Planning your expatriation to Dubai? Health insurance in Dubai is not just an administrative formality: it is a legal requirement for obtaining your residence visa, and can cost several thousand euros without cover. With ultra-modern hospitals such as the American Hospital Dubai and fees for a simple medical consultation ranging from €50 to €110, there is always the risk of a nasty financial surprise. This guide looks at the legal requirements, compares the options (local vs. international cover) and lists the must-have establishments for expatriates, to help you make the most of your stay. implementation without medical or budgetary risk.
Read our article on : Cost of living in Dubai
Expatriating to Dubai: why health insurance is an essential step
Preparing to set up in Dubai? As well as setting up your company, there is one crucial point that will guarantee your peace of mind: your health cover. Unlike in many countries, health insurance in Dubai is a matter of course. legal obligation to obtain a residence visa. Without this cover, fines of AED 500 per month or refusal of residency status are possible.
The local healthcare system is of excellent quality, but costs are very high. A consultation with a specialist can cost up to €250, and a delivery AED 24,000. Health insurance that's still incomplete, This is because the compulsory minimum cover (MEC) imposes ceilings (e.g. AED 150,000 per year) and co-payments (up to 30 % of costs). Optical and dental cover is not included, and pre-existing conditions are rarely covered.
This explains why additional private insurance is often recommended. It provides access to the private sector with higher ceilings, services such as teleconsultation and repatriation assistance. Clemenceaugroup, a company specialising in assisting entrepreneurs, can guide you in choosing the right insurance for your needs, while complying with local legal requirements.
This article will explain your health insurance obligations, the associated costs and the benefits of supplementary cover. Objective: securing your professional and personal project in Dubai, while avoiding the financial pitfalls. You will also find a selection of the most important medical establishments for expatriates.
Health insurance: a legal requirement for obtaining a residence visa for Dubai
The role of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
In Dubai, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is the government body responsible for regulating the health sector. This authority requires all residents, without exception, to have health insurance in line with its requirements.
Proof of this insurance is an essential document for any application for a residence visa in the United Arab Emirates. In other words, without compliant health insurance, obtaining your resident status is simply not possible.
The DHA also oversees the Insurance System for Advanced Healthcare in Dubai (ISAHD), to ensure quality care for residents. This system includes specific requirements for insurers, including an annual limit of AED 150,000 for care, appropriate geographical coverage and reasonable access to care providers.
Insurance and expatriation procedures
Health insurance is an essential pillar expatriation procedures in Dubai. It must be taken out even before you finalise your visa application. This obligation applies to all profiles: whether you are an investor wishing to setting up your company in Dubai or locally hired employee.
For employees, it is the employer who must provide minimum cover in accordance with DHA requirements. Contractors, on the other hand, must take out insurance for themselves and their families.
This insurance is closely linked to your Emirates ID, your local identity card. It allows you to access to public and private medical services throughout the Emirate.
Would you like to find out more about Emirates ID? Find out all you need to know about this essential card for residents.
| Guarantee | Local Basic Coverage (MEC) | International insurance for expatriates |
|---|---|---|
| Annual reimbursement ceiling | Limited (e.g. ~AED 150,000) | High (often > €1,000,000) |
| Care network | Restricted to a few clinics | Access to all hospitals and clinics (public and private) |
| Co-payment (excess) | Systematic (e.g. 20% per consultation) | Often 0% (reimbursement of 100% of actual costs) |
| Dental and optical care | Generally excluded | Included (optional) |
| Maternity ward | Very limited cover with high excess | Full cover (optional) |
| International coverage | No (only valid in the UAE) | Yes (worldwide or selected geographical areas) |
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Dubai's healthcare system: excellent care but costs to be anticipated
State-of-the-art public and private infrastructure
Dubai combines modernity and quality in its healthcare system. Public hospitals, governed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), offer affordable care with advanced technological equipment. The private sector, represented by establishments such as the American Hospital and Mediclinic, dominates the market thanks to its accessibility and comfort.
With more than 130 private clinics and internationally accredited establishments (JCI), the two sectors guarantee a very high level of service. Medical professionals, often trained internationally, are fluent in English and include French-speaking practitioners.
Rates that justify solid cover
The cost of healthcare in Dubai is often surprising. A consultation with a private GP varies between AED 300 and AED 500 (€82-135). Hospitalisation and maternity care can cost high costs, to be borne entirely by patients without insurance.
