Dubai’s healthcare system is one of the most modern and efficient in the world — but when you arrive as an expat, it can feel confusing.
Public vs private? DHA vs MOHAP? Insurance networks? Direct billing?
When I arrived, I didn’t understand any of these terms… and I quickly realised every expat needs a clear, simple explanation.
This 2025 guide explains very simply:
- how the healthcare system works
- the types of hospitals (public/private)
- how health insurance works
- how much medical care costs
- emergency numbers
- how to choose a clinic or hospital
- How Dubai’s Healthcare System Is Structured
Dubai’s healthcare is supervised by two main authorities:
DHA — Dubai Health Authority
Supervises hospitals and clinics in Dubai.
MOHAP — Ministry of Health & Prevention
Supervises the northern Emirates + some clinics in Dubai.
Government vs Private Healthcare
- Government hospitals — lower prices
- Private hospitals — faster, more modern service
Most expats use private healthcare thanks to insurance.
- Public Hospitals in Dubai (Affordable & High Quality)
Public hospitals are excellent and affordable.
Best public hospitals:
- Rashid Hospital (top-level emergency care)
- Latifa Hospital (maternity & children)
- Dubai Hospital
Price range (with no insurance):
- Consultation: 100–200 AED
- Emergency: 300–600 AED
- Private Hospitals (Most Expats Go Here)
Dubai has world-class private hospitals with fast service.
Best private hospitals:
- Mediclinic (Dubai Hills, Parkview, City)
- American Hospital
- King’s College Hospital
- Al Zahra Hospital
- Saudi German Hospital
Price range (without insurance):
- Consultation: 250–450 AED
- Specialist: 350–700 AED
- Emergency: 600–1 500 AED
- Clinics & Specialists
Dubai has thousands of clinics offering:
- dermatology
- dentistry
- pediatrics
- gynecology
- orthopedics
- aesthetic treatments
Typical prices:
- GP: 150–300 AED
- Specialist: 250–600 AED
- Health Insurance (Mandatory in Dubai)
Every resident must have health insurance.
Who Pays?
- Employer: must provide insurance for employees
- Residents: must insure themselves (and dependents)
Types of Plans:
- Basic plan: 800–1 500 AED/year
- Standard plan: 2 000–4 500 AED/year
- Premium: 6 000–20 000 AED/year
What You Should Check:
- insurance network
- whether the hospital accepts direct billing
- co-pay amounts
- exclusions (maternity, optical, dental, etc.)
- Direct Billing vs Reimbursement
Direct Billing
You pay nothing upfront.
Insurance pays the clinic directly.
→ Most expats prefer this.
Reimbursement
You pay first, insurance reimburses you later.
→ More common in European-style plans.
- Emergency Numbers & Services
Emergency Numbers:
- 999 → police & ambulance
- 998 → direct ambulance
- 800 424 → poison hotline
Ambulance services are fast and usually free for true emergencies.
- Pharmacies (24/7 Available)
Common pharmacy chains:
- Life Pharmacy
- Aster Pharmacy
- Boots
Most offer 30-minute delivery via apps.
- Typical Healthcare Costs in Dubai (2025)
Without insurance:
- GP visit: 150–300 AED
- Specialist: 300–600 AED
- Blood tests: 200–600 AED
- MRI scan: 1 000–2 500 AED
With insurance:
Co-pay ranges from 0–20% depending on the plan.
- How to Choose a Hospital or Clinic
- check if your insurance covers it
- review patient feedback
- choose a clinic near your home
- check if they offer direct billing
- avoid over-treatment clinics (common in some areas)
Conclusion
Dubai’s healthcare system is modern, efficient, safe and fast — but understanding how it works helps you make better decisions and avoid unnecessary costs.
With the right insurance and the right habits, getting healthcare in Dubai is simple and comfortable.
Find hospitals, clinics, insurance brokers, nurses and medical specialists on The Expat Services Directory your trusted partner for living healthy in Dubai.
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