Does Dubai Have Free Healthcare ?

The above plans and premiums are for AED 1,000,000 Sum insured for 1 Adult of 30 Years for Dubai city.

In Dubai, healthcare is a mix of private and public services, where residents and visitors can receive top-notch medical care. The government provides public healthcare services at affordable rates, while private healthcare options are widely available for those who prefer quicker access or specialised care.

Let’s understand the key details of Dubai’s healthcare system in more detail.

Is Free Healthcare Available in Dubai?

In Dubai, free healthcare is available to UAE citizens through government-run hospitals and clinics. Emiratis are entitled to free emergency care, preventive services, and specialised treatments such as cancer care at some public hospitals. These services are covered by the government’s health insurance programs so that citizens receive essential medical care at no cost.

For non-citizens, healthcare is not free.

While public healthcare facilities are accessible to expatriates, they generally need to pay for the services unless covered by their insurance plans.

It’s important to note that all residents, including expatriates, are required to have health insurance. This mandatory insurance system of Dubai ensures that all residents have access to basic healthcare services.

Healthcare System in Dubai

Dubai's healthcare system is a mix of public and private services that provide high-quality care to residents and visitors.

Governed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the system operates through modern infrastructure and innovative technologies. Public healthcare services are generally affordable, with residents having access to both government hospitals and private facilities. The government is also continuously investing in healthcare infrastructure to improve services and attract highly skilled medical professionals.

Dubai offers a range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialist treatments, and emergency services. The Emirate is home to two healthcare free zones: Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) and Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park, which house numerous hospitals and outpatient clinics.

An Overview of Dubai Public Healthcare

Public healthcare in Dubai is a well-managed, government-funded system, regulated primarily by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). It focuses on providing accessible, high-quality care to both residents and visitors. The public healthcare system provides essential medical services, including emergency care, primary care, and specialised treatments to everyone.

Public healthcare in Dubai is primarily funded through mandatory health insurance schemes, which cover both citizens and expatriates.

Management and Governance

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) oversees the public healthcare system in Dubai. The DHA verifies that hospitals, clinics, and health centres meet international standards. It also drives healthcare policy and reform within the emirate.
The healthcare system in Dubai has seen remarkable growth, with an increasing number of healthcare facilities and professionals. By 2023, Dubai had around 4,922 healthcare facilities and over 58,700 healthcare professionals.
Dubai’s public healthcare services operate through multiple government hospitals, clinics, and specialised centres.
The total healthcare expenditure in 2020 was around AED 19.49 billion, with 40% contributed by the government.

Dubai Private Healthcare — An Overview

Private healthcare in Dubai refers to medical services provided by privately-owned hospitals, clinics, and specialised centres. These services are funded through private health insurance or direct out-of-pocket payments.

Dubai's private healthcare sector plays a major role in offering a wide range of advanced and specialised medical treatments, often with shorter waiting times and additional amenities compared to public healthcare. The private healthcare system complements the public sector by providing options for residents and medical tourists seeking premium healthcare services.

Management and Governance

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) also regulates the private healthcare sector in Dubai — this is to ensure that private facilities meet the same rigorous standards as public ones. The DHA is responsible for licensing healthcare professionals and facilities as well as monitoring the quality of care across the sector.
Dubai’s private healthcare is highly competitive, attracting investments from multinational healthcare companies.
Dubai is home to over 3,000 private healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centres and pharmacies.
The Emirate boasts around 53 private hospitals and a substantial number of outpatient clinics, pharmacies, and diagnostic centres spread throughout the city.
In 2023, the number of private healthcare professionals in Dubai surpassed 58,000, including doctors, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals.

Who is Eligible for Dubai Free Healthcare?

In Dubai, as we saw earlier, free healthcare is available primarily to UAE citizens, particularly through government hospitals and clinics. These services are often subsidised or completely free for UAE nationals under various government health insurance programs such as the Enaya and Saada schemes.

The eligibility criteria for free healthcare in Dubai is given in the table —

Category	Eligibility Criteria
UAE Citizens	Eligible for free healthcare services at government hospitals Includes emergency, preventive, and specialised care Enrolled in mandatory government health insurance
Government Employees	Dubai Government employees are eligible for comprehensive healthcare services under the Enaya program
Non-citizens/Residents	Not eligible for free healthcare — must have mandatory health insurance

How to Apply for Free Public Healthcare in Dubai?

To apply for free public healthcare in Dubai, you will need to follow the process of obtaining a Dubai Health Card. This card provides access to medical services at government hospitals and clinics.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Dubai Health Card —

Visit the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) website or use the DHA mobile app.
Complete the application by uploading the necessary documents —
- Valid passport with residence visa (if applicable)
- Emirates ID card
- Passport-sized photograph
Pay the applicable fee (AED 120 to AED 320, depending on the applicant's age or service type).
Visit a DHA-approved medical fitness centre (if required) for medical tests (such as blood tests and chest X-rays).
Once your application is processed, you will receive a notification to collect your Dubai Health Card at a designated DHA service centre.
The card is valid for one year and can be renewed online for continued access to healthcare services at government hospitals and clinics.

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Free healthcare services are available to UAE citizens. Emiratis are covered by government health insurance programs, which provide access to public healthcare facilities.
Expats and non-UAE nationals are not eligible for free healthcare — they must have medical insurance to cover medical expenses.

UAE citizens can access a wide range of medical services for free at government hospitals —

Emergency care at public hospitals like Rashid and Latifa hospitals
Preventive care, including vaccinations and routine health checks
Specialised treatments such as cancer care, eye surgeries, and cardiovascular treatments. Other medical services such as maternity care and chronic disease management are also included.

While most treatments and services are free for UAE citizens, medications prescribed at public hospitals may not always be fully free. However, certain medications are subsidised and Emiratis can get them at significantly lower prices. Expats must rely on their health plans, which may cover a portion of the medication costs.

The Dubai Health Card must be renewed every year for continued access to government healthcare services. You can renew the card online through the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) portal or visit one of the approved centres. Although having a health card is optional for citizens with government insurance, it provides access to emergency care and specialised treatments at public hospitals.

Yes, expats can use public healthcare facilities, but services are not free for them. They must have medical insurance, which may cover part or all of the costs depending on their plan. Expats can also apply for a Dubai Health Card to access certain medical services at lower rates, especially in case their private health insurance does not cover specific treatments.

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