What Should a Tourist Do If They Fall Ill in Dubai?

How to get the best medical care and avoid huge bills if something goes wrong in the world’s most futuristic city.

Sunshine, +35°C, a long-awaited vacation in Dubai... And suddenly your child’s ear starts hurting badly. Your first instinct is to grab them and rush to the nearest clinic with a fancy sign. Stop. It’s precisely this instinct that could cost you thousands of dollars and turn your vacation into a nightmare. Medicine in Dubai is among the best in the world, but for tourists, it operates under special “golden rules.” Break them, and even a simple cold can result in a bill with three zeros. This article is your reliable guide to Dubai’s healthcare system. After reading it, you’ll feel confident and know the exact course of action for any situation, from heatstroke to more serious problems.

Emergency situation: Your step-by-step action plan

When you suddenly fall ill in a foreign country, your first reaction is panic. That’s normal. But right now, the most important thing is to take a deep breath and act according to a clear plan. There’s no need to make anything up or rush around. Just follow the steps outlined below. This algorithm is your most reliable assistant, guiding you through the entire process and preventing you from making mistakes.

Step 1: Assess the situation - when to call 998/999

The first step is to quickly and objectively assess the severity of the situation. There are two clear scenarios:

Scenario 1: A direct threat to life. If you or a loved one has lost consciousness, is experiencing severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a serious injury, do not waste a single second. Call one of these numbers immediately:

• 998 (Ambulance)
• 999 (Police, which coordinates all emergency services)

Dubai’s emergency response system operates with exceptional efficiency, with an average response time of just 8–10 minutes. An important detail: the patient will be taken to the nearest specialized medical facility capable of providing the necessary care. In such a situation, it is impossible to choose a hospital of your own choosing.

Scenario 2: The condition does not pose a threat to life. If the issue involves a high fever, digestive upset, a minor injury, or another ailment that does not pose an immediate threat to life, proceed to the next, most critical step.

Step 2: Your most important call. Why you should contact your insurer first, and only then a doctor

This is the most critical step in 90% of cases where there is no direct threat to life. An assistance company is essentially your personal medical coordinator from the insurance company, and their contact details are listed in your policy. It is this call that triggers the insurance coverage mechanism.

Call procedure:

1. Dial the number from your insurance policy. 2. Provide your details: Be prepared to dictate your policy number, your last name and first name, as well as your exact location (hotel, apartment address). 3. Describe your symptoms: Clearly and calmly explain to the operator what has happened. 4. Follow the instructions: The operator will give you precise instructions. They will either arrange for a doctor to come directly to your hotel or direct you to a specific partner clinic, to which a Guarantee of Payment (GOP) letter will already have been sent.

Step 3: Visiting the clinic as directed

After you receive clear instructions from the assistance company, taking action becomes much simpler. You will most likely be directed to one of the large, reputable clinic networks, such as Mediclinic, Aster, NMC, or Burjeel, which serve the majority of foreign patients. Upon arrival at the clinic, you will need to present just two documents at the reception or the International Patient Desk:

• Passport
• Insurance policy

From this point on, the clinic will deal directly with your insurance company. Your task is to focus on your treatment and be sure to collect absolutely all documents: doctor’s discharge summaries, test results, prescriptions, and receipts for medication purchases. These will be needed for the final settlement of your claim.

Special case: if the clinic requires payment on-site (the “Pay-and-Claim” scenario)

Sometimes it happens that the assistance service has approved everything, but the clinic asks you to pay on the spot, promising that the insurance will reimburse you later. Don’t panic; this is also a valid scenario (known as “Pay-and-Claim”). The main thing is to make sure your assistance service has given its approval before you reach for your wallet. A simple verbal confirmation over the phone will suffice.

Action plan:

1. Be sure to keep the fiscal payment receipt. 2. Request a detailed invoice with a complete list of all medical services provided. 3. Obtain a medical report stating your diagnosis. 4. Save the prescription for medications and the pharmacy receipts for their purchase.

Key tip: even if you pay out of pocket, make sure to obtain approval for these actions from your assistance provider, at least verbally over the phone. This ensures that your expenses will be reimbursed later.

Step 4: Gathering documents and handling finances

Proper organization of documents is key to your financial peace of mind. Make sure you have everything you need at hand.

Your “medical” document package:

• Passport
• Insurance policy
• Visa or entry stamp
• (After a medical visit) All medical reports, prescriptions, and receipts.

How much does it cost to get sick in Dubai?

To show that we’re not exaggerating, here’s some Dubai math. A simple doctor’s consultation? Expect to pay between 500 and 1,500 dirhams ($135–$400). Need tests or an ultrasound? The bill can easily exceed several thousand. Here’s the main point: if you followed our guide and acted through an assistance service, none of these costs apply to you. The insurance company will cover them. Your maximum expense is the deductible, if your policy includes one. Otherwise, it’s zero.

Your support service: Key contacts for emergencies

This section is your "red button" and your emergency contact list for any unforeseen situation. Save these numbers in your phone before you travel.

Contact list:

• Emergency Services:
  • 999 (Police – a single number for all emergencies)
  • 998 (Ambulance)
• Specialized Assistance:
  • 800 4438 (Dubai Tourist Police – a service specifically established to assist visitors to the city)
  • 800 342 (Dubai Health Authority – for consultations and resolving disputes)
• Diplomatic Support:
  • Before your trip, find the contact details of your country’s consulate or embassy in the UAE on the official website of your foreign ministry and save them.

Disclaimer: Always verify the accuracy of these numbers on official websites before your trip.

Plan "B": What to do if something goes wrong

In rare cases, the standard protocol may fail: you can’t reach the assistance provider, or a dispute arises with a clinic. In such situations, don’t panic. Your first step should be to call the Dubai Tourist Police. Their role is to ensure that your rights are protected. In more complex situations requiring interaction with the authorities, seek support from your country’s consulate.

Preparing in advance: How to minimize risks before you fly

The best way to solve a problem is to prevent it. Thorough preparation will make your trip to Dubai as safe and stress-free as possible.

Your insurance is not just a piece of paper. What to look for when buying an insurance policy in Dubai

Treat choosing an insurance policy as a crucial investment in your safety. Pay attention to three key points:

• Coverage amount: For Dubai, it is recommended to choose a policy with coverage of at least $50,000.
• Reliability of assistance services: Search online for reviews of the assistance company’s performance specifically in the UAE.
• Current risks: Make sure your policy covers COVID-19 treatment and other potential risks.

Pre-trip checklist: what to do before your trip

This simple checklist will help you be fully prepared:

• Save the contact details of the assistance provider and the consulate in your phone, and also make a paper copy.
• Create digital copies of your passport, visa, and insurance policy.
• Pack a basic first-aid kit with medications you are familiar with: fever reducers, painkillers, and remedies for gastrointestinal issues. This will help alleviate initial symptoms and buy you time until you can contact a doctor.

In summary: Staying healthy in Dubai is simple-if you know the rules

Dubai’s healthcare system is high-quality, efficient, and tourist-friendly, but only if you play by its rules. The main rule is incredibly simple: your first call in case of illness should always be to the assistance company.

Remember: having good insurance and knowing this straightforward procedure is not overcaution, it’s just as essential a part of preparing for a trip to Dubai as buying tickets and booking a hotel. This is your ticket to a world of peaceful relaxation, where you know that even in an unforeseen situation, you have a clear plan and reliable support.

Now you have both. Enjoy futuristic Dubai, explore its wonders, and rest assured: no matter what happens, you know exactly what to do.