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Visitors to the UAE can choose between short-term and long-term health insurance plans depending on the duration and nature of their stay. Short-term plans offer coverage from one to twelve months and are ideal for tourists or business travelers. Long-term plans suit those staying for a year or more and provide broader coverage, including family, international, and expat-focused policies.
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Health insurance in the UAE typically includes inpatient and outpatient care, prescribed medications, and emergency treatment. Some plans also offer dental, vision, and medical evacuation benefits. Whether you’re visiting Dubai for a short trip or relocating for an extended period, selecting the right insurance plan ensures access to quality healthcare while meeting local legal requirements.
Pacific Prime is a global insurance broker that has helped over 1 million clients secure medical coverage overseas, including visitors to Dubai. With our breadth of knowledge, we’ve compiled this article to summarize a number of types of health insurance plans that may suit your needs in the UAE.
We’ll discuss short-term health insurance and how it differs from travel insurance, long-term health insurance and their variety of types, and frequently asked questions other UAE visitors have had.
We highly recommend learning more about the healthcare system in the UAE and how visitors can access healthcare through this article on our website.
When you’re ready to see how much healthcare in the UAE costs, you can get dozens of free quotes from this health insurance quote generator offered by Pacific Prime to the public.
How Visitors Can Get Health Insurance in the UAE
Visitors in the UAE can secure health insurance through a private insurance company that provides coverage for inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and maternity care. They can also get evacuation and repatriation coverage, and some plans have add-ons for dental and vision services.
Health insurance is mandatory for residents of Dubai and the rest of the UAE. If you plan to move to the UAE, you’ll want to be aware of the local health insurance laws and what happens if you don’t abide by them.
If you are specifically planning to visit Dubai, learn about health insurance in Dubai for visitors, and if you know you will be moving to Dubai, read this comprehensive guide about how to move to Dubai.
Short-Term UAE Health Insurance Plans for Tourists
UAE visitors who want health insurance should select a short-term insurance plan. These are designed to cover travelers from anywhere from 1 to 12 months in duration. You can customize your benefits to include inpatient, outpatient, medical evacuation and repatriation, emergency care are more.
Short-term health insurance plans in the United Arab Emirates can provide comprehensive protection with as much or as little coverage as you want.
Benefits visitors to the UAE may choose to purchase in a Short-Term Health Insurance plan include:
- Hospitalization
- Outpatient treatment
- Prescribed medicine
- Prescribed treatment by a physiotherapist
- Dental treatment
- Ambulance transportation
- Return trip
- Emergency repatriation
- Next-of-kin accompaniment
- Compassionate emergency visit
- Home transportation of the deceased
- Statuary arrangements in case of death
- Board, lodging, and local transportation for a person summoned or accompanying the insured
To take a peek at how much short-term insurance plans cost, fill in your travel plans to get a free short-term health insurance quote from these top insurance providers. They offer both travel insurance and short-term health insurance plans.
You can learn more about each of these top-ranked insurance providers in this blog post. You can also learn about the best hospitals in the UAE in this post, so you know where you can get the best treatment if that becomes necessary for you.
Short-Term Health Insurance vs. Travel Insurance
Short-term health insurance and travel insurance are not the same thing. A travel insurance policy generally focuses more on covering traveling expenses and emergency health situations. Short-term health insurance plans have a much higher level and broader scope of healthcare coverage.
A short-term health insurance plan can have a much more extensive range of coverage choices that may include:
- Preventative care
- Doctor visits
- Emergency care
- Prescribed medications
Short-term health insurance plans tend to be more flexible and customizable than travel insurance policies.
If you’re unsure if a short-term or travel insurance plan would better suit your needs, consult a health insurance expert today. Here at Pacific Prime, we know all about global insurance and insurance in the UAE. We can help you determine what you need covered and the most affordable way to do so.
Because we’re an insurance broker, we don’t charge you a penny! We have deals with insurance providers to get a commission when you sign with them, so you can get our expert advice with zero additional cost.
Travelers to Dubai will want to learn about their Dubai travel insurance options as well.
Health Insurance for Extended UAE Stays
Visitors of the UAE planning to stay long-term, such as over a year, will want a health insurance plan designed for an extended stay. Such plans include international health insurance, family health insurance, global health insurance, and expat health insurance.
These plans can be purchased through a local United Arab Emirates insurance company, and they can also be purchased from a private health insurance company. We recommend working with a third-party insurance broker to help you navigate your options.
