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If you are moving to Dubai to live or work, health insurance is an essential part of your relocation. Medical insurance is mandatory for residents of Dubai, but the level of cover provided by a basic local plan may not always meet the healthcare needs of expatriates and internationally mobile families.
Dubai offers access to a modern healthcare system and a wide range of private hospitals, clinics and specialists. However, private medical treatment can be expensive without adequate insurance.
Choosing the right health insurance in Dubai can give you access to a wider network of healthcare providers, higher benefit limits and, depending on your plan, medical cover when you travel or move to another country.
Yes. Health insurance is mandatory for residents of Dubai.
Under Dubai's health insurance system, employers are required to provide medical insurance for their employees. Sponsors are responsible for arranging health insurance for resident dependants, such as a spouse or children.
Health insurance in Dubai is regulated by the Dubai Health Authority and the Dubai Health Insurance Corporation. The Insurance System for Advancing Healthcare in Dubai, known as ISAHD, oversees health insurance requirements and helps regulate insurers and healthcare access within the emirate.
Having insurance does not necessarily mean that every policy provides the same level of protection. The healthcare providers you can access, your reimbursement limits, geographical coverage, deductibles and other benefits depend on the plan you have chosen.
Dubai has both public and private healthcare facilities.
The emirate has invested extensively in its healthcare infrastructure, giving residents access to hospitals, specialised medical centres, clinics and healthcare professionals across a broad range of specialties.
For many expatriates, the private healthcare sector plays an important role in everyday medical care. Private facilities can provide rapid access to GPs, specialists, diagnostic services and hospital treatment.
Without suitable medical insurance, however, these services may generate significant out of pocket costs.
This is why understanding the network and benefits included in your Dubai health insurance is particularly important before seeking treatment.
Residents of Dubai may be covered by a local health insurance policy or by a compliant international solution, depending on their circumstances.
A basic local policy is primarily designed to meet local regulatory requirements and provide access to essential healthcare services.
The Dubai Health Authority indicates that its basic healthcare package can have an annual aggregate claims limit of AED 150,000. Basic healthcare services are primarily covered within Dubai, while the permitted provider network can also be limited. Emergency medical treatment is covered across the UAE under the basic package.
For some residents, this level of cover may be sufficient. For expatriates with broader healthcare needs, an international health insurance plan in Dubai can provide additional flexibility.
International health insurance may be particularly relevant if you:
regularly travel outside the UAE
want access to a broader selection of private hospitals and specialists
are moving to Dubai with your family
want higher medical benefit limits
may relocate to another country in the future
want cover for healthcare both in Dubai and internationally
The right solution ultimately depends on your personal circumstances, your employer's existing cover, your family situation and the countries in which you want to receive medical treatment.
When comparing health insurance plans in Dubai, it is important to look beyond the premium alone.
Check what medical expenses are actually covered, the applicable reimbursement limits and which hospitals and clinics are included in the insurer's network.
Depending on the policy you choose, comprehensive health insurance can include:
hospitalisation and surgery
outpatient consultations
specialist treatment
diagnostic examinations and medical tests
prescribed medication
maternity care
emergency medical assistance
medical evacuation and repatriation
direct billing at eligible healthcare providers
You should also check whether deductibles, co insurance, waiting periods or specific exclusions apply.
If you have an existing medical condition, review the underwriting conditions carefully before taking out your policy.
Some international health insurance plans require you to complete a medical questionnaire when you apply. The insurer can then assess your medical history and confirm the conditions under which cover can be offered.
It is important to disclose your medical history accurately when requested so that you clearly understand the scope of your cover before your policy starts.
The cost of healthcare in Dubai varies considerably depending on the facility, doctor, medical specialty and treatment required.
A routine consultation represents a relatively limited expense compared with more complex care. Specialist consultations, diagnostic imaging, surgery and hospital stays can result in much higher medical bills.
Private hospitals are widely used by expatriates, which makes the reimbursement limits and healthcare network included in your insurance particularly important.
When choosing medical insurance in Dubai, consider not only the price of the policy but also:
the annual benefit limit
hospital and clinic network
inpatient cover
outpatient cover
deductible and co insurance
maternity benefits if required
dental and optical benefits
geographical area of cover
direct billing arrangements
A cheaper plan with restrictive limits or a narrow provider network may leave you with higher out of pocket expenses when you actually need treatment.
Dubai has an extensive network of private hospitals, clinics and specialist medical centres.
Well known private healthcare facilities include:
Mediclinic City Hospital
Located in Dubai Healthcare City, Mediclinic City Hospital provides a broad range of medical and surgical specialties.
Clemenceau Medical Center Dubai
Also located in Dubai Healthcare City, the medical centre provides multidisciplinary care and access to numerous medical specialties.
King's College Hospital London Dubai
King's College Hospital Dubai offers primary, specialist and hospital care across a range of medical disciplines.
Before arranging non emergency treatment, check whether the healthcare provider you want to use belongs to your insurer's network and whether prior approval is required.
With some health insurance plans, direct billing allows eligible hospitals or clinics to invoice the insurer directly, helping to reduce the amount you need to pay upfront.
APRIL International offers MyHEALTH UAE, an international health insurance solution designed for UAE nationals, permanent residents, expatriates and their families.
The plan can be customised according to your healthcare needs and budget, with different levels of cover available for individual family members.
MyHEALTH UAE provides access to benefits and services including:
hospital and surgical cover
outpatient care
maternity options
dental and optical options
worldwide medical assistance
medical evacuation and repatriation
multilingual customer support
24/7 TeleHEALTH services
digital claims submission
direct billing healthcare networks
MyHEALTH UAE provides access to the MedNet direct billing network, covering thousands of medical facilities across the Gulf Cooperation Council region. APRIL International also provides cashless access to eligible hospitals internationally and a large healthcare network across Asia.
For many expatriates, living in Dubai is only one stage of an international journey.
This is where international health insurance in Dubai differs from a policy designed solely for local healthcare.
With MyHEALTH UAE, eligible members can choose an area of cover that includes Worldwide or Worldwide excluding the USA, depending on the option selected. The plan is also designed to offer portability options if you subsequently relocate to another country.
This can be particularly useful for internationally mobile professionals and families who want continuity of healthcare cover without having to start again with a completely different insurance solution every time they move.
With APRIL International, you can benefit from services designed to make accessing healthcare easier wherever your international life takes you.
Benefit from cover for eligible healthcare costs in private medical facilities according to the terms of your policy.
Choose a geographical area of cover suited to an international lifestyle, not simply healthcare within Dubai.
Access thousands of healthcare providers across the GCC and internationally, subject to your selected network and policy conditions.
Access medical support remotely when you need it, wherever you are.
Submit and manage eligible claims digitally, making your health insurance easier to use from abroad.
Depending on your selected cover, benefit from services including medical evacuation, repatriation and international assistance.
Whether you are relocating to Dubai for work, joining your family or planning to stay in the UAE for the longer term, choosing suitable health insurance in Dubai can help you access quality healthcare while protecting yourself against potentially significant medical expenses.
It only takes a few steps to join and start benefitting from your international health insurance cover!
1. Find the cover that suits your situation from a range of options
2. Request a quote online and sign it electronically
3. Download the Easy Claim app and benefit from a wide range of features to help manage your plan with ease, wherever you are!
4. Get a call back or chat with one of our dedicated advisers at any time.
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