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-time resident. While employer-provided health insurance typically covers private hospitals and clinics, obtaining a UAE health card is crucial for accessing government-run healthcare facilities.
This article outlines the application process for a UAE health card, its costs, and the benefits of having both health insurance and a health card.
Understanding the Difference: Health Card vs. Health Insurance
A health insurance card allows individuals to access a network of private hospitals and clinics affiliated with their insurer. In contrast, a UAE health card provides access to government hospitals and healthcare centers under the Emirates Health Services (EHS) umbrella. This network includes 17 hospitals, 64 primary healthcare centers, and 10 public health centers across the UAE.
Having both forms of coverage offers broader access and greater flexibility in choosing healthcare options.
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.
Steps to Apply for a UAE Health Card
The application process for a UAE health card is primarily digital and user-friendly. The following steps outline the procedure:
- Visit the EHS webpage and click on ‘Start service’.
- You will be redirected to the UAE Pass website. Enter the mobile number associated with your UAE Pass registration or your Emirates ID number. After approving the login via the UAE Pass app, you will return to the EHS website.
- Click on ‘Apply for a new health card’.
- Select the type of application: 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 fee will be displayed based on your application category. Choose your payment method—options include credit/debit card, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or Apple Pay.
Upon successful payment, the health card will be issued and linked to your Emirates ID.
Health Card Costs
The costs associated with obtaining a UAE health card vary by 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
These costs reflect the commitment to providing accessible healthcare options for all residents and visitors.
Utilization of the Health Card
The UAE health card can be used at various EHS-affiliated facilities across the emirates. Here are 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, Sharjah
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 Salama Health Centre
Fujairah
Hospitals:
- Fujairah Hospital
- Dibba Al Fujairah Hospital
Primary Healthcare Centers:
- Mina Tower Medical Examination Centre
- Al Amal Medical Examination Centre
This extensive network ensures that residents and visitors have access to essential healthcare services throughout the UAE.
For more detailed information on health cards, including application processes and eligibility, visit Emirates247.
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Published on 2026-04-14 13:23:00 • By the Editorial Desk
