The UAE mandates health insurance for all residence visa holders. International students must have DHA-compliant or DoH-compliant coverage before their residence permit is issued.
Last updated: March 2026
Best for: Budget-conscious students in Dubai
Minimum DHA-compliant plan. AED 150,000 annual limit. 20% co-insurance per visit (max AED 500/encounter, AED 1,000/year). Covers GP, specialist, hospital, emergency.
Learn moreBest for: Students enrolled at UAE universities
Most UAE universities (UAEU, AUD, NYU Abu Dhabi, Khalifa University) include or arrange health insurance. Check your enrollment package.
Learn moreBest for: Students wanting full coverage
Higher annual limits (AED 500,000–1,000,000+), lower co-pays, dental and optical options. Providers include AXA Gulf, Cigna, Daman, Oman Insurance.
Learn more| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| DHA Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) | AED 650–725/year (~€163–182) | Minimum legal requirement for Dubai residents. Fixed premium bands set by DHA annually. |
| Standard Student Plan | AED 2,000–4,000/year (~€500–1,000) | Mid-range plans with AED 500,000 limit, lower co-pays, sometimes includes dental. |
| Comprehensive Expat Plan | AED 5,500–10,000/year (~€1,375–2,500) | Full coverage including dental, optical, international emergency evacuation. |
| GP Visit (private clinic) | AED 200–500 (~€50–125) | Typical consultation fee at a private clinic in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Public hospitals are cheaper but require prior registration. |
| Specialist Consultation | AED 400–1,500 (~€100–375) | Specialist visit at a private hospital. Referral from GP often required for insurance coverage. |
| Emergency Room Visit | AED 500–2,000+ (~€125–500+) | ER fees at private hospitals. Life-threatening emergencies are treated immediately; 998 ambulance service is free. |
DHA Essential Benefits Plan (EBP)
AED 650–725/year (~€163–182)
Minimum legal requirement for Dubai residents. Fixed premium bands set by DHA annually.
Standard Student Plan
AED 2,000–4,000/year (~€500–1,000)
Mid-range plans with AED 500,000 limit, lower co-pays, sometimes includes dental.
Comprehensive Expat Plan
AED 5,500–10,000/year (~€1,375–2,500)
Full coverage including dental, optical, international emergency evacuation.
GP Visit (private clinic)
AED 200–500 (~€50–125)
Typical consultation fee at a private clinic in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Public hospitals are cheaper but require prior registration.
Specialist Consultation
AED 400–1,500 (~€100–375)
Specialist visit at a private hospital. Referral from GP often required for insurance coverage.
Emergency Room Visit
AED 500–2,000+ (~€125–500+)
ER fees at private hospitals. Life-threatening emergencies are treated immediately; 998 ambulance service is free.
Apply to an accredited UAE university (UAEU, AUD, NYU Abu Dhabi, Khalifa University, etc.). Your acceptance letter triggers the visa sponsorship process.
Ask your university's student services office whether health insurance is included in your enrollment package. Most universities arrange DHA/DoH-compliant group plans.
If your university does not provide insurance, purchase a DHA-compliant plan (EBP minimum) before your visa application. You need the insurance certificate to proceed.
Attend a UAE-approved medical centre for your entry medical examination. This is mandatory for all new residence visa applications.
Once insurance and medical clearance are confirmed, your residence visa and Emirates ID are issued. Both are required to access healthcare facilities.
Find a DHA/DoH-licensed clinic or hospital near your university. Download your insurer's app to see in-network providers and submit claims digitally.
Health insurance for students in the UAE costs AED 650–725 per year (~€163–182) at the minimum, rising to AED 2,000–10,000/year for more comprehensive plans. The minimum legal option is the DHA Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) in Dubai — a fixed-premium plan designed for lower-income residents and dependants earning under AED 4,000/month. Most international students will either receive insurance through their university or need to purchase a mid-range plan.
The UAE has two main insurance regulators depending on your emirate:
The EBP is the minimum insurance product permitted in Dubai. It covers:
| Service | Coverage |
|---|---|
| GP consultations | Covered (20% co-pay, max AED 500/visit) |
| Specialist visits | Covered with GP referral (20% co-pay) |
| Emergency treatment | Covered 100% for life-threatening cases |
| Hospitalisation | Covered up to AED 150,000/year |
| Prescription medicines | Covered (formulary list) |
| Surgeries | Covered |
| Maternity | Covered |
| Dental (emergency) | Covered |
| Dental (routine) | NOT covered |
| Optical | NOT covered |
Most UAE universities either include health insurance in tuition or charge it as a mandatory separate fee:
Always verify your specific coverage with your university’s student services office. If your university plan has gaps (e.g., no dental), consider topping up with a supplemental plan.
Compare health insurance options for your studies in the UAE. Find DHA-compliant plans that fit your budget.
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