E x pat g u i d e : D u b a i This expat guide offers information and advice if you are moving to Dubai. Click on the different tabs to find out about anything from tax rules and banking to education and cultural highlights.
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Bupa International is the specialist international division of Bupa, and we have operations in UK, Denmark, USA, Spain, France, Hong Kong, Egypt, UAE and Australia. We care for the lives in our hands, and are dedicated to providing all the insurance services, help and advice you need to keep yourself and your family in the best of health. Our dedicated team respects everyone’s individuality, culture, privacy and dignity, and aims to provide a personal service you can rely on throughout your Bupa International membership.
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Moving to Dubai Dubai is the second largest state or “emirate” in the United Arab Emirates. It was once considered a barren landscape in the oil-rich Gulf but is now a thriving metropolis, attracting thousands of new residents to its shores each month. It is one
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of the world’s most popular expat destinations thanks to the tax-free cost of living there, year-round sunshine and access to excellent healthcare and leisure activities. The last decade has seen magnificent growth in the city itself. This is largely due to the leadership of the current ruler,
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Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, under whose direction many of the emirate’s best known landmarks and projects have been constructed. The Burj al Arab Hotel (the world’s tallest hotel), the recently opened Dubai Mall (the largest shopping centre in the world) and the $4bn Burj Dubai (the world’s tallest skyscraper) are some of the recent
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additions to this desert playground. Contrary to popular belief, Dubai’s main source of revenue is not oil. Although oil was discovered in the emirate in the 1960s, and certainly helped build the economy, it is other industries such as construction, tourism and financial services
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that are contributing to Dubai’s extraordinary wealth, including a record $150bn GDP in 2008. It is predicted that Dubai will have exhausted its oil reserves within the next 20 years and there is a continued effort to diversify the economy. A number of international media, IT, legal services and building companies have relocated to Dubai, accounting for the ever expanding expat community. Shipping and removals There is no shortage of shipping and relocation companies to meet the demand of people heading to Dubai. Sometimes the employer will have an in-house or preferred user who aims to make the move as smooth as possible. Relocation companies can be hired to assist with every aspect of the move, from furniture transportation to school enrolment. It should be noted that the UAE has strict rules on what may and may not be brought into the country. No weapons, ammunition or narcotics will be admitted. The UAE has imposed bans on various medicines, including codeine. It is advisable to check the UAE customs website before travelling as being caught with “banned” items can result in a jail term. All music, books, CDs and DVDs will be subject to inspection/censorship at customs. Anything considered to be against the values, tradition and morality of the UAE will be banned. This would include anything with pornographic
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Working in Dubai Below you will find information about: • Employment contracts
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• Business • Public holidays • Banking, money and taxes
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• Working hours Although it is not unusual, it is not advisable to pack up and make the move to Dubai without having a secure job offer beforehand. It is virtually impossible to begin a life in Dubai without a residence permit, since this needs to be presented
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when buying a mobile phone, opening a bank account or renting a property. Those considering a move should be aware that career flexibility in Dubai is very limited. Since residence depends on sponsorship, which is derived from an employment contract, workers are very much tied to their employers. It is not easy to move between companies. Many employment contracts contain clauses imposing a ban on employees working for another company within the same industry within a year of leaving, although there is some doubt as to whether such practices can be applied in the “Free Zones”. Employment contracts Historically, companies sourcing talent to work in Dubai were required to offer generous relocation packages as an incentive for workers to decamp to the desert. Now, with the exception of very senior level positions, those days are all but over. No one, it seems, needs much incentive to make the move to Dubai and it is becoming increasingly unusual to find fully subsidised accommodation, furniture/shipping allowances, private schooling, and family vehicles. What employees can expect is: • Initial flight to Dubai and hotel accommodation on arrival (usually for a period of one week to a month). • A return flight home once a year.
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• Standard healthcare insurance, although this is no longer a requisite for employers to provide. Employees who resign or who are fired before completing a year’s service can be liable for the full repayment of the above. Also, while employment laws exist in the UAE, they tend to favour the employer. So, it may be that on paper there
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is a dispute resolution process or even redress, but in reality it may be simpler to keep quiet. Banking, money and taxes Opening a bank account in Dubai is a fairly painless process once you have your residence visa in hand. Many well-known international banks have a presence here, so finding a familiar brand is easy and convenient. That said, expats shouldn’t discount local UAE banks; they provide excellent service, and the nature of the small, competitive market means favourable deals are easy to find. Another reason to do your homework is that fees and service offerings differ quite considerably between the various banks, although the Central Bank is reviewing bank fees in an attempt to standardise these. Banks are generally open every day except Friday, from 8am until 3pm. Most have cheque and cash deposit machines available 24 hours a day.
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One aspect of banking in Dubai that expats may find frustrating is the fact that many transactions can only be done at the branch in person, so make sure you choose a bank with branches convenient to your lifestyle. High fees for doing electronic transfers mean most people stick to cheques, cash and credit cards for making payments to a third party.
