Healthcare System in the United Arab Emirates: everything you need to know

When hearing about the United Arab Emirates, it’s possible that the first thought coming to your mind is about the luxurious constructions, stores and restaurants of Dubai, isn’t it? But, does this luxury apply to its Healthcare System? Keep on reading to find out.

How does the Healthcare System in the United Arab Emirates work?

Same as with their public transportation service and others, the healthcare system in the UAE is considered one of the best in the world. Even though the prices aren’t low, the quality of this service “invites” many to do medical tourism and seek attention at one of their high quality health centers. 

A fact about the UAE’s healthcare system is that they have both public and private hospitals, but the first ones are focused on attending to the locals. Expats are oriented to seek medical attention in private institutions, but can request a National Public Health Card through the Health Ministry (MOHAP) in order to get a discount for their health related medical attention.

In the last few years, the UAE has seen an increased number of health professionals, which is reflected both in the quality of the medical attention and waiting times.

How does the system work for foreigners? 

Something that you have to keep in mind is that, if you’re a foreigner doing tourism, health attention can have high costs, above all in private health centers where most doctors are expats and can communicate with you in English or other languages. 

Therefore, to avoid any troubles or surprises when seeking attention – which they won’t deny – it is very important to count with travel insurance or international health insurance with coverage in the UAE, depending on the length of your trip.

To quote, compare and hire an insurance, you can visit our free comparing service on  InternationalHealth.com.

What do I do in case of an emergency in the UAE?

In case you need help when facing an emergency, you can call 999 from a landline or cellphone. Even though there are different numbers for each type of emergency (firefighters, for example), calling 999 should be enough in most cases.

And don’t stress if you don't speak Arabic, because said lines count with English speaking executives (and other languages), so you should not have any trouble communicating with them to seek help.

Anyways, you can check some other lines down below, since it's always good to have them in hand: 

• Firefighters: 998
• Ambulance: 997

How do the local pharmacies work? 

Finding a pharmacy won’t be a problem during your stay in the UAE, above all when staying at the main cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which count with establishments like these open 24/7. The main pharmacy chains in the UAE are Aster, Supercare and Thumbay. 

According to the UAE’s Government on their website, you can bring other medications prescribed for personal use, but in order to import medications you have to get a permit from the Ministry for Health and Prevention.

There’s a clear prohibition from the government regarding psychotropic medications, which can only be prescribed by a local doctor. 

Entry Requirements

As in many countries across the world, there is no longer a restriction regarding the Covid-19 pandemic to enter the UAE, which means you won’t have to show a vaccination certificate nor a negative covid test. 

Regardless, you will have to check if you need a Visa to enter said country according to your nationality and passport validity***. You can consult by visiting the following link.

*** Keep in mind that there are countries which ask, for example, that your passport has at least a 6 month validity or a certain amount of blank pages in said document to enter national territory.