Health is an important issue for anyone. In the UAE, there are no specific risks although the climate can be harsh during the summer months. No special immunizations are required.

The quality of health care and facilities in Sharjah is generally good. You have a choice of public and private hospitals, clinics, and individual practitioners to choose from.

• Health Card
  
• Government hospitals
  
• Private Hospitals
  
• Clinics

Health cards
It is a requirement for expatriates to have a health card in order to live and work in the UAE. These cards are available to all residents of the UAE for a fee. The medical is usually done at the Public Health Clinic, however some of the private hospitals also offer this service.

Listed below is the necessary paperwork required to apply for a
health card:

1. Passport photocopy
2. Covering letter from sponsor
3. Visa application or photocopy
4. 2 passport size photographs
5. Ministry of Health form duly filled
6. Dhs 300 for the health card
7. Dhs 200 for the medical examination

For a renewal:

1. Last health card
2. Passport copy with visa stamp
3. Same as above from Nos. 4 to 7

A health card will give you access to the government hospitals listed below. If you do not have a health card, the government hospitals are open in case of emergency only and for up to 24 hours stay. If you have health insurance, you can also choose to use the private hospitals and clinics. Without insurance private medical care is costly.