Dubai: Health services for expatriates in UAE are offered by a number of government hospitals, government clinics and also by private hospitals and clinics.
Government hospitals and clinics are available across the country, however, expatriates living in the UAE or those visiting the country must pay for all health services. The same services are offered to Emiratis for free.
In order to make use of government hospitals and its medical services, an expat resident must obtain a health card, issued by the ministry of health or the health department in the same emirate in which their residence visa was issued.
Expatriates are not issued with residence visas unless given a clean health certificate by the relevant medical authorities.
All residents, of any age, must obtain a health card in order to access government hospitals.
However, many private companies in the UAE provide health insurance to their employees and family members. This insurance can be used only at a private health centre.
Governmental hospitals are very strict about admitting patients to hospital for surgery, and a patient is required to keep his or her passport or an ID document at the hospital reception. The hospital can then collect the medical fees from the patient. The documents will be kept until the fees are paid.
Expatriates can go into a hospital only in the emirate which issued their resident's visa and health card. However, hospitals in another emirate will accept emergency cases.
If an expatriate receives treatment at a government hospital or clinic, he or she will be asked to buy medicine, if required, from a private clinic. In government hospitals, prescriptions are subsidised but these lower-priced medications are only available to Emiratis.
High price
The cost of health treatment in the UAE is very high, both at government or private sector healthcare centres. Before taking a job, ask your employer to provide you and your family with health insurance.
In Abu Dhabi, health insurance is a must and all companies are obliged to provide it to employees.
Expatriates can make use of health services such as maternal and child care, school health, telemedicine and state-of-the art surgery at government hospitals and clinics.
There are more than nine preventive medicine centres throughout the country for fighting epidemics such as pulmonary tuberculosis, HIV/Aids, salmonella, intestinal worms, hepatitis B and leprosy.
There are four specialised maternity hospitals in the country.
