UAE is an ideal choice for expats globally, but before moving, you must know about the country’s accessibility to healthcare. Fortunately, the facilities for healthcare in the UAE are among the most developed in the modern world.
Everything from healthcare to insurance plans is available for expats, and this blog will cover everything. Let’s start!
How Healthcare Works in UAE
UAE, with its exceptional healthcare infrastructure, offers state-of-the-art hospitals and clinics. Their healthcare system is regulated at a Federal and Emirate level to ensure high-quality healthcare across the country.
Emirati nationals receive healthcare at both public clinics and hospitals for a low fee or free. In comparison, expats are mandated by law to have medical insurance, which helps pay for their healthcare services.
The nation also hosts some of the best medical staff and equipment, making it an ideal choice for many expats. Now, let’s discuss the public healthcare situation for expats in the UAE.
Public Healthcare
Setting a new standard in the region, the UAE’s public medical facilities offer an exceptional standard of care. However, occasionally, due to overcrowding and a lack of English-speaking personnel, non-Arabic-speaking expats might have trouble getting around.
In order to access public healthcare facilities, expats must have a ministry-issued health card that authorises treatment. Most employers in the UAE cover health insurance for expat employees.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai, in particular, have strict laws for compulsory health insurance provided by the employer. Moreover, the expats need to visit the Visa Medical centres in Dubai for health check. If you are in the capital, you must visit the Visa Medical Centres in Abu Dhabi.
Health Card
Health cards are highly recommended for expats as they include basic healthcare coverage. The charges for a health card vary according to your age, number of dependents and other factors.
For Expats
Expats can apply for a health card by accessing the Emirates Health Service website. Alternatively, you can also physically visit any typing centre.
To obtain a UAE health card, expats will need the following;
- Your passport copy
- Cover letter from your sponsor
- Visa application copy
- Two Passport-size photographs
- A complete application form to the Ministry of Health
Fees: AED 100 for health card | AED 5 for Smart Forms | AED 10 for Administrative Charges
For UAE and GCC Nationals
The UAE and GCC nationals must provide the following documents:
- Emirates ID
- Residence permit
- Marriage certificate
- Family book for the UAE National
- Birth certificate for children
- Mother’s and father’s passports for newborn children
Service Fees: AED 20 for UAE Citizens and GCC Residents | AED 50 for GCC Visitors | AED 15 for Smart Application Fee
Private Health Care
In the UAE, foreigners prefer private healthcare over public health services due to many reasons. Most importantly, private facilities outnumber the public ones in the country.
Although the private set-up costs more, it has a sophisticated system in place. The medical staff is highly trained and proficient in English, the preferred language of most expats.
The private healthcare sector offers more assistance compared to the public healthcare sector. However, certain complex surgeries and major traumas are still managed within the public domain. Moreover, you can take a look at the hospitals in the UAE, making country’s healthcare among the best in the world.
Health Insurance
As an expat, you need insurance to access health facilities in the UAE. It’s mandatory to get insured in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Foreign residents have to pay for private health insurance.
However, the Emiratis enjoy free universal health coverage under various governmental initiatives across the UAE.
The residents of Abu Dhabi are provided full health insurance under the ‘Thiqa’ Programme. Meanwhile, ‘Enaya’ is the unified health insurance system for the citizens of Dubai. The governments of Sharjah and Ajman have their own healthcare insurance systems.
Private insurance is mostly covered by your employer and deducted from your salary. The quality of options for health insurance plans in the UAE is on par with those in European countries. Several choices are available, from individual plans to family ones.
Here are some of the most prominent health insurance providers operating in the UAE:
- Orient Insurance
- Takaful Emarat
- MetLife
- Cigna
- Dubai National Insurance and Reinsurance PSC
- Dubai Insurance Co
- Sukoon
- Axa
Types of Insurance Plans Available in UAE
Following are some of the health insurance plans available in the UAE. Expats can choose one depending on their medical needs and range of finances.
1. Basic Health Coverage Plans
These plans cover basic healthcare facilities and emergency services in specific medical centres. Services include medical diagnosis, basic treatment, and children’s vaccinations.
- Cost: AED 500 to AED 1500 annually
2. Mid-range Plans
Such plans offer a broader range of health services, depending on the specific pricing you opt for. Specialist consultations and preventive healthcare are also included in these packages. These are generally more affordable than the premium plans.
- Cost: AED 1500 to AED 4000 annually
3. Premium Plans
Premium packages include extensive healthcare services of top-notch quality. The plan covers dental and optical treatments. Moreover, some companies also provide international coverage for both in-patient and out-patient services.
- Cost: AED 10,000 to AED 20,000 annually
Pharmacies
Pharmacies across the country are not just easy to find, but they are also available 24/7. The variety of drugs they carry is quite extensive, and usually, you can get your prescription at any time of the day.
However, medication in the UAE is usually costly. So, as an expat, you should always remember to submit the receipts to the insurance provider on time.
New immigrants should research their medications that require prescriptions. Additionally, depending on the regulations, some over-the-counter drugs from your country might require a doctor’s prescription in the UAE.
Emergency Services
Hospitals in the UAE are well-equipped to take care of health emergencies and have excellent service response times.
Operators may or may not know English, but they will promptly transfer your call to an English speaker in a critical situation.
999 is an ambulance service that expats can dial. Health insurance companies sometimes also provide an emergency number, which may have a better response time than a public ambulance.
FAQs
Healthcare in the UAE is free to Emirati nationals, covering access to hospitals, clinics, and other facilities, but it’s not for expats.
Public healthcare in the UAE covers maternity services, emergencies, basic healthcare services and preventive services such as vaccinations. Dental exams, hearing vision aids, and any vision-related surgery are not covered.
Yes, it is mandatory and a legal requirement in some Emirates. Generally, your employer or sponsor covers it through your salary package. In contrast, other Emirates employers are not obliged to provide it.
A good, inclusive medical insurance in the UAE would cost approximately AED 10,000 annually. This insurance would include premiums like dental and optics, provided you are still youthful.
A basic medical coverage plan for a family of four would cost around AED 17000, approximately USD 4630.
This guide contains everything you need to know about healthcare in the UAE. Consider all available health insurance plans to ensure a safe transition into the enriching life of the Arab Emirates.
If you are planning to move to the UAE, check out these top Government hospitals in Dubai. Also, you can learn the steps to check medical report online.
