The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides both public and private healthcare options. The public healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and is available to all UAE citizens and residents. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in the UAE, however, most expats primarily use private hospitals. Public hospitals are generally recommended for minor medical issues, while private hospitals are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.
The UAE’s Public Healthcare System
The public healthcare system in the UAE is managed by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). It is available to all UAE citizens and residents, and foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in the UAE. Public healthcare is free for UAE citizens and residents, while foreigners are required to pay a nominal fee for medical services. Public hospitals in the UAE are generally well-equipped and provide quality care, however, they are often overcrowded and wait times can be long.
The UAE’s Private Healthcare System
The private healthcare system in the UAE is made up of a network of private hospitals and clinics that provide quality medical care. Private healthcare is more expensive than public healthcare, however, it is often more convenient and wait times are usually shorter. Private hospitals in the UAE are well-equipped and provide quality care, and they are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.
The UAE’s Top Hospitals
The UAE has a number of top-rated hospitals, both public and private. Some of the most well-known hospitals in the UAE include:
- Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (Public, Abu Dhabi)
- Dubai Hospital (Public, Dubai)
- Medeor 24×7 Hospital (Private, Dubai)
- Al Zahra Hospital (Private, Sharjah)
- Aster Hospital (Private, Dubai)
- American Hospital (Private, Dubai)
Health Insurance Companies in the UAE
The most popular private health insurers in the UAE are Daman, Oman Insurance, and AXA. These companies provide health insurance plans for individuals, families, and businesses. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.
Insider Tips from Expats in UAE: How to Navigate the Health System
“I am a mental health patient and I got a relapse episode here. The medication provided to me has massively improved my life,” commented one expat living in Dubai, the UAE.
“The UAE has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical services available. The country has a number of public and private hospitals and clinics, offering a range of treatments and services. The public healthcare system is free for UAE citizens, while expats and visitors can access private healthcare services at a cost. The UAE also has a number of specialist medical centers, offering treatments such as fertility, oncology, and cardiology. The country is also home to a number of international hospitals, providing world-class medical care,” mentioned one expat living in the UAE.
“The medical care in the UAE and in Dubai was mostly really good. We had a range of private and government hospitals and clinics available to us. The staff were international, as were the hospitals. There were a range of well known American, Canadian and English hospitals,” commented one expat living in Dubai, the UAE.
“Advanced recon on the ground is very important. Do not expect to find the perfect doctor straight away. The American hospitals are the most expensive but usually have the best standards of care. Find a doctor whom you like and stick with that person. If your company does not provide medical insurance, there are plenty of options to receive based on budget,” mentioned one expat living in the UAE.
“There are a huge veriety of clinics and hospitals available, and most are held to a very hight standard of care. Seek advice from other expats and do some research, there is loads of info out there. It took us a few trys before we found a doctor that we were comfortable with and so you might need to shop around a bit. Doctors and other health care professionals tend to be expats as well,” said an expat in the UAE.
“The UAE offers a wide range of healthcare services, ranging from private hospitals and clinics to public health centers. The public healthcare system in the UAE is generally of a high quality, with a focus on preventive care and health promotion. Foreign residents in the UAE have access to the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay for some services. Expats in the UAE can use the public healthcare system by registering with a local health center and obtaining a health card. This card allows them to access the public healthcare system and receive subsidized services,” remarked one member living in the UAE.
