15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare 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," said one expat living in Dubai.

"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, 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," wrote one expat.

"Our health insurance was provided by the company I worked for. We had to pay about $10 (30AED) for a doctors visit. The process was very smooth and seamless," commented one expat living in Dubai, UAE.

"Healthcare and health insurance in the UAE can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services required. Generally, the cost of healthcare in the UAE is higher than in other countries due to the high quality of care available. Health insurance plans vary in cost depending on the type of coverage and services offered. Some plans may cover basic medical expenses, while others may include more comprehensive coverage. Additionally, the cost of health insurance in the UAE is affected by factors such as age, pre-existing conditions, and the type of plan chosen," wrote one expat.

"Emergency services in the UAE are highly efficient and reliable. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial the toll-free number 998. This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is answered by a trained operator who will dispatch an ambulance to the scene. The operator will also provide medical advice and assistance until the ambulance arrives," remarked one expat living in UAE.

"The closest hospital to us was Al Zarah hospital, an outstanding private hospital. In the area there was also the Saudi German Hospital, a range of Mediclinic hospitals and some government medical centers. We were no more that 5 minutes away from the nearest hospital, which remains true for most places in the city. Hospitals and clinics are everywhere. We never did require emergency services, However I have heard that they are reliable," said one expat living in Dubai.

"Hospitals are everywhere, clinics as well. Less than 30 minutes to any hospital unless you are out in the desert. MedClinic is a big hospital provider in the region. Quality varies on your insurance coverage. Both public and private options. The region is very class oriented and as a result, the costs associated with care filters out the people who cannot afford it," mentioned one expat in Abu Dhabi.

"Many people traveled to Thailand or other south east asia for medical tourism. Everything from knee replacement to braces. Typically, standards are good if not better than care in UAE," remarked one expat in Abu Dhabi.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in the UAE. Most medications can be purchased at pharmacies, with a valid prescription from a licensed doctor. Some medications may require additional approval from the Ministry of Health and Prevention before they can be purchased. In addition, some medications may not be available in the UAE, and may need to be imported from other countries," remarked one expat in UAE.

"There are pharmacies in every mall and on most streets in the city. Antibiotics can be purchased over the counter. Some medications need a prescription and we found we received a lot of generic brand medications, but never went without anything really. Health insurance covered a lot of the expense, but they weren't terribly expensive to buy either," remarked one expat living in Dubai.

"There are no prescribed narcotics: codine and similar drugs are not legally available and traveling in with them can get you in big trouble. The UAE website has a detailed list of what is legal. There are pharmacies all over with an assortment of medicines. Some things like birth control and Voltorin are available over the counter but other things like cough syrup may require prescription. You may often skip the doctor and go to a trusted pharmacy and they will advise on what to take to get better," said one expat living in Abu Dhabi.

"The medical facilities and medical care in the UAE are of a high standard. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of modern medical facilities and highly trained medical professionals. The UAE also has a number of world-class hospitals and clinics, offering a range of treatments and services. The government is committed to providing quality healthcare to its citizens, and has invested heavily in the healthcare sector," commented one expat living in UAE.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in the UAE, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in the UAE is comprehensive and provides a wide range of services, including primary care, specialist care, and emergency services. The public healthcare system is also well-funded and provides high-quality care. Additionally, the UAE government has implemented a number of initiatives to ensure that all citizens and residents have access to quality healthcare," said one expat.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in the UAE. The government has taken a proactive approach to the pandemic, introducing a range of measures to protect the health and safety of citizens and residents. These measures have included the introduction of a comprehensive testing and contact tracing system, as well as the provision of free healthcare services for those affected by the virus. The UAE has also implemented a range of digital health initiatives, such as telemedicine and remote monitoring, to ensure that people can access healthcare services safely and conveniently. In addition, the government has provided financial support to healthcare providers to ensure that they can continue to provide quality care to those in need," said one expat living in UAE.

"Constant swabs freely available throughout the city. Tracing system a bit too elaborate :-)," mentioned one expat in Abu Dhabi.