Everything about health insurance in Dubai

Medical services in Dubai offer state-of-the-art equipment, cutting-edge technologies, and highly qualified specialists fluent in Arabic, English, Russian, and other languages. This makes the emirate a popular destination for medical tourism. In 2023, 690,000 foreigners visited Dubai, spending over AED 1 billion ($272.2 million) on medical services. Some visitors even purchase or rent property in Dubai, staying in the emirate for the duration of their treatment.

The system of healthcare in Dubai is regulated both at the federal and emirate levels. This autonomy allows the Emirate Health Authority (DHA) to oversee both public and private healthcare. Under its guidance, more than 150 medical facilities and 800 medical professionals were licensed in the first quarter of 2024, bringing the total number of licensed facilities to 5,020 and specialists to 59,509.

According to Law No. 11 of 2013, health insurance in Dubai for residents and their dependents is mandatory. It ensures equal access to quality healthcare services and provides financial protection for everyone living in the emirate. Non-compliance results in a fine of AED 500 ($136) per month. While health insurance in Dubai for tourists is not mandatory in 2025, it is highly recommended due to the high cost of medical services in the area.

Public healthcare system

Approximately five out of six medical facilities in the emirate are private clinics in Dubai. Although public hospitals account for only a sixth of the total, they still provide high-quality services. Citizens receive free medical care, while foreigners need to obtain a "health card" through the DHA website. 

To apply for a health card, the following documents are required:

• A passport-style photo with a white background
• A copy of your passport
• The original and a copy of your Emirates ID
• A valid visa

The health card costs AED 500 ($136) for residents. In emergencies, foreigners without a card can still receive assistance of health specialists in Dubai, as temporary documentation is issued. However, even with a health card, expatriates must have health insurance.

Private healthcare system

Under emirate’s regulations, employers must provide basic health insurance for their employees, covering the cost of treatment in Dubai. Failure to comply can result in fines and the suspension of business licenses. While some companies also extend coverage to employees' dependents, this is not a legal requirement.

Self-employed individuals and those not formally employed must obtain insurance on their own. The range of services available at medical centers in Dubai depends on the selected coverage amount and insurance plan.

Types of health insurance

Insurance companies here offer a variety of health plans tailored to meet the needs of different clients. The most common categories are basic, individual, family, and group insurance. These plans cater to expatriates who own houses in the UAE, single individuals, families with children, and large organizations.

Basic plan (Essential Benefits Plan)

The minimum insurance coverage in the emirate is legally defined by the basic plan, which costs about AED 650 ($163) and covers up to AED 150,000 ($41,000) annually. It is available only to individuals earning less than AED 4,000 ($1,090) per month and dependents with no income. This plan covers:

• Emergency situations
• General practitioner visits
• Basic tests and checkups
• Essential vaccinations
• Prescription drugs (subject to price caps)
• Physiotherapy (up to six sessions per year)
• Cancer treatment
• Maternity care

Individual plan

This plan offers a broader range of coverage and pricing options. Costs vary based on factors such as age, gender, health status, and specific requests (e.g., dental coverage). The more extensive the coverage, the higher the cost. On average, individual insurance for treatment in Dubai ranges from AED 3,000–4,000 ($820–$1,090) to AED 10,000 ($2,700) per person.

Family plan

This type of insurance covers both the resident and their family members. Pricing factors are similar to those for individual plans but also consider the number of family members covered. Many companies offer policies that include not only spouses and children but also parents, subject to age and health conditions. A childless couple may pay around AED 9,000 ($2,450). Budget plans for a family of four start at AED 15,000 ($4,100), while comprehensive plans can cost up to AED 35,000 ($9,500).

Group plan

Designed for groups of 20 or more people, these policies are popular among large families spanning multiple generations and companies seeking to improve employee benefits. Group plans offer substantial discounts, expanded services, and added perks, providing highly advantageous healthcare for foreigners in Dubai.

What does health insurance in Dubai cover?

The scope of travel insurance for Dubai for tourists, residents, and citizens depends on the chosen plan. Most policies provide access to essential medical facilities in Dubai, including outpatient care, hospitalization, diagnostics, medication, emergency assistance, maternity care, and treatment for chronic conditions.

Emergency assistance

Residents and visitors can call emergency services by dialing 998 from anywhere in the emirate. Local clinics for foreigners in Dubai, as well as for citizens are equipped with advanced technology and provide free emergency care. However, subsequent services must be paid for. If a patient is hospitalized at hospitals in Dubai not covered by their insurance, they will receive initial care and then be transferred to an appropriate hospital.

Doctor consultations

All insurance plans cover routine doctor visits. For non-urgent care, individuals can consult family doctors in Dubai, either at a public or private clinic. These doctors provide outpatient care for patients of all ages. Residents can book appointments through a specialized online service without needing a prior referral.

Dental care

Dental treatment for foreigners in Dubai is one of the costliest aspects of healthcare in the emirate. Basic plans generally do not cover it. Individual plans grant access to routine checkups, treatments, cleanings, and other services. Some companies allow clients with non-dental plans to purchase an add-on to fill this gap.

Prescription medications

Due to the high level of healthcare in Dubai, there is a wide range of pharmacies, some of which operate 24/7. Foreigners often find that many medications available over the counter in their home countries, such as sleeping aids, antidepressants, and antibiotics, require a prescription in the emirate. Insurance plans set a cap on the yearly cost of medications. Under the basic plan, this limit is AED 1,500 ($410).

Maternity care

Women must register with a selected clinic by the seventh month of pregnancy. They and their spouses need to provide passports for registration. Childbirth and fertility treatments here are available only to legally married couples. Coverage includes doctor visits, checkups, and tests. A newborn is insured under the mother’s policy for one month after birth.

Advantages and disadvantages of health insurance in Dubai

Advantages

• High standards of medicine in Dubai
• Advanced medical equipment and highly qualified staff
• Access to both public and private healthcare systems
• Flexibility to purchase add-ons for existing plans
• Ability to see doctors without referrals or long wait times

Disadvantages

• Fines and visa issues for those without insurance
• Exclusion of dental care in basic plans
• High costs of premium insurance plans

Foreigners planning to buy villas or apartments in Dubai for permanent residence or seasonal stays must arrange for health insurance. A policy ensures access to high-quality medical services.