Find a Doctor in UAE by Specialty - Costs & Insurance

Q: Do I need a referral to see a specialist in Dubai?

Yes, for basic and semi-comprehensive plans , you need a referral after which you get in-clinic specialist access. Post that, if required, you may visit a hospital for inpatient treatment.

Without proper research, you may end up with hefty bills when consulting a medical specialist. This guide explains how to choose doctors by speciality and related treatments, and how specialist consultation insurance cover lets you access qualified medical care with or without a minimum co-pay. Learn how health insurance plans cover consultations and listed treatments to make wise decisions about your health. read more

Comprehensive health coverage
For consultations, tests, hospitalisation and more

Access to wide hospital networks
Get treatment at hospitals covered by your plan

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Written By

Mousree DasSenior Content Writer (Expertise - Health and Travel Insurance)

Reviewed By

Toshita ChauhanBusiness Head - General Insurance

Last updated on 22 September 2026Editorial Standards

Regulatory credentials

Licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE (Registration No. 123)

DHA Health Insurance Intermediary Permit No. BRK-00041

Emirates Insurance Federation Membership No. B81

Information on this page is for general guidance only - not personalised financial or medical advice.

Doctors by SpecialtyChoose a specialty to get startedSelect the Speciality department you want to seek treatment from and know the related fees. Also check if your health insurance covers it:

OrthopedicBones, joints, spine & sports injuries — the most common specialist visit in the UAE.View full guide→

CardiologistHeart, blood pressure & cholesterol — covered by most UAE health plans.View full guide→

Eye / Ophth. Vision & retina

View guide →

ENTEar, nose & throat

View guide →

How It WorksSee a covered specialist in 3 steps

1 · Pick your specialtyChoose from 12 specialties and read the guide covering the care you need — what the specialist does, the conditions they treat, and what the process looks like in the UAE.

2 · Get a quote in 2 minutesCompare plans from 25+ UAE insurers and see exactly what specialist visits cost you — your co-pay, your network, and your annual limits — all in one place, completely free.

3 · Visit a covered doctorBook a DHA, DOH or MOHAP-licensed specialist and pay only your co-pay. No surprises, no out-of-network bills.

Consultation Fee for Each Medical SpecialityConsultation Costs in AED

Doctor consultation fees in the UAE vary by emirate, hospital, and specialty — a specialist consultation fee in Abu Dhabi can differ noticeably from clinics in Dubai or the Northern Emirates. Here’s a breakdown of approximate consultation costs by speciality, along with how much your health insurance is likely to cover.

Specialty	Consultation (AED)	With Insurance
General Practitioner	AED 150–350	Usually covered
Cardiologist	AED 300–700	Referral + pre-auth
Dermatologist	AED 300–700	Medical reasons only

Guide ranges only — actual prices vary by provider. Always confirm exact costs and your co-pay with the clinic and your insurer.

Why Find the Right Plan for Specialist Consultation Insurance Cover? Not all health insurance plans provide the same coverage. Some cap the number of consultations, others exclude certain specialties, like dermatology or psychiatry, subject to certain terms and conditions. If you have a condition that needs regular specialist follow-ups, such as a cardiologist, endocrinologist, or oncologist, the right plan can manage your health coverage and co-payments.

DHA (Dubai Health Authority)The DHA is responsible for regulating and overseeing healthcare services, facilities, professionals, and health-related policies across the emirate.

DOH (Department of Health – Abu Dhabi)The healthcare regulator for Abu Dhabi sets health policies, regulates providers, monitors standards, and oversees the emirate’s healthcare system. Abu Dhabi’s Thiqa programme covers nationals.

MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention)A federal UAE health authority that develops healthcare policies, regulates aspects of the health sector, and manages preventive and public healthcare programmes across all Northern Emirates.

Why specialist care needs the right plan

What to Check Before BookingHow to Use a Health Insurance Policy for Consultation Visits?Four steps decide what you actually pay for a specialist visit in the UAE.

Network Before you book a consultation, check if the chosen hospital is within your insurer’s network. In-network consultations are cashless, while out-of-network visits require reimbursement.

ReferralBasic plans generally require a referral for a specialist consultation from your GP. If you need further medical attention, the GP may refer you to a specific specialist.

Pre-ApprovalYou need pre-authorisation for expensive consultations and planned surgeries. Submit the necessary documentation to get timely coverage.

Co-pay & LimitsGo through your policy’s co-payment and any sub-limits on specialist consultations to estimate out-of-pocket expenses in advance.

Find Doctors & Cover by EmirateCoverage rules and clinic networks differ across the Emirates. Here’s what to know for your city.

Dubai DHA regulates hospitals and specialist clinics. Most UAE health plans list their approved Dubai network directly in the policy documents.

Abu Dhabi DOH regulates healthcare and specialist licensing. Thiqa covers UAE nationals; expatriates typically hold basic or enhanced plans from approved insurers.

Sharjah MOHAP-licensed doctors operate across Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain. You can check cover eligibility using your Emirates ID at most clinics.

Related Health Insurance GuidesCover for every situation

Family Health InsurancePlans that cover the whole household

Health Insurance for KidsCover for newborns & children

Insurance for ParentsCover for elderly dependents

Maternity Insurance UAEPregnancy & delivery cover

Dental InsuranceRoutine & cosmetic dental care

Individual Health InsuranceCover for a single adult

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for basic and semi-comprehensive plans, you need a referral after which you get in-clinic specialist access. Post that, if required, you may visit a hospital for inpatient treatment.

There is no specific co-pay percentage for specialist visits in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. In fact, they may be customisable: 0%, 10%, or even 20%. In Abu Dhabi, there is a deductible of AED 50 for doctor consultation visits.

No. With a semi-comprehensive plan, you get direct access to a clinic specialist first. A comprehensive plan directly allows access to a hospital specialist.

In Abu Dhabi, there are fewer co-pays. Medical specialist visits and General Practitioner consultations generally have a deductible of AED 50.

The doctor consultation fees vary as per the emirates, hospital, medical department, and the seniority of a doctor. The minimum fee may range between AED 150-350.

Health Insurance by Emirate:

Health Insurance in Sharjah, Medical Insurance in Ras al Khaimah, Fujairah Medical Insurance, Health Insurance Umm al Quwain, Ajman Medical Insurance, Health Insurance in Abu Dhabi

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