Emergency Medical Treatment Rights in UAE
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from UAE federal decrees, laws, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
In the UAE, no one can be denied emergency medical care regardless of their insurance or residency status:
- Right to emergency care: All hospitals and clinics — public and private — must provide emergency treatment to anyone who needs it, regardless of ability to pay, nationality, or visa status.
- Stabilisation first: Medical facilities must stabilise the patient before discussing payment or insurance verification.
- Ambulance services: Call 998 (Abu Dhabi) or 999 (Dubai and other emirates) for emergency ambulance services, which are free. Dubai also has the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS) with an average response time under 8 minutes in urban areas.
- Uninsured patients: If you do not have insurance, you will still receive emergency treatment. The hospital may bill you later, and government hospitals often offer payment plans or financial assistance.
- Transfer restrictions: A hospital cannot transfer an emergency patient to another facility solely because of insurance or financial reasons if the transfer would endanger the patient.
When does it apply?
- You have a medical emergency — a condition that could result in death, permanent disability, or serious harm without immediate treatment.
- This applies to everyone in the UAE, including tourists, undocumented residents, and visitors.
- Applies at all licensed medical facilities, public and private.
What to Do If a UAE Hospital Refuses to Treat You in an Emergency
- Call the emergency number (998 or 999) or go directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.
- Bring your Emirates ID and insurance card if possible, but do not delay treatment to find them.
- If a hospital refuses emergency treatment, report it immediately to the health authority in your emirate.
- After stabilisation, contact your insurance company to arrange coverage for ongoing treatment.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not avoid going to the hospital because you lack insurance — emergency care cannot be refused.
- Do not leave the hospital against medical advice if your condition is not stable.
- Do not ignore hospital bills — unpaid bills can affect your credit and visa renewal. Ask for a payment plan if needed.
Common Questions
When does it apply — emergency medical treatment rights?
You have a medical emergency — a condition that could result in death, permanent disability, or serious harm without immediate treatment.This applies to everyone in the UAE, including tourists, undocumented residents, and visitors.Applies at all licensed medical facilities, public and private.
What should I do if a hospital in the UAE refuses to provide emergency treatment because I do not have insurance?
Call the emergency number (998 or 999) or go directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.Bring your Emirates ID and insurance card if possible, but do not delay treatment to find them.If a hospital refuses emergency treatment, report it immediately to the health authority in your emirate.After stabilisation, contact your insurance company to arrange coverage for ongoing treatment.
What should you NOT do — emergency medical treatment rights?
Do not avoid going to the hospital because you lack insurance — emergency care cannot be refused.Do not leave the hospital against medical advice if your condition is not stable.Do not ignore hospital bills — unpaid bills can affect your credit and visa renewal. Ask for a payment plan if needed.