Brokers are not loyal to a single insurer, but rather, they are loyal to their clients. This grants them the freedom to help you explore your plan options across a variety of insurance companies until you find the policy and price that is right for your needs.
Long-term UAE visitors will want to consider either purchasing a dental insurance plan in addition to a health plan or a health insurance plan with the flexibility capable of providing a dental coverage add-on. Your teeth need care too!
In the following section, let’s take a closer look at each of the following types of plans available to long-term visitors in the UAE.
When you’re ready to compare prices and benefits, use this insurance quote generator provided by the broker, Pacific Prime, because it has the unique ability to compare multiple insurance companies and quotes side by side.
Please note, these plans are not mutually exclusive, but can overlap. For example, an expat health insurance plan can also be a family plan that covers dependents. Also, different insurers may have different ways of labeling each type of plan.
International Coverage for UAE Visitors
International health insurance provides coverage for individuals who frequently travel or live abroad for extended periods of time. It is designed to offer medical protection outside of an individual’s home country, in this case, for visitors in the UAE.
Key features of international health insurance include:
- Coverage can be worldwide or limited to specific regions, such as the United Arab Emirates
- Typically offers a wide network of healthcare providers globally
- May include emergency medical evacuation and repatriation benefits
- Suitable for individuals who frequently travel for business or leisure
Read this Pacific Prime page about international health insurance plans to learn more and go here to get a quote.
Health Insurance Plans for Families Visiting the UAE
Family health insurance is a policy that covers an entire family, including the primary policyholder, their spouse, and dependent children. It provides healthcare coverage for all family members under a single plan. Visitors in the UAE who are traveling with their family will want this plan type.
Key features of family health insurance include:
- Often the more cost-effective option, rather than purchasing individual policies for each family member
- Coverage can include a range of medical services, from preventive care to hospitalization
- May allow for the addition of newborns or adopted children
- Ideal for families looking for comprehensive healthcare protection
Read this Pacific Prime page about family health insurance plans to learn more and go here to get a quote.
We also have a blog post about UAE Health Insurance for Families.
Worldwide Health Coverage for UAE Visitors
Global health insurance is a comprehensive policy that offers extensive coverage both domestically and internationally for UAE visitors. It is designed for individuals and families who require high-level medical coverage, regardless of their location. These plans can be customized to your needs.
Key features of global health insurance include:
- Offers coverage in the policyholder’s home country and abroad
- Typically includes access to a vast network of healthcare providers worldwide
- May cover pre-existing conditions, maternity care, and wellness programs
- Ideal for individuals and families with a global lifestyle, such as frequent travelers or expats
Read this Pacific Prime page about global health insurance plans to learn more and go here to get a quote.
Expat Health Insurance for Visitors in the UAE
Expat health insurance is tailored specifically for individuals living and working in a foreign country, often for an extended period of time. It provides access to healthcare services in the United Arab Emirates and sometimes offers coverage in the expats’ home country as well.
Key features of expat health insurance include:
- Addresses the unique healthcare needs of expatriates, including language barriers and local healthcare systems
- Coverage can include routine check-ups, emergency care, and repatriation
- May offer flexibility in choosing local or international medical providers
- Suited for expatriates who want comprehensive healthcare coverage while living abroad
Read this Pacific Prime page about expat health insurance plans to learn more and go here to get a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does health insurance cost in the UAE?
Health insurance in Dubai, UAE cost USD $5,687 annually for individuals in 2022. This is according to data collected by Pacific Prime in their 2023 Cost of International Health Insurance Report. This is an estimate of how much health insurance in the UAE costs, though every situation is unique.
Where do visitors in the UAE get health insurance?
Visitors in the UAE may get health insurance from the public healthcare system if they are employed locally and their employer provides them coverage. Many long-term visitors, however, prefer to secure insurance from a private insurance company that is more comprehensive and customizable.
Conclusion
Visitors in the UAE have a number of options to secure health insurance. Regardless of the type of plan you select and duration of time you need coverage, it is wise to consult with insurance experts who know the insurance market in the UAE and can help you get the most affordable deal possible.
Reach out to Pacific Prime today, and we will answer all of your questions and introduce you to our best insurance partners who cover the UAE.
You may also find value in our articles Living in Dubai – What to Expect and Is it Cheaper to Live in Dubai or the United States?
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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- Best Hospitals in the UAE: Top Picks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi – October 21, 2025
- How Much is a Doctor Visit in Dubai Without Insurance? – October 21, 2025
