UAE

UAE scores 72.5 out of 100 on the LifeIndexed Healthcare Quality Index in 2025, rated as "Good". Life expectancy is 78.5 years. The country runs a Universal (government-funded, near-universal coverage) and spends 4.20% of GDP on health services.

A typical GP / doctor visit in UAE costs approximately $100 USD. Hospital accommodation costs around $600 USD per day. These are out-of-pocket costs; insured patients may pay significantly less.

UAE has near-universal public health coverage — essentially 100% of the population is covered. Basic medical services are free or heavily subsidised for all residents. The government funds this through 4.20% of GDP in health spending.

Average private health insurance in UAE costs approximately $200 USD per month. This provides access to private hospitals, shorter wait times and specialist care beyond what the public system offers.

UAE operates a universal healthcare system funded primarily by the government, providing coverage to 100.0% of the population. This is typically financed through taxation or mandatory social insurance contributions.

UAE has 2.5 doctors per 1,000 people. This is above the global average of approximately 1.8 per 1,000. The country also has 1.40 hospital beds per 1,000 people.

Life expectancy in UAE is 78.5 years in 2025, compared to the Middle East average of 78.4 years. Life expectancy is a key indicator of population health, nutrition, and the effectiveness of the healthcare system.

The infant mortality rate in UAE is 5.7 deaths per 1,000 live births. This is a moderate rate reflecting ongoing improvements in maternal and newborn care.

UAE ranks 2 out of 9 Middle East countries on the healthcare quality index. Its score of 72.5/100 is +7.4pp above the Middle East average of 65.1/100. Life expectancy is +0.1 years versus the regional average.

Expats who obtain legal residency in UAE generally gain access to the public healthcare system, though registration processes and contribution requirements vary. Many expats also take out international or local private health insurance for faster access and broader coverage.

UAE is not typically considered a primary medical tourism destination. Patients seeking cost savings usually prefer regional alternatives. However, emergency and specialist care is available in major cities.

A hospital stay in UAE costs approximately $600 USD per day for private or uninsured patients. Public system patients pay little or nothing for inpatient care. Hospital costs can vary significantly between public and private facilities.

UAE's healthcare quality index has improved by 2.5 points from 2022 to 2026, rising from 70.0/100 to 72.5/100. Life expectancy also rose from 77.8 to 78.5 years over the same period.

UAE has good hospital infrastructure in urban centres, with 1.40 beds per 1,000 people. Quality varies between public and private facilities and between urban and rural areas.