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Napasrapi Triemthana in Health, Insurance
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Private vs Government Clinics for UAE Medical Tests

Medical fitness certification is a mandatory requirement for expats seeking to obtain or renew residency visas in the UAE. All visa applicants over 18 must undergo extensive medical screening to prove they are disease-free and medically fit to reside in the country.

A key consideration when undergoing medical tests in the UAE is choosing the right facility, as it affects the cost, processing speed, and official recognition. In this article by Pacific Prime Dubai, we’ll explore the medical test requirements for UAE visas and guide you on where to get them done.

Understanding Medical Testing Requirements in the UAE

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Navigating the UAE visa health requirements can seem complex for international travelers. The United Arab Emirates maintains strict medical screening protocols to ensure public health safety and protect residents from potential medical risks.

The mandatory screening process comprises several critical components, including physical examination, blood tests for HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis; pregnancy tests where applicable; chest X-rays for tuberculosis detection; and required vaccinations.

Mandatory Health Screenings for Visa Applicants

The UAE requires specific mandatory screenings for different visa categories. These health checks typically include:

  • HIV/AIDS testing
  • Hepatitis B and C screening
  • Tuberculosis (TB) examination
  • Chest X-ray analysis

Certain occupational categories face additional requirements, with food handlers, café workers, nursery workers, health club workers, and beauty center employees required to test negative for hepatitis B and syphilis. Foreign female domestic workers must additionally test negative for pregnancy.

Types of Medical Certificates Required

Visa applicants must obtain specific medical certificate types from authorized healthcare facilities. These documents serve as official proof of medical clearance and are essential for successful visa processing.

  • Standard medical fitness certificate
  • Comprehensive health evaluation report
  • Specialized screening documentation

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Private vs Government Medical Test in the UAE

When taking medical tests for a UAE residence or an employment visa, it’s essential to understand the difference between government and private medical centers—especially in terms of approval, speed, cost, and eligibility for visa processing.

Government Medical Centers

Government clinics—more accurately called government-run medical fitness centers—are the officially designated facilities for conducting visa medical tests for expatriates. These are not general public hospitals but specialized screening centers operated by health authorities in each emirate:

Note: Public hospitals typically do not provide visa screenings unless specifically designated as a visa medical center.

Private Clinics

Private clinics in the UAE can provide visa medical screenings only if they are officially approved by the relevant health authority. Approval is limited, and not all private healthcare facilities are eligible.

In Dubai, examples include Smart Salem Centers, which are private but fully DHA-certified. They offer premium, fast-track services, with results in as little as 30 minutes, compared to 24- to 72-hour turnaround time in standard government centers. 

They also cost more than their government counterparts, with premium services starting at AED 700+.

It’s important to note that medical tests for residence/employment visas must be conducted at approved centers only, as tests done at unauthorized private clinics will not be accepted for visa processing.

List of Government-Approved Medical Facilities in the UAE

Medical facilities directly approved and run by emirate-level government entities, such as the Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DoH), Dubai Health Authority (DHA), or Sharjah Health Authority represent the official standard for visa medical screening. 

Here’s the list of government-approved examination centers in each emirate.

Medical Fitness Centers in Dubai

Dubai offers over 20 government-run medical fitness centers under the Dubai Health Authority. These centers provide standard and express services for visa applicants. You can select the medical fitness test center that you prefer to visit from the following locations:

Medical Fitness Centers in Abu Dhabi

In Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) operates multiple Disease Prevention & Screening Centers for visa medical tests. Appointments can be scheduled via the SEHA Visa Screening App.

Key Centers in Abu Dhabi:

Medical Fitness Centers in Other Emirates

In Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain, Emirates Health Services (EHS) manages the visa medical fitness centers. Appointments can be booked through the EHS website.

Key Centers in Other Emirates:

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Cost of Private vs Government Clinics in the UAE

Only a limited number of private clinics in the UAE are certified to conduct visa medical tests, for example, the Smart Salem Centers, which have many branches across Dubai. Most private hospitals and clinics do not offer this service unless explicitly licensed.

