The healthcare system in the UAE

The Emirati healthcare system is a mix of both public and private sectors, while UAE nationals can get free universal healthcare in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, foreign expats must take out private insurance to cover their medical expenses. And even then, ''standard'' treatments might not be as common as you think.

• How does healthcare in the UAE work?
• The Emirati healthcare system
• Who can access healthcare in the UAE?
• How much is healthcare in the UAE?
• How can expats register for healthcare in the UAE?
• Private healthcare in the UAE
• Healthcare facilities in the UAE
• Healthcare professionals
• Specialized healthcare
• What to do in an emergency
• Useful resources

How does healthcare in the UAE work?

The Emirati healthcare system

UAE''s healthcare system is the best in the Middle East (2022). It''s recognized worldwide for providing quality medical aid in the fields of vision and eye care, dental care, cancer treatment, and cosmetic surgery.

The UAE is a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. The government has approved legislation that all emirates must offer universal healthcare to their citizens. However, currently, only Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah offer this.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHaP) oversees the national healthcare regulations. They also ensure the accreditation of public and private hospitals.

Who can access healthcare in the UAE?

All UAE nationals must register for public insurance to access free or subsidized healthcare.

Expats and foreign residents, excluding those from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), must get private health insurance to cover their medical bills. Failing to do so can result in a fine of up to AED 500 ($136) per month. For more expat resources, explore our comprehensive guide library.

How much is healthcare in the UAE?

In 2020, the UAE reportedly spent AED 72.4 billion ($19.7 billion) on healthcare (or around AED 7,317 ($1,992) per person). This is above the 2022 GCC average of $17.4 billion, as well as the 2021 European Union (EU) average of $16.1 billion.

The healthcare system is paid partly by taxes, and partly by the mandatory health insurance scheme. Any additional cost of treatments will depend on which emirate you are in. For example, UAE citizens have access to free healthcare in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. In other areas, you may be expected to pay for parts of or the entire procedure.

Health insurance in the UAE

UAE nationals can sign up for public health insurance, such as:

• Thiqa, for people in Abu Dhabi
• ENAYA, for people in Dubai
• Sharjah Health Insurance, for people in Sharjah

Expats will have to take out a policy with one of the many private insurance companies operating in the country. If you are in the UAE for work, your employer or sponsor will take out insurance for you (and sometimes your family).

How can expats register for healthcare in the UAE?

When you have private insurance, you can visit both public and private healthcare facilities. However, to schedule an appointment in a public hospital, you''ll need a health card. You can apply for one online or in-person.

You''ll need to provide a valid Emirates ID. If you do not have one (yet), you can also apply for the health card by uploading your valid passport with a valid entry visa or residence card.

You must then fill out the required details, including your local health center information, full name, date of birth, nationality, and contact information. The fee depends on your nationality. GCC nationals are charged AED 35,000 and non-GCC nationals pay AED 115,000. Once your card is approved, you can download it from the Health Card System and print it out. Alternatively, because it is linked to your Emirates ID, you can use your ID card to access health treatments as well.

Private healthcare in the UAE

There are many private healthcare centers and hospitals available in the UAE. In Dubai alone, there are almost 4,500 medical facilities. Although private treatment is more expensive, you''re more likely to have access to English-speaking medical staff.

The country has three healthcare cities that cater to all healthcare needs, including that of medical tourists:

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

Healthcare facilities in the UAE

Health centers and clinics

For non-emergency-related medical issues, your first point of contact is a family doctor. These are based in your local Primary Healthcare Center (PHCC) from the Emirate Health Services (EHS).

While some clinics are open 24/7, others have regular opening hours. These are typically open from 07:30-22:00 on Monday to Thursday and 07:30-14:00 on Friday. Weekend hours differ greatly; some centers are open according to the weekday schedule, some have reduced hours, and some are closed.

Hospitals in UAE

If you are in an emergency and need an ambulance, you can call the emergency number 998. In 2020, there were 53 public and 109 private hospitals in the UAE. This number includes specialized facilities, such as women''s and children''s hospitals.

Healthcare professionals

Doctors and specialists

In 2020, there were over 26,200 doctors and over 56,100 nurses working in the UAE. Of the doctors, over 17,000 (65.2%) were working in the private sector. You can contact the PHCC or hospital to schedule an appointment with your preferred doctor.

Dentists in the UAE

Some dentists operate from the PHCC, while others have their own private clinics. In 2020, there were over 6,800 dentists working in the country. Dental care is not always included in your health insurance policy, so be sure to check your coverage before scheduling an appointment.

Specialized healthcare

Children''s healthcare in the UAE

There''s a big focus on children''s healthcare in the UAE, starting with postnatal tests for genetic diseases, heart problems, and hearing disorders. The government has also mandated a vaccination schedule with 14 different vaccines.

Mental healthcare in the UAE

Mental healthcare has become one of the primary focus points in recent years. Since 2019, MoHaP has launched numerous campaigns to promote the importance of mental health. In 2023, mental healthcare was included in the coverage of public health insurance.

Women''s healthcare in the UAE

The overall standard of women''s healthcare in the UAE is pretty high. Although cervical cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer among women in the UAE, the government is doing a lot to raise awareness and prevent the disease. The HPV vaccine is included in the national vaccination program.

What to do in an emergency

If you are in a life-threatening emergency, you can call the emergency number 998. This number is free of charge and the operator speaks various languages, including Arabic and English.

Other emergency numbers include:

• Police: 999
• Fire Department: 997
• Coastguard: 996
• Emirates Red Crescent: 800RED-800733