Living abroad · UAE
Medicine in the UAE: insurance, clinics and prices for expats
Updated: June 2026·9 min read·Expert reviewed
Terms and costs verified: June 2026
Contents
The UAE is in the top 30 in the world in terms of healthcare. There are branches of American and European clinics, equipment of the latest generation, doctors with diplomas from leading universities. But there is one fundamental point: without insurance, medicine in the UAE becomes one of the most expensive in the world. A visit to a therapist without insurance costs from $150 to $500. That is why insurance is required by law here - for everyone who receives a resident visa. This article is for those who are planning to move to the UAE or already live here. Let's look at how the system works, what insurance to choose, how much actual medical services cost, and in which clinics expats are treated.
How the UAE healthcare system works
Healthcare in the UAE is divided into public and private. Public hospitals are primarily for the citizens of the country. Expats rarely use them due to queues and the language barrier.
Most foreigners are treated in private clinics. There are hundreds of them - from small clinics to large world-class multidisciplinary centers. The system is regulated at the level of each emirate. In Dubai it is Dubai Health Authority (DHA), in Abu Dhabi it is HAAD (Health Authority Abu Dhabi).
Regulators license doctors and clinics, monitor standards of care, and require employers to insure employees. This creates certain quality guarantees.
Compulsory insurance: what you need to know
Health insurance in the UAE is compulsory for all residents. Without a policy, your visa will not be extended. This is a law, not a recommendation.
If you are an employee, your employer is required to provide insurance. The minimum package covers basic outpatient, emergency and hospital services. Insurance from large companies often includes dental and optical services.
If you open a residence permit as an investor or move on your own, you obtain insurance at your own expense. There is a wide choice: Daman, AXA Gulf, Cigna, Allianz Care, MetLife. Coverage and costs vary.
| Plan type | Cost per month | What does it cover? |
|---|---|---|
| Base | $100-200 | Outpatient clinic, ambulance, hospital (limits) |
| Average | $200-350 | Plus specialists, tests, dentistry |
| Advanced | $300-600 | Full coverage, childbirth, foreign treatment |
| Premium | $700+ | VIP clinics, worldwide coverage |
When choosing a plan, pay attention to the list of accredited clinics. Not all hospitals work with all insurers.
Cost of medicine in the UAE: prices by service
The prices in the table are valid for Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In the northern emirates (Sharjah, Ajman) services are on average 20-30% cheaper.
| Service | Without insurance | Copay with insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Visit to a therapist | $150-300 | $20-50 |
| Visit to a specialist | $200-500 | $30-70 |
| General blood test | $40-80 | $5-20 |
| Ultrasound | $100-200 | $20-50 |
| X-ray | $80-150 | $10-30 |
| MRI | $500-1 200 | $50-150 |
| Ambulance | $300-600 | Covered (online) |
| Hospital (days) | $800-2 500 | Covered (limit) |
| Childbirth (normal) | $3 000-5 000 | Depends on plan |
| Childbirth (caesarean) | $5 000-8 000 | Depends on plan |
| Dentistry (filling) | $80-200 | Partially covered |
Copay is your share of the cost if you have insurance. The insurer covers the rest. Copay amounts are fixed in the contract.
Do you want to move to the UAE? We will analyze your case for free.
Get a free consultationBest UAE Clinics for Expats
There are several networks and individual clinics with a global reputation operating in the UAE. These are the ones expats most often talk about.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi - a branch of the famous American clinic. Specializes in cardiology, oncology, neurology. Equipment and standards are the same as in the USA. The cost is higher than the market average.
American Hospital Dubai - the first hospital in the region with JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation. Wide range of services, many Russian-speaking doctors. Accepts most insurances.
Mediclinic - a large international network with branches throughout the UAE. Good value for money. Convenient for everyday use.
Aster Hospitals - aimed at residents with budget insurance. Developed network throughout all emirates, short queues, affordable prices.
King's College Hospital Dubai - British standard of care. Popular among European and Russian expats. Strong obstetrics and pediatrics.
Childbirth in the UAE: what is important to know
The UAE is one of the most popular countries for giving birth among wealthy expats. The level of neonatology and obstetrics here is very high.
A child born in the UAE does not automatically receive citizenship - the principle of jus soli does not apply here. But if the parents have a residence permit, the paperwork is completed quickly and without problems.
The cost of a normal birth in a public hospital for expats is from $1,500. In a private clinic - $3,000-5,000. A caesarean section will cost $5,000-8,000. Insurances with maternity coverage significantly reduce this amount, but this option is not included in the basic plans.
It is worth preparing in advance: it is advisable to register with the clinic within 8-10 weeks. Popular clinics for childbirth are Mediclinic City Hospital, King's College Hospital, Corniche Hospital (public, Abu Dhabi).
