🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates · Healthcare
How the United Arab Emirates healthcare system works — public vs private care, eligibility, and costs for residents and visitors.
Health insurance is mandatory for all residents of the UAE, and valid cover is required to issue or renew a residence visa (a federal decision extended this to all seven emirates from January 2025). Employers must provide cover for employees. Regulation differs by emirate — the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) for the northern emirates.
- Health insurance is mandatory for all residents; valid cover is required for a residence visa.
- Employers must provide health cover for their employees.
- Regulation differs by emirate: DHA (Dubai), DoH (Abu Dhabi), MOHAP (northern emirates/federal).
- Since January 2025 the mandate covers all seven emirates.
Official authorities
- Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)
Federal health authority.
- Health insurance (u.ae)
Official guide to mandatory health insurance.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.