Question 1

Making an appointment

Accepted Answer

Hospitals and clinics in Dubai are highly accessible thanks to the number of facilities and professionals, and the efficiency of the city’s medical system, which ensures short wait times for appointments. Most hospitals and clinics allow patients to book appointments via phone, website or app.

Teleconsultation options are also growing as an alternative. Such services are offered through apps like Health at Hand, and clinics like Medcare and Aster.

Question 2

Paying for healthcare

Accepted Answer

Consultation charges without insurance coverage can range from AED50 at smaller clinics to AED500 or more for consultations with specialist doctors. With basic health insurance in Dubai, however, the payout for patients is usually as low as 10% or 20% of the total amount, resulting in per-visit fees as low as AED5 or AED10.

After every visit, the medical facility corresponds with the patient’s insurance to confirm coverage for treatments, medications and procedures. Once approval has been received, the patient is informed of payment, details, procedure dates and any required next steps. Some government hospitals in the city, such as Rashid Hospital and Al Kuwait Hospital, offer subsidised or free healthcare for certain categories of patients.

Question 3

Health insurance in Dubai

Accepted Answer

Every Dubai resident, employed or not, needs to have mandatory basic health insurance coverage. Health insurance for expats in Dubai is usually covered by employers as a part of their employment package, without the premium affecting the employee's salary. Self-employed individuals and dependent residents (spouses, elders and children) also need to have mandatory cover. For this, insurance packages can be easily purchased from reputed providers. Useful insurance comparison tools like Insurance Market can help narrow down suitable options.

Annual premiums for the most basic insurance plans range from AED500 to AED700 or more, with a maximum cover of AED15,000 per person per year. Some firms also provide coverage for employees’ spouses and children. These packages usually cost between AED600 and AED6,000 per year, depending on age and pre-existing conditions.

Some packages cover inpatient and outpatient treatment, as well as mental health treatments, chronic conditions, pre-existing conditions and more. Other packages are more basic, and details can be found on providers’ websites.

Question 4

Easy access to pharmacies

Accepted Answer

Dubai has an extensive network of pharmacies that ensure quick access to quality medicines and a large variety of healthcare products. Most operate 24/7 and also deliver throughout the day and week. Deliveries can be booked via the pharmacy’s website, app or by calling them directly. Many of them are also present on delivery apps like Talabat or Deliveroo.

Major pharmacies in Dubai have regular sales, and offer coupons and loyalty programmes. To avail of medications under a health insurance plan, it is important to note which pharmacies accept the current provider's coverage. The list of approved pharmacies can be obtained from the insurance provider.

Guide to healthcare and wellness in Dubai