Health card fee hike from Sept 30

Expatriates will have to pay double the fee for getting a medical service from the government hospitals and medical centres in Dubai and Northern Emirates if a valid ministry-approved health card is not presented. The rule will be effective from starting September 30.

The fees for issuance of a new health card and its renewal costs will be Dirhams 500 for all ages, according to the Cabinet decision issued last month by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The desicion describes the fees for health card and curative and diagnostic services for non-nationals. A fees of Dh300 will be charged for the replacement of a lost card.

A release issued by the UAE Ministry of Health on Tuesday said that the date for the implementation of the decision had been setup on September 30.

Health cards are mandatory when a new visa is being issued in UAE. However, this ruling by ministry has not been strictly implemented for several years now. But starting from Septermber 30, all new residence visa stamping will require a health card from the UAE Ministry of Health.