The Cost Of Healthcare And Insurance For Expats In Dubai

expat network

The Cost Of Healthcare And Insurance For Expats In Dubai

Dubai has gained popularity as a favored destination for expats in recent years. With its cosmopolitan atmosphere, thriving business opportunities and modern infrastructure, Dubai offers a unique blend of work and leisure. In this article, our friends at Pacific Prime Dubai look into the cost of healthcare and health insurance in Dubai for expats.

Healthcare costs for expats in Dubai

The average cost figures for some common outpatient medical procedures and common surgeries in Dubai are as follows:

A visit to a general practitioner (GP) can range from AED 150 to AED 500 (approximately USD $41 to USD $136).

Consulting a specialist can cost between AED 300 and AED 1,500 (approximately USD $82 to USD $409), depending on the specialization and reputation of the doctor.

X-rays costs can range from AED 200 to AED 800 (approximately USD $55 to USD $218), depending on the body part being examined.

The cost of an MRI scan can vary significantly, starting from AED 2,000 and going up to AED 6,000 or more (approximately USD $546 to USD $1,638), depending on the area being scanned.

The cost of a private hospital room can range from AED 1,000 to AED 3,000 or more per night (approximately USD $273 to USD $819), depending on the hospital and the level of comfort and amenities provided.

The cost of an appendectomy can range from AED 15,000 to AED 25,000 (approximately USD $4,090 to USD $6,820), depending on the hospital and the surgeon.

The cost of cataract surgery can range from AED 5,000 to AED 8,000 per eye (approximately USD $1,362 to USD $2,178), depending on the hospital, the type of lens used, etc.

The cost of coronary angioplasty can range from AED 40,000 to AED 60,000 or more (approximately USD $10,892 to USD $16,338), depending on the hospital and the case’s complexity.

Please consult with healthcare providers and hospitals directly for the most up-to-date cost information.

Cost of health insurance for expats in Dubai

The cost of private health insurance for expats in Dubai can vary depending on factors such as the insurer, the coverage selected, the age of the insured, and the existence of pre-existing medical conditions. Here are some approximate average premium figures:

The average annual premium for individual expat health insurance in Dubai can range from AED 3,000 to AED 7,500 (approximately USD $817 to USD $2,042), depending on the coverage and the age and health status of the individual.

The average annual premium for family health insurance in Dubai can range from AED 15,000 to AED 25,000 or more (approximately USD $4,085 to USD $6,808), depending on the coverage, the number of family members, and their age and health conditions.

For expats who are globetrotters, international health insurance may be the better choice. From Pacific Prime’s Cost of International Health Insurance Report 2023, the average cost of international health insurance for individuals in Dubai was USD $5,687, and that for families in Dubai was USD $17,637 in 2022.

Contact Pacific Prime Dubai to explore your options today!

With 20+ years of experience in the insurance industry, Pacific Prime Dubai’s ability to help you find the plan that satisfies your needs and fits your budget is unparalleled. Moreover, you don’t have to pay extra compared to going straight to the insurer to have their unbiased advice and support.

So, contact them for a FREE plan comparison today!

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.