Doctor consultation fees in Dubai refer to the standard charges patients pay to visit licensed physicians across clinics, hospitals, and telemedicine platforms. In 2025, the average cost for a medical consultation in Dubai ranges from AED 150 to AED 600, depending on the type of doctor, healthcare facility, and mode of consultation.
For general practitioners (GPs), consultation fees typically fall between AED 150 and AED 300, while specialist consultations—such as cardiology, dermatology, or orthopedics—range from AED 400 to AED 600 or more. Fees at private clinics often reflect factors like the doctor’s experience, clinic reputation, facility tier (premium vs. mid-range), and location within the city.
Health insurance plays a key role in reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Most residents have mandatory health coverage under Dubai regulations, which may include co-payments of AED 30–50 for insured visits. Teleconsultations, now widely available post-pandemic, offer a more cost-effective alternative, generally priced between AED 150 and AED 250. Meanwhile, home visit consultations and emergency appointments tend to incur higher fees due to urgency and convenience.
Whether you’re a resident, tourist, or expat, understanding these pricing structures can help you make informed decisions about where—and how—to access medical care in Dubai.
• Doctor Consultation Fee → refers to a regulated or market-driven base charge for outpatient evaluation by a licensed physician.
• ↳ DHA Regulated Charge → applies to public hospitals (AED 50–150) via health card or EBP insurance.
• ↳ Insurance Co-payment → mandatory for private healthcare; typically AED 30–100 depending on insurer and network inclusion.
• ↳ Clinic Tier → categorized into public, mid-range, and premium facilities — influencing total consultation cost and service access.
What Is a Doctor Consultation Fee in Dubai?
A doctor consultation fee in Dubai refers to the base cost charged for a scheduled evaluation by a licensed general practitioner (GP) or medical specialist. This fee typically includes initial patient assessment, history taking, and preliminary diagnosis, but excludes additional services like diagnostic tests, prescription medication, or specialist procedures.
In practical terms, the consultation fee acts as the gateway charge — it opens access to medical care, but does not cover full treatment unless bundled in a package.
In Dubai, these fees are influenced by the type of facility (public vs private), the experience of the doctor, and whether the consultation is in-person, telehealth, or home visit.
Under the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) framework, consultation charges are regulated for government facilities but remain market-driven in private clinics. DHA-approved public hospitals offer subsidized consultations for UAE nationals and insured residents (typically AED 50–150), while private clinic fees range between AED 200–600, depending on location, specialty, and brand reputation.
For example:
- A general consultation at a DHA-affiliated health center might cost AED 60
- A similar session at a premium clinic in Dubai Marina may be AED 400+
This price variation stems from:
- Doctor’s expertise or sub-specialization
- Clinic tiering (mid-range vs luxury)
- Included services (e.g., consultation-only vs bundled diagnostics)
- In-network vs out-of-network billing policies
Understanding the consultation fee structure helps patients plan care, compare providers, and reduce out-of-pocket spending — especially when managing insurance coverage or choosing between teleconsultation, home visits, or clinic appointments.
GP vs. Specialist Fees: What’s the Cost Difference?
The cost of seeing a doctor in Dubai significantly depends on whether you’re consulting a general practitioner (GP) or a medical specialist. The consultation fee serves as the entry-level charge and varies based on the doctor’s designation, service complexity, and insurance policy coverage.
General Practitioner (GP) Fees in Dubai
A general practitioner (GP) is typically your first point of contact for non-emergency health issues, check-ups, and referrals. In Dubai, the average GP consultation fee ranges between AED 150 and AED 350, depending on:
- Whether the clinic is public (DHA-affiliated) or private
- The location of the facility (e.g., Deira vs Jumeirah)
- Whether you’re insured, and if the clinic is in-network
For insured residents under Daman’s Essential Benefits Plan, GP co-payments can be as low as AED 30–50 in-network.
Specialist Consultation Fees in Dubai
A specialist doctor is one who focuses on a specific area of medicine — such as cardiology, orthopedics, dermatology, or OB-GYN. These consultations typically cost more due to:
- Additional certifications
- Advanced diagnostics
- Treatment complexity
On average, specialist consultation fees in Dubai range from AED 400 to AED 700, with premium clinics sometimes charging more.
When Is a Doctor Considered a Specialist in Dubai?
According to DHA licensing standards, a specialist:
- Holds a postgraduate qualification (e.g., MRCP, FRCS, or equivalent)
- Is recognized in specialties like:
- ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat)
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Reproductive Health / OB-GYN
These doctors often require pre-authorization under insurance plans, especially for new patients.