Compulsory local insurance (MEC) covers most emergencies, but remains limited. Low ceilings and a restricted network mean that this insufficient coverage compared with private-sector costs.
International insurance offers comprehensive protection (dental, optical, maternity) with worldwide cover. A hybrid underwriting (MEC + international) is recommended to balance legal compliance and financial security.
Local or international insurance: the guide to making the right choice
The limits of compulsory local cover (MEC)
In Dubai, the Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) is an compulsory minimum health insurance for residents. Required by law, it is often provided by the employer or taken out individually. For a basic package, the cost is around AED 180 per month, with an annual ceiling of AED 150,000.
This insurance provides cover for hospitalisation, emergencies and routine medical treatment, but its gaps are glaring. Deductibles are as high as 20% of costs, specialist care is limited, and optical and dental care is generally excluded. What's more, cover stops at the borders of the Emirates, with no assistance for repatriation or emergencies outside the country.
For an expatriate, this solution is clearly insufficient. Local medical costs are demanding: a specialist consultation can cost up to €250, and a delivery in a private clinic AED 24,000. The MEC ceilings are quickly reached, leaving the insured exposed to unforeseen expenses.
Why international insurance is a wise investment
International health insurance guarantees total peace of mind covering actual costs, with no fixed network. It is aimed at demanding expatriates, with options “from the 1st euro” (immediate cover) or in addition to the CFE for French nationals.
There are many advantages :
- Free choice of practitioner or hospital, These include luxury establishments such as King's College Hospital and the American Hospital Dubai.
- High ceilings, up to USD 5,000,000, to protect against unforeseen costs (major surgery, serious illnesses).
- Third-party payment in an international network of 3,200 establishments, avoiding the need to pay in advance.
- Routine care cover dental, optical and maternity cover, which are often excluded from the MEC.
- Medical repatriation included, a crucial guarantee for mobile expatriates.
Costs vary according to needs, but a “comfort” package is still affordable in relation to the risks involved. Clemenceaugroup helps entrepreneurs choose the right insurance, combining freedom, quality of care and financial protection. In the event of hospitalisation, the insurer takes over, avoiding unforeseen debts. Why settle for the minimum when excellence is within reach ?
Things to watch out for as an expatriate in Dubai
Importing your own medicines: a procedure to follow
In Dubai, the import of controlled drugs is strictly regulated. Expatriates must follow a precise procedure to avoid any problems on arrival.
- Steps for importing your personal medicines :
- Get a a recent, detailed prescription your doctor.
- Have a sworn translation of the prescription in English or Arabic.
- Complete the import application form online on the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) website.
- Carry only the quantity needed for the duration of your stay (usually 3 months maximum).
Non-resident travellers can declare their medication on arrival, accompanied by the prescription. In the event of non-compliance, penalties include fines or imprisonment, under Federal Law No. 30 of 2021.
Maternity and gynaecology: specific local features
In Dubai, access to maternity care is governed by strict cultural and legal rules. A marriage certificate is often required to cover a pregnancy., especially in public establishments.
Supplementary international health insurance offers broader maternity cover, but waiting periods of 6 to 12 months are common. Without suitable cover, the cost of a pregnancy can reach AED 30,000, private delivery costs of up to AED 24,000.
For unmarried couples, filiation of a child remains complex, even if the Abu Dhabi law of 2021 allows registration via a declaration. However, the, the rights of married parents remain simpler to claim, particularly in terms of access to examinations or maternity leave.
Where to seek medical treatment: a selection of hospitals and clinics for expatriates
In Dubai, private health insurance provides access to top-quality medical facilities, essential for expatriates who demand quality, speed and comfort. Facilities tailored to the needs of international entrepreneurs and families combine advanced technology, multilingual teams and international standards. Focus on the most popular establishments.
- American Hospital Dubai : Operating since 1996, this 220-bed hospital offers 24/7 care in cardiology, bariatric surgery, paediatrics and oncology. JCI-accredited, it has an ultra-reactive emergency service and state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment (MRI, 128-slice scanner).
- Mediclinic : Extensive network of 13 clinics and 4 hospitals, including Mediclinic City Hospital with its state-of-the-art Cancer Centre. Ideally located near residential areas (Dubai Hills, Arabian Ranches), its centres offer walk-in consultations, preventive check-ups and dialysis services.
- Saudi German Hospital : With 350 beds and 50 medical specialities, this hospital centralises robotic surgery, interventional cardiology and intensive care. Its telemedicine service and partnerships with European laboratories make it even more attractive to expatriates.
