Before you travel the UAE as a medical tourist, you must first know, even just a little, about its healthcare system. The UAE's healthcare system is a universal law that grants every single citizen and resident of the country access to public health insurance. People here are actually legally required to get insured. But for non-residents, it's a different story. They can still access the country's healthcare provided that they register through the Ministry of Health and Prevention for a national public health card. This document will be their ticket to availing the many fine medical services the UAE provides.
But just how popular is the UAE to medical tourists around the world? According to Gulf Business, the country is well on its way to attracting 500,000 medical tourists by 2021. And in 2019 alone, they welcomed 337,011 medical tourists. A lot of which remain in the country for more intense medical treatment. As they say, "numbers talk," and these whopping numbers speak of how effective the UAE has been in not only welcoming medical tourists but actually treating them and giving them the proper medical attention. It won't be long until they double or even possibly triple their numbers.
Generally speaking, the prices of health services in the UAE vary. For citizens and residents, through the country's public healthcare system, various services are actually free and cheap. Most especially if they remain within the public hospitals in the country. But for medical tourists, the costs can go very high depending on the treatment one goes for. After all, the UAE is one of the richest countries in the world. It makes sense that the most important treatment and operations would cost a pretty penny. However, through a patient's national health card, they can still go for the cheaper yet still quality healthcare options in public hospitals.
According to the findings of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the most popular treatment medical tourists went for in the UAE is dental attention. In 2018 alone, they found that 46% of medical tourists traveled all the way to Dubai to get dental treatments. This figure was followed by 18% of those who needed orthopedic treatment and 10% who went to the country for dermatology. Evidently, such services aren't exactly the most intense when it comes to health problems and such. Their popularity may possibly stem from their more affordable costs.
Anyone traveling to the UAE from different countries will probably go to and even stay in Dubai. For medical tourists, in particular, the city houses some of the country's finest hospitals. The Dubai Hospital, for instance, has one of the most prominent pediatric wards and oncology departments in the region. Both children and cancer patients have more chances to get treated well here than in any other institution. And speaking of children, the Latifa Hospital is also another beloved hospital in the city. It's one of the safest spaces for women and children. They are the priority here.
Once a patient is finished with his/her treatment, staying in Dubai might do him/her some good too. After all, the city is one of the advanced in many areas, as well as one of the most luxurious at that. More than just getting treated, a patient can also get pampered here, what with the amazing hotels, stunning resorts, and even top-notch gyms here. Overall wellness can be achieved to a whole other level whilst enjoying the cities many aces and exploring its different neighborhoods. Just remember to take it slow. keep it easy, and relax.
Despite its stereotypically conservative nature, the UAE is actually very advanced in a lot of areas. Not the least of which is giving medical attention. Over the past few years, the country's medical tourism has seen a considerable rise in popularity because of it.
Planning to travel here as a medical tourist? Well, choosing one of Dubai's many luxury apartments as your accommodation will surely benefit your recovery here!
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