
Moving to Dubai? At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has arranged over 800,000 policies, we specialise in finding the right private medical insurance for UK citizens. This guide explains how to secure the best health cover for your new life in the United Arab Emirates.
The move from the UK to Dubai is an exciting adventure, filled with opportunities for career growth, sunshine, and a new lifestyle. However, one of the most critical parts of your relocation plan is securing the right health insurance. Unlike the UK, where the National Health Service (NHS) provides free care at the point of use, healthcare in Dubai is private and mandatory insurance is a legal requirement for all residents.
For the thousands of British expats who call Dubai home, navigating this system can be daunting. Standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) policies are not designed for long-term residency abroad. You need a specialist international health insurance plan that not only meets Dubai's legal requirements but also provides the comprehensive protection you and your family are used to.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about private health insurance for UK expats in Dubai, from understanding the local laws to choosing a policy that fits your needs and budget.
Relying on a basic, employer-provided plan or assuming your UK cover will work can be a costly mistake. The healthcare landscape in Dubai is fundamentally different from the UK's.
1. It's the Law Since 2014, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has made it mandatory for all residents, including expats and their dependents, to have health insurance. Your residency visa is directly linked to you having a compliant health insurance policy. Without it, you cannot legally live and work in Dubai. Fines for non-compliance are steep and are charged monthly.
2. The High Cost of Healthcare The quality of healthcare in Dubai is exceptionally high, with state-of-the-art facilities and internationally trained medical staff. However, this quality comes at a significant cost. Without adequate insurance, even a minor medical issue can lead to substantial bills.
A comprehensive international health plan protects you from these potentially crippling out-of-pocket expenses.
3. Standard UK PMI Won't Cover You Your domestic private medical insurance UK policy is designed for UK residents. While it might offer limited emergency cover for short holidays (typically up to 30 or 60 days), it is not valid for someone who is a resident in another country. To be properly protected as an expat, you need a dedicated international policy.
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulates the local insurance market. All policies sold must meet certain minimum standards.
For lower-income workers, employers must provide at least an Essential Benefits Plan (EBP). This is the most basic level of cover mandated by law.
While an EBP meets the legal minimum, it is often insufficient for British expats who are accustomed to more comprehensive care. The annual limit can be quickly exhausted by a single serious illness or accident.
Most professionals and their families will want a plan that goes far beyond the EBP. This is where international private medical insurance comes in.
| Feature | Basic Employer Plan (EBP) | Comprehensive International PMI |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Limit | Capped at ~£32,000 | £1,000,000+ (often unlimited) |
| Geographic Cover | Dubai only (limited elsewhere) | Worldwide or Worldwide excluding USA |
| Hospital Network | Limited network of basic clinics/hospitals | Extensive network including premium hospitals |
| Out-patient Care | Basic cover with co-payments | Full cover for specialists, diagnostics, physio |
| Dental & Optical | Not usually included | Can be added as an optional benefit |
| Repatriation | Not included | Included as a standard or optional benefit |
| Direct Billing | Limited to network | Widespread 'cashless' access to care |
For many expats, their employer's plan serves as a starting point. They then choose to "top up" this cover with a more robust personal policy, or their employer offers a comprehensive international plan as part of their employment package. An expert broker like WeCovr can help you assess your employer's plan and find the perfect top-up policy.
A good international PMI policy is modular, allowing you to build the cover that's right for you. It typically starts with a core plan and allows you to add optional benefits.
This is the foundation of any health insurance policy and is non-negotiable. It covers you for treatment that requires a hospital bed.
This is one of the most valuable parts of a comprehensive plan, covering medical care that doesn’t require a hospital bed.
International plans include features specifically designed for people living abroad.
At WeCovr, we believe in proactive health. That's why clients who purchase private health or life insurance through us receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to help them manage their health goals.
This is one of the most misunderstood areas of private medical insurance. It's vital to be clear on this point:
Standard international and UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy.
Private insurance does not typically cover the routine management of chronic conditions. Likewise, pre-existing conditions – any ailment you knew about, had symptoms of, or received treatment for before your policy began – are also generally excluded.
When you apply, you will choose an underwriting method which determines how the insurer treats your medical history.
FMU provides certainty from day one about what is and isn't covered, whereas a moratorium can lead to uncertainty when you make a claim. A PMI broker can help you decide which option is best for your circumstances.
The cost of your premium is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these will help you tailor a policy to your budget.
| Factor | Impact on Premium | How to Manage Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Age | The older you are, the higher the premium. This is the most significant factor. | You cannot change your age, but buying a policy when you are younger is cheaper. |
| Level of Cover | Comprehensive plans with high limits and many add-ons cost more. | Choose only the add-ons you truly need. For example, if you don't plan on having children, you don't need maternity cover. |
| Area of Cover | 'Worldwide' is the most expensive. 'Worldwide excluding USA' is a popular, more affordable option. | If you don't travel to the USA frequently, choosing a plan that excludes it can save you 30-40%. |
| Excess (Deductible) | This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. A higher excess lowers your premium. | Choosing a modest excess (£250 or £500) can make your premium much more affordable without exposing you to huge costs. |
| Hospital Network | Plans with access to the most premium hospitals are more expensive. | Opt for a plan with a wide but standard network of excellent hospitals if you don't need access to the most exclusive facilities. |
These are example costs for a comprehensive international plan with out-patient cover and a £250 excess, excluding the USA. Prices are for illustrative purposes and will vary between insurers.
| Profile | Age | Estimated Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Single Professional | 30 | £120 - £180 |
| Couple | 40 | £350 - £500 |
| Family (2 adults, 2 children) | 45 & 42 | £600 - £950 |
Working with an independent broker ensures you get a true market comparison to find the best value.
Choosing the right international health insurance can feel overwhelming. As an FCA-authorised broker with deep expertise in the UK and expat insurance markets, WeCovr simplifies the process for you. Our clients regularly give us high satisfaction ratings for our expert, friendly service.
Why use WeCovr?
Our goal is to ensure you have peace of mind, knowing you have robust and reliable health protection for your new life in Dubai.
Your insurance is your safety net, but the best approach is to stay healthy. Living in Dubai presents unique environmental factors to consider.
Ready to secure your peace of mind for your move to Dubai? The team of experts at WeCovr is here to help. We'll take the time to understand your needs and compare the best private medical insurance UK expat plans for you, all at no cost.
Get your free, no-obligation quote today and ensure you're protected from day one.






