Dubai is one of the fastest growing cities in the world and attracts thousands of expats and tourists every year. Adequate health insurance is essential to live and work worry-free in this emerging economic hub. In this article, we give you a comprehensive overview of health insurance in Dubai and how to find the best insurance for your needs and personal situation.
The most important facts in brief
- Health insurance is a legal requirement for Dubai residents.
- The statutory basic insurance (Essential Benefits Plan) covers basic benefits.
- Private health insurance offers additional protection and extended benefits, e.g. worldwide coverage (also in DE), dental treatment and physiotherapy.
- When choosing a private health insurance, coverage, value for money, customer service and adaptability should be considered.
- Dubai offers state-of-the-art healthcare with world-class hospitals and clinics.
- The cost of medical treatment in Dubai can be high, especially in private facilities.
- Tips for taking out health insurance: plan early, check employer benefits, consider health status and get recommendations.
- Insurance providers we recommend to our clients: International health insurance with passport card
Compulsory health insurance for expatriates in Dubai
Legal regulations in Dubai
Since 2014, it has been a legal requirement for all expats residing in Dubai and their family members to take out health insurance. This also applies to visitors staying in the country for more than 30 days. The insurance must be provided by an insurance company licensed in Dubai.
Minimum requirements Dubai Health Insurance
The minimum requirements for health insurance in Dubai are:
- Outpatient treatment
- Inpatient treatment
- Diagnostic tests
- Medicines
- Maternity benefits (for women)
This basic insurance, known as the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP), must be provided by employers for their employees and their family members.
Private, international health insurance in Dubai
Advantages of private international health insurance in Dubai
Although public health insurance offers basic benefits, many expats opt for private international insurance to get additional protection and extended benefits, such as:
- Worldwide cover
- Dental treatments
- Optical services
- Physiotherapy
- Alternative medicine
Choosing the right health insurance for Dubai
When choosing private health insurance, you should consider the following factors:
- Coverage: Make sure that the insurance covers all relevant benefits for you (including your family).
- Value for money: Compare the premiums and benefits of different providers to find the best offer.
- Customer service: Find out about the quality of the insurance company's customer service.
- Adaptability: Make sure that the insurance can be tailored to your individual needs.
What is the medical care like in Dubai?
Quality of healthcare in Dubai
Dubai offers state-of-the-art healthcare and has a large number of first-class hospitals and clinics. The medical facilities are well equipped and have qualified specialists who meet international standards.
Costs for medical treatments in Dubai
The cost of medical treatment in Dubai can be high, especially in private facilities. Without adequate insurance, the cost of comprehensive treatment can quickly run into the thousands.
It is therefore important to take out suitable health insurance to avoid financial burdens.
Tips for buying health insurance in Dubai
- Plan early: Start looking for a suitable international health insurance policy as soon as you know you will be moving to Dubai. This will give you enough time to consider different options and make the best decision for your needs.
- Check employer benefits: Before you take out private health insurance in Dubai, you should check what benefits your employer offers. It is possible that additional benefits beyond the legal minimum standard are already included.
- Take into account the state of health: If you or your family members have pre-existing conditions, make sure the policy you choose covers them and does not have any exclusions or waiting periods.
- Obtain recommendations: Talk to people or friends who already have live in dubaito get recommendations for trustworthy insurance providers.
Our recommendation: International Health Insurance in Dubai for Entrepreneurs (+ Families)
We ourselves and most of our clients rely on PassportCard for their choice of international health insurance. In cooperation with our contact Tim at PassportCard, there are three different solutions that offer different levels of cover to suit your needs. Regardless of the product you choose, all offers provide comprehensive coverage for hospital stays, not only in the United Arab Emirates and Germany, but in the entire tariff region to which the country belongs. This means, for example, that you always have the option of keeping your trusted German doctors.
- The PassportCard COMPACT tariff is your choice if you are looking for basic cover that protects you when you really need it, e.g. in the event of a hospital stay.
- The PassportCard COMFORT tariff offers all the advantages that a solid expat tariff must have.
- The PassportCard PREMIUM tariff gives you security in every situation if you are looking for comprehensive insurance cover.
PassportCard benefits overview
Summary of the most important advantages
With PassportCard's long-term international health insurance, you can be sure of significant advantages over other insurers. We show you the 4 most important ones in our opinion:
| Power | PassportCard | Other |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 in-house customer support in German | ✅ | ❌ |
| No out-of-pocket expenses - with PassportCard you pay for medical services with the money from PassportCard | ✅ | ❌ |
| Medical consultation around the clock in German | ✅ | ❌ |
| free choice of doctor | ✅ | ❌ |
Use our link to secure exclusive conditions for your insurance premium with PassportCard and benefit from a direct contact person.
Would you like to have an introductory meeting with our direct contact person? Simply click on the button and book your preferred date and time.
Conclusion
Adequate health insurance is essential in Dubai. The basic insurance required by law provides basic benefits, but many opt for private insurance to get additional protection and extended benefits. Be sure to carefully consider different insurance options and choose one that suits both your and your family's individual needs.
Summary Dubai Health Insurance for Emigrants
Health insurance in Dubai is of great importance for everyone living there. By carefully reviewing the different options and taking out the right insurance, you can ensure that you and your loved ones are well protected and have access to quality healthcare. Be sure to consider your needs and the benefits offered by different insurance providers to make the best decision for your individual situation.
Why you can trust our advice
With our extensive expertise and years of experience as an expatriate agency, we have helped numerous clients find the right international health insurance for their individual needs. As a family, we have an in-depth understanding of the entire healthcare system in Dubai, which allows us to make tailored recommendations that are perfectly suited to you. This makes your move to Dubai worry-free and well covered.
You want to emigrate to Dubai, 0% Pay taxes and are at a Company formation in Dubai interested? You don't have the right contact person who can guarantee a smooth implementation? Then contact us now and book your free initial consultation. We will discuss your individual situation and show you possible solutions for your future in Dubai.
Frequently asked questions
How much does private international health insurance cost in Dubai?
The cost of private health insurance in Dubai varies depending on the insurance plan chosen and the scope of benefits. On average, annual premiums can range from AED 3,000 (approx. EUR 700) to AED 30,000 (approx. EUR 7,000) or more.
Are preventive medical check-ups included in the health insurance in Dubai?
Some private health insurance companies in Dubai offer preventive medical check-ups and vaccinations as additional benefits. However, it is important to check the terms and conditions of your insurance carefully to ensure that such benefits are included.
How do I find a doctor or specialist who is recognised by my health insurance in Dubai?
Most health insurance providers have contracts with certain hospitals and clinics. You will usually receive a list of approved doctors and medical facilities covered by your insurance. You can also visit your insurance provider's website or contact their customer service for more information.
How much does a visit to the doctor cost in Dubai?
The cost of seeing a doctor in Dubai varies depending on the type of medical facility, the doctor's speciality and the type of treatment. In government hospitals and clinics, the costs are usually lower than in private facilities. A general doctor's visit to a private clinic can cost between AED 150 (about EUR 35) and AED 500 (about EUR 115) or more, while a visit to a specialist can be even higher. You can cover the cost of doctor's visits and medical treatment in Dubai by taking out appropriate health insurance.
What happens if I am caught without valid health insurance in Dubai?
If you are an expat living in Dubai without valid health insurance, you may face fines and possible deportation. It is therefore important to ensure that you and your family members always have valid health insurance.
Can I cancel my health insurance in Dubai when I leave the country?
Yes, in most cases you can cancel your health insurance when you leave Dubai. However, it is important to check the cancellation conditions of your insurance and to inform the insurance provider about your move in good time.
