15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in 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," wrote an expat living in Abu Dhabi.

"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 an expat in Dubai.

"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," commented one expat living in 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 in UAE.

"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 who moved to 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," said 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," remarked one expat in Dubai.

"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," said one expat living in UAE.

"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.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Dubai, UAE.

"I never needed to do this, but I would have gone to City Hospital, A mediclinic hospital. They had a range of facilities available, held very high standards and that's where our daughter was born. The facility and the staff were outstanding," said 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," commented one expat who moved to 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," said one expat.

"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 in Dubai.

"Hospitals are varied, there are really good private hospitals with a high standard of care. Doctors, nurses and staff are international, as are the hospitals available. There are some award winning hospitals like the Cleveland Clinic. Government hospitals are available and provide free vaccinations to residence," said one expat.

"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," commented one expat who moved to UAE.

"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," wrote one expat.

"Constant swabs freely available throughout the city. Tracing system a bit too elaborate :-)," commented one expat who moved to Abu Dhabi.