Everything about mandatory health insurance, best hospitals, medical costs, and healthcare services in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
All UAE residents must have health insurance. It's a legal requirement for visa issuance and renewal in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Note: Prices vary based on age, pre-existing conditions, and coverage network. Family plans often offer discounts. Maternity coverage typically adds AED 3,000-8,000 to annual premium.
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Compare coverage, benefits, and costs across different health insurance tiers
| Coverage Feature |
Essential (AED 600-1,000/year) |
Silver (AED 1,000-2,000/year) |
Gold (AED 2,000-5,000/year) |
Platinum (AED 5,000-15,000/year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inpatient Coverage | Up to AED 150,000 | Up to AED 500,000 | Up to AED 1,000,000 | Unlimited |
| Outpatient Coverage | Limited / Not Covered | Up to AED 15,000 | Up to AED 50,000 | Up to AED 100,000+ |
| GP Consultation | Not Covered | AED 50 Co-pay | AED 25 Co-pay | Free |
| Specialist Consultation | Not Covered | AED 100 Co-pay | AED 50 Co-pay | Free |
| Maternity Coverage | Not Covered | Basic (Up to AED 10,000) | Up to AED 25,000 | Up to AED 50,000+ |
| Dental Coverage | Emergency Only | Emergency + Basic | Up to AED 3,000 | Up to AED 7,500 |
| Optical / Vision | Not Covered | Not Covered | Up to AED 500 | Up to AED 1,500 |
| Pharmacy / Medications | Inpatient Only | 50% Co-pay | 20% Co-pay | Fully Covered |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Excluded | Excluded | After 12 months | After 6 months |
| Emergency Ambulance | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Network Hospitals | 20-30 clinics | 50-100 facilities | 150+ facilities | 200+ premium facilities |
| Best Suited For | Young, healthy singles | Working professionals | Families with children | Comprehensive coverage needs |
Health insurance is mandatory for all UAE residents - employers must provide or you must purchase
Most employers provide Silver or Gold tier coverage - check your package benefits and upgrade options
Adding spouse/children costs AED 1,500-5,000 per person annually depending on plan tier
Always check if your preferred hospitals are in-network to avoid high out-of-pocket costs
Premium multi-specialty hospital, Oud Metha
Part of Mediclinic Middle East, Dubai Healthcare City
British-style healthcare, multiple locations
World-class multi-specialty hospital, Al Maryah Island
Leading private hospital, multiple locations
Multi-specialty, Khalifa City
Premium healthcare, Al Reem Island
Note: These are approximate costs and vary significantly between hospitals and depending on complexity. With insurance, you typically pay only a co-payment (AED 20-50 per visit) depending on your plan.
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