Health Insurance in Dubai: A Complete Overview
Expats, whether they are moving to or visiting Dubai, are required by law to secure health insurance that ensures their safety and wellbeing abroad. International health insurance plans are often recommended to expats because of the greater coverage that these plans have to offer.
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Are you an expat looking to relocate to Dubai? Are you looking for flexible, customizable healthcare in Dubai and abroad? This Pacific Prime article will guide you on health insurance in Dubai to not only ensure your safety but also your compliance with the law.
The Healthcare System in Dubai
Dubai has incredibly high healthcare standards because it is government-funded and offers comprehensive health services. The private healthcare sector is always evolving and offers excellent medical services as well.
Public and private hospitals in Dubai have state-of-the-art medical facilities and multilingual staff that can cater to both local citizens and expats. However, emergency rooms are only exclusive to public hospitals.
By law, healthcare is not only required, but it is also free for citizens. However, for expats, healthcare in Dubai is not free.
Various regulatory authorities in Dubai provide public healthcare services, with Dubai’s being overseen by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC).
How Expats Can Apply for a Health Card in Dubai
Expats with resident visas can apply for a health card to access cheaper public healthcare facilities and services, though they have to pay a fee (unlike locals who can get these services for free). You can apply for health cards through the DHA Online or a medical center.
Below are the documents you will need to provide when applying for health cards:
- Emirati ID card
- Passport (with two passport photos)
- Residency Visa
- Copy of tenancy contract
- Completed application card
Health Insurance Options for Expats in Dubai
The two options for health insurance available to expats in Dubai are public and private health insurance.
Public health insurance is available for locally employed expats upon the issuance of the employee’s work visa, while private health insurance is available through local and international insurance companies.
Note that expats must take out private health insurance to receive a residency visa. To learn more about which private health insurance is the best for you, reach out to a trusted insurance broker, like Pacific Prime, to assist you.
Public vs. Private Health Insurance Coverage for Expats in Dubai
In Dubai, public health insurance provided by employers grants limited coverage while private coverage grants greater coverage and benefits. It is important to note that public health insurance does not cover dental and optical services.
Employers must provide medical insurance to expat employees, though there are no requirements in which employers need to extend the coverage to the expat employees’ family members. This means that it’s up to your employer if they want to cover your family or not.
While Dubai has both public and private health insurance that offer high-quality healthcare services, both differ on their coverage. Below is a comparison of what is generally covered under public and private health insurance:
| Public Health Insurance | Private Health Insurance |
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Most insurance providers allow additional coverage options to further cater to expats’ unique needs during their time in Dubai. Some common benefits include dental, maternity and family, and preventive care. Here is a breakdown of what the benefits usually cover:
- Dental: Check-ups, cleanings, simple fillings, tooth extraction, and major procedures like wisdom teeth removal
- Maternity & Family: Prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, and delivery costs
- Preventative Care: Regular health checkups, screenings, vaccinations, and wellness programs
Doctor Visits in Dubai
It’s easy to visit a doctor in Dubai. You can research online, use Dubai Healthcare City listings on their site, or search the government website to find a doctor. This is a reliable source to make sure you are seeing a licensed doctor.
You also have the option of using DHA Health to simplify your routine doctor visits. More specifically, you will start by checking in at the hospital or clinic reception, filling out the paperwork, and submitting your card.
If you have an international health insurance plan, you can refer to your insurer’s network of doctors, hospitals, and clinics for more information. It is recommended you refer to this list to ensure that you can use your insurance plan to cover for your medical expenses.
Prescription Medication in Dubai
Pharmacies, many of which operate 24 hours, are relatively easy to find in Dubai, but there are several common medications that are banned. These include sleeping pills and antidepressants, which are restricted with exceptions for extreme cases.
Dubai visitors can bring in three months of prescription drugs, while foreign residents can bring in a year’s supply, but all medication must be in its original packaging. You will also need a doctor’s letter to prove drug authenticity and that they are prescribed only for personal consumption.
Top International Health Insurance Options in Dubai for Expats
The best international health insurance plans in Dubai will offer comprehensive coverage and customizable benefits. Below are some of the best international health insurance providers to choose from in Dubai:
Choosing an international insurance plan can be overwhelming. This is where a trusted insurance broker can help you. At Pacific Prime, we provide you with unbiased advice and curated plan options based on your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
Let us help you in your expat journey in Dubai. To find the best insurance for Dubai and to understand the healthcare system in Dubai and the UAE, head to our comprehensive article Health Insurance for Expats in Dubai and the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don’t have health insurance during my time in Dubai?
Expats and their dependents such as family members and relatives who lack health insurance in Dubai may face fines of AED 500/month, expensive medical costs, visa renewal issues, and possibly deportation.
What are the common exclusions in health insurance?
Common health insurance exclusions in Dubai include self-inflicted injuries, injuries sustained from illegal activities, suicide, cosmetic procedures, injuries sustained from acts of terrorism, and mental illnesses.
How much does health insurance cost in Dubai?
An average annual individual health insurance cost in Dubai is AED 6000 (approximately USD $1,634). Meanwhile, family health insurance costs AED 20,000 (approximately USD $5,445). As you can see, Dubai is generally one of the most expensive countries in the world for health insurance.
Why is health insurance in Dubai so expensive?
The reason why Dubai has some of the most expensive health insurance is because of the high costs of medical services. As policyholders use more medical services and inflation increases the service charges, medical insurance also becomes more expensive.
Relocating to Dubai? Secure Your Health Insurance Plan!
Health insurance is mandatory for expats heading to Dubai. While there is public health insurance in Dubai, healthcare is not free for expats. Getting an international health insurance plan not only meets your requirements for living in Dubai, but it also provides you with global medical coverage.
Pacific Prime has over 20 years of experience in matching both expats and locals alike with insurance plans that match not only their healthcare needs, but also their budget.
Whether it’s just short-term travel insurance or long-term international health insurance, we are happy to help you, with impartiality and service-mindedness, find the right plan for you and your family.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and please feel free to get a free quote here.
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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