The UAE has rapidly evolved into one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for advanced medical care, combining internationally accredited healthcare with luxury travel experiences.
In 2023, Dubai welcomed over 691,000 medical tourists, with the majority arriving from Europe, Asia, and the GCC.
The country boasts 220+ Joint Commission International (JCI)-accredited hospitals, placing it among the highest concentrations of accredited hospitals per capita globally.
Its 2 major hubs, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are consistently ranked among the best cities for international medical treatment.
Thanks to their world-class infrastructure, specialist expertise, and proximity to Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), both of which offer direct flights from 200+ cities worldwide.
For international patients, the UAE offers unmatched convenience: visa facilitation, multilingual healthcare teams, cutting-edge medical technology, and short waiting times for specialist appointments.
Medical Trip Support to UAE at Zero Cost via My 1Health
My 1Health coordinates patient journeys to our partner hospitals in the UAE at no cost to the patient.
This is because we act as the official representative and information office for partner hospitals.
All arrangements are covered under our agreements with the healthcare providers.
Our support includes:
- Deep hospital partnerships, with globally recognised names such as American Hospital Dubai, King’s College Hospital UAE, Burjeel Hospitals, Saudi German Hospital, Fakih IVF, The Face, Fakeeh University Hospital and others.
- End-to-end coordination, from selecting the right hospital to arranging follow-up care.
- Free expert guidance; you do not pay us because our partners cover our costs.
- Assisted 50,000+ international patients, helping them access treatments from routine to highly complex such as cancer, neurological and cardiac care.
- A dedicated international patient support specialist whom you can reach out at any time and who will be your support at every step
- Organising online consultations with top specialists, ensuring smooth telemedicine sessions.
- Personalised treatment plan in tandem with your chosen hospital and assist with hospital admission letters needed for visa approval.
- Treatment cost estimate, a detailed travel itinerary you can share with family, and airport pickup and drop-off aligned to your care schedule.
- Hotel booking that best suits your preferences and budget.
- We ensure insurance compatibility, verify documents, and help with scheduling future visits or follow-ups.
Get end-to-end medical facilitation to Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah at no extra cost to you.
Why International Patients Trust the UAE for Medical Travel
- Global-Standard Medical Care: Many hospitals, including American Hospital Dubai and King’s College Hospital Dubai, maintain clinical partnerships with world-leading institutions such as Mayo Clinic in the USA and King’s College Hospital in the UK.
- No Waiting Lists for Specialists: Private hospitals in the UAE can arrange specialist consultations within days, eliminating the months-long waiting times often seen in other countries.
- Leading Medical Specialties: The UAE excels in cardiac surgery, oncology, fertility treatments, cosmetic surgery, and advanced dentistry. The country is also emerging as a hub for regenerative medicine and stem cell therapies.
- Medical Tourism Visa and Government Support: Many hospitals provide VIP suites, multilingual concierge services, and partnerships with five-star hotels. Patients can combine treatment with premium leisure activities, from desert safaris to beachfront resorts and world-class shopping.
Read: What Makes UAE a Top Choice for International Patients
- Multilingual and Culturally Sensitive Care: Hospitals offer services in Arabic, English, Russian, Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, Chinese, and more, with culturally appropriate amenities including halal meals, prayer rooms, privacy options for female patients.
- Strategic Location: With direct flights from 200+ cities worldwide, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are highly accessible from Europe, Africa, and Asia. Hospitals are located within minutes of major airports, allowing patients to start treatment soon after arrival.
- Recovery Options: From luxury hospital suites to 5-star hotels and wellness resorts, recovery can be integrated with world-class leisure experiences.
- Regional and International Patient Packages-Special pricing and tailored packages are available for international patients. Many of the hospitals assist with international insurance processing.
10 Best Hospitals and Clinics for International Patients in the UAE
- American Hospital Dubai – Located just 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport (DXB). Affiliated with Mayo Clinic Care Network, offering access to advanced treatment protocols and second-opinion services. Provides airport transfers and multilingual care teams.
- King’s College Hospital London, Dubai – Located in Dubai Hills, 20 minutes from DXB. Closely aligned with its UK counterpart, ensuring UK-standard medical care.
- Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi – 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). Renowned for bone marrow and multi-organ transplantation including liver and kidney. Offers luxury inpatient suites and family accommodation.
