How does healthcare work in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), with Dubai and Abu Dhabi as prominent emirates, offers a modern and well-developed healthcare system.
The healthcare sector is largely based on a mix of public and private institutions and is often praised for the high quality of medical technology and facilities.
Health insurance (MEC) is generally mandatory for expats and residents, and access to medical care is regulated by this. There is no public insurance for expats in the United Arab Emirates.
In addition, as an expatriate, you must obtain a Medical Fitness Certificate to apply for a residence visa. This can be done in the United Arab Emirates, or before you arrive.
Pharmacies are plentiful, and many medicines are also available without a prescription. Medicines are quite expensive.
You do need official statements from your doctor to bring medicines such as sleeping pills and antidepressants. They are generally not available locally. Please note that regulations can differ per emirate.

Public healthcare in the UAE is available to Emirati citizens and, in some cases, expats with valid insurance.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai have excellent public hospitals such as Sheikh Khalifa Medical City and Rashid Hospital.
Healthcare in public facilities is usually cheaper than in private clinics, but can still be expensive for those without local insurance. Expatriates without local insurance must pay for their care up front and need a health card. The costs are the same as in the private sector.
To obtain this health card, you will usually need to show an Emirates ID, your passport and proof of employment, among other things.
First aid is often free for residents and low-cost for those with local insurance, after which the cost of care can increase considerably.

The private healthcare sector is larger, very well developed and often offers quicker access to specialists and more luxury compared to public hospitals.
Private hospitals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are often considered to be among the best in the world. They are equipped with modern technology and often have internationally trained doctors, but costs are generally high. Having health insurance is therefore highly recommended.
Private hospitals do not always treat major traumas and complex emergencies, these are usually treated in the public domain.
In some emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, expatriates must have private insurance. In Abu Dhabi, the employer must provide this to the employee and his/her family, in Dubai the employer is only responsible for the employee's insurance.

Most expats and expatriates visit a specialist or a hospital directly.
You can usually make an appointment with a specialist or hospital without a referral.
General practitioner care is available, mainly in private institutions, but this is often less common. People usually only go to the general practitioner for routine consultations.

Like other healthcare, dental care is also of high quality in the United Arab Emirates. You will find both public and private providers. However, most expats use private clinics for faster service and modern facilities.

The UAE offers excellent care for pregnant women and new mothers, but it comes at a price if you don’t have insurance.
Be aware that you must be married to have a baby according to Islamic law, so always carry your marriage certificate with you when you go to the hospital.
Pregnant women can choose from a wide range of public and private hospitals and clinics. Most expats choose private hospitals.
There are many ultrasound scans, a wide range of antenatal classes and many expats choose to hire a doula.
Home births are not legal in the UAE and expectant mothers must check in at least 24 hours before their due date.
After birth, the baby stays in the room with the mother and the mother receives extensive breastfeeding support. Some expat insurances do not fully cover maternity care, so check carefully.
Breastfeeding in public is generally accepted, as long as it is done discreetly. Expats generally use nursing cloths to cover themselves.
Abortion is allowed under certain circumstances.

The UAE is considered one of the safest countries in the world, with a low crime rate. However, there are some things to keep in mind.
Street crime is rare. Beware of petty theft in busy places.
Alcohol consumption is limited in licensed areas. Driving under the influence is severely punished.
There are also quite strict rules of conduct that you may not be used to. For example, pay attention to your behavior in public: no public affection, insults, or political statements. But also rules on homosexuality, abortion, etc.
Caution is advised when posting online about the UAE; criticism of the government can have legal consequences.

The UAE has a good health infrastructure, so diseases such as malaria or dengue are not a problem.
There is no mandatory vaccination schedule for most travelers. Check this with your vaccination doctor.
Tap water is technically drinkable, but most people prefer bottled water because of the taste and possible contaminants in the pipes. Be sure to avoid sunstroke and dehydration in the hot climate of this country!
In addition, sand and dust in the air (from continuous construction and blowing sand) and sandstorms can be a problem for people with respiratory problems.

Traffic in the United Arab Emirates can be quite intense, especially in large cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The infrastructure is modern, with well-maintained roads and an efficient metro system in Dubai.
Outside of the cities, roads can be less well-maintained.
High speeds and aggressive driving are common problems.
Driving under the influence is not tolerated and is severely punished.
Dubai has a well-developed public transport system (metro, bus). In Abu Dhabi, the use of taxis is more popular.

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