How does the healthcare system work in the Middle East?

What is the quality of healthcare in the Middle East?

• The Middle East is a diverse region where the experience will vary greatly depending on the country you travel to. Wealthy countries like the UAE and Qatar offer excellent healthcare and safety, while conflict zones like Syria and Yemen face significant challenges. Make sure you have adequate insurance, respect the local culture, and be prepared for the unique challenges of the region!
• Healthcare in the Middle East varies greatly by country. In general, wealthy Gulf countries like the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have advanced and well-equipped healthcare systems, while other countries like Yemen and Syria face challenges to their healthcare infrastructure due to conflict. Overall, healthcare in the region has improved significantly in recent years.
• Countries like Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have above-average healthcare.
• In most Gulf countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar), health insurance is mandatory for expats and is often linked to a work visa. Employers are usually required to provide basic health insurance, but for comprehensive coverage you will often need to purchase additional insurance yourself. In countries where insurance is not mandatory, international health insurance is strongly recommended.

How does the public healthcare system work in the Middle East?

• Many of the countries in the Middle East have a public healthcare system, which provides excellent treatment for citizens for free or at a reduced cost. Expats sometimes do not have access to this care or have to pay higher rates.
• In the Gulf States, public hospitals are of high quality, but waiting times can be longer than in private hospitals. In countries such as Lebanon and Jordan, public hospitals are less well equipped.
• Support staff in some public hospitals speak limited English. This also varies greatly from country to country.

How does the public healthcare system work in the Middle East?

• Private hospitals in the Middle East are often considered to be among the best in the world. They are therefore the preferred option for expats in the Middle East.
• Private hospitals in countries such as the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are comparable to Western standards and provide high-quality care. Many doctors have studied in Western countries, so communication is never a barrier to accessing healthcare in the region.
• Consultations and treatments are often expensive, but care is fast and efficient. Without insurance, costs can be high, especially for complex treatments.

How is the general physician arranged in the Middle East?

• GPs are accessible in major cities, mainly through private clinics.
• Consultation costs vary widely: in the UAE, you can expect to pay around €50-€100, while in countries with weaker economies, it is often cheaper.
• Many GPs speak English, especially in expat-friendly countries such as the UAE and Bahrain.

How is the dentist arranged in the Middle East?

• Dental care in the Gulf States is of high quality, but can be expensive without insurance.
• In countries such as Lebanon and Jordan, dental care is also good, but often cheaper than in the Gulf.
• Cosmetic dentistry, such as teeth whitening and braces, is popular in many Middle Eastern countries.

How is pregnancy care arranged in the Middle East?

• Prenatal and postnatal care in wealthy countries such as the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia is excellent, with modern facilities and experienced specialists.
• In countries such as Lebanon and Jordan, care is good, but in conflict areas, hospitals are often overloaded.
• Be aware of local regulations - such as sometimes men are not allowed to be present at the birth, it is illegal to have a child if you are unmarried, there may be strict abortion regulations, etc.
• In conservative countries such as Saudi Arabia, breastfeeding in public is less accepted. In any case, use a breastfeeding cloth for discretion or, for example, the breastfeeding rooms found in shopping malls.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in the Middle East?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in the Middle East?

• The Gulf States have low crime rates and are often considered very safe.
• In conflict zones such as Yemen, Syria, and Iraq, the security situation is worrying and negative travel advisories are often in effect.
• Earthquakes occur in countries such as Turkey and Iran.
• Sandstorms and extreme heat are common hazards in the Gulf region.
• Venomous snakes, scorpions, and other dangerous animals can be found in desert areas.
• It is important to respect local values ​​and standards. Avoid sensitive topics such as religion and politics, and be careful about what you post online.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in the Middle East?

• Due to the extreme temperatures in countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion is high.
• Mosquito-borne diseases can occur in some parts of the Middle East.
• Check well before you leave whether you need vaccinations for the country you are going to. The health risks vary greatly between countries. 

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in the Middle East?

• Traffic can be quite challenging, hectic and with aggressive drivers.
• In the Gulf States, traffic laws are strict, and violations can result in heavy fines.
• Outside of urban areas, roads are often poorly maintained.
• The metros in cities such as Dubai and Doha are modern and reliable.
• Buses and taxis are the main means of transport in less developed areas.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in the Middle East?

• Is the trip to the Middle East and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for the Middle East if you are going to live there for a while?

• In some countries health insurance is mandatory, in other countries it isn't. Make sure you check the latest information about the country you're planning to go to. Either way, most emigrants take out private health insurance to cover the costs of (unforeseen) medical costs and things like medical repatriation or evacuation. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

Travel in the Middle East?

• The Middle East has much more to offer than sand and with a few exceptions, the Arab countries in the triangle between Africa, Asia and Europe are definitely worth a visit!
• Just a few hours by plane you will find yourself in a completely different world full of culture, nature and adventure.
• Countries such as Iran, Egypt, Yemen, Oman and Jordan offer a wealth of living history.
• The Gulf States such as Bahrain and the UAE (United Arab Emirates) hide the desert, camels and Bedouins a bit more behind shiny buildings, shopping malls, nice beaches and luxury hotels in the most fantastic appearances but are also certainly a special experience.
• Let yourself be welcomed with tea by a family, or enjoy the delicious mezze (various snacks) before diving into the nightlife of Lebanon. In Lebanon you can even ski in the mountains and sunbathe on the beach in one day!

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