Breakdown of Consultation Fees by Medical Specialty
Doctor consultation fees in Dubai vary significantly based on the medical specialty, with specialists typically charging more than general practitioners due to their focused expertise, diagnostic tools, and procedural complexity. Below is a detailed breakdown of average consultation costs by specialty in 2025:
| Medical Specialty | Average Fee (AED) | Coverage Options |
|---|---|---|
| General Practitioner (GP) | 150 – 350 | Mostly covered (EBP & private plans) |
| Pediatrician | 300 – 500 | Partially covered (with referral) |
| Dermatologist | 300 – 700 | Variable (depends on reason: medical vs cosmetic) |
| Cardiologist | 500 – 600 | Covered with referral + pre-authorization |
| General Dentist | 300 | Limited; often excluded in basic plans |
| Specialist Dentist | 500 | Rarely covered unless medically necessary |
Public vs Private Clinic Consultation Fees in Dubai
Dubai offers two distinct healthcare pathways — public hospitals and private clinics — each with different fee structures, coverage models, and access protocols.
Below is a quick comparison to help you evaluate both options:
| Public Hospitals | Private Clinics |
|---|---|
| Consultation fees for residents: AED 50–150 | Consultation fees range from AED 200–500 |
| Subsidized rates for UAE nationals | Higher costs reflect faster access and premium service |
| Accessible via DHA health card | Shorter wait times and extended operating hours |
| Often require longer wait times | Broader specialty coverage (aesthetic, wellness, advanced diagnostics) |
| Mostly covered by government insurance | Insurance accepted, but co-payment varies by plan |
| Limited specialist availability without referral | Home visits, teleconsultations, and walk-ins often available |
| Typically used for basic primary care or emergencies | Popular among expats, tourists, and medical tourists |
While public facilities offer affordability, private clinics provide convenience, speed, and specialized care — making them the preferred choice for those with private insurance or time-sensitive health concerns.
Dubai Health Card: For UAE nationals or residents accessing government hospitals, the Dubai Health Card often reduces general consultation fees to as low as AED 50. This card is issued by the DHA and supplements insurance coverage within the public health network
Impact of Insurance Coverage on Consultation Costs
In Dubai, health insurance is mandatory for all residents, as per Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulations. Employers are legally required to provide insurance to their employees, and dependents must also be covered—either through the employer or a private plan.
Insurance coverage significantly reduces out-of-pocket expenses for doctor consultations. Most plans include general practitioner visits, and some extend to specialist consultations with referrals and pre-approvals. However, the actual cost to the patient depends on the co-payment structure, plan type, and insurance provider policies.
Common Insurance Providers in Dubai:
- Daman (the DHA-backed insurer): Often offers co-payments as low as AED 30–50 under Essential Benefits Plans (EBP)
- Allianz Care and Aetna: Offer broader outpatient coverage through employer-based plans
- MetLife: Offers both individual and family medical plans with flexible coverage for outpatient and specialist consultations.
Co-payment Comparison by Provider
| Insurance Provider | Typical Co-pay (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Daman | 30–50 | DHA-mandated; widely accepted |
| Aetna | 50–100 | Depends on corporate tier |
| MetLife | 40–80 | Covers outpatient + specialist visits |
| Allianz Care | 30–70 | Requires pre-approval for specialists |
| No Insurance | 150–600+ | Full fee applies (GP or specialist) |
Even with insurance, co-payments are not fixed across providers or plans. Patients should check coverage limits, in-network provider lists, and referral requirements before booking a consultation to avoid unexpected fees.
Consultation Fees by Medical Specialty in Dubai
Doctor consultation fees in Dubai also vary by mode of service delivery. Patients can choose between in-person visits, teleconsultations, and home visits—each priced differently based on convenience, operational costs, and service scope.
