Can I use my Dubai DHA insurance in Abu Dhabi?

No. DHA policies are not accepted by DOH-licensed providers. You need a separate DOH-compliant plan.

Do I need a new medical test when moving emirates?

Yes. Each authority requires its own fitness certificate. Book at a centre approved by your new emirate.

Are doctor licences valid across the whole UAE?

No. DHA, DOH and MOHAP licences apply only inside their own jurisdictions.

Which authority covers Sharjah residents?

Sharjah falls under federal MOHAP. Buy an MOHAP-compliant policy and test at MOHAP centres.

DHA vs MOH vs DOH: Which UAE Health Authority Covers You

Three health authorities, three different rules

Every resident in the UAE must hold valid health insurance and a medical fitness certificate. Which authority issues the rules depends on where you live. Dubai uses the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Abu Dhabi uses the Department of Health (DOH). The remaining six emirates follow the federal Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). Knowing the difference prevents rejected claims and wasted time at clinics.

Dubai Health Authority (DHA)

DHA governs every medical facility inside Dubai. Insurance policies sold in Dubai must be DHA-compliant and list a minimum cover of AED 150,000 for inpatient care. When you apply for a new visa or renew residency, DHA-approved centres issue the medical fitness test. DHA also maintains the online portal where you can check a doctor's licence status before booking an appointment.

Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH)

DOH sets standards for Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. Insurance bought in Abu Dhabi must meet DOH minimums, currently AED 175,000 inpatient cover plus chronic-condition riders. Medical fitness tests happen at DOH-licensed centres and results upload directly to the ICP visa system. DOH also runs the Malaffi health-information exchange so your records follow you between government hospitals and private clinics.

Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)

MOHAP covers Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Policies must still meet the federal minimum of AED 150,000 inpatient cover. Medical fitness testing occurs at MOHAP centres and results feed into the same ICP portal used nationwide. Pharmacies in these emirates display both MOHAP and local municipality licences.

Licence recognition across emirates

A DHA-issued medical licence is valid only inside Dubai. DOH licences apply inside Abu Dhabi. MOHAP licences cover the other emirates. If you move from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, your doctor must obtain a DOH licence before they can treat you under Abu Dhabi insurance. Hospitals maintain separate credentialing offices for each authority, so transfers usually take two to four weeks.

Which insurance should you buy?

Live in Dubai? Choose a DHA-approved plan from providers such as Daman, Oman Insurance or Neuron.
Live in Abu Dhabi? Select a DOH-approved plan; Thiqa covers UAE nationals while private plans cover expats.
Live elsewhere? Any MOHAP-compliant plan sold by a federally licensed insurer works.

Buying the wrong policy leads to claim rejections at the border between emirates.

Practical checklist when you move emirates

1. Cancel the old policy and request a no-claims letter.
2. Buy new cover that matches the destination authority within 30 days.
3. Update your Emirates ID address at ICP.
4. Book a fresh medical fitness test at a centre approved by the new authority.
5. Carry both old and new insurance cards for the first three months.

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Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything, visas, banking, housing, schools. Ask Tovi free →

Got more UAE questions?

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything — visas, banking, housing, schools. Ask Tovi free →