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.
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.
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.
Dubai’s government hospitals provide affordable healthcare to all residents — even those without insurance.
Where to Go?
Good to Know
SEHA hospitals also support patients who don’t have insurance, especially for emergency or necessary care.
Where to Go?
Tip: Bring your Emirates ID and be honest about your situation. Some services can be accessed with small upfront fees.
Other Emirates also offer options through Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) hospitals and clinics.
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Extra Help
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.
Search for terms like —
Sort the results by rating and call ahead to ask for consultation fees. Some listings mention prices directly in reviews.
Always confirm —
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 —
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.