Ambulance and emergencies
The ambulance number in the UAE is 998. The service operates around the clock and responds quickly - on average 8-12 minutes in the city.
If you have insurance, an ambulance is usually covered. It is important to make sure that you are being taken to a hospital accredited by your policy. In practice, ambulance drivers know where to direct according to insurance.
Without insurance, calling an ambulance costs $300-600 just for delivery. Plus inpatient treatment - bills from $800 per day. The result for a serious case without a policy is easily $10,000-30,000.
Some shopping centers and apartment complexes have first aid stations. This is not a replacement for insurance, but it is convenient for minor injuries.
How to evaluate the quality of a clinic and doctor
In the UAE, every doctor is required to have a regulatory license - DHA in Dubai or HAAD in Abu Dhabi. You can check the license on the official websites of these authorities. This takes 2-3 minutes.
Clinics with international JCI or ACHSI accreditation adhere to standards comparable to the US and UK. There are several dozen such clinics in the UAE.
Reviews on Google Maps really help. The expat community in the UAE is active - bad clinics receive hundreds of negative comments quickly. Look at reviews of specific doctors, and not just the clinic as a whole.
Before elective surgery, it is worth seeking a second opinion. This is normal practice in good clinics. Some insurers even cover a consultation for a second opinion.
“Over several years of working with clients from Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine, I noticed one pattern: people underestimate medical costs when moving to the UAE. They consider the cost of housing, school, car - and forget about insurance. And then the very first visit to a doctor without insurance becomes an unpleasant surprise worth $300-500. Insurance in the UAE is not an option, it is the basis of budget planning. The good news: with an investor residence permit, you choose the plan yourself and can get really high-quality coverage. I always recommend taking a plan at least mid-level - it covers specialists, tests and some dentistry. The basic plan leaves too much out. Another point that is often overlooked: check the list of accredited clinics under your policy before your visit, and not while you are already sitting in the waiting room. This saves both nerves and money.”
Language barrier in medicine in the UAE
The official language of the UAE is Arabic. But in large clinics, all staff speak English. This is the standard, not the exception.
There are Russian-speaking doctors and nurses in the UAE - especially in the American Hospital Dubai, Mediclinic and a number of private clinics. The easiest way to find them is through forums and chats of expats in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Documentation is in English and Arabic. Hospital extracts in English can be used abroad without translation in most countries.
Psychiatry and mental health
Psychiatry in the UAE is a sensitive topic. On the one hand, private psychotherapists and psychologists work legally, there are many of them, and the quality is good. On the other hand, psychiatric diagnoses in the medical record may complicate visa extension in some cases.
A visit to a psychologist (not a psychiatrist) in the UAE - $100-200 per session. Insurance covers a limited number of sessions, usually 10-15 per year.
Large clinics have psychological departments. For example, Priory Wellbeing Center Dubai is one of the famous mental health centers for expats.
Dentistry for expats
Dentistry in the UAE is private and expensive. There are practically no government dental clinics for expats.
Cost of basic procedures: consultation - $50-100, filling - $80-200, tooth extraction - $100-250, implant - $1,500-3,000, whitening - $300-600.
Basic level insurance does not include dentistry. Mid-level and advanced plans provide partial coverage, usually with a limit of $500-$1,500 per year.
A popular choice among expats is Dr. Rami Hamed Center, BriteDent, Aster Dental. There are many small clinics in residential areas with competitive prices.
Medicine for families: children and pediatrics
Pediatrics in the UAE is at a high level. An immunization schedule is required for admission to school. The vaccination scheme is close to the European one.
A children's doctor (pediatrician) is available in most multidisciplinary clinics. Visit with copay - $20-40. Routine checkups and vaccinations are often included in insurance without copay.
Well suited for pregnant women and families with children: Mediclinic Welcare Hospital, Saudi German Hospital, LLH Hospital Abu Dhabi. Each of them has Russian-speaking staff or the ability to order a translator.
Emergency care for children is free in public hospitals in case of life threat. For planned visits, insurance is required.
Comparison with medicine in Russia and the CIS
The level of equipment of clinics in the UAE is higher than in most Russian cities. The equipment is new, there is no queue for an MRI - they will do it on the same day. Hygiene and service standards are closer to Western ones.
The main difference: in Russia there is free healthcare under compulsory medical insurance. There is no free healthcare for expats in the UAE. Everything is paid for - either through insurance or out of pocket.