- Saudi German Hospital, Dubai – Located in Al Barsha, 25 minutes from DXB, near major transport links. Specialises in cardiology, orthopaedics, and neurosurgery.
- NMC Healthcare – With facilities in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain, Sharjah, and more, NMC treats over 5.5 million patients annually across multiple specialties, offering easy access from major airports.
- Fakih IVF – Dubai and Abu Dhabi branches provide advanced fertility treatments with high success rates, catering to patients from across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
- Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai – 1st overseas branch (2007) of Moorfields UK and is both the oldest and one of the largest eye hospitals in the world. It is internationally renowned its advanced eyecare services.
- Aesthetics by King’s College Hospital UAE – Led by the best plastic surgeon in Dubai. Offers high-end cosmetic and reconstructive procedures with British-trained surgeons.
- Mediclinic Middle East Hospitals – Operates multiple branches, including Mediclinic City Hospital in Dubai Healthcare City, offering multidisciplinary tertiary care.
- Aster Hospitals & Medcare Hospitals – Widely accessible across the UAE, known for affordability and quality, with comprehensive international patient support services.
Top Medical Specialties in the UAE for International Patients
| Medical Specialty | Leading Hospitals & Clinics | Key Treatments Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiac Surgery | American Hospital Dubai, King’s College Hospital London Dubai, NMC Specialty Hospitals | Heart bypass, valve replacement, minimally invasive cardiac procedures |
| Fertility & Reproductive Health | Fakih IVF, Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic | IVF, ICSI, egg freezing, genetic screening |
| Organ & Bone Marrow Transplant | Burjeel Medical City, Mediclinic City Hospital | Liver transplant, kidney transplant, bone marrow transplant |
| Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine | NMC Hospital, Mediclinic Middle East, Saudi German Hospital | Joint replacement, ACL reconstruction, sports injury rehabilitation |
| Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery | The Face, Aesthetics by King’s College Hospital UAE, CosmeSurge | Facelift, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, reconstructive surgery |
| Ophthalmology | Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai | Cataract surgery, LASIK, corneal transplants |
| Oncology | Medcare Hospitals, Burjeel Hospitals | Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgical oncology |
| Dermatology & Aesthetics | Tajmeel Clinics, Aesthetics by King’s College Hospital UAE, CosmeSurge | Skin rejuvenation, acne treatments, laser therapy |
Medical Tourism Visa for the UAE
Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Entry into Dubai
As of 2024, citizens from 82 countries can travel to the UAE without applying for a pre-arranged visa.
The visa-free policy allows eligible travellers to receive a 30-day entry visa with a 10-day extension, or a 90-day entry permit depending on their nationality.
This makes Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi highly accessible for international patients, encouraging both short-term and long-term medical travel.
Types of Medical Visas in the UAE
- Short-term Medical Visa – Valid for up to 90 days for planned procedures.
- Multiple-entry Medical Visa – Suitable for patients needing staged treatments or follow-ups.
- Extended Stay Medical Visa – For long recovery periods or complex treatment plans.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a UAE Medical Visa
- Choose your hospital – Select a UAE hospital suited to your condition. My 1Health assists in matching you to the right specialist across our partner hospitals.
- Secure an invitation letter – Hospitals issue an official letter confirming your treatment and duration of stay. Through My 1Health, this step is handled for you, ensuring faster visa approval.
- Prepare required documents – Passport valid for at least six months, recent photographs, confirmed return ticket, proof of funds, and the hospital invitation letter.
- Submit your application – Apply through UAE immigration services or accredited visa centres.
- Processing time – Most visas are approved in 3–5 working days, with urgent cases processed in as little as 48 hours.
- Travel confirmation – Once the visa is approved, carry your hospital admission letter and treatment schedule for smooth entry.
- Ongoing support – If treatment continues beyond the visa validity, My 1Health helps renew the visa by coordinating with your hospital.
Documents Required
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Completed visa application form.
- Hospital invitation letter.
- Proof of funds and accommodation.
- Confirmed return ticket.
Visa Renewal for Ongoing Treatments
Patients undergoing extended care, such as oncology or transplant recovery, can apply for visa extensions.
Renewal requests require hospital documentation and must be filed before the visa expires.
Cost of Medical Treatment in the UAE
International patients are encouraged to start with a consultation before a final cost estimate is issued.
