Unlocking Healthcare in the UAE: Essential Guide to Health Cards, Costs, and Eligibility
Dubai: Accessing affordable and reliable healthcare in the UAE is straightforward, whether you are a newcomer or a long-term resident. While company health insurance typically covers a range of private hospitals and clinics, obtaining a UAE health card opens the door to government healthcare facilities, enhancing your access to medical services.
Understanding the Distinction: Health Card vs. Health Insurance
A health insurance card allows individuals to receive treatment at private hospitals and clinics within the insurer’s network. In contrast, a UAE health card provides access to government hospitals and healthcare centers under the Emirates Health Services (EHS) umbrella. This includes 17 hospitals, 64 primary healthcare centers, and 10 public health centers. Having both types of coverage ensures broader access and flexibility in choosing healthcare providers.
Eligibility for Health Card Application
Health cards are available to a diverse group of individuals, including:
- UAE citizens
- GCC citizens (both residents and visitors)
- Expatriate residents
- Visitors
- People of Determination
This inclusivity ensures that a wide range of individuals can benefit from government healthcare services.
Application Process for the Health Card
The application process for a UAE health card is primarily digital and user-friendly. The following steps outline how to apply:
- Visit the EHS webpage and select ‘Start service’.
- You will be redirected to the UAE Pass website. Enter your registered mobile number or Emirates ID number. After approving the login via the UAE Pass app, you will return to the EHS site.
- Click on ‘Apply for a new health card’.
- Choose the appropriate application type: UAE National, GCC National, Expatriate, or People of Determination.
- Indicate whether you are applying for yourself or on behalf of someone else.
- The system will auto-fill your details based on your selections. Review the information and click ‘Proceed’.
- The total payment amount will be displayed based on your application category. You can pay via credit/debit card, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or Apple Pay.
Upon completing the payment, the health card will be issued and linked to your Emirates ID.
Health Card Costs
The costs associated with obtaining a health card vary by applicant category:
- UAE Citizens: AED 20
- GCC Citizens:
- AED 20 for UAE residents (valid for five years)
- AED 50 for UAE visitors (valid for one year)
- Expatriates:
- AED 100 for UAE residents (valid for one year)
- AED 100 for UAE visitors (valid for three months)
- People of Determination: AED 50
- Additional Fees: AED 15 for Smart Application Fees
Utilizing the Health Card
The health card can be used at various EHS-affiliated facilities across the UAE. Below is a breakdown of some key locations:
Dubai
Hospitals:
- Al Kuwait Hospital
- Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital
Primary Healthcare Centers:
- Al Nahda Medical Examination Centre
- Saraya Medical Examination Centre
- Al Reffa Medical Examination Centre
- Al Awir Health Centre
- Dubai Public Health Centre
Abu Dhabi
- Genetic and Neonatal Screening Diagnostic Centre
Sharjah
Hospitals:
- Al Qassimi Hospital
- Kuwait Hospital
Primary Healthcare Centers:
- Al Khibra Medical Examination Centre
- Wasit Health Centre
Ajman
- Mushairif Medical Examination Centre
- Ajman Public Health Centre
Ras Al Khaimah
Hospitals:
- Saqar Hospital
- Ibrahim Bin Hamad Obaidullah Hospital
Primary Healthcare Centers:
- Dahan Medical Examination Centre
- Ras Al Khaimah Health Centre
Umm Al Quwain
- Umm Al Quwain Hospital
- Al Khazan Health Centre
Fujairah
Hospitals:
- Fujairah Hospital
- Dibba Al Fujairah Hospital
Primary Healthcare Centers:
- Mina Tower Medical Examination Centre
- Al Amal Medical Examination Centre
For more detailed information on the application process and health card services, visit www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2026-04-14 13:23:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk