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What should a Dubai tourist visa holder do if hospitalized in the UAE?

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Written By Arabiers Digital & Reviewed by Robeena Brown

November 23, 2023 | 13 min read

The allure of Dubai in its seamless integration of modern extravagance with olden heritage makes it a thrilling destination for tourists around the world. While you head out on the trip with high dreams and enthusiasm, it's essential to be ready to deal with unexpected situations along with the need for medical attention during the course of your stay. This article outlines exactly what to do if you are a UAE visit visa holder and get hospitalized in the UAE.

Let's dive into some valuable insights into the healthcare sector, the importance of travel coverage, and essential tips to take during a medical emergency.

Your Health Matters: Understanding the UAE Healthcare System

The United Arab Emirates has an innovative healthcare system with updated medical services. Dubai is home to several of the region's most significant medical centers and hospitals. Travelers from abroad are entitled to high-quality medical care in an emergency. However, you must be aware of the critical characteristics of the medical system

  1. Public vs. Private Healthcare: The UAE delivers public and private medical care. Your specific needs and circumstances will determine the optimal healthcare system for you. Public healthcare may be your best alternative if you are on a tight budget. Private healthcare is better if you want more customized treatment or the latest medical equipment.
  2. Healthcare Costs: As a tourist visa holder in the UAE, you must know the healthcare prices to get appropriate medical care without incurring substantial expenses. Healthcare in the UAE is typically of high quality and efficient. However, costs vary depending on the type of treatment, the provider, and your insurance coverage. As a tourist Visa holder, getting health insurance coverage is essential. You need to select a plan that fits your needs and budget from among the many health insurance options accessible by comparing your options.
  3. Language Barrier: You can have trouble understanding medical terms, telling healthcare professionals about your symptoms and concerns, and following prescription directions if you are on a UAE tourist visa. Misunderstandings and delays in diagnosis and treatment may result from this. Thus, getting help from bilingual medical professionals can significantly enhance communication and guarantee that you get the care you require.

The Vital Role of Travel Insurance for a Dubai Tourist Visa Holder

travel insurance for dubai Vital role of travel insurance for a Dubai tourist visa holder

Travel insurance is a necessary safety precaution for all UAE visitors with a tourist visa. It acts as an essential barrier against unforeseen accidents during your tour. This insurance protects your finances in the event of travel cancellations, lost luggage, delayed flights, and more, in addition to covering medical emergencies and hospitalization. Travel insurance is crucial for visitors to the United Arab Emirates for the following strong reasons:

  1. Unpredicted medical emergencies: Although the UAE offers top-notch medical facilities, costs for care might be costly. Unexpected medical expenses are covered by travel insurance, ensuring you can afford the necessary treatment.
  2. Sorting Travel Disruptions: Flight cancellations, sudden personal commitments, or natural disasters can be some of the reasons you can miss a flight. But with the help of travel insurance, you may recover financial losses and worry-free reschedule your vacation plans by having non-refundable costs for trip cancellation or interruption covered.
  3. Insurance Coverage Limitations: Certain insurance policies may have exclusions or boundaries, so it's critical to read the fine print and consider obtaining additional coverage if necessary.
  4. Carrying Your Emergency Contact Information: Carry a copy of your travel insurance policy with you at all times, including emergency contact details, to make medical care more accessible. You can have scanned copies of the travel insurance on your mobile for easy access.

What Can a Dubai Tourist Visa Holder Do in Case of Hospitalization?

In the unlikely circumstance that you require treatment during your stay in Dubai, follow these steps:

  1. Seek Immediate Medical assistance: If you or someone you're traveling with require medical assistance, seek it as soon as practicable. Dial 999 to reach emergency services, and they will arrange to admit you to the nearest hospital.
  2. Inform Your Travel Insurance Company: Immediately report the matter to the travel coverage agent. Give them all the information they need, including your whereabouts and the cause of the problem.
  3. Take your identification to the hospital: When seeking medical assistance, make sure you have your passport, visa, travel insurance policy, and other essential documentation with you. These documents are necessary for hospital admission.
  4. Overcoming Language Barrier: If there are language issues, enlist the help of an interpreter or an English-speaking hospital staff member to enable proper communication about your illness and treatment. If this doesn't work, Google Voice Translate can assist you in conveying the information to medical professionals.

Financial Considerations



Tourists may be concerned about medical costs. Remember the following:

  1. Insurance Verification: To avoid disputes and confusion later on, ensure that the healthcare facility's invoicing department checks your insurance coverage.
  2. Medical Records: Collect copies of medical files and bills during medical treatment. These are necessary for travel insurance reimbursement claims.
  3. Payment Guarantee: Numerous medical centers in the UAE request a payment guarantee before treating patients. Your travel insurance should provide the essential assurance.
  4. Keep some notes in your wallet: In situations of emergency, it is a good idea to have a little cash on hand to seek speedy treatment and minimize problems.
  5. Direct Payment: Some hospitals offer direct payment agreements with travel insurance firms. This helps speed up the payment process and lower the amount you pay out of your wallet.

After Hospitalization



Similar to the crucial steps during the hospitalization, there are some post-hospitalization precautions you need to be aware of. Consider the following steps after having received medical care and being discharged from the hospital:

  1. Keep all the hospital bills safe with you: Make sure you are carrying all relevant medical documents, such as evaluation, therapy, and bills.
  2. Request for an Insurance Claim: Contact your travel insurance company to begin the claim procedure. They will walk you through the necessary paperwork and processes.
  3. Follow up: Keep in touch with your insurance company as needed until they fulfill your claim. They might get busier as they have to take many travel insurance claims, so it's your responsibility to follow up on them

Conclusion



While the prospect of experiencing an illness during your Dubai vacation may be terrifying, it is critical to be well-informed and prepared about what to do. Travel insurance ensures you receive essential medical treatment without substantial financial costs. Educating yourself about the local healthcare system, keeping open lines of contact with your insurance provider, and taking the necessary actions will help you navigate this problematic circumstance with greater ease and peace of mind.

By being aware and proactive, you may reduce the stress connected with medical issues while enjoying your stay in Dubai. Keep in mind that your health is very crucial more than anything else. Concurrently, UAE's healthcare system is well-equipped to provide advanced medical care to its tourists.


Faq


Can visitors to Dubai go to the hospital?

If you are a visitor in Dubai and want immediate medical attention, you are welcome to attend any of the hospitals in Dubai. Because Dubai caters to medical travelers, several foreign visitors come particularly for medical treatment.

Is urgent care in the UAE free for visitors?

Visitors in the UAE can readily seek medical treatment from government-run or private hospitals. In an emergency, treatment to stabilize the condition is free. Other medicines need payment in cash, by credit card, or through insurance.

Do tourists in the UAE require medical coverage?

Many nations worldwide (including the UAE) require travelers to purchase travel insurance. You must obtain insurance for your trip before visiting the country or relocating overseas. However, not all nations have a requirement that you can confirm before embarking on your journey.

How much does hospitalization in Dubai cost?

Private medical facilities typically demand more fees than public healthcare facilities. According to Dubai Health Authority studies, the average cost of medical care in Dubai is between AED 4,000 and AED 60,000.

I have a Tourist visa to the UAE. Is a passport required for hospital treatment?

Yes, your passport will be required for hospital care in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This is because your passport acts as identity and evidence of citizenship, essential for any medical care you may receive during your stay in the UAE. You may also be required to show your passport as proof of visa status and evidence of travel insurance coverage. It's always a good idea.