This can be done in person or via online video consultation. During the consultation, the doctor:
- Reviews your medical history.
- Examines your condition and requests tests if needed.
- Discusses treatment options.
- Provides a personalised cost estimate.
Consultation Costs at Leading UAE Hospitals
- Medcare Hospitals – AED 610 (~USD 166).
- NMC Hospital – AED 250–500 (~USD 68–136) depending on GP, specialist, or consultant. Online telemedicine: AED 300–350 (~USD 82–95).
- Burjeel Hospitals – AED 450–600 (~USD 122–163).
- American Hospital Dubai – AED 698 (~USD 190) in-person, or USD 89 (~AED 327) for telemedicine.
- King’s College Hospital Dubai – AED 600+ (~USD 163+), online consultation approx. AED 750 (~USD 204).
- Aster Hospitals – AED 610 (~USD 166).
These are among the best hospitals in the UAE, with internationally trained doctors and advanced facilities.
Book an initial consultation online or in person for an accurate estimate.
Average Procedure Prices in the UAE
| Procedure | Average Cost (AED) | Average Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| IVF | 18 000 – 25 000 | 4 900 – 6 800 |
| Heart Bypass Surgery | 90 000 – 140 000 | 24 500 – 38 200 |
| Knee Replacement | 45 000 – 70 000 | 12 300 – 19 100 |
| Rhinoplasty | 22 000 – 35 000 | 6 000 – 9 500 |
| Cataract Surgery (per eye) | 10 000 – 18 000 | 2 700 – 4 900 |
Many partner hospitals offer bundled packages that combine consultation, procedure, hospital stay, and follow-up visits. Examples include:
- Cosmetic Surgery Packages – Aesthetics by King’s College Hospital UAE, The Face.
- Preventive Health Check-ups – American Hospital Dubai, NMC Hospital, King’s College Hospital.
Travel Tips for International Patients in the UAE
The UAE is consistently ranked among the safest countries globally, with modern infrastructure and a high standard of hospitality.
How long should I stay in UAE for treatment?
- Minor procedures such as diagnostic imaging, dental implants, cataract surgery, or cosmetic enhancements may require 2–10 days in Dubai, Sharjah or Abu Dhabi. This includes consultation, procedure, and a short recovery.
- Intermediate treatments such as IVF or arthroscopy typically need 2–3 weeks for pre-testing, procedure, and recovery.
- Major surgeries such as hip replacement, knee replacement, or heart bypass require 4–6 weeks including pre-operative assessment, surgery, and rehabilitation.
Recovery-Friendly Tourism Options in UAE
Patients can recover in comfort with hotel and resort options located near major hospitals:
- American Hospital Dubai – Nearby luxury hotels and serviced apartments in Oud Metha.
- Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi – Close to beachfront resorts offering spa and physiotherapy facilities.
- King’s College Hospital Dubai – Surrounded by Dubai Hills accommodation with wellness centres.
- Saudi German Hospital, Dubai – Accessible to mid-range hotels and private apartments in Al Barsha.
Best Time to Travel to UAE for Treatment
- October to April offers mild weather, making recovery more comfortable and travel easier.
- Patients visiting during Ramadan should plan for altered clinic hours and reduced public activity.
Wellness and Recovery Tourism
Combine treatment with rest at desert resorts in Abu Dhabi, beach hotels in Dubai Marina, or luxury spas in Jumeirah.
Rehabilitation programmes at select hospitals include physiotherapy suites connected to wellness resorts.
Several hospitals and specialised centres offer rehabilitation in resort-style settings, blending physiotherapy with a restful environment.
Cultural Considerations
- Dress modestly in public areas.
- Respect local customs during Ramadan.
- Public displays of affection are discouraged.
- English and Arabic are widely spoken, with hospitals offering interpreter services for Russian, Hindi, Urdu, and Chinese speakers.
Local Transport Options
Chauffeur services arranged through hospitals.
Dubai Metro and Abu Dhabi public buses.
Hospital shuttle services for international patients.
Many hospitals are within 15–25 minutes of major airports.
Insurance and Payment Tips
- Check if your international insurance is accepted by the chosen hospital.
- Keep a payment method ready for deposits, as some procedures require upfront costs.
- My 1Health can confirm insurance compatibility in advance.
Connecting patients to world-class medical care through our trusted hospital network