Here’s a comparison between government clinics and private authorized clinics like the Smart Salem Centers:

Feature Government Clinics Private (Authorized) Clinics
Authority Operated by government health authorities Must be licensed by government authorities
Availability Widely available across emirates Limited, usually in premium or VIP centers
Cost AED 300 (standard service)

AED 700 (standard service for household domestic workers)

AED 750 (express service)

AED 1,020 (express service for household domestic workers)

 AED 700 (express service at Smart Salem Centers)

(For female domestic workers, there’ll be an additional AED 50 for a mandatory pregnancy test)
Speed 24–72 hours As fast as 30 minutes 
Comfort/Service Basic, can be crowded More comfortable, with VIP-level amenities

Additional Considerations For Expats in the UAE

Whether you’re applying for your first UAE residence visa or renewing an existing one, it’s important to be prepared beyond just choosing a testing center. First and foremost, make sure to carry a valid passport and visa application number or original Emirates ID for renewals. 

If your test is inconclusive or shows signs of TB or other conditions, you may be asked to return for additional testing or a referral to a specialist clinic. In some cases, a visa application may be rejected for serious communicable diseases. 

Check out our other guides on what to do if you fail a UAE medical test and how to file an appeal if your result is disputed.

Fulfill Your Visa Requirement with Pacific Prime Dubai

Health insurance isn’t just a smart move—it’s a mandatory requirement for most long-term visas in the UAE. Without it, your visa application won’t be processed, and you could face delays in obtaining essential documents like your Emirates ID. 

But beyond compliance, having the right health insurance gives you peace of mind and ensures access to top-tier medical care as an expat in the UAE.

That’s where Pacific Prime comes in. As an experienced broker, we simplify the process of finding a visa-compliant plan that suits your budget and lifestyle. We work with top global and regional insurers to bring you tailored solutions—whether you’re applying as an individual, family, or retiree.

Our team provides expert advice, plan comparisons, and personalized recommendations to simplify the process of obtaining health insurance in the UAE. 

Secure your visa and protect your health by connecting with us today!

Napasrapi Triemthana
Napasrapi Triemthana
Napasrapi Triemthana, best known by his nickname “Tawan,” is an upcoming content creator at Pacific Prime Thailand. He is a fresh graduate in English from the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, where he developed knowledge in literature and culture, while also building up experience writing both academically and professionally compelling essays and articles. Before joining Pacific Prime’s content team, Tawan had been in an internship at a top e-commerce company in Thailand, during which he had a chance to write blog posts and short articles for the company’s website and social media. During college, Tawan also worked part-time as a Thai-English translator and proofreader for the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University’s academic journals.

With his keen interest in journalism, especially in the healthcare and wellness field, Tawan joins Pacific Prime with the goal of creating content that simplifies health insurance solutions, helping people make informed choices and choose the best options for their needs. Tawan firmly believes that words have power that can shape the world for the better.

In his free time, Tawan loves to pick up his Nintendo Switch and wield his Master Sword in Hyrule’s dungeons. He is also an avid sci-fi books/shows enjoyer. You can spot him hanging around bookstores and game shops all day long!
Napasrapi Triemthana
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Napasrapi Triemthana

Napasrapi Triemthana, best known by his nickname “Tawan,” is an upcoming content creator at Pacific Prime Thailand. He is a fresh graduate in English from the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, where he developed knowledge in literature and culture, while also building up experience writing both academically and professionally compelling essays and articles. Before joining Pacific Prime’s content team, Tawan had been in an internship at a top e-commerce company in Thailand, during which he had a chance to write blog posts and short articles for the company’s website and social media. During college, Tawan also worked part-time as a Thai-English translator and proofreader for the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University’s academic journals.

With his keen interest in journalism, especially in the healthcare and wellness field, Tawan joins Pacific Prime with the goal of creating content that simplifies health insurance solutions, helping people make informed choices and choose the best options for their needs. Tawan firmly believes that words have power that can shape the world for the better.

In his free time, Tawan loves to pick up his Nintendo Switch and wield his Master Sword in Hyrule’s dungeons. He is also an avid sci-fi books/shows enjoyer. You can spot him hanging around bookstores and game shops all day long!

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