In-Person Consultations
These are the most common form of consultations and are priced based on medical specialty, provider type, and facility tier.
| Consultation Type | Typical Fee (AED) | Coverage Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Practitioners (GPs) | 150–350 | Insurance coverage often applies, especially for residents under Essential Benefits Plans or employer-sponsored health insurance. |
| Specialists | 400–700 | |
| Dental Consultations | 300–500 |
Teleconsultations (Online Doctor Visits)
Virtual consultations have become widely accepted across Dubai’s healthcare ecosystem—especially post-COVID.
| Teleconsultation Overview | |
|---|---|
| Average Fee | AED 150–250 |
| Common Use Cases | Minor illnesses, second opinions, prescription refills |
| Insurance Acceptance | Accepted by Daman, MetLife, Allianz |
| Best For | Time-sensitive or mobility-restricted patients |
| Hybrid Models | Some clinics start with teleconsults and shift to in-person if needed |
Home Visit Consultations
Premium service where a licensed doctor visits the patient’s residence or hotel.
| Home Visit Doctor Consultations | |
|---|---|
| Typical Fee Range | AED 250–550 (varies by distance, time, and specialty) |
| Additional Costs | May include lab tests, prescriptions, or emergency care |
| Common Users | Elderly, families with young children, after-hours needs |
| Insurance Coverage | Partially covered by premium plans; often paid out-of-pocket |
Geographic Variation: Which Areas in Dubai Are Affordable?
Consultation fees may also vary depending on clinic location within Dubai. Central business districts and upscale communities often house premium clinics with higher pricing, while suburban or government-funded areas offer more affordable options.
| Area in Dubai | GP Fee Range (AED) | Specialist Fee Range (AED) | Facility Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deira | 150–250 | 350–550 | Government + Private Mix |
| Al Barsha | 200–300 | 400–600 | Private Clinics |
| Dubai Marina | 250–350 | 500–700 | Premium Clinics |
| Bur Dubai | 150–250 | 350–500 | Government + Private |
| Jumeirah | 250–400 | 500–750 | High-End Clinics |
| Silicon Oasis | 180–250 | 400–600 | Mid-Tier Private |
| International City | 120–200 | 300–450 | Affordable Clinics |
Note: Fees listed are indicative averages. Actual charges may vary by clinic reputation, insurance partnerships, and doctor availability.
Medical Tourism in Dubai: Dubai’s competitive consultation fees, especially for specialties like cosmetic dermatology or fertility care, have made it a hub for medical tourism. International patients often compare private clinic pricing with their home country to make informed travel-health decisions.
Factors That Influence Your Doctor’s Consultation Fee
While base consultation fees are influenced by doctor type and service mode, several additional factors can raise or reduce the total cost of a doctor visit in Dubai.
Here’s a breakdown of the key elements that affect pricing:
Doctor’s Experience:
- Specialists or consultants with 15+ years of experience or international certifications tend to charge higher consultation fees.
- Fees may reflect the depth of expertise, demand, and patient trust in the physician’s reputation.
Clinic or Hospital Reputation
- Well-known hospitals or clinics (e.g., Saudi German Hospital, Mediclinic, Aster) often set higher consultation rates.
- Premium facilities usually include better amenities, shorter wait times, and more personalized care.
Location of the Clinic
- Clinics located in upscale areas like Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, or Downtown Dubai may charge AED 100–200 more than those in suburban districts.
- Rent, demand, and target clientele influence these higher pricing structures
Time of Appointment
- After-hours, weekend, or urgent same-day consultations may come with surge fees or extended-hour premiums.
- For example, a GP consult that normally costs AED 200 may rise to AED 300–350 during late evenings or Fridays.
Other Notable Factors:
- Insurance Network Inclusion: Out-of-network doctors may not be covered or may require reimbursement instead of direct billing.
- Consultation Duration: Long, detailed consults may trigger time-based tiered pricing in some clinics.
-
Consultation Type: First-time visits often cost more than follow-ups.
Understanding these factors allows patients to better plan their medical visits—balancing quality of care, urgency, and affordability.
DHA Complaint Portal: If a patient experiences excessive billing, denied insurance claims, or non-transparent pricing, complaints can be submitted via the DHA Complaint Portal. This ensures compliance and protects patient rights in both public and private settings.
How to Reduce Your Doctor Consultation Expenses in Dubai
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor in Dubai, there are smart strategies to minimize your out-of-pocket doctor consultation costs without compromising on quality.
Here are the top tips to help you save:
- Utilize Your Insurance Benefits Effectively: Before booking an appointment, verify if the clinic or doctor is in-network with your insurance provider. Out-of-network consultations often require higher co-pays or full upfront payments.
- Choose Clinics Based on Location: Medical facilities in areas like Deira, Bur Dubai, or International City tend to offer more affordable consultation fees compared to upscale zones like Jumeirah or Downtown Dubai.
- Opt for Teleconsultations When Appropriate: If your condition is non-emergency or follow-up in nature, choose a teleconsultation, typically priced between AED 150–250. Many insurers cover these, and they save both time and travel.
