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
116
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.
GP Consultation
AED 100 – AED 500
X-Ray
AED 80 – AED 600
Blood Test (CBC + Metabolic Panel)
AED 50 – AED 500
Specialist Consultation
AED 200 – AED 1,200
Dental Cleaning (Scale & Polish)
AED 150 – AED 800
Tooth Extraction
AED 150 – AED 2,500
ECG / EKG (Electrocardiogram)
AED 50 – AED 400
Ultrasound
AED 200 – AED 1,500
CT Scan
AED 500 – AED 4,000
MRI Scan
AED 800 – AED 5,000
Physiotherapy Session
AED 150 – AED 800
Comprehensive Health Checkup
AED 300 – AED 5,000
Expert Tips
Carry your travel insurance card and policy number at all times — most UAE hospitals can process international insurance claims directly.
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.
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.
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) and Abu Dhabi have hospitals experienced with international patients and medical tourists — they often have multilingual staff.
Keep all medical receipts and documentation for travel insurance reimbursement claims — UAE hospitals provide itemised bills in English.
Pharmacies in the UAE sell many medications over the counter that require prescriptions in other countries — but always bring your regular prescriptions from home.
If you need dental emergency treatment, standalone dental clinics offer much lower rates than hospital dental departments.
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.
Umm Al Quwain
AED 472
avg. typical price
Ajman
AED 504
avg. typical price
Fujairah
AED 504
avg. typical price
Ras Al Khaimah
AED 543
avg. typical price
Sharjah
AED 560
avg. typical price
Al Ain
AED 575
avg. typical price
Abu Dhabi
AED 703
avg. typical price
Dubai
AED 798
avg. typical price
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%.
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Healthcare Costs Guide for Expats in UAE
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Premium Healthcare in UAE — What You Get for the Price
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Complete Maternity & Pregnancy Costs in UAE
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Medical Costs for Tourists & Visitors in UAE — FAQ
Do I need travel insurance for the UAE?
While not legally required for all visa types, travel insurance is strongly recommended. Medical treatment in the UAE can be expensive without insurance. A basic travel insurance policy with medical coverage of USD 50,000-100,000 typically costs USD 5-15 per day and can save you thousands in unexpected medical bills.
Which hospitals in the UAE accept international insurance?
Most major hospitals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi accept international insurance. Hospitals in Dubai Healthcare City, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, American Hospital Dubai, and Mediclinic are particularly experienced with international patients. Always call ahead to confirm your specific policy is accepted.
How much does an ER visit cost for tourists in the UAE?
An emergency room visit in the UAE costs AED 500 to AED 1,500 for the initial assessment, plus additional fees for any tests, imaging, or treatments. Government hospital ERs are generally cheaper than private hospital ERs. All hospitals must treat emergencies regardless of insurance status.
Can tourists buy medication over the counter in the UAE?
Many medications that require prescriptions in other countries are available over the counter at UAE pharmacies, including antibiotics and some pain medications. However, controlled substances, sleeping pills, and certain medications require a UAE prescription. Pharmacists are generally helpful and can recommend appropriate medications for common conditions.
What should I do if I get sick as a tourist in the UAE?
For non-emergencies, visit a walk-in clinic or polyclinic — they are cheaper and faster than hospital ERs. For emergencies, go to the nearest hospital ER or call 998 (ambulance). Keep your travel insurance details handy. Most hospitals have English-speaking staff. The DHA app (Dubai) lists nearby facilities.
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.