Medical Costs for Tourists & Visitors in UAE

What tourists and short-term visitors need to know about healthcare costs in the UAE. Walk-in rates, emergency care access, which hospitals welcome tourists, and how travel insurance works with UAE medical facilities.

Who this is for: Tourists visiting the UAE, short-term business travellers, medical tourists considering procedures in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, and visitors on transit or tourist visas who need medical care.

12

Procedures covered

8

Cities compared

8

Expert tips

Umm Al Quwain

Cheapest city

Procedure Prices

Prices shown are UAE-wide ranges. Click any procedure for city-specific pricing and insurance details.

Expert Tips

1

Carry your travel insurance card and policy number at all times — most UAE hospitals can process international insurance claims directly.

2

For non-emergencies, visit walk-in clinics rather than hospital ERs — walk-in GP consultations cost AED 150-400 versus AED 500-1,500 for ER visits.

3

All UAE hospitals are legally required to provide emergency treatment regardless of your insurance or visa status — you will be treated first and billed later.

4

Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) and Abu Dhabi have hospitals experienced with international patients and medical tourists — they often have multilingual staff.

5

Keep all medical receipts and documentation for travel insurance reimbursement claims — UAE hospitals provide itemised bills in English.

6

Pharmacies in the UAE sell many medications over the counter that require prescriptions in other countries — but always bring your regular prescriptions from home.

7

If you need dental emergency treatment, standalone dental clinics offer much lower rates than hospital dental departments.

8

Download the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) or SEHA (Abu Dhabi) apps for the nearest healthcare facilities and estimated wait times.

City Price Comparison

Average typical prices for this guide's featured procedures by city. Click a city for detailed pricing.

Insurance Considerations

Mandatory since Jan 2025: Health insurance is mandatory for all UAE residents. Employers must provide coverage. If you do not have insurance, you may face fines and will pay full self-pay rates at all facilities.

Covered procedures: Of the 12 procedures in this guide, 9 are typically covered by insurance, 3 are partially covered, and 0 are rarely or not covered.

Price gap: The same set of procedures costs an average of AED 472 in Umm Al Quwain versus AED 798 in Dubai — a difference of 69%.

Other Pricing Guides

Medical Costs for Tourists & Visitors in UAE — FAQ

Disclaimer: All prices shown are indicative ranges based on the DOH Mandatory Tariff (Shafafiya) methodology, DHA DRG parameters, and market-observed data as of March 2026. Actual costs vary by facility, doctor, clinical complexity, and insurance plan. This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or financial advice. Always obtain a personalised quote from the healthcare provider before proceeding with any procedure.