The DHA MOH approval process for treatment abroad UAE is open only to UAE nationals. If you are an expat resident, you need your health insurer’s pre-approval instead, and that is a different process.
This guide explains who qualifies for each route, which documents are asked for, and what you need for an Indian medical visa. It is based on the official DHA, MOHAP and Indian government pages listed at the end.
Quick Answer: Which Route Applies to You?
- UAE national: apply through DHA (Dubai) or MOHAP (federal).
- Expat resident with health insurance: ask your insurer or its TPA for pre-approval.
- Anyone travelling to India for treatment: you also need a valid Indian visa for medical purposes.
Other emirates may run their own schemes. This guide covers DHA and MOHAP only.
Table of Contents
DHA MOH Approval Process for Treatment Abroad UAE: Who Qualifies?
Both government services are built for UAE nationals.
DHA’s overseas treatment guideline states that the patient should be a UAE citizen. It also asks for a passport issued by the Emirate of Dubai.
MOHAP states that its Treatment Abroad service is limited to UAE nationals.
If you are an expat, applying through these services will not help. Use the insurance route below.
How UAE Nationals Apply
DHA: Overseas Treatment Through the Shefa System
You apply online through DHA’s Shefa system. DHA lists the request as free.
DHA’s guideline lists these documents:
- A medical report from an accredited hospital that recommends overseas treatment or follow-up abroad. It must be dated within 30 days of submission.
- A valid passport.
- The Family Book summary (Khulasat Al Qayd) or a copy of the Royal Decree granting citizenship.
- A valid UAE ID.
- Your health insurance card, if you have one.
A medical committee reviews applications. If a case is approved, DHA’s Overseas Treatment Department and its external health offices arrange the appointments.
The guideline says DHA covers economy tickets for the patient and official escorts, the cost of treatment, and a daily allowance.
Important: the guideline states that the place and time of the first appointment cannot be changed. If you hope to choose an Indian hospital yourself, ask DHA which destination and hospital your referral covers before you plan anything.
MOHAP: Treatment Abroad Service
MOHAP accepts requests in two situations:
- Appropriate treatment is not available at MOHAP-authorised health establishments.
- Emergency treatment was needed while travelling abroad.
You apply through your MOHAP account on its website or smart app. The required documents are:
- A recent medical report from a UAE government hospital.
- A copy of your passport.
- A copy of your ID card.
- A copy of your citizenship document (family book).
A medical committee reviews the file and you are notified of its decision. MOHAP lists a service completion time of 5 working days and no fee.
Insurance Pre-Approval for Expats: Step by Step
Health insurance is mandatory for residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Your insurer, or its third-party administrator (TPA) such as MedNet, Nextcare, NAS or Neuron, usually handles pre-approvals.
Policies differ. Treat the steps below as a general sequence, not a guarantee of approval.
Step 1: Get a Written Medical Report in the UAE
Ask your UAE doctor for a report with your diagnosis, the recommended treatment, and the reason you are considering treatment abroad.
Insurers and TPAs can reject a request if they decide the treatment is not sufficiently justified, so a clear report matters.
Step 2: Check Your Policy Document
Look for clauses on overseas treatment, network limits and pre-approval. Some plans do not cover treatment outside the UAE at all.
Step 3: Ask Your Insurer or TPA in Writing
Ask whether planned treatment in India can be covered and what the pre-approval process requires. Keep the reply in writing.
Step 4: Get an Itemised Treatment Plan From the Indian Hospital
Request the proposed procedure, the treating doctor’s details, the expected length of stay and an itemised cost estimate. Check the hospital’s accreditation directly with the accrediting body rather than relying on its own marketing.
Ask for the visa invitation letter at the same time. You will need it later. See our list of hospitals for international patients in India.
Step 5: Submit the Request and Wait for Written Approval
Send your reports, the hospital’s treatment plan and any insurer forms. Do not start treatment before you have approval in writing, because treatment that needed pre-approval may not be fully covered.
When approval arrives, check what is covered, the limit, and whether the hospital is paid directly or you pay first and claim back. Overseas treatment is often reimbursed after you pay, so confirm this before you travel.
Step 6: Keep Every Document From Treatment
Bring home the discharge summary, the itemised final invoice and all payment receipts. Insurers usually need invoices, receipts and medical reports to process a claim.
What If Your Request Is Denied?
Ask for the reason in writing, along with the insurer’s appeal procedure.
Common reasons for rejection include treatment outside the approved network, missing pre-authorisation, treatment outside your benefits (cosmetic treatment is a typical example), and insufficient medical justification. Each one needs a different fix, so find out which applies before you resubmit.
India Medical Visa for Patients in the UAE
The DHA MOH approval process for treatment abroad UAE does not cover your Indian visa. You apply for that separately.
e-Medical Visa
Eligibility for India’s e-Medical Visa depends on the nationality on your passport, not on holding a UAE residence visa. Check your passport on the official e-Visa portal first.
The e-Medical Visa is valid for 60 days from arrival and allows three entries. You will need a letter from the Indian hospital, and your passport should have at least six months’ validity and two blank pages.
Up to two attendants can usually apply for linked e-Medical Attendant visas. Confirm the current rules on the portal before you apply, because they can change.
Regular Medical Visa Through the Consulate
If your passport is not eligible for the e-Visa, the Consulate General of India in Dubai lists the documents for a regular medical visa. These include:
- The completed online application form and recent passport photos.
- Your original passport, plus copies of current and old passports and your valid UAE residence visa page.
- Valid medical documents from a recognised UAE hospital stating the illness.
- A letter of recommendation from a local doctor, which the consulate describes as mandatory.
The consulate allows a maximum of two medical attendants. For help with the invitation letter and paperwork, read our India medical visa guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the wrong channel. Expats cannot use DHA’s or MOHAP’s overseas treatment services.
- Booking before approval. Get your insurer’s written approval before you start treatment.
- Assuming direct billing. Confirm whether you pay first and claim back.
- Mismatched details. Names and dates should match across your passport, visa application, reports and hospital letters.
- Treating a government referral as a free choice of hospital. DHA arranges appointments through its own department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an expat use the DHA or MOHAP overseas treatment service?
No. DHA’s guideline requires the patient to be a UAE citizen, and MOHAP limits its service to UAE nationals. Expats should ask their insurer or TPA for pre-approval.
Is the DHA overseas treatment request free?
DHA lists the request as free. MOHAP also lists no fee for its Treatment Abroad service.
Can someone travel with me?
Under DHA’s guideline, escorts are normally UAE citizens unless they are a first- or second-degree relative, and exceptions need approval. For the Indian visa, up to two attendants can usually apply alongside the patient.
Is pre-approval needed in an emergency?
Pre-approval is for planned treatment. In an emergency, get medical care first and then contact your insurer as soon as you can.
Looking at costs next? Read our guide to treatment costs in India.
This article is for general information and is not medical or legal advice. Government and insurer rules change, so confirm current requirements with DHA, MOHAP, your insurer or TPA, and India’s official e-Visa portal before you make arrangements.