- Schedule Preventive Check-Ups: Regular health check-ups may seem like an added cost, but they help detect issues early and avoid expensive treatments later. Preventive care is often partially or fully covered under many insurance plans.
- Compare Clinics Based on Co-Pay and Reviews: Use DHA’s online tools or aggregator platforms to compare consultation fees, co-payment rates, and patient reviews. A bit of research can uncover high-quality care at a lower cost.
- Ask for Follow-Up Discounts: Many clinics offer reduced fees for follow-up consultations, especially if you’re returning for the same issue within a short time window (e.g., 7–14 days).
By combining smart clinic choices with insurance awareness and digital options, you can access quality healthcare in Dubai while keeping consultation costs under control.
Tools to Find the Right Doctor at the Right Price in Dubai
In a city where doctor consultation fees can range from AED 50 to AED 700, having access to decision-enabling tools is crucial — especially when pricing, insurance coverage, location, and appointment availability vary dramatically between providers. Below is a curated list of health-tech and regulatory platforms that help patients in Dubai make cost-effective and time-sensitive healthcare decisions.
| Platform | Best For | Consultation Fee Visibility | Insurance Filter | Booking Support | Notable Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DHA Smart Directory | Public clinics, DHA facilities, EBP plans | Yes (public clinics) | Yes | No | Finding GP consultations under AED 150 in government hospitals |
| Okadoc | Real-time booking, teleconsults, price check | Yes (GPs & specialists) | Yes | Yes | Book same-day GP visits and filter by insurance |
| Medcare App | Premium hospitals & specialist access | Yes | Yes | Yes | Scheduling OB-GYN or cardiology appointments under Medcare group |
| Bayzat | Insurance selection & plan optimization | Indirect (via plan details) | Yes | No | Compare health plans with low outpatient co-pays for consultations |
Most Common Questions About Doctor Consultation Fees in Dubai
The average GP consultation fee in Dubai ranges from AED 150 to AED 350, depending on whether you're visiting a public hospital, mid-tier private clinic, or premium healthcare brand like Mediclinic. If you're insured through Daman or MetLife, your co-payment may drop to AED 30–50. For lower fees, clinics in Deira or Bur Dubai typically offer the most affordable GP visits. Use DHA’s Smart Directory to compare GP fees across different neighborhoods and insurance networks. Yes, many major insurers now cover teleconsultations, especially for non-emergency cases like cold, skin issues, or follow-ups. For example, Allianz Care and Aetna cover virtual consultations with in-network doctors at rates between AED 150–250. Some platforms also offer direct billing. Always verify whether the telemedicine provider is linked to your insurance plan before booking. Pro tip: Use apps like Okadoc or HealthHub to filter by covered doctors. Public clinics, like those under DHA, charge AED 50–150 and prioritize UAE residents. Meanwhile, private clinics in areas like Jumeirah or Marina often charge AED 300–600, especially for specialists. Private hospitals also offer faster access, wider specialties, and international accreditation, which contribute to higher fees. If budget is your priority, start with public hospitals or mid-tier private clinics in Al Nahda or International City. Yes, some private clinics allow fee negotiations, especially if you're paying out-of-pocket, booking for multiple family members, or requesting a basic consultation without diagnostics. Also, many offer follow-up consultations at reduced rates (AED 100–200), especially if you return within 7–14 days. Always ask if they offer follow-up discounts, cash pricing, or family packages. Daman typically offers the lowest co-pays (AED 30–50) under the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP), especially at DHA-affiliated clinics. Allianz Care and MetLife offer more flexible co-pay models for expats, but might require pre-authorization for specialists. The co-pay also varies by clinic network and whether you visit in-person or via telehealth. Check your plan’s provider directory before scheduling your appointment. Specialist consultations range from AED 400–700, with rates increasing for high-demand specialties like cardiology or dermatology. Clinics in premium areas (e.g., Marina, Jumeirah) may charge more. If you have insurance, you may need a referral to avoid paying full price. 💡 Book through an insurer’s referral system to lower specialist visit costs. For UAE nationals, public consultations are often fully subsidized. Residents pay AED 50–150, provided they hold a valid DHA health card or are insured under Essential Benefits Plans. Emergency services may involve different pricing and co-pays. 