Dubai Healthcare Guide
Navigating the UAE Healthcare System
Everything you need to know about health insurance, hospitals, doctors, and medical services in Dubai. From mandatory coverage to finding specialists.
Healthcare in Dubai at a Glance
Why Healthcare Matters in Dubai
Legal Requirement
Health insurance is mandatory for all Dubai residents. You cannot obtain or renew your residence visa without valid coverage.
Quality Care
Dubai has world-class hospitals with international accreditation. Many doctors are trained in the US, UK, and Europe. You'll find excellent care here.
Cost Management
Without insurance, healthcare costs are high. A simple ER visit can cost AED 1,000+. Good insurance protects you from unexpected medical expenses.
Where to Start?
Find the right guides based on your healthcare needs.
New to Dubai
Setting up healthcare
Just arrived? Start with understanding insurance requirements and finding your first doctor.
Need Medical Care
Hospitals & emergencies
Need to see a doctor or handle an emergency? Know your options for quality care in Dubai.
Specialized Care
Specific health needs
Looking for specific services? Explore dental, mental health, maternity, and pharmacy guides.
Understanding Dubai's Healthcare System
Public vs Private Healthcare
Dubai has both public (government) and private healthcare facilities. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) oversees public hospitals like Rashid Hospital and Dubai Hospital. Private hospitals like Mediclinic, Cleveland Clinic, and American Hospital offer premium services.
Public Hospitals
- Lower costs for residents
- Longer wait times
- Excellent emergency care
- Requires health card
Private Hospitals
- Higher costs (insurance recommended)
- Shorter wait times
- International standards
- More doctor choices
The Insurance-Based System
Dubai operates on a mandatory insurance model. Your employer provides basic coverage, but you can upgrade for better benefits. Insurance determines which hospitals you can access, your co-pay amounts, and coverage limits. Understanding your policy is essential—check your network hospitals, pre-authorization requirements, and coverage exclusions before you need care.
Getting Started
Essential guides for setting up your healthcare in Dubai.
Health Insurance in Dubai
Understanding mandatory coverage, plan types, costs, and how to choose the right insurance.
Best Hospitals in Dubai
Top-rated hospitals for expats, JCI accreditation, specialties, and what to expect.
Finding a Doctor in Dubai
How to find the right GP or specialist, making appointments, and building your healthcare network.
Specialized Care
Guides for specific healthcare needs and services.
Emergency Healthcare
What to do in emergencies, hospital ERs, ambulance services, and urgent care options.
Dental Care in Dubai
Finding dentists, costs, insurance coverage, and best dental clinics for expats.
Mental Health Services
Accessing therapy, psychiatry, and mental health support in Dubai.
Maternity Care in Dubai
Pregnancy care, choosing hospitals, delivery options, and costs for expecting parents.
Pharmacies & Medications
Getting prescriptions, pharmacy locations, controlled medications, and what to bring from home.
All Dubai residents must have DHA-compliant health insurance. This is legally required for visa issuance and renewal. Your employer must provide coverage for you, and you (as sponsor) must cover dependents. Fines apply for non-compliance. Make sure your insurance is active before your visa appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about healthcare in Dubai.
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all Dubai residents. Employers must provide insurance for employees, and sponsors must cover dependents. You cannot renew your visa without valid health insurance. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) enforces this requirement.
Costs vary widely based on coverage level. Basic plans start around AED 3,000-4,000/year. Mid-range comprehensive plans run AED 6,000-10,000/year. Premium international coverage can exceed AED 15,000-25,000/year. Employers typically cover employee insurance, but you may need to pay for dependent coverage.
International insurance may cover emergency care, but it won't satisfy the UAE's mandatory insurance requirement. You still need a DHA-compliant policy for visa purposes. Some expats maintain both: local insurance for routine care and international coverage for medical evacuation or treatment abroad.
Most doctors in Dubai speak English—it's the common language in healthcare here. Private hospitals and clinics predominantly use English. You can filter by language on hospital websites, ask your insurance provider for recommendations, or use platforms like Okadoc or Vezeeta to find doctors by language preference.
Call 998 for ambulance services (free). You'll be taken to the nearest hospital emergency room. Emergency care is provided regardless of insurance status—billing is sorted afterward. Major hospitals have 24/7 ERs with trauma capabilities. For non-life-threatening emergencies, consider urgent care centers to avoid ER wait times.
Most common medications are readily available at pharmacies throughout Dubai. Some medications that are over-the-counter elsewhere require prescriptions here. Certain controlled substances (some painkillers, ADHD medications, anxiety medications) require special permits from the Ministry of Health. Bring documentation if traveling with prescribed controlled substances.
Related Guides
More resources for settling into life in Dubai.
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you're new to Dubai, start with our health insurance guide. It covers mandatory requirements, plan types, costs, and how to choose the right coverage.
Health Insurance Guide