General Info

Expats moving to the UAE need not worry about healthcare quality.

UAE healthcare is high-quality and well-developed. It was one of the top 10 most efficient in 2018. Locals and expats can easily access modern medical facilities. Both private and public hospitals provide top-notch care. 

For UAE citizens, public hospitals and clinics are low-cost to free. Expats must pay a fee and have a health card to use public hospitals and clinics.

How Healthcare Works in the UAE

The UAE’s government-funded healthcare system and fast-growing private sector provide high-quality care. Healthcare is federal and emirate-regulated.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention, Health Authority-Abu Dhabi (HAAD), Dubai Health Authority (DHA), and Emirates Health Authority (EHA) oversee public healthcare in the UAE (EHA).

The UAE’s healthcare system varies by the emirate, but it’s all top-notch. Expats can use public and private facilities. Unlike Emirati nationals, expats must pay higher public hospital and clinic treatment fees.

UAE Healthcare Facts

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have the most expats and have excellent healthcare. Dubai has high-quality medical procedures and facilities. Medical tourism brings international patients to the city-state.

Orthopaedics, dermatology, and ophthalmology are the most popular medical specialities. While cosmetic, dental, and fertility treatments are popular in Dubai.

Is UAE Public Healthcare Free?

UAE nationals receive low-cost to free public healthcare. Non-residents pay much higher hospital and clinic fees. Both public and private facilities provide high-quality care and subsidise these costs.

UAE Public Healthcare Coverage

Each emirate’s public healthcare differs. But in general, public healthcare covers basic health needs, including:

• Emergencies.
• Maternities.
• Basic healthcare (general examinations, diagnostic and treatment services by general practitioners, specialists, and consultants; laboratory services; radiology diagnostic services; physiotherapy services; prescribed drugs and other medicines).
• Protection (essential vaccinations and immunisations for children and newborns).

And excluding:

• Dental and gum examinations.
• Aids for hearing and vision.
• Surgery or laser vision correction.

In some cases, public healthcare can also include physiotherapy, maternity care, and surgical procedures.

How Does UAE Healthcare Work?

UAE healthcare is straightforward, but expats should be aware of some nuances.

EBP – Essential Benefits Plan

If your employer does not provide healthcare for you or your dependents, you can enrol in a private plan or the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP). EBP coverage matches UAE public healthcare. Only those earning under 4,000 AED (1,090 USD) per month can apply.

The employer must provide healthcare for domestic workers if he hires them. The majority of expats select EBP. The annual cost of the EBP ranges from 550 to 650 AED (150–175 USD).

Healthcare Cities

UAE healthcare cities improve access and quality. These are multi-speciality clinic complexes. 

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

UAE Medical Costs

The employee’s pay and position determine the extent of coverage for employers and their dependents. The price of your medical services will depend on the type of policy or plan you have and how much coverage you have.

What Is The Main Difference Between Public And Private Healthcare?

Both public and private healthcare sectors provide high-quality medical care and innovative technology. But private hospitals generally have little to no wait times and higher costs.

On the other hand, public health facilities have lower costs but long wait times.