World-Class Healthcare System

UAE Healthcare
System Guide

Navigate UAE's advanced healthcare ecosystem with confidence. From mandatory insurance to world-class hospitals - your complete health services guide.

JCI Accredited
Mandatory Coverage
International Standards
100%
Insurance Required
150+
Hospitals
24/7
Emergency Care
90+
Nationalities Served

Official UAE Healthcare Resources

Access official healthcare authorities and insurance providers for comprehensive coverage and medical services

Health Insurance

Mandatory Health Insurance in UAE

Understanding insurance requirements, coverage options, and costs

Dubai

DHA Insurance Scheme

Who Needs Insurance?

  • All Dubai visa holders and dependents
  • Employers must provide for employees
  • Sponsors must provide for dependents

Coverage Tiers

Essential Benefits Plan (EBP)

Minimum required coverage

AED 500-700 / year

Enhanced Plans

Better coverage & more facilities

AED 1,500-5,000+ / year

Regulated By:

Dubai Health Authority (DHA)

Visit DHA Website

Abu Dhabi

Thiqa Insurance Scheme

Who Needs Insurance?

  • All Abu Dhabi residents and dependents
  • Required for visa issuance/renewal
  • UAE nationals covered by Thiqa

Coverage Categories

Basic Plan

Network of approved facilities

AED 500-1,000 / year

Enhanced Plans

Wider network & better benefits

AED 2,000-6,000+ / year

Regulated By:

Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH)

Visit DoH Website

Standard Insurance Coverage

Typically Covered

GP Consultations

General practitioner visits

Specialist Care

With referral

Emergency Care

24/7 emergency services

Hospitalization

Inpatient treatment

Medications

Prescription drugs

Diagnostics

Lab tests & imaging

Maternity

May require waiting period

Vaccinations

Routine immunizations

Often Not Covered

Dental Care

Except emergencies

Optical/Vision

May need add-on

Cosmetic Surgery

Unless medically necessary

Pre-existing

Waiting periods apply

Leading Health Insurance Providers

Daman

National Health Insurance Company

AXA

Global insurance leader

Oman Insurance

Wide network coverage

MetLife

Comprehensive plans

Now Health

International coverage

AIG

Premium options

Bupa

Expat-focused plans

Dubai Islamic

Sharia-compliant insurance

Choosing Your Insurance

Compare provider networks, coverage limits, co-payments, and exclusions before selecting a plan

Healthcare Facilities

Top Hospitals & Medical Centers

World-class healthcare facilities across Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Dubai Healthcare Facilities

Government Hospitals

Rashid Hospital

Major trauma & emergency center

Oud Metha, Dubai

Dubai Hospital

General medical & surgical services

Al Baraha, Dubai

Latifa Hospital

Women & children specialist

Al Jaddaf, Dubai

Private Hospitals

American Hospital Dubai

Premium multi-specialty care

Oud Metha, Dubai

Mediclinic City Hospital

State-of-the-art facility

Dubai Healthcare City

Saudi German Hospital

Comprehensive medical services

Multiple locations

Emirates Hospital

Modern multi-specialty hospital

Jumeirah, Dubai

Medcare Hospital

Growing healthcare network

Multiple locations

Specialist Centers

Cardiology

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

Neurology

German Neuroscience Center

Orthopedics

Dubai Bone & Joint Center

Maternity

Mediclinic Parkview Hospital

Ophthalmology

Moorfields Eye Hospital

Oncology

Kings College Hospital Dubai

Abu Dhabi Healthcare Facilities

Government Hospitals

Sheikh Khalifa Medical City

Major referral hospital

Al Karamah, Abu Dhabi

Tawam Hospital

Academic medical center

Al Ain, Abu Dhabi

Al Ain Hospital

Comprehensive medical services

Al Ain, Abu Dhabi

Private Hospitals

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

World-renowned multi-specialty

Al Maryah Island

Burjeel Hospital

Leading private healthcare

Multiple locations

Healthpoint Hospital

Premium healthcare facility

Abu Dhabi

NMC Royal Hospital

Comprehensive care center

Khalifa City

LLH Hospital

Modern medical facility

Musaffah, Abu Dhabi

Typical Healthcare Costs

Costs vary by facility and insurance coverage

GP Consultation

AED 200-400

Specialist Visit

AED 400-800

Emergency Visit

AED 500-1,000

Hospital Stay (per day)

AED 1,500-5,000+

Insurance Coverage

With valid health insurance, most costs are covered with minimal co-payments (typically AED 20-50 per visit)

Medical Professionals

Medical Licensing for Healthcare Professionals

Requirements for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers moving to UAE

Dubai DHA License

For practicing in Dubai

General Requirements

  • Medical degree from recognized university
  • Valid license from home country
  • Minimum experience (varies by specialty)
  • Good standing certificate
  • DHA eligibility letter from employer

Examination Requirements

Written Exam

Professional competency assessment

Interview

Clinical knowledge evaluation

Language Proficiency

English (some specialties require Arabic)

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

After document submission

Abu Dhabi DoH License

For practicing in Abu Dhabi

General Requirements

  • Recognized medical qualification
  • Professional license from home country
  • Clinical experience requirements
  • Certificate of good standing
  • Employment offer letter

Assessment Process

Document Review

Credential verification

Competency Assessment

May include exams or interviews

Final Approval

License issuance

Processing Time

6-10 weeks

Varies by profession

Licensing by Profession

Doctors (GPs & Specialists)

  • Medical degree + Postgraduate qualification for specialists
  • 2-5 years post-qualification experience
  • Pass licensing examination
  • Clinical interview

Registered Nurses

  • Bachelor's degree in nursing (preferred) or Diploma
  • 2+ years clinical experience
  • Prometric exam or equivalent
  • Valid nursing license

Dentists

  • BDS/DDS degree
  • 2+ years post-graduation experience
  • Written & practical examination
  • Valid dental license

Pharmacists

  • Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy
  • 2+ years experience
  • Pass licensing exam
  • Valid pharmacist license

Allied Health Professionals

Physiotherapists, Radiologists, Lab Technicians, etc.

  • Relevant degree/diploma
  • Professional experience
  • Assessment/examination

Clinical Psychologists

  • Master's or PhD in Psychology
  • Clinical experience required
  • Pass assessment
  • Valid professional license

Need Assistance with Healthcare Setup?

Whether you need health insurance guidance, hospital recommendations, or help with medical licensing, our team is here to support you