- The French Clinic The clinic specialises in French-language care, offering international vaccinations, paediatric check-ups and rheumatology follow-up. In addition to its face-to-face consultations in Dubai Healthcare City, it offers administrative support for insurance reimbursements.
Insure your project in Dubai: take action
Health insurance in Dubai is a legal and strategic obligation for expatriates. Although local cover is necessary, it is insufficient in view of the high cost of treatment. International insurance is key to avoid unexpected expenses that could run into thousands of euros.
Local insurance policies impose reimbursement ceilings and often exclude optical and dental cover. An international package offers cover adapted to local standards, the freedom to choose your practitioners and includes repatriation. At the age of 30, hospitalisation cover costs around €999 per year, a minimal investment compared to the financial risks.
Our team at Clemenceau Group supports entrepreneurs in setting up their business, including managing their health insurance. With more than 500 businesses helped since 2018, we international expertise to simplify your procedures.
To find the insurance that's right for you, ask for your personalised online quote. Act now : secure your project in Dubai with tailor-made protection and avoid costly unforeseen events.
What international health insurance is recommended for expatriates in Dubai?
For expatriate entrepreneurs and investors in Dubai, international insurance is strongly recommended. Unlike minimum local cover (MEC), which is often inadequate (low ceilings, restricted network), international insurance offers complete care These include access to all establishments, reimbursement of 100% of actual costs (%), maternity and dental cover, and repatriation assistance. Choose policies with no excess, high ceilings (over €1 million) and worldwide cover, ideally taken out before your arrival to avoid waiting periods.
Is health insurance compulsory to obtain a residence visa for Dubai?
Yes, health insurance is a legal requirement for all residence visas in Dubai, whether sponsored or for teleworking. It must be declared at the time of the initial request, with supporting documents to provide (copy of the policy). This requirement is imposed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), applies to all residents, including families. Without valid insurance, the visa will not be issued or renewed. Tourists are not subject to this rule, but travel insurance is still strongly recommended to cover the high cost of local care.
Is hospital care free in Dubai?
No, the hospitals in Dubai are not free. The costs are high, even in the public sector. A general practitioner's consultation in a public hospital costs around AED 200 (€50), while hospitalisation or surgery can cost up to AED 200 (€50). several thousand euros. Private establishments, such as the American Hospital Dubai or the Saudi German Hospital, apply even higher rates. Without insurance, these costs are entirely at your expense. Health insurance, which is compulsory for residents, is therefore an essential pillar in avoiding unforeseen expenses.
What is the budget for travel insurance in Dubai?
The price of travel insurance for Dubai varies according to the length of stay and the cover chosen. For a short stay (e.g. 1 month), expect to pay between 50 and 150 euros for basic cover including medical emergencies and repatriation. However, for optimum protection, opt for premium plans (150-300 euros) including hospitalisation, specialist examinations and cover without advance payment. Note that this insurance does not replace compulsory health insurance for residents, but is a temporary solution for tourists or new arrivals waiting to take out local cover.
How much does a medical consultation cost in Dubai?
The cost of a consultation with a general practitioner in Dubai varies between AED 200 and AED 4300 (€50-100) in public centres run by the DHA, and up to AED 500 (€115) in private centres. Specialists charge between AED 400 and 800 (€100-200) depending on complexity. These charges, combined with those for examinations or treatments, fully justify the benefits of international insurance. Without cover, every procedure has to be paid for in full at the time of the visit, which can quickly become a barrier to access to care.
What is the average cost of comprehensive health insurance in Dubai?
The annual cost of international health insurance in Dubai depends on your age, state of health and level of cover. For a healthy adult between €1,500 and €5,000 per year for a complete package with access to the best establishments (American Hospital, Mediclinic), cover for preventive care and 24/7 assistance. Family contracts or contracts including maternity are also available. their tariffs to be adjusted accordingly. Compare quotes to find the right balance between budget and level of service.
What health insurance is compulsory for residents of Dubai?
The Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) is the minimum coverage legally required to obtain or renew a residence visa. It applies to employees (provided by the employer) and the self-employed. However, it does not apply to the self-employed, this basic insurance has its limits low reimbursement ceiling (~150,000 AED/year), limited healthcare network, and high deductibles (20 % of costs). For a demanding expatriate, it is insufficient. Instead, opt for international insurance, which complements or replaces the MEC, guaranteeing extensive cover with no restrictions.
