I. International health insurance United Arab Emirates
I. International health insurance United Arab Emirates
Do you need an international health insurance in the UAE?
In the UAE, health insurance is mandatory, but the quality and scope of coverage vary widely depending on the emirate and the employer.
Many expats quickly discover that basic local plans offer limited networks, exclusions, and no protection when traveling abroad.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), with global cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is a magnet for expatriates seeking opportunity, luxury, and a dynamic lifestyle.
While public and employer-sponsored health insurance exists, it often falls short of what international professionals, families, and entrepreneurs truly need.
OnlyHealth provides comprehensive, borderless coverage tailored to modern expatriates in the Gulf region.
International health insurance in Arab United Emirates offers:
Coverage that exceeds employer-provided limits
Access to top-tier private hospitals in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond
Portability when moving between jobs, countries, or emirates
Full benefits for dependents and non-working family members
Our UAE-based advantages
Partnerships with international clinics and elite hospitals (e.g., Mediclinic, Cleveland Clinic)
What our expat clients in the UAE value most ?
No exclusions for pre-existing or chronic conditions
Fast-track access to specialists without GP referral
Worldwide protection for business travel, holidays, or repatriation
Health management support including checkups and diagnostics
Lifetime renewable coverage regardless of visa or employer
Destinations covered for UAE residents
Our clients in the UAE often split their lives between:
OnlyHealth ensures consistent, seamless protection across all regions.
What is the average cost of medical care in the UAE?
Private healthcare in the UAE is modern and efficient — but costly without adequate insurance:
Routine medical care
Everyday medical services in the UAE are high quality and widely available, but often fully private.
Without employer-sponsored plans, expats may face out-of-pocket expenses that add up quickly.
AED 250 to AED 600
AED 900 to AED 1,800
AED 250 to AED 500
Dental care
Dental care in the UAE is almost entirely private and not included in basic local health plans.
International insurance helps manage both routine and major dental expenses.
AED 300 to AED 700
AED 400 to AED 1,000
AED 1,500 to AED 3,500
AED 5,000 to AED 9,000
Optical care
Eyecare is easily accessible in the UAE, but routine vision services and corrective lenses are generally excluded from standard plans.
AED 800 to AED 1,500
AED 150 to AED 350
AED 300 to AED 500
Medical imaging
The UAE boasts cutting-edge diagnostic centers.
Without coverage, imaging can be expensive in private hospitals.
AED 2,500 to AED 5,000
AED 600 to AED 1,200
AED 800 to AED 1,300
AED 1,500 to AED 3,000
Specialist consultations
Specialist access is excellent in the UAE, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Wait times are minimal, but fees vary depending on the provider.
AED 500 to AED 1,200
AED 400 to AED 900
AED 500 to AED 1,000
AED 600 to AED 1,200
AED 400 to AED 800
Hospitalization in the UAE
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AED 2,000 to AED 4,000
AED 4,000 to AED 7,500
AED 12,000 to AED 25,000
AED 20,000 to AED 70,000
AED 7,000 to AED 12,000
II. What every expat should know before moving to the UAE
II. What every expat should know before moving to the UAE
The United Arab Emirates offers an attractive blend of opportunity, security, and innovation.
Expats relocating to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or other emirates must navigate specific visa-linked insurance rules, varied standards between public and private providers, and a healthcare system driven by international excellence.
Preparation is key to avoid gaps in coverage or access.
Visa and Arab United Emirates residence permit
The UAE offers residency via employment, investment, or family sponsorship. Health insurance is mandatory for visa approval.
Expats in Dubai and Abu Dhabi must be insured under local schemes unless exempted (e.g., investors or remote workers).
Accommodation and housing
Rental prices vary significantly between emirates. In Dubai, a one-bedroom apartment ranges from AED 5,000 to AED 12,000/month.
Long-term leases are standard and often require cheques, deposits, and proof of income.
| Education and schools
International schooling is the norm. British, American, French, and IB systems are widely available, but tuition is high, often AED 40,000 to AED 100,000 per year.
Many schools require advance payment and placement testing.
| Transport and mobility
Taxis and ride-sharing apps (Careem, Uber) are common. Metro and buses are efficient in Dubai.
Most residents use cars for daily commuting. Roads are modern, and intercity highways are excellent.
| Employment and business
The UAE’s economy is dynamic, especially in finance, construction, tech, hospitality, and logistics.
Work visas are employer-sponsored.
Entrepreneurs can benefit from free zones and startup programs, including Golden Visas for investors.
| Language and integration
Arabic is the official language, but English dominates business and everyday life.
The UAE is extremely international, integration depends more on community engagement than language skills.
| Healthcare and insurance
While high-quality care is available, access depends entirely on your insurance plan. Public hospitals serve Emiratis.
Expats rely on private providers, and those without adequate coverage risk very high costs for emergencies or specialist care.
| Cost of living and housing
Living in the UAE can be expensive, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Major costs include rent, schooling, and health insurance.
That said, income is often tax-free, and luxury services are widely available.
III. Thriving in the UAE with complete protection
II. What every expat should know before moving to the UAE
The UAE offers exceptional opportunity and modernity, but navigating private healthcare requires foresight.
OnlyHealth ensures you’re fully covered with international medical protection designed for ambitious expats.
From Dubai to Abu Dhabi, and far beyond, we safeguard your health at every stage of your journey.