How to Renew Your Health Card When Your Emirates ID Has Expired?
In the UAE, a health card is essential for accessing medical services at Emirates Health Services (EHS) facilities. This card ensures that you can receive necessary healthcare — including consultations, treatments, and emergency services — whenever required. read more
How to Renew Your Health Card When Your Emirates ID Has Expired
Written ByMousree DasSenior Content Writer (Expertise - Health and Travel Insurance)
Mousree Das
Senior Content Writer (Expertise - Health and Travel Insurance)
Mousree Das is a Senior Content Writer with a focused expertise in Health Insurance and Travel Insurance. She entered the insurance space in 2022 and has since built over 4 years of UAE industry experience. She makes the intimidating world of insurance easier to understand - from guiding first-time insurance buyers to helping policyholders strengthen their financial plans, because protecting yourself and your loved ones is not a choice, it's a priority. A travel enthusiast at heart, she believes travel should be joyful, not something shadowed by worry. Mousree looks forward to being your trusted guide toward smarter, safer choices.
Reviewed ByToshita ChauhanBusiness Head - General Insurance
Toshita Chauhan
Business Head - General Insurance
Driving growth, partnerships, and digital distribution across the UAE’s insurance landscape. Focused on scaling B2C channels, building high-impact teams, and unlocking value through data-led strategy and product innovation. Passionate about transforming legacy insurance with tech, speed, and customer obsession.
Health cards for UAE citizens and GCC residents are valid for 5 years, while those for expatriates are valid for 1 year. Renewal is permitted within one month before the card's expiry.
Many such important details related to these cards are there. In this article, we will outline the process for renewing your health card, clarify whether it's possible to renew it if your Emirates ID has expired, and look at various other factors.
Is the Health Card Expiration Date the Same as the Emirates ID Expiration Date?
The expiration dates of your Health Card and Emirates ID are not the same.
While both are essential for accessing healthcare services in the UAE, their validity periods differ. Health cards for UAE citizens and GCC nationals, as mentioned earlier, are valid for 5 years, whereas expatriates' Health Cards are valid for one year. In contrast, the Emirates ID has a validity of 2 to 5 years, depending on your residency status.
It's important to note that the validity of the health card is not linked to the validity of the Emirates ID. However, the Emirates ID must be valid at the time of applying for or renewing a Health Card.
Can I Renew My Health Card if My Emirates ID is Expired?
To renew your health card, you need a valid Emirates ID at the time of application.
The Emirates Health Services (EHS) specifies that while the health card is electronically linked to the Emirates ID, the validity periods of both are not interconnected. This means that although your health card's validity doesn't depend on your Emirates ID's validity, you cannot renew your health card using an expired Emirates ID.
All in all, it's essential to ensure your Emirates ID is active before initiating the health card renewal process. To avoid such disruptions, it's advisable to renew your Emirates ID promptly upon expiration. Once this ID is renewed, you can proceed with the health card renewal process.
Note: EHS allows health card renewal within one month before its expiry, provided all required documents, including a valid Emirates ID, are in order.
How to Renew a Health Card?
Follow the given steps to complete your health card renewal process —
Access the EHS Health Card Service: Visit the EHS Health Card Service website. Go to the health card renewal page — here is the link: https://www.ehs.gov.ae/en/services/services-directory/renewing-a-health-card. Alternatively, you can use your UAE Pass to log in or create a new account if you don’t already have one.
Initiate the Renewal Request: Once logged in, go to the health card renewal section. Select the card you wish to renew to begin the process.
Verify and Update Personal Information: Ensure your Emirates ID is valid, as it is required for renewal. If necessary, update your personal information, such as your contact details.
Pay the Renewal Fees: Proceed to the payment section to complete the renewal fees. The charges vary based on your residency status:
Category
Fees (AED)
UAE Citizens
20
GCC Residents
20
GCC Visitors
50
Expatriate Residents
100
Expatriate Visitors
50
Additional fees may apply if you submit your request through a typing centre.
Application Review and Approval: Your application will be reviewed by a health registration officer —
If approved, you will receive a confirmation via email and SMS
If rejected, you may modify your application and resubmit it for approval
Receive Your Renewed Health Card: Once approved, your health card will be renewed electronically and linked to your Emirates ID. You can download and access your renewed card from your online account.
Tips to Consider While Renewing Your Health Card in the UAE
Renewing your health card in the UAE is essential for continued access to healthcare services. For a smooth renewal process, consider the following tips —
Check Eligibility: Make sure you are eligible for renewal by verifying that your Emirates ID is valid. It’s also necessary to ensure that your health card is due for renewal.
Gather Necessary Documents: Prepare all required documents, such as a valid Emirates ID and any other supporting materials, specified by Emirates Health Services (EHS).
Use Official Channels: Submit your renewal application through official EHS platforms. This can be done online via their website or through authorised typing centers.
Pay Applicable Fees: Be aware of the renewal fees associated with your residency status and provide timely payment to avoid processing delays.
Monitor Application Status: After submission, regularly check your email and SMS for updates on your application's status. This lets you promptly address any issues or additional requirements.
Renew Before Expiry: Initiate the renewal process at least one month before your health card's expiration date to prevent any lapse in coverage.
You can renew your health card within one month before its expiry. If the card is valid for more than a month, it cannot be renewed.
How long is the validity of the health card?
The health card is valid for 5 years for UAE citizens and GCC residents and 1 one year for expatriates of other nationalities.
What are the fees for renewing a health card?
The renewal fees are as follows:
UAE citizens: AED 20
GCC residents: AED 20
GCC visitors: AED 50
Expatriate residents: AED 100
Expatriate visitors: AED 50
Additional charges may apply if you submit the application through a typing centre.
Is my health card linked to my Emirates ID?
Yes, an electronic health card is issued and linked to your Emirates ID card. However, the validity of the card is not linked to the validity of the Emirates ID card.
How many health card renewal transactions can I submit in a year?
As an individual user, you can submit up to 10 transactions per year — either for yourself or for family members — by logging into the service via UAE PASS.
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