Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Abu Dhabi

"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 in Abu Dhabi.

"Healthcare services in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, are known for their high-quality standards and modern facilities. The city offers a mix of public and private healthcare providers, ensuring that residents and visitors have access to a wide range of medical services. Public hospitals and clinics are operated by the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), which provides comprehensive healthcare services, including primary care, specialized care, and emergency services. Private healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi are also abundant, offering a variety of services such as general practice, dental care, and specialized treatments. Many of these private hospitals and clinics are internationally accredited and staffed by highly qualified medical professionals from around the world. In addition to hospitals and clinics, Abu Dhabi also has numerous pharmacies, which are well-stocked with both prescription and over-the-counter medications. The city's healthcare system is regulated by the Department of Health, which ensures that all medical facilities adhere to strict quality and safety standards. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Abu Dhabi, with employers typically providing coverage for their employees and their dependents. This insurance system ensures that everyone has access to affordable healthcare services when needed. Overall, healthcare services in Abu Dhabi are known for their high quality, modern facilities, and accessibility, making the city a desirable destination for both residents and medical tourists seeking top-notch medical care," commented one expat who moved to Abu Dhabi, the UAE.

"Medical services in Abu Dhabi, are of high quality and easily accessible, with both public and private healthcare facilities available. The emirate has a well-developed healthcare infrastructure, including state-of-the-art hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical centers. Public healthcare is provided by the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), which operates numerous hospitals and clinics throughout the region. Private healthcare facilities are also abundant, offering a wide range of medical services and treatments. Healthcare professionals in Abu Dhabi are highly skilled and qualified, with many doctors and specialists having received their training and education from prestigious institutions around the world. The healthcare system in Abu Dhabi is regulated by the Department of Health, ensuring that all facilities meet strict quality and safety standards. In addition to the high-quality medical services, Abu Dhabi also offers a comprehensive health insurance system. All UAE nationals and residents are required to have health insurance, which covers a wide range of medical treatments and services. This ensures that everyone has access to the healthcare they need, regardless of their financial situation. Overall, medical services in Abu Dhabi are advanced, efficient, and easily accessible, providing residents and visitors with a high standard of care and support for their health and well-being," remarked one expat in Abu Dhabi.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Abu Dhabi, can be considered expensive, especially for expatriates and those without comprehensive coverage. The cost of medical treatments and consultations in private hospitals and clinics is generally high. However, the government provides Emirati citizens with free or heavily subsidized healthcare, making it more affordable for them. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents, and employers are required to provide coverage for their employees. The cost of insurance premiums can vary depending on the level of coverage and the individual's age and health status. Overall, while the quality of healthcare in Abu Dhabi is excellent, the costs can be a significant burden for those without adequate insurance coverage," remarked one expat living in Abu Dhabi.

"Like most places, you pay for what you get. My company had our family on a health plan but it continually changed with the company trying to save money every year," said one expat living in Abu Dhabi.

"Emergency services in Abu Dhabi are well-equipped and efficient, providing medical, fire, and police assistance to residents and visitors. To call for an ambulance, you can dial the emergency number, which is 998 or 999. The operators are trained to handle emergency situations and will dispatch the necessary assistance promptly. It is important to provide clear and accurate information about your location and the nature of the emergency to ensure a quick response," commented one expat living in Abu Dhabi, the 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," wrote one expat.

"Yes, there are a variety of medical specialists available in Abu Dhabi. For highly specialized medical care, people can go to Southern Gulf Medical Services, which provides a comprehensive range of specialized care, including advanced imaging, cardiology, emergency and intensive care, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, oncology, pediatric care, and general surgery. Additionally, Abu Dhabi has a few world-renowned hospitals, such as Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, and Abu Dhabi Medical Group which provide highly specialized medical care. These medical centers have state-of-the-art technology and highly trained specialists, making them the top choices for specialized medical care in Abu Dhabi," said one expat living 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," mentioned one expat in Abu Dhabi.

"Common prescription medications are available in Abu Dhabi. The city has numerous pharmacies and healthcare facilities where you can obtain prescription medications. However, it is essential to have a valid prescription from a licensed medical practitioner to purchase these medications. Some medications that are available in other countries might be restricted or unavailable in the UAE due to local regulations. It is advisable to check the list of restricted medications before traveling to Abu Dhabi and carry a doctor's prescription for any necessary medications," remarked one expat living in Abu Dhabi.

"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.

"Hospitals are very close and provide adequate care. Like any area, you get what you pay for as well when it comes to the hospitals. The American hospitals are typically the most reliable for high level of care," mentioned one expat in Abu Dhabi.

"Hospitals are clustered in the city. On the outskirts they are less frequent, but you are never more than a 20 minute drive away from a hospital. There are private and government hospitals available, expats typically go to the private hospitals. Quality of care is high, hospitals are held to international standards and have expat nursing staff and doctors," commented one expat who moved to Abu Dhabi, UAE.

"Medical facilities in Abu Dhabi are quite advanced, with a variety of modern state-of-the-art hospitals and clinics. The quality of medical care offered in Abu Dhabi is generally high, with highly qualified and experienced healthcare professionals providing care to patients. Additionally, the government of Abu Dhabi has invested heavily in their healthcare system, with stringent health regulations and constant improvement in medical infrastructure and services," remarked one expat living in Abu Dhabi.

"As a foreigner living in Abu Dhabi, you will have access to public healthcare, but you will need to obtain a health card from the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD). Public healthcare in Abu Dhabi is known for its high-quality services and modern facilities. However, it is important to note that public hospitals and clinics may have longer waiting times compared to private healthcare providers. Additionally, while public healthcare is generally more affordable, some services and treatments may not be covered, and you might need to pay for them out-of-pocket or through private health insurance. It is also worth mentioning that communication might be a challenge in public healthcare facilities, as not all staff members may be fluent in English," wrote an expat living in Abu Dhabi.

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

"I am an AI language model, and I cannot have personal experiences. However, I can provide you with general information about the healthcare system in Abu Dhabi during the pandemic. The healthcare system in Abu Dhabi has been proactive in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has implemented strict measures to control the spread of the virus, including widespread testing, contact tracing, and quarantine protocols. Healthcare facilities have been well-equipped to handle the influx of patients, and the government has also set up field hospitals and drive-through testing centers to manage the situation. Vaccination campaigns have been rolled out efficiently, and the overall response has been praised for its effectiveness in controlling the spread of the virus," remarked one expat living in Abu Dhabi.