Overview
The UAE has modern public and private hospitals and clinics, and most residents use them through their health insurance. Knowing who runs the system, how to find a licensed doctor and what to do in an emergency will save you time and money when you need care.
Who runs healthcare
| Abu Dhabi | Dubai | Sharjah and the northern emirates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulator | Department of Health (DoH) | Dubai Health Authority (DHA) | Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) |
| Main public provider | SEHA | Dubai Health | Emirates Health Services (EHS) |
The regulator licenses every hospital, clinic, pharmacy and health professional in its emirate. The public providers run government hospitals and primary healthcare centres.
Public or private care
- Private hospitals and clinics are where most expatriate residents are treated. Your insurance network decides which ones accept your card directly.
- Public hospitals and health centres treat everyone. Non-nationals pay for services, or use their insurance where the facility is in their network. In the northern emirates, EHS facilities may ask for a health card.
- Some emirates have healthcare cities and specialist centres that draw patients from abroad; medical travellers usually arrange treatment and a medical visa through the hospital.
Finding a doctor
- Start with your insurer's network list in its app or on its website, so the visit is billed directly.
- Check the licence. Every doctor must be licensed by the regulator of the emirate where they practise. DHA, DoH and MOHAP offer searches of licensed professionals and facilities.
- See a general practitioner first for most problems. Some insurance plans require a referral before you see a specialist.
- Bring your Emirates ID and insurance card. Your Emirates ID links you to your medical record in the emirate's health information exchange, such as Malaffi in Abu Dhabi.
Many clinics and the public providers let you book appointments online or through their apps, and many offer remote consultations for simple problems.
Visitors pay at the clinic and claim from their travel insurance, so keep every invoice and report.
Emergencies
In a medical emergency, call 998 for an ambulance. Call 999 for the police and 997 for the fire service.
- Go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital for chest pain, difficulty breathing, serious injuries, signs of a stroke or severe bleeding.
- UAE law requires hospitals to give emergency treatment without delay, whether or not you are insured or can pay at that moment. Payment is settled afterwards.
- For urgent problems that are not life-threatening, many clinics and urgent care centres open late or around the clock.
Medicines and pharmacies
- Pharmacies are everywhere, and many are open 24 hours. Pharmacists can advise on minor problems and over-the-counter medicines.
- Many medicines that are sold freely elsewhere need a prescription from a UAE-licensed doctor, and some are controlled.
- Your insurance usually covers prescribed medicines at network pharmacies, with a co-payment.
- If you are travelling with medicines, carry the prescription and keep to what you personally need. Controlled medicines are limited to a set supply, and MOHAP offers an online permit so you can check before you travel.
Common mistakes
Going straight to a specialist without the referral your plan requires, then paying the full bill. Using a clinic outside your network. Bringing a controlled medicine without the right paperwork.
Recommended next step
Save 998 and 999 in your phone. Then open your insurer's app, find a general practitioner and a hospital with an emergency department near your home, and check that both are in your network.