Healthcare Cost Comparison 2026
Compare consultation fees across public hospitals, private clinics, and pharmacy walk-in clinics in Abu Dhabi.
General Consultation
- Public Hospital: AED 50-100
- Private Clinic: AED 150-250
- Pharmacy Clinic: AED 50-75
Specialist Consultation
- Public Hospital: AED 100-200
- Private Clinic: AED 250-400
- Pharmacy Clinic: Not available
Emergency Visit
- Public Hospital: Free - AED 50
- Private Clinic: AED 300-500
- Pharmacy Clinic: Minor issues only
Lab Tests (Basic)
- Public Hospital: AED 50-150
- Private Clinic: AED 100-300
- Pharmacy Clinic: AED 80-200
Government Hospitals (Most Affordable)
Public hospitals in Abu Dhabi offer the most affordable healthcare, especially for emergency services. UAE residents and citizens receive heavily subsidized rates.
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC)
- Type: Major Government Hospital
- Emergency: 24/7, Free for UAE residents
- General Consultation: AED 50-100
- Specialist: AED 100-200
- Location: Al Karamah, near Airport Road
- Phone: +971 2 610 2000
- Best For: Emergency care, major procedures, affordable specialists
Al Mafraq Hospital
- Type: Government Hospital
- Emergency: 24/7 Emergency Department
- General Consultation: AED 60-120
- Specialist: AED 120-250
- Location: Al Mafraq area, near airport
- Phone: +971 2 581 7777
- Best For: Maternity, pediatrics, general medicine
Tawam Hospital (Al Ain)
- Type: Major Teaching Hospital
- General Consultation: AED 50-100
- Note: Excellent for complex cases, worth the drive for specialized care
Pharmacy Walk-In Clinics (Cheapest Private Option)
Many pharmacies in Abu Dhabi have walk-in clinics with licensed doctors. Consultation: AED 50-75.
Life Pharmacy Clinics
- Multiple locations across Abu Dhabi
- Walk-in service, no appointment needed
- Consultation: AED 50-75
- Best For: Minor illnesses, prescriptions, sick notes
Boots Pharmacy Clinics
- Mall locations, convenient hours
- Consultation: AED 50-75
- Best For: Quick consultations while shopping
FAZAA Card Healthcare Discounts
FAZAA card holders get up to 50% off at participating hospitals and clinics in Abu Dhabi.
FAZAA Card Benefits:
- 50% discount at participating hospitals and clinics
- Available for government employees and their families
- Some private sector workers also eligible
- Check fazaa.ae for participating healthcare providers
Money-Saving Healthcare Tips
Essential Tips:
- Use public hospitals for emergencies - often free for UAE residents
- Pharmacy clinics for minor issues (AED 50-75 vs AED 150-250 at private clinics)
- Get employer-provided health insurance (mandatory in UAE)
- FAZAA card holders get 50% discounts at participating hospitals
- Book appointments in advance - walk-ins cost more
- Generic medicines are 50-70% cheaper than branded
- Compare lab test prices - they vary significantly
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest hospital in Abu Dhabi without insurance?
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) and Al Mafraq Hospital are the cheapest hospitals in Abu Dhabi without insurance. General consultations cost AED 50-100, and emergency care is often free for UAE residents. For minor issues, pharmacy walk-in clinics at Life Pharmacy or Boots cost just AED 50-75.
How do FAZAA healthcare discounts work?
FAZAA is a discount card program offering up to 50% off healthcare at participating hospitals and clinics in Abu Dhabi. It is available to UAE government employees, their families, and some private sector workers. Simply present your FAZAA card at registration to receive the discount. Visit fazaa.ae for participating providers.
Which government hospitals in Abu Dhabi treat expats?
All government hospitals in Abu Dhabi treat expats, including Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), Al Mafraq Hospital, and Tawam Hospital in Al Ain. Expats pay out-of-pocket rates (AED 50-200 per visit) which are still much cheaper than private hospitals. Emergency care is provided to everyone regardless of insurance status.
Are there free hospitals in Abu Dhabi for low-income residents?
Government hospitals provide free emergency care for UAE citizens and heavily subsidized rates for residents. Low-income workers can access affordable care at public hospitals like SKMC (from AED 50). Health insurance is mandatory for all UAE residents, and employers must provide it. If you are uninsured, public hospitals are the most affordable option.
How much does a doctor visit cost in Abu Dhabi without insurance?
Without insurance, a doctor visit in Abu Dhabi costs AED 50-100 at government hospitals, AED 150-250 at private clinics, or AED 50-75 at pharmacy walk-in clinics. Specialists cost AED 100-400 depending on the facility. The cheapest option for non-emergency care is pharmacy clinics at Life Pharmacy or Boots.