The healthcare system in Dubai is one of the best in the world and offers state-of-the-art medical care. While healthcare is free for citizens and residents, it is advisable to also take out private health insurance when moving to Dubai in order to receive comprehensive medical services.
Those looking for health insurance in Dubai for Germans should ensure that the policy covers both public and private treatment costs.
The public healthcare system is administered by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and offers free or highly subsidized treatment to Emiratis, while expats are covered by compulsory health insurance.
The public healthcare system is mainly used by Emirati citizens. Expats tend to use the private healthcare options. Since 2014, health insurance has been mandatory for all Dubai residents staying in Dubai for more than 30 days. There is a requirement to take out minimum level of health insurance, for example through the DHA (Dubai Health Authority). The following basic benefits must be covered: routine outpatient treatment, consultations with general practitioners and specialists, examinations prescribed by a doctor, coverage of costs for hospitalization, costs for medical emergencies, prescription medication and maternity care. The Essentials Benefits Plan (EBP) does not cover eye and dental care. The national health insurance, also known as “Thiqa”, is limited to the UAE.
It is also important to note that employers must pay the insurance contributions for foreign employees. It is not permitted to pass on the cost on to the employee or to deduct the cost of the insurance from their salary. However, the insurance taken out must be at least as comprehensive as the EBP.
(Source: EHS Emirates Health Service)
When emigrating to Dubai, it is important to find out about healthcare services and insurance requirements for foreign nationals. In Dubai, the healthcare system offers both public and private medical care. For stays that extend beyond a vacation, appropriate health insurance is mandatory. This must also be presented in order to obtain a residence permit.
German health insurance companies do not cover the costs of medical expenses and treatment in Dubai, as there is no social security agreement between Germany and the UAE. It is therefore necessary to take out international health insurance or private health insurance if you intend to emigrate to Dubai or stay there for a longer period of time.
(Source: EHS Emirates Health Service)
International health insurance can be beneficial in various situations, especially for long-term stays abroad. International health insurance is particularly benefical for longer stays and more comprehensive cover that goes beyond the minimum insurance or local insurance.
In addition, you will usually receive a higher standards of treatment as well as access to private hospitals and specialized treatments, often with shorter waiting times. It also enables dental treatment and optical care, which are usually only included to a limited extent with standard insurance.
For those with pre-existing medical conditions, international health insurance can also be a better option, as some plans provide more comprehensive cover here too. Overall, international health insurance for Dubai is worthwhile for anyone planning to live there for an extended period of time, or to take advantage of higher medical standards and additional benefits such as dental and eye care.
When moving to Dubai, expats are faced with the choice between local and international health insurance, with each offering different benefits and costs.
Local health insurance is usually provided by the employer and covers basic medical treatment in Dubai. This insurance is limited to emergency treatment and general medical care in government facilities. Although it is cheaper, it offers less flexibility, especially when it comes to access to private clinics or specialized treatments.
In comparison, international health insurance offers more comprehensive cover. It gives you access to private hospitals and specialized doctors not only in Dubai, but also worldwide. The big advantage of international health insurance is that it also covers treatment in other countries, which is particularly useful if you regularly return to Germany or travel to other countries.
It is advisable to take out international health insurance. This option offers more flexibility and security, especially for expats who live or work in several countries.
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German health insurance is generally not valid if you are staying in Dubai for a longer period of time or permanently (longer than 30 days). As there is no social security agreement between Germany and Dubai, international or private health insurance valid in Dubai must be taken out for a stay in Dubai.
International health insurance in Dubai is necessary to ensure fast and full coverage.
On average, annual premiums for private health insurance can range from AED 3,000 (approx. EUR 700) to AED 30,000 (approx. EUR 7,000) or more. Although private health insurance costs significantly more, it offers comprehensive benefits.
The cost of the public health card is AED 320 for foreign adults and AED 120 for those under 18. The average cost of minimum cover is between AED 500 and AED 700 per year. However, the insurance only includes emergency treatment and basic care in state facilities.
Yes, health insurance is compulsory in Dubai if you live or work there. Every resident, whether expat or national, must have valid health insurance. Employers are required to provide health insurance for their employees. For family members and the self-employed, it is necessary to take out their own insurance. Without health insurance, it is not possible to obtain a residence permit.
Expats entering Dubai should also ensure that they are covered by either their employer or private insurance, as this is a requirement for legal residency in Dubai.
When moving to Dubai, there are different options for health insurance, depending on your status. Here are the main options that should be considered.
Employer-provided health insurance: This insurance covers basic healthcare services as prescribed by the government. However, the benefits are limited, especially with regard to access to private hospitals or special treatments.
Private health insurance: If you are moving to Dubai as a family or as a self-employed person, you must take out private health insurance. This allows access to private clinics and comprehensive medical services. For many expats living in Dubai long-term, this option is more advantageous as it offers more flexibility and faster care.
International health insurance: For all expats and those who travel frequently or prefer global cover, international health insurance is the best option. It offers more comprehensive cover not only in Dubai but also, for example, during a visit or longer stay in Germany.
So if you are planning to live in Dubai long-term, it is advisable to compare the different options and ensure that your health insurance covers both local and international needs.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it is extremely important to disclose this when applying for international health insurance in Dubai. Disclosure of pre-existing medical conditions is mandatory, as failure to disclose such information may result in future treatment being declined or the policy being invalidated.
Some international insurance companies offer special plans that cover pre-existing conditions. For example, there are PassportCard plans that offer cover for pre-existing conditions. This type of insurance ensures that you have access to medical care even if you have pre-existing health conditions. It is advisable to find out in advance exactly what conditions apply to cover for pre-existing conditions and what options are available for comprehensive cover.
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