The UAE Healthcare System is known for its high-quality healthcare, which has resulted in an increase in medical tourism over the last decade. There are 181 doctors per 100,000 population, indicating that healthcare is widely available. While expats benefit from the UAE’s high medical standards, healthcare for non-residents is more expensive than it is for UAE nationals.
One of the first things you should learn about the UAE’s healthcare system and health insurance is how it works. Expats will be relieved to learn that when relocating to the Gulf country, they will not have to worry about the quality of healthcare.
The UAE has a well-developed health-care infrastructure and a high standard of care. The United Arab Emirates was named one of the top ten most efficient healthcare systems in the world in 2018. Both residents and foreigners can use the latest medical facilities, which are widely accessible. Both public and private hospitals provide high-quality medical services.
Many expats, on the other hand, choose private health care, where English is widely spoken and the majority of medical staff are foreign doctors or foreign-trained.
Medical services in the United Arab Emirates are pricey, but you get what you pay for. Public hospitals and clinics are low-cost or free for UAE citizens. Expats must pay a charge and must have a health card to visit public hospitals and clinics. Finding
You may be confident that your medical needs in the desert country will be met thanks to cutting-edge technology and highly skilled doctors and surgeons from around the world. Use this article as a general overview of the UAE healthcare system to address any questions you may have as you prepare for your trip.
The Uae Healthcare System: How Does It All Work?
The UAE boasts a well-developed, government-funded healthcare system as well as a burgeoning commercial sector that provides high-quality care. Both the federal government and the Emirate governments regulate healthcare.
The UAE’s healthcare system differs from emirate to emirate, but the care you’ll get anywhere in the country is excellent. Both public and private facilities are available to expatriates. Expats, on the other hand, will have to pay a price where Emirati natives receive care at public institutions and clinics at a cheap cost, if not for free.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the most popular destinations for expats among the seven emirates. The healthcare in these emirate states is particularly good. Dubai, in particular, is known for its high-quality medical procedures and facilities. Foreigners from all over the world visit the city-state for medical treatment, a movement known as “medical tourism.” In 2016, 326,649 medical tourists visited Dubai. By the end of 2020, this figure is expected to approach 500,000.
It is a legal requirement in Abu Dhabi for your employer to provide health insurance for you and your dependents. One spouse and up to three minor children are considered dependents. The employee is responsible for the health insurance coverage of a fourth child.
Companies in Dubai are only required to provide coverage for their employees. The Dubai government recommends that employers provide coverage for their employees’ families, as well as the healthcare coverage that is mandated by law.
Health insurance is required for all inhabitants of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, whether or not they have a job. Uninsured months are subject to penalty of 500 AED per month (136 USD) as of 2015. Without proof of health, residency visas cannot be granted.
The Uae Healthcare System: Is Healthcare In The United Arab Emirates Free?
Various regulatory authorities oversee public healthcare services in the UAE, including the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Health Authority-Abu Dhabi (HAAD), the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), and the Emirates Health Authority (EHA).
As previously noted, Emirati nationals have access to free public healthcare in the UAE. For treatment at a hospital or clinic, non-residents will have to pay much higher expenses. However, these prices are subsidised, and both public and private facilities provide high-quality treatment.
The Uae Healthcare System: What Is Covered Under The Uae’s Public Healthcare System?
What public healthcare in the UAE covers varies by emirate, just like everything else. The following fundamental health needs are often covered by public healthcare.
Services for basic health care (general examinations, diagnostic and treatment services by general practitioners, specialists, and consultants; laboratory services; radiology diagnostic services; physiotherapy services; prescribed drugs and other medicines)
services for prevention (essential vaccinations and immunizations for children and newborns)
Physiotherapy, maternity follow-ups, and surgical operations are all examples of public healthcare.
The Uae Healthcare System: How Does Healthcare Work?
While the UAE’s healthcare system is rather straightforward, expats should be aware of some quirks.
If your employer does not provide health insurance for you or your dependents, you have the option of purchasing a commercial health plan or enrolling in the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP). The EBP covers the same areas as the UAE’s public health care system. Individuals earning less than 4,000 AED per month are eligible (1,090 USD).
You must offer healthcare for domestic workers if you hire them. The majority of expats opt for EBP. The EBP costs between 550 and 650 AED ($150–175 USD) each year.
The UAE has established healthcare cities to improve healthcare services and facilitate access to health facilities. These are clinic complexes with a variety of specialties.
The pay and classification of the employee determine the scope of coverage for employers and their families. The cost of your medical services is determined by the quantity of coverage and the type of policy/scheme you have.
The Uae Healthcare System: Why Is Healthcare So Expensive?
For a variety of reasons, healthcare in the UAE is prohibitively expensive. The first reason is expats: the UAE’s population is primarily made up of expats rather than Emirati natives. As a result, private hospitals and healthcare institutions outnumber public ones. In 2018, the UAE had 104 hospitals, 33 of which were government-run and 71 of which were commercial.
Another reason healthcare in the UAE is so expensive is because residents often avoid seeing a general practitioner and instead go straight to specialists. As a result of the various tests and consultations that specialists must do, medical costs rise.
Finally, healthcare in the United Arab Emirates is expensive because you get what you pay for: excellent medical care. The UAE is known for innovative research as well as highly qualified professionals and advanced medical equipment. These medical advancements and cutting-edge equipment come at a great cost, but they also come with excellent care.