In terms of cost: with good insurance, costs are comparable to paid medicine in Moscow. Without insurance - 3-10 times more expensive.
| Parameter | UAE (with policy) | Moscow (VHI) |
|---|---|---|
| Visit to a therapist | $20-50 copay | 500-2,000 rub. |
| MRI | $50-150 copay | 3,000-8,000 rub. |
| Childbirth | $3 000-8 000 | 100,000-400,000 rub. |
| Hospital (days) | Covered | Covered (limit) |
| Insurance (months) | $100-600 | 3,000-15,000 rub. |
Residence permit in the UAE and medical insurance
To obtain a residence permit in the UAE, medical insurance is one of the mandatory conditions. Without proof of insurance, a resident visa will not be issued.
If you are registering Investor residence permit in the UAE - You must purchase insurance yourself before submitting documents. During employment, this is done by the employer.
Important: Children and spouse can be included in your policy as dependent family members. It's cheaper than purchasing separate plans. Check the terms and conditions with your insurer.
Conditions for a comfortable life: results on medicine
The UAE is one of the best countries for expats in terms of access to quality healthcare. World-class clinics, fast service, no queues - with good insurance.
Key conditions for a comfortable medical experience in the UAE: insurance with wide coverage, understanding your network of clinics, having savings for unexpected expenses (above policy limits).
For families with children and elderly parents, we recommend an extended plan with dental and maternity coverage. This increases the monthly premium but relieves financial stress in severe cases.
Do you want to know how to obtain a residence permit in the UAE and what insurance is suitable for your family? We will analyze your case and select the best option.
Do you want to move to the UAE? We will analyze your case for free.
Get a free consultationFrequently asked
Questions people ask before deciding
01Is health insurance compulsory for expats in the UAE?
Yes, insurance is compulsory for all UAE residents. Without proof of insurance, a resident visa will not be issued or extended. The employer is required to insure employees. Investors and self-employed people take out insurance on their own.
02How much does basic health insurance cost in the UAE?
The basic plan costs $100-200 per month. It covers outpatient, emergency and inpatient visits up to certain limits. An extended plan with specialist, dental and maternity coverage costs $300-600 per month.
03Is it possible to receive treatment in public hospitals in the UAE?
Public hospitals in the UAE work primarily for citizens of the country. Expats can contact in case of emergency. For routine treatment, private clinics are used - they are more accessible, have better service, and accept expatriate insurance.
04What happens if you call an ambulance in the UAE without insurance?
An ambulance will be called and help will be provided. But without insurance, the bill for the call and hospitalization will be very high - delivery alone costs $300-600, a day in hospital from $800. In a serious case, the final bill easily exceeds $10,000-$30,000.
05Which clinics in the UAE are best for Russian-speaking expats?
Popular choices: American Hospital Dubai (Russian-speaking staff), Mediclinic (developed network, accepts most insurances), Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (top level for complex cases), King's College Hospital Dubai (British standards, strong pediatrics).
06Does insurance cover childbirth in the UAE?
Basic plans generally do not cover childbirth. Mid-level and advanced plans - provide partial or full coverage. Check the conditions when purchasing a policy. Without insurance, a normal birth costs $3,000-5,000, and a caesarean birth costs $5,000-8,000.
07How to find a doctor in the UAE who speaks Russian?
The easiest way is through forums and Telegram chats of expats in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. There they actively exchange recommendations from specific doctors. You can also request an interpreter in large clinics - American Hospital Dubai and Mediclinic provide this service.
08How to check the license of a doctor or clinic in the UAE?
In Dubai, a doctor’s license is checked on the Dubai Health Authority website (dha.gov.ae). In Abu Dhabi - on the HAAD website. Clinics with international JCI accreditation adhere to standards comparable to the US and UK.
09Do I need to undergo a medical examination to obtain a residence permit in the UAE?
Yes, a medical commission is a mandatory part of the procedure for obtaining a residence permit. It includes a blood test (HIV, hepatitis) and an x-ray of the lungs for tuberculosis. They take place in state-accredited medical centers - Amer Center or similar.
10How to include children and spouse in health insurance?
Most insurance plans allow you to add dependent family members - children and a spouse. This is cheaper than individual policies. When applying for an investor residence permit, you choose the plan yourself and can immediately include the whole family.
11How expensive is dentistry in the UAE for expats?
Dentistry in the UAE is private and not cheap. Consultation - $50-100, filling - $80-200, implant - $1,500-3,000. Basic insurance does not include dentistry. Mid-tier plans provide partial coverage with annual limits of $500-$1,500.
12Is it possible to use a Russian VHI policy in the UAE?
Russian VHI does not apply in the UAE. A separate international policy or UAE local insurance is required. Some international insurance plans (AXA, Cigna, Allianz Care) work in both Russia and the UAE - they can be taken out before moving.
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