Where Can I Get Medical Help Without Having Health Insurance?

Living in the UAE without health insurance can be difficult, especially if you fall sick or need to see a doctor. If you’re not covered, medical costs can add up fast — you will need to pay all of them from your own pocket.
With that said, there are still ways to get medical help. Many government hospitals accept emergency cases. Some clinics also offer affordable care for people without insurance.

Health Insurance UAE Plans

GP Clinic

Dubai Insurance

Plan NameDubaiCare Next N5

Medical Cover (AED)1,000,000

Starting FromAED 1,239/Yearly

NetworkDubaiCare Next

GP Clinic

HAYAH Insurance

Plan NameBlue

Medical Cover (AED)150,000

Starting FromAED 1,275/Yearly

NetworkBlue

GP Clinic

Watania Takaful (Previously Noor Takaful)

Plan NameNAS NRICare Plan 6

Medical Cover (AED)1,000,000

Starting FromAED 2,049/Yearly

NetworkNAS-VN

Full Access

Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company

Plan NameBronze

Medical Cover (AED)250,000

Starting FromAED 4,541/Yearly

NetworkMSHI Bronze

Full Access

Cigna

Plan NameHealthguard Regional

Medical Cover (AED)2,750,000

Starting FromAED 10,651/Yearly

NetworkGeneral

Plans shown as per selected filters. T&Cs apply

Can You Get Medical Help Without Insurance in the UAE?

Yes, you can — but it depends on the situation.

If you’re having a medical emergency, all hospitals in the UAE, including government ones, are required to treat you — even if you don’t have insurance. Emergency care comes first. You will not be turned away.

For non-emergency visits, it’s a bit more complicated. Most private hospitals will ask for payment upfront if you’re uninsured. But some clinics and public hospitals still offer affordable consultation fees.

You might ask, "Which hospital can I go to without insurance?"
In most cities, government-run facilities and community clinics are your best option. These are usually cheaper than private hospitals and are open to everyone.

In short: you can get care without insurance — but knowing where to go makes a big difference.

Where Can You Get Medical Care Without Insurance in the UAE?

If you don’t have health insurance, you still have some good options for medical help. Government hospitals and charity clinics across the UAE offer low-cost or sometimes even free services, especially for emergencies and basic care.

In Dubai (Dubai Health Authority – DHA)

Dubai’s government hospitals provide affordable healthcare to all residents — even those without insurance.

Where to Go?

Dubai Hospital – General care, emergency services
Rashid Hospital – Best for trauma and emergencies
Latifa Hospital – Women’s and children’s health
Primary Health Care Centres – Located across Dubai, with lower consultation fees

Good to Know

You can get a Dubai Health Card (for a small fee), which gives you access to subsidised rates at DHA hospitals
Emergency cases are treated without asking for insurance

In Abu Dhabi (SEHA – Abu Dhabi Health Services)

SEHA hospitals also support patients who don’t have insurance, especially for emergency or necessary care.

Where to Go?

Sheikh Khalifa Medical City
Tawam Hospital (Al Ain)
Al Rahba Hospital
SEHA Ambulatory Clinics – Cheaper for general check-ups and minor issues.

Tip: Bring your Emirates ID and be honest about your situation. Some services can be accessed with small upfront fees.

In Sharjah, Ajman, and Other Emirates

Other Emirates also offer options through Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) hospitals and clinics.

Where to Go?

Kuwait Hospital (Sharjah)
Al Qassimi Hospital
Public clinics in Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah

Extra Help

Mobile medical units and Red Crescent clinics sometimes visit labour camps and low-income areas
Some NGOs and mosques also sponsor medical aid for people in need

How to Find the Cheapest Hospital Near You Without Insurance?

If you're not covered by insurance, finding affordable medical care is important. But with the right tools and a little planning, you can find a cheap hospital without insurance near you in any part of the UAE.

Use Google Maps or Apple Maps

Search for terms like —

“clinic near me”
“cheap hospital in Dubai without insurance”
“walk-in clinic in Abu Dhabi”

Sort the results by rating and call ahead to ask for consultation fees. Some listings mention prices directly in reviews.

Call the Clinic Directly

Always confirm —

Consultation fee for patients without insurance
Whether walk-ins are allowed
If they offer package discounts for general check-ups or lab work

Tips to Save on Healthcare Needs Without Insurance

Paying for healthcare out of pocket in the UAE doesn’t have to break the bank. If you don’t have insurance, here are smart ways to cut costs —

Choose Clinics Over Hospitals: For common illnesses or check-ups, go to small clinics instead of big hospitals. Clinics usually charge lower consultation fees and waiting times are shorter too.
Ask About Packages: Some clinics offer health check-up packages that include a doctor visit, basic blood tests, and follow-up — often cheaper than booking services separately.
Use Teleconsultation: Several apps offer video consultations starting at AED 50. This can be good for minor issues like cold, skin conditions, or prescription refills.
Choose Generic Medicines: When picking up medicine, ask the pharmacy for a generic alternative. It works the same but costs a lot less.
Follow Up by Phone: If you’ve already seen a doctor once, ask if you can do your follow-up via phone or video call. Many doctors don’t charge full fees for follow-ups within 7–10 days.

✅ Conclusion

While it’s good to know there are hospitals and clinics that treat patients without insurance, the truth is — having medical insurance is always the safer choice.

Medical emergencies can happen anytime and hospital bills in the UAE can quickly go into thousands of dirhams. With insurance, you don’t have to worry about paying everything from your pocket, especially for surgeries, specialist care, or long-term treatment.

As you already know, health insurance has been made mandatory for all UAE residents starting January 2025. This means you’re not just protecting your health, but also staying legally compliant. Without coverage, you may face government fines and you could be denied certain visa services.

If you don’t have a plan yet, it’s a good time to compare your options. Sites like Policybazaar.ae make it easy to find affordable health insurance based on your budget and needs. You can compare prices, see benefits, and apply online — all in just a few clicks.

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Yes, especially if it’s an emergency. Government hospitals like those run by DHA (Dubai) or SEHA (Abu Dhabi) will treat you, even if you don’t have insurance. For regular visits, however, you’ll need to pay cash.

Public hospitals are generally more affordable than private ones. You can also try clinics that offer competitive prices for self-paying patients.

Yes, in some cases. Emergency care, infectious disease treatment, and charity-supported clinics may offer free or heavily discounted services. Also, Red Crescent and mobile clinics sometimes provide free care for low-income residents.

It ranges from AED 250 to AED 600, depending on whether you visit a public clinic, a private hospital, or use teleconsultation. Follow-ups are often cheaper.

Speak to the hospital’s billing office. Some offer installment payment plans or referrals to social support services. You can also apply for a Dubai Health Card to reduce costs at government facilities.

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Ruchi Gohri

Senior Content Writer

Senior Content Writer | She has a penchant for writing and with over 5 years of experience, she plays around with words elegantly, crafting simple content for all to read. In her free time, she loves her couch either to read or catch on to her sleep.