💡 DHA clinics are ideal for affordable, routine consultations. Teleconsultations cost between AED 150–250, depending on the platform and doctor’s specialty. Providers like Okadoc, HealthHub, or hospital apps support direct billing with insurers. Teleconsults are great for follow-ups, minor issues, and non-urgent concerns. 💡 Use in-network platforms to avoid reimbursement delays. Yes. Most policies cover GP and outpatient consultations, while specialists may require pre-approval. Co-payments typically range from AED 30–100 depending on your insurer, location, and consultation type (in-person vs teleconsultation). 💡 Review your policy’s outpatient section for co-pay rates and referral rules. Most Dubai residents pay AED 30–100 per consultation, depending on their insurance provider. Daman and MetLife offer the lowest co-pays, while some corporate Aetna plans offer zero co-pay within select hospital groups. 💡 Choose clinics within your insurance network to minimize co-payments. Yes. Tourists without UAE-based insurance usually pay the full fee, ranging from AED 200–600+, depending on specialty and location. Some travel insurance plans cover partial reimbursement, but most require upfront payment. 💡 Call ahead to check pricing and whether your travel insurance is accepted. Absolutely. Many private clinics allow walk-ins or online bookings for self-paying patients, with GPs charging AED 200–400 and specialists AED 500–700. Some offer cash discounts or package pricing for multiple visits. 💡 Always ask about first-visit vs follow-up pricing if uninsured. Daman under DHA offers AED 30–50 co-pays at government facilities. Allianz Care, MetLife, and AXA Gulf also offer competitive outpatient plans for residents and expats. Corporate policies typically offer broader clinic networks. 💡 Use insurer directories to find in-network providers with the lowest fees. Yes, many policies—especially Essential Benefits Plans (EBP)—require a GP referral for specialist coverage. Without one, you may need to pay the full specialist fee, which can be AED 400–700. 💡 Always confirm with your insurer or clinic before booking a specialist. Most basic plans exclude dental, though some corporate or upgraded policies offer partial coverage. Expect to pay AED 300–500 for general or specialist dental consultations if uninsured. 💡 Check for "dental outpatient" inclusion in your plan before visiting. Yes. Home visits in Dubai typically cost AED 250–550, with surcharges for late nights, weekends, or emergency cases. They’re often not covered under basic insurance plans unless medically necessary. 💡 Use home visits for elderly care, post-surgery checks, or child emergencies. Most clinics offer reduced fees for follow-ups, especially within 7 to 14 days of the initial consultation. Prices range from AED 100–200, depending on specialty and clinic policy. 💡 Always ask if a discounted follow-up rate is available before rebooking. Areas like Deira, Al Nahda, Karama, and International City offer lower GP and specialist fees compared to Jumeirah or Marina. Clinics in suburban zones often charge AED 100–200 less for similar services. 💡 Use location-based filters on booking apps to find cost-effective care. Yes. Clinics often apply after-hours surcharges for evenings, weekends, or urgent appointments—typically AED 100–200 extra per visit. Teleconsultations may offer lower surge pricing. 💡 Book during weekday hours to avoid peak consultation fees. Yes. Platforms like Okadoc, Medcare, and 24x7Doc offer round-the-clock access to GPs and some specialists. Costs range from AED 150–250, often with insurance support. 💡 Always check if your insurer supports direct billing for virtual consults. Use DHA’s Smart Directory, insurance provider tools, or apps like Okadoc to compare clinics by price, insurance coverage, location, and doctor rating. 💡 Filter results by specialty, location, and co-payment to save time and money. Trusted platforms include Okadoc, HealthHub, DHA Smart Directory, and Bayzat. They allow users to sort by fee, insurance, consultation type, and availability. 💡 Use platform filters to compare GP, specialist, home, and teleconsultation fees.
Dr. Aisha Rahman is a board-certified internal medicine specialist with over 12 years of clinical experience in chronic disease management and preventive healthcare. She has worked at leading hospitals across the UAE, helping patients manage conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders.
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Dr. Omar Al-Farsi is a clinical nutritionist and medical researcher with over 15 years of experience in dietary science, metabolic disorders, and preventive healthcare. He has served as a senior consultant for UAE healthcare authorities and contributed to public health initiatives focused on nutrition education and disease prevention.
Dr. Al-Farsi has collaborated with leading hospitals, research institutions, and universities in the UAE, ensuring that health information is scientifically accurate and evidence-based. His research has been published in Gulf Medical Journal, Dubai Health Review, and WHO Nutrition Reports, making significant contributions to nutrition science and public health awareness.