A quick guide: how to call an ambulance, activate your insurance, and avoid huge bills.
What should you do if you or your loved ones need urgent medical care in Dubai? In a stressful situation, especially in a foreign country, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news is that the healthcare system in the emirate is one of the most advanced in the world. The bad news is that without a clear plan of action, you could face enormous bills. This guide is your step-by-step algorithm. We’ll walk you through the entire process-from preparing for your trip to taking action at the clinic. Save this page. Keep it handy just in case, and hopefully, you’ll never have to use it. But if you do, it will help you preserve what matters most: peace of mind, money, and your health.
Your safety checklist: How to prepare for your trip properly
Safety on a trip isn’t a matter of chance-it’s the result of preparation. Four simple steps taken before you even depart can significantly reduce risks and save you nerves, time, and money if something goes wrong.
- Insurance-no compromises. Your policy must provide coverage of at least $50,000. Make sure it includes emergency hospitalization and transportation. Immediately after purchasing the policy, save the policy number and the 24/7 assistance company phone number in your smartphone contacts.
- Documents: Take digital copies of your passport and insurance policy, and upload them to a cloud storage service (Google Drive, Dropbox). Be sure to carry paper photocopies as well, but keep them separate from the originals.
- Information: Pre-save key numbers in your phone’s contact list: 999 (single emergency service), 998 (direct ambulance call), as well as the contact details of your country’s consulate or embassy in the UAE.
- Finances: Notify your bank about your upcoming trip to Dubai to avoid sudden card blocking. Carry a small amount of cash in dirhams with you for minor unexpected expenses.
The rescue system: Who will come to your aid in Dubai and how
Dubai's emergency response system is a well-oiled mechanism involving both government services and private clinics. Understanding who is responsible for what will help you act as efficiently as possible.
Key numbers: who to call in an emergency
Memorize these numbers-they are your "keys" to prompt assistance. They operate around the clock, and operators speak English.
| Service | Phone Number | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Single Emergency Service | 999 | A universal number for calling the police, ambulance, and fire department. Dial this number in any unclear or dangerous situation. |
| Ambulance (DCAS) | 998 | A direct line for calling a medical team. If the situation involves health issues exclusively, you can call directly here. |
| International Number | 112 | The standard emergency number that works from mobile phones worldwide. In the UAE, it will redirect your call to line 999. |
| Tourist Police | 800 4438 | Advisory and coordination support for tourists. They can assist with communication with the hospital or when contacting the consulate. |
Assistance company: your single point of contact in a crisis
While emergency services save your health, an insurance policy saves your wallet. In Dubai, medical care is very expensive, and it is insurance that covers all expenses. An assistance company plays a key role in this.
What is an assistance company?: An assistance company is a service provider acting on behalf of your insurer. Their task is to find a suitable clinic for you, send a payment guarantee to the hospital, and handle all organizational matters. It serves as your single point of contact for any medical issue, and it is to them that you should call first (or immediately after calling an ambulance).
Step-by-step action plan in case of an insurance claim
So, something unexpected has happened. Stay calm. Simply follow this three-step algorithm.
Step 1: The first call-call emergency services
As soon as you realize that the situation requires medical intervention, immediately call 999 or 998. Be prepared to clearly and calmly provide the operator with the following information:
- Exact location: Specify the emirate (Dubai), district, street, hotel or shopping mall name, building number, or any prominent landmarks.
- Nature of the problem: Briefly describe the symptoms (e.g., “severe chest pain,” “unconscious person,” “suspected broken leg”).
- Number of victims.
Dubai’s golden rule: save first, ask later: Remember the key point: emergency first aid and transport to a hospital for stabilization are FREE for everyone in Dubai, including tourists. Your primary task is to call for help without worrying about costs at that moment. Billing issues will be addressed later, once you are at the clinic.
Step 2: The second call - contacting the assistance company
This is a critical step that must be taken immediately after calling an ambulance. Do not delay! Calling your assistance company (the number is listed on your policy) officially registers the insurance claim.
- Practical tip: Act in parallel. If you are with someone else, have one person call the ambulance while the other immediately contacts the assistance provider.
- Why this matters: If you fail to notify your insurer in time, they may refuse to cover subsequent expensive treatment at the clinic.
Step 3: Arrival at the clinic and organizing treatment
The ambulance team will take you to the nearest suitable hospital. The level of medical facilities in Dubai is very high. Further actions at the clinic depend on one factor: whether you have contacted assistance.
- Scenario 1 (with insurance): You have already contacted assistance. They reach out to the clinic and send a guarantee letter confirming payment. You receive treatment without worrying about bills.
- Scenario 2 (without insurance): The clinic will require you to pay a security deposit (from AED 5,000 to AED 20,000 or more) or to pay for services directly before treatment begins.
How to avoid costly mistakes: Practical tips
It’s easy to make mistakes in a stressful situation. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
Documents always at hand
Make sure you have quick access to at least copies of your passport and insurance policy. Medical staff or clinic administration will definitely ask for these documents during registration.
The financial side of the issue: the true cost of healthcare in Dubai
You should not underestimate the cost of medical services in the UAE. This is the main reason why purchasing good insurance is so important.
The price of the matter: healthcare in Dubai is business-class territory: First aid is free, but further treatment in Dubai is among the most expensive in the world.
To give you a sense of the costs: treating a simple arm fracture without insurance will cost approximately AED 15,000 (over $4,000), while a bill for a few days of hospitalization due to food poisoning can easily exceed AED 25,000 (nearly $7,000). This is the price of a good car, not a vacation. Your insurance is not an expense—it is your only financial safeguard.
Communication and cultural considerations
- Language: English is your primary means of communication. All emergency service operators and medical staff speak English fluently.
- Documents: Never sign any financial guarantees, treatment plans, or other documents in Arabic or English if you do not fully understand their contents. In such cases, it is best to consult your assistance company first.
- Rules: Do not attempt to “resolve the issue” informally or offer rewards to staff. This is strictly prohibited in the UAE and may be considered a criminal offense.
Be prepared, not afraid
The key to your peace of mind in Dubai is not luck but preparation. The assistance system in the emirate works excellently, but the responsibility for properly “activating” it rests with you. Save this guide, add emergency numbers to your phone, and double-check your insurance policy before you depart. These simple steps are the best guarantee that your vacation in one of the world’s most impressive cities will be protected from unpleasant surprises.
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