Student medical insurance regulations in Dubai
Student medical insurance is a crucial requirement for all students in Dubai to ensure they have access to healthcare services while living and studying in the UAE.
The following is an overview of the regulations surrounding student medical insurance in Dubai:
- Mandatory health coverage: The UAE government mandates that all residents, including international students must have health insurance.
- Compliance with DHA regulations: All students are expected to have health insurance that meets of the DHA minimum standards. This includes having a policy that covers essential healthcare services.
- University insurance requirements: Many universities in Dubai collaborate with insurance providers to offer customised health insurance plans for students. Some educational institutes in Dubai include insurance in tuition fees, while others may ask students to buy insurance separately.
- Duration of medical insurance coverage: Coverage of health insurance for international students should last for the entire duration of their study programme in Dubai. The policy should cover students for both the academic year and extended stays.
- Medical insurance for visa processing: Many higher education providers ask for proof of student medical insurance for visa processing and admissions to their institutions.
- Renewal of student medical insurance: Medical insurance for students is typically renewed annually, and students must ensure that their insurance remains active throughout their study period in Dubai.
Health insurance for students enables them to manage their finances on expensive medical services, get through their visa application process easily and secure their health in a new city. According to DHA, it is mandatory for international students to buy health insurance.
Types of health insurance plans for international students
Dubai offers different types of health insurance plans for students. These plans help students to find the ideal health insurance policy based on their specific requirements.
The following are some examples of health insurance plans for students, what they are, what they cover and how beneficial they are:
Type of health insurance for students
|
Description
|
Benefits
|
University sponsored health insurance
|
- Many institutes in Dubai offer student medical insurance.
- They collaborate with health insurance providers to offer tailored insurance plans for international students.
- The plans often cover doctor consultations, emergency treatments, hospital stays and dental care.
|
- These health insurance plans for students covers essential services.
- Easier and quicker processing with the higher education provider.
|
Private health insurance
|
- Students can purchase private health insurance if they have specific requirements.
- Private health insurance is flexible and offer extensive benefits.
- These health insurance plans for students are designed with different levels of coverage.
- It allows students to choose the insurance plan as per their need, budget and duration.
|
- It offers access to lager network of hospitals and healthcare providers.
- More flexible in choosing the coverage options for international students.
- It can cover extra care like dental or optical.
|
Basic health insurance
|
- The minimum medical coverage required by DHA for international students is basic health insurance.
- This plan covers basic health services such as hospital treatments and emergency care.
- Basic health insurance for international students often have limited access to certain hospitals or treatments.
|
- Students from abroad are eligible for basic health insurance.
- These health insurance plans for students meet DHA’s minimum requirements.
- It covers necessary health treatments and emergency care.
|
Based on the budget, need and coverage, students can opt for an insurance plan while studying in Dubai.
Tips for choosing health insurance plans for students in Dubai
It is extremely important for international students to consider their health factors while moving to Dubai for further education. Students can avoid unforeseen medical challenges if they have access to the right health insurance at the right time. There are various health insurance plans for students in Dubai but choosing the right one can be a challenge.
The following tips will help you choose the right medical insurance plan to stay peaceful and secure in Dubai.
- Understand your needs: It is important to note down your healthcare needs before looking for student medical insurance. An insurance plan that suits other students might not be necessary for you. You can look for health insurance that covers basic facilities, such as emergency care or hospital visits and covers your study period in Dubai.
- Network of hospitals: Make sure that the medical insurance covers a wide range of hospitals. A wide network of hospitals included in the insurance will help students, as they can find healthcare services near their university or residence.
- Coverage options: Health insurance for international students in Dubai offers a range of coverage options. There are basic health insurance plans that provide coverage for medical expenses. While there are other health plans that offer a wide range of medical services. Students must understand their requirements before deciding on the right health insurance plan.
- Regulatory compliance: Any health insurance plan you read about, make sure it falls under the DHA regulations. By following DHA standards, it ensures that the health insurance plans for students meet the basic requirements for avoiding any unwanted health expenses.
Finding health insurance plans for students in Dubai requires a detailed approach. Students must know their needs, costs of the insurance, duration, hospital network and additional benefits.
Get the support you need, when you need it

At GBS Dubai, we understand that a healthy mind and body is key to a successful life. A healthy body not only supports a healthy lifestyle but also improves your studies. Our Student Welfare Team makes sure students have all the health, wellbeing and welfare support to help them achieve their academic goals.
We encourage students to look after their wellbeing, empower them to seek help from the welfare team and help them to develop essential health and wellbeing skills. You can contact our support team and get more information about health insurance for international students studying in Dubai.