Understanding Dubai’s Healthcare System

Navigating a new healthcare system can be one of the biggest challenges for expats. In Dubai, understanding how public and private care work—and what your health insurance must cover—is essential to ensuring you and your family are properly protected.

From mandatory insurance rules to accessing specialists and emergency services, here’s what you need to know about healthcare in Dubai.

Overview of Dubai’s healthcare system

Dubai offers a high standard of healthcare, blending a growing public health network with a world-class private medical sector. Since the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) implemented its mandatory health insurance law, residents—including expats—must have a minimum level of health insurance to live and work in the emirate.

Accessing Dubai’s healthcare services

Expats can use both private and public healthcare facilities. Public hospitals now widely accept private health insurance, expanding access to medical treatment for residents.

To access public hospitals and clinics at reduced costs, expats are still encouraged to apply for a DHA Health Card. This card offers low-cost emergency and routine care and is available for AED120–320 (US$33–$87) annually, depending on age.

Primary and specialist care

In Dubai, you do not need to register with a specific General Practitioner (GP) to access care. Many GPs operate from hospitals and clinics, and English is widely spoken. However, sticking with the same GP is recommended so your medical history remains consistent.

While you may not need a GP referral to see a specialist, some insurers prefer it for claims approval. The Dubai Healthcare City portal and DHA website provide directories to help you locate doctors, specialists, and dentists by location or nationality.

Health insurance requirements in Dubai

Employer-provided cover

All employers are legally required to provide health insurance for their employees. However, they are not obligated to cover dependents—such as spouses, children, or domestic workers—which means expats may need to arrange private insurance for their families.

To apply for a work or residency visa, proof of minimum health insurance is mandatory. Failing to maintain coverage can result in fines of AED500 (US$130) per person, per month.

The UAE has introduced a standardised Basic Health Insurance package priced at AED750 per year for newly insured members. This package includes coverage for chronic conditions, targeting low-income workers and domestic staff. Waiting periods apply for pre-existing conditions.

Essential Benefits Plan (EBP)

For lower-income workers (under AED4,000/month), the Essential Benefits Plan offers affordable coverage up to AED150,000/year. This includes screenings and treatment for certain cancers beyond the coverage cap. Note that excesses and treatment limits still apply.

Many companies go beyond the legal minimum and offer comprehensive international health insurance, especially for expatriates. These plans often include maternity, dental, vision, mental health, and private hospital care, and may extend to cover dependents.

Dental coverage

Dental care is often not included in basic health insurance plans in Dubai. This means that routine dental check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and other common dental procedures might not be covered unless you have a plan that specifically includes dental care.

Some Essential Benefits Plans (EBPs)—the minimum insurance mandated by DHA—now include limited dental coverage, such as check-ups, cleanings, and basic treatments. However, more extensive dental procedures (e.g. orthodontics, implants) still require higher-tier insurance plans or out-of-pocket payment.

Always check the details of your policy, as coverage levels can vary significantly between providers.

Accessing medication in Dubai

In terms of access to medication in Dubai, pharmacies are readily available and open 24 hours a day in many hospitals. However, while there are certain items, such as antibiotics, that you can get without a prescription, be aware that certain medications available over the counter at home may require a prescription in Dubai.

Additionally, certain drugs – including tranquilisers, anti-depressants and some sleeping tablets – are banned. A list of unauthorised medicines is listed on the government website.

This can be confusing for expats, but important to consider when entering the country if you are currently receiving treatment or normally travel with medication. However, the UAE Ministry of Health says it is possible for visitors to bring up to three months’ supply of a prescribed medication into the country (download guidelines for travellers pdf here) – or 12 months’ supply for a resident – on production of a doctor’s letter or a copy of the original prescription.

Embracing telehealth services

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has made significant advancements in telehealth services, strengthening Dubai’s position in the realm of digital health. According to a recent DHA report, telehealth consultations soared to nearly 375,000 in 2023, reflecting a 28 percent increase compared to 2022.

Residents can consult healthcare professionals remotely, enhancing accessibility and convenience.

Making the most of Dubai’s healthcare

A good standard of healthcare, in a city where health and wellbeing are increasingly important, is a big plus for anyone moving to Dubai. When it comes to healthcare in Dubai, it’s vital not to leave anything to chance.

A good understanding of Dubai’s healthcare system, its restrictions, and how to access it, are crucial when it comes to taking care of your health and that of your family.

With options ranging from telehealth to specialist care and new standardised coverage rules, Dubai is working to ensure all residents can access affordable, effective healthcare.

When you know that you and your family can access the care you may need if problems arise, you can relax and make the most of your new life in this beautiful city.