Living in Dubai means being well prepared, especially when it comes to health insurance, which is mandatory for all residents. Unlike France’s social security system, the Emirati healthcare system relies on the private sector, making good insurance essential.
✅ Is it mandatory?
Yes. Since 2015, Dubai requires all residents, including expatriates and their families, to have valid health insurance. Without it, obtaining or renewing a residence visa is impossible.
🧾 What does standard health insurance cover?
- General and specialist consultations
- Medical tests and imaging
- Prescribed medications
- Hospitalization and emergencies
- Maternity (depending on plans)
- Surgery
- Vaccinations (often optional)
Some plans may also cover:
- Dental care
- Optical care
- Alternative medicine (osteopathy, acupuncture, etc.)
💰 Price comparison by age (annual)
Prices vary by age, coverage level, and company. Here is an overview for standard private sector coverage (excluding premium options):
| Age Group | Economy Plan (AED/year) | Standard Plan (AED/year) | Premium Plan (AED/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – 17 years | 1,000 – 1,800 AED | 2,000 – 3,000 AED | 4,000 – 6,000 AED |
| 18 – 35 years | 1,500 – 2,500 AED | 3,000 – 4,500 AED | 6,000 – 9,000 AED |
| 36 – 50 years | 2,000 – 3,000 AED | 4,500 – 6,000 AED | 8,000 – 11,000 AED |
| 51 – 65 years | 4,000 – 6,000 AED | 6,500 – 8,500 AED | 10,000 – 14,000 AED |
| 66 years and up | 6,000 – 9,000 AED | 9,000 – 12,000 AED | 14,000 – 20,000 AED |
💡 Prices are indicative. Pre-existing medical conditions can significantly affect costs.
🏨 Popular partner hospitals and clinics in Dubai
Insurance grants access to a network of medical facilities. Here are the most reputable and frequently covered hospitals:
| Facility | Area | Partnership with |
|---|---|---|
| American Hospital Dubai | Oud Metha | Covered by many premium insurers |
| Mediclinic City Hospital | Dubai Healthcare City | Standard and premium |
| Saudi German Hospital | Al Barsha | Economy to premium |
| Aster Hospitals & Clinics | Various zones | Very accessible, often in economy |
| NMC Healthcare | Several areas | Wide network, reasonable prices |
| King’s College Hospital | Dubai Hills | High-end, premium network |
| Canadian Specialist Hospital | Deira | Good standard/premium coverage |
📝 How to subscribe to health insurance?
- Choose an insurer: GIG (AXA), Cigna, Daman, Bupa, Orient, MetLife, Allianz, etc.
- Complete a medical questionnaire
- Submit passport and residence visa (or Emirates ID if available)
- Select desired medical network (Network A, B, C by level)
Most brokers offer family packages, often more advantageous than separate policies.
👨👩👧👦 What about your family?
- Children must also be insured upon arrival in Dubai.
- School insurance is often limited; supplementary coverage is highly recommended.
- Maternity: some plans cover pregnancy after a waiting period of 6 to 12 months.
🧾 Example costs for a family of 4 with AXA (GIG Gulf)
| Person | Economy Plan (Network C) | Standard Plan (Network B) | Premium Plan (Network A) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult 1 (35) | 2,000 AED | 4,200 AED | 7,800 AED |
| Adult 2 (33) | 2,000 AED | 4,200 AED | 7,800 AED |
| Child 1 (8) | 1,400 AED | 2,800 AED | 5,000 AED |
| Child 2 (5) | 1,400 AED | 2,800 AED | 5,000 AED |
| TOTAL ANNUAL | 6,800 AED | 14,000 AED | 25,600 AED |
📦 What each AXA (GIG) plan covers
| Coverage | Economy | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitalization & emergencies | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Consultations & specialists | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Prescribed medications | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Maternity (excluding waiting) | ❌ | ✅ (limited cap) | ✅ (high cap) |
| Dental care | ❌ | Optional | ✅ |
| Optical | ❌ | Optional | ✅ |
| Hospital network | Network C | Network B | Network A (elite) |
| Out-of-network reimbursement | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ (within limits) |
| International assistance | ❌ | Limited | Extensive |
📍 Hospital network by plan level
| Plan | Included Hospitals |
|---|---|
| Economy | Aster Clinics, NMC, Medeor, Medcare (some) |
| Standard | Saudi German Hospital, Mediclinic, Canadian Specialist |
| Premium | American Hospital, King’s College, Mediclinic City, Al Zahra, Emirates Hospital |
⚠️ Important to know
- Prices can vary depending on health declarations (pre-existing conditions).
- Maternity waiting period can be up to 12 months.
- AXA (GIG) often offers discounts for online subscription or via brokers.
- Payment can be made in full or in installments (usually with extra fees).
🤝 Need help choosing your health insurance in Dubai?
The Dubai Life, your French-speaking agency, helps you:
- Compare offers by age, situation, and budget
- Subscribe easily without complicated paperwork
- Access the right medical network for your location
- Get advice for you and your loved ones
📩 Contact us for a free personalized quote.
