they have access to the public healthcare sector in the UAE.
Expats and foreign nationals
To obtain healthcare in UAE for expats, it is mandatory for all expats and foreign nationals to obtain private health insurance. This may be partly or fully covered by employers in the UAE. If not, you are liable to cover the cost. Based on the type of insurance plan you have; you may access either the public or private healthcare facilities.
Private health insurance is a basic requirement for all residency permits in the UAE, whether you are going to the country to work, study, or simply to live after making an investment in the country. This is important to note for those obtaining UAE residency through the UAE Golden Visa program, which is fast becoming one of the top ways to obtain UAE residency.
Registering for Healthcare in UAE: UAE Health Card
In order to get care at a public healthcare facility in the UAE you need a health card. This applies to both foreign nationals and those with UAE citizenship. Here is what to do to register:
- Step one: Apply online: You need to apply for the health card online. The portal will depend on your Emirate.
- Step two: Provide documentation: When you apply for a health card you are required to provide your UAE ID, passport, or residence card.
- Step three: Fill in the application: You will need to provide the information of your local health center, your date of birth, nationality, full name, and contact information.
- Step four: Pay the fees: You will need to pay the relevant fees to submit the application. This price varies depending on the Emirate you are applying in.
What is covered by UAE Healthcare?
The public health care systems generally provide the following to UAE nationals:
- Primary care
- Hospitalizations
- Maternity and childcare services
- Specialized health services
- Diagnostic services
- Emergency care
- Mental health services
- Medications
You may be eligible for either full coverage or need to pay a portion, depending on what you are eligible for, this may vary based on which Emirate you are in. In general, everything is covered under the public healthcare system in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
UAE Healthcare Costs
The cost of healthcare services in the UAE varies based on the specialty, location of the doctor, and the type of facility you visit. Here are some basic healthcare costs in the UAE at a private facility:
Item | AED | USD |
| GP consultation | 300 AED | $81.68 |
| Specialist consultation | 590 AED | $160.63 |
| Dentist | 300 AED | $81.68 |
| Diagnostics | 200 AED – 3,000 AED | $54-$816.77 |
| Minor surgery | 2,000 AED – 10,000 AED | $544.51-$2,722.57 |
| ER visit | 500 AED – 1,500 AED | $136.13-$408.38 |
Quality of Healthcare in UAE
The UAE healthcare system is known for providing sufficient services, offering quality healthcare to all citizens and residents.
According to the 2021 Global Health Security (GHS) Index, the UAE healthcare ranking stood at 80 out of a total of 195 countries. The index takes multiple factors into consideration. For example, the UAE’s health capacity in healthcare facilities ranked 49th out of 195 countries, while the healthcare access ranked 39th.
Health Insurance Options in the UAE
There are a range of UAE medical insurance companies to choose from. If you are working in the UAE your employer will likely already have a medical insurance company, they work with and simply add you to the plan.
If you need to obtain your own private medical insurance in the UAE you should look into which companies offer the best coverage for your needs, considering things like:
- The type of medical care you need.
- How many people will be on the plan.
- Whether you want access to public or private medical facilities.
- What is covered under each plan (medication, procedures etc.)
Private Healthcare in the UAE
Private care in the UAE is a growing healthcare sector throughout the country, with thousands of private medical facilities available. This is to keep up with the growing need for private healthcare among foreign nationals and expats.
Luckily, the UAE is fast becoming one of the most sought-after medical destinations in the world with access to the best medical professionals and care. For example, there are three massive healthcare cities in the UAE that cater to all your medical needs, including:
- Sharjah Healthcare City
- Sheikh Khalifa Medical City
- Dubai Healthcare City
Healthcare Facilities Across the UAE
Clinics and Health Centers in the UAE
For general medical care (non-emergency), the first place to go is your family doctor at a primary health care center. Here, you can receive general care, including refilling your prescriptions.
Depending on which Emirate you reside in you can generally book your appointments online. Most of the centers have normal working hours, while some are available 24 hours a day.
Pharmacies in the UAE
Pharmacies in the UAE are generally located within or close to your healthcare facility. Some are available 24 hours a day for convenience while others have normal shop operating hours.
You can get your prescription medication at pharmacies in the UAE, along with a range of over-the-counter medications. However, it’s important to note that many medications that are freely available in countries like the US and UK are not available in the UAE. This includes medicines that contain alcohol. This is essential to know before heading to the
UAE as you may face severe penalties if you attempt to bring any banned substances into the country.
UAE Hospitals
There are many public and private hospitals in the UAE. Generally, the type of insurance you have will dictate which hospital you can go to. For example, if you have private medical insurance you may stay in a private room at a private hospital with a range of inclusions like a TV and Wi-Fi, but it depends on what your specific plan covers.
Hospitals in the UAE are available for emergency care, medical procedures, and specialist appointments.
In Case of Emergency in the UAE
If you encounter a medical emergency within the UAE, the first thing to do is call an ambulance by dialing 998. Since the UAE has many expats and foreign nationals the operator speaks various languages to ensure you can get help quickly.
Healthcare Professionals in the UAE
The UAE is home to some of the best medical professionals and specialists, with a growing medical tourism market. Here is what you can access:
- Dentists: There are thousands of dentists throughout the UAE. While some are available through public healthcare, most are in private clinics. Dental work is often not covered by insurance, whether its public or private, so it’s important to note what is covered under your specific plan.
- Physiotherapists: There aren’t as many physios available in the UAE as one might think. This may be due to the strict co-ed laws in the country.
- Doctors: Doctors and specialists are available throughout the UAE, whether they are contracted under public or private insurance. Getting an appointment is simple through the online portals.
- Mental health specialists: In the past, mental health issues were not covered and often not recognized in the UAE due to the shame and stigma. Luckily, as of 2023, seeking mental health treatment in the UAE is covered by the public healthcare system, offering help and treatment freely to all.
- Reproductive health: Reproductive health care services are not widely available in the UAE unless you are married. The contraceptive pill and IUD devices are available at private healthcare facilities. However, the morning after pill and abortion in the UAE are strictly illegal.
The UAE has strict regulations and laws on who can practice medicine in the country to ensure all services meet high standards of care. A postgraduate healthcare education is essential.
