There are a few different options available for general, non-emergency medical care. Most hospitals have a walk-in clinic where you can simply turn up, present your health or insurance card, register and queue to see a general practitioner. It’s commonplace to be seen by a triage nurse who will take down the details of your medical history and ailment before you see a doctor. These departments usually operate on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s advisable to call the hospital prior to visiting to make sure that they have a walk-in service and when it’s open. If you are on a private healthcare plan, check in advance that the hospital is on your insurer’s network.

Family medicine
Many hospitals and smaller clinics offer family medicine as part of their outpatient services. You can usually call to make an appointment but there are no guarantees you’ll get an appointment on the same day. If your usual family medicine department has no appointments available but you need immediate non-emergency medical care, they may admit you through the A&E department, but they will advise you of this when you call. American Hospital offers a fast-track service through its A&E department for people needing immediate medical attention.

Registering with a clinic
While some people like the convenience of walk-in clinics, others prefer to register with a practice where they are familiar with the administrative procedures and can see the same doctor on return visits. There are countless clinics in Dubai which offer general practice and family medicine. Standards are generally high but it’s worth asking friends, neighbours and colleagues for recommendations. Most parts of the city have a local medical centre, so if proximity to your home or office is important, you should be able to find something nearby.

A number of clinics and hospitals offer Well Man, Well Woman and Well Child packages. These care packages involve medical examinations, screenings for common diseases, and routine tests, and offer well-being advice. You can even get your holiday vaccinations topped up as part of some packages. The package that you opt for will depend on factors such as age, gender and medical history.