Health cover
Health cover works very differently in Dubai and Spain. In Dubai, health insurance is mandatory: employers must insure their employees, and whoever sponsors a dependant's visa must arrange cover for them, to at least the Dubai Health Authority's minimum. In Spain, non-EU applicants for visas such as the non-lucrative visa usually need comprehensive private cover from an insurer authorised in Spain, with no co-payments and no waiting periods, so check that a policy is accepted before you buy it.
Providers to compare
Last checked November 2026. Listed in no particular order.
Cigna Global
Flexible international cover, with DHA-approved UAE plans
International private medical insurance for individuals and families living abroad. Cigna states that its Healthguard plans for the UAE are approved by the Dubai Health Authority and meet DHA mandated coverage limits.
Visit Cigna GlobalBupa Global
Premium international health cover
Bupa's international health insurance business for individuals and companies, with a regional entity in the DIFC serving the Middle East. Its UAE-compliant plans and level of cover vary by product.
Visit Bupa GlobalAllianz Care
Expat health plans from a large global insurer
Allianz's international health insurance arm, offering plans for individuals, families and employers living abroad. Check with Allianz Care which plan meets local rules in your destination.
Visit Allianz CareAXA Global Healthcare
Long-term expats who may move country again
Personal international health plans for long-term expats, with access to AXA's worldwide network and evacuation and repatriation included. People leaving a company scheme can switch to a personal plan within 120 days to avoid a gap in cover.
Visit AXA Global HealthcareWilliam Russell
Expat health, life and income protection from one specialist
Expat insurance specialist founded in 1992, authorised by the FCA in the UK and the FSMA in Belgium. Its plans are underwritten by an Allianz group company.
Visit William RussellSanitas (Sanitas Residents)
Spanish private cover for visa applications
Private health insurance for foreign residents in Spain, with no co-payments and a visa option that waives waiting periods. Sanitas says the plan is suitable for visa applications and issues an instant certificate.
Visit Sanitas (Sanitas Residents)What to look for
- For Dubai: a plan that meets Dubai Health Authority (DHA) requirements, and what your employer's group policy leaves out
- For a Spanish visa: an insurer authorised in Spain, no co-payments (sin copagos), no waiting periods (sin carencias) and full-year cover for everyone on the application
- Area of cover, and whether excluding the USA lowers the premium
- How pre-existing conditions are treated
- Evacuation and repatriation cover
- Whether the policy moves with you if you relocate again or return to the UK
We list these companies for information only. We don't receive payment from them, a listing isn't a recommendation, and we don't give financial, legal or insurance advice. Prices, products and regulation change, so check the details directly with each provider.
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