A practical guide for international patients planning consultations or treatment in Dubai and the UAE, from records to travel and follow-up.
Confirm the healthcare plan before booking travel
Ask the treating facility to confirm the appointment or admission, the responsible department, records required and the expected sequence of consultations or tests. Treatment duration and recovery needs must be discussed with the licensed clinical team.
Request written confirmation where possible. Travel dates should allow for provider availability and any clinical advice about arrival or departure.
- Named facility and clinical contact
- Confirmed dates and expected schedule
- Requested reports, imaging and translations
- How estimates and deposits are handled
Check entry and sponsorship requirements
Visa and entry rules can change. Use official UAE government information and guidance from the sponsoring medical establishment rather than relying on an old blog or a social-media post.
Confirm passport validity, the permitted length of stay and what applies to an accompanying relative. AA Health Central can help organise questions and communication, but approval decisions remain with the relevant authorities.
Plan the stay around the patient
Choose accommodation based on distance from the facility, accessibility, privacy and the patient’s practical needs. Build a transport plan for appointments and consider who will manage meals, prescriptions, family updates and day-to-day support.
Avoid creating a schedule that leaves no room for changes. Healthcare timelines can move, and a flexible booking arrangement can be valuable.
- Accessible accommodation near the facility
- Reliable local transport
- A companion or family communication plan
- Flexible travel and accommodation terms
Prepare the return-home handover
Before departure, ask the treating team for the discharge summary, reports, medication information, follow-up requirements and the correct contact for clinical questions.
Confirm what should be shared with the home doctor and how records will be transferred securely. Arrange follow-up dates before leaving when possible, especially if a virtual review is expected.
What to have ready
- 01Written appointment or treatment confirmation
- 02Official entry-requirement check
- 03Secure and translated record set where required
- 04Accommodation and transport plan
- 05Return-home follow-up and record handover
Use official sources for changing rules.
Entry, visa, provider and health-service requirements can change. Check the latest information with the relevant authority or healthcare facility before acting.
Clear answers before you proceed
Can a concierge recommend a treatment?
No. Treatment recommendations must come from an appropriately licensed healthcare professional.
Who confirms visa eligibility?
Eligibility and approval are determined by the relevant UAE authorities and any sponsoring medical establishment.
When should planning begin?
Begin once the provider has confirmed what is clinically required. More complex journeys usually benefit from additional planning time.