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Major credit cards are accepted for the most part, as well as travellers cheques (it is recommended to carry in US dollars or British pounds). ATMs are numerous, and there is no charge for drawing cash from a different bank’s machine. Cheques are widely accepted in the UAE. Expats can issue a cheque for pretty much anything, but beware if you bounce
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one, as the aggrieved party can insist you go to jail until your debt has been settled. Post-dated cheques are popular, and are the primary method used for buying a car and paying annual rent, as debit orders are not common in Dubai. There is no personal income tax, GST or VAT charged in the UAE. Taxes are added to alcohol when purchased from an
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outlet, and to meals in licensed (liquor-serving) restaurants. Some items attract import duty at Dubai Customs. Certain countries will tax earnings by their citizens no matter where it is earned, for example the United States, while
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others will insist that you are out of the country for a minimum period of time before you become exempted. It’s therefore advisable to get advice from a taxation expert in your home country. People will tell you that there is “hidden” taxation in the UAE, as you have to pay a fee for anything, including renewing your visa every three years. But in most cases your company picks up the bill for this, so it still works out to be considerably less than the income tax you were paying before. Working hours Working hours in the UAE tend to follow those in the west, the only exception being the working week which runs from Sunday through to Thursday. Government institutions are open from 7am until 2pm. During the holy month of Ramadan businesses may close in the middle of the day and only continue after the fast has been broken in the evening. Business Expats may be surprised to find that punctuality is not always observed and it is not uncommon to be kept waiting. As family takes precedence in the Middle East, meetings may feature frequent interruptions and disturbances, though patience is expected. The Arabic greeting of “Salaam Aleikum” is used instead of “Hello” and relationships built on politeness are pivotal to success in the professional world. Verbal agreements are the norm and take precedence. Dates in documents should be detailed in both Gregorian dates and the Hijrah date. Gifts, though appreciated, are not always necessary. As the UAE is a Muslim country be sure to avoid
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anything involving alcohol or pork-related products. Formal business attire is expected from both men and women. Women should dress conservatively, being careful to cover up as much as possible. It is unlikely that visitors will come into contact with local women in business as it is an
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overwhelmingly male-dominated society. Public holidays
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2011
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New Year’s Day
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Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday
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Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the
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Start of Ramadan
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Eid Al Fitr
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Eid Al Adha
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Al-Hijira
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UAE National Day
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Living and culture Below you will find information about: • Lifestyle • Language • Cost of living • Local customs
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• Attractions for kids • Marriage and co-habitation • Schools
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• Education • Ramadan • See and do • Drivers’ license
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• Restaurants • Alcohol • Tipping For information about Bupa International healthcare click here. Islam is the official state religion of the UAE and Dubai operates according to Muslim traditions. While it is the most liberal of all the Gulf states, there are strict rules that apply and must be followed. The first few weeks in Dubai can be extremely frustrating since there is endless paperwork to be filled, and real life can’t begin until the presentation of the residence permit which is required to open accounts and rent property. More frustrating can be the non-urgency of many agencies, and questions are often answered with Insha’Allah, meaning “God willing”. The Emiratis do not respond to shouting and swearing, so it is always best to remain calm in any dispute. On the upside, there is a very nice lifestyle to be had once you’ve settled in. Most people have access to their own swimming pool, there are endless places to eat out, activities to get involved in (the legendary expat Friday brunch) and the Dubai social calendar is always packed.
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Lifestyle Surrounded by desert and sea, Dubai’s expat lifestyle is intensively social. It’s anchored on socialising in hotel bars and restaurants, and staying cool on the beaches or air-conditioned shopping malls.
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Expats living here will be thrilled with the selection of malls, souks and specialist stores. Authentic Bedouin paraphernalia, Persian-style carpets and textiles abound at the local markets, while brand names and electronic goods can be scooped up cheaper than elsewhere in the world. Most shops open from 8am to 1pm, and then reopen around 4.30pm to 8pm or even later. Malls are air-conditioned and remain open from 10am until 10pm. Most shops, malls and souks usually close on Friday mornings. Most of Dubai’s nightlife is centred round the hotels due to the strict alcohol laws. However, a few clubs and nightlife spots exist outside the hotels, such as the Irish Village next to the Aviation Club of Dubai. Arabic nightclubs, such as the Kasbaa Royal Mirage Hotel, have become increasingly popular with locals and expats over the years.
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Language The official language of the UAE is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood. Cost of living
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While it may be the idea of tax-free living that lures the hoards to Dubai, it is worth remembering that the cost of living in Dubai can still be very expensive for expats. Rental prices are soaring each year and the cost of education has also experienced a steep increase. However, groceries, transport, utilities and, of course, petrol are quite reasonably priced compared with other expat cities. Taxes in Dubai are very low and thanks to cheap gas prices many expats find they are able to drive bigger, more expensive
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cars than they would be able to afford at home. The 4x4 Land Cruiser has become synonymous with the expat in Dubai lifestyle. Having arrived in Dubai, many people find they can afford domestic help and childcare that they could not have afforded at home. It is common for families to have a nanny and a housekeeper, others may also have gardeners and drivers. Most villas have a small maid’s quarters attached. Families who choose to employ a maid are responsible for paying her residence permit costs and healthcare. Local customs Dubai is tolerant to Western culture, but local laws should still be respected and customs treated with sensitivity. Dress and behaviour should be modest and in accord with Islamic expectation. Women must wear garments that cover the tops of their arms and legs. Cohabiting, adultery and homosexual behaviour are illegal in the UAE, and it is an offence to swear or make rude gestures, or show a public display of affection. Furthermore, men should be careful not to stare at or be accompanied with local women. Never take pictures of government buildings or personnel, or Emiratis (particularly women). There are no public beaches/parks where nudity is acceptable. The same applies to being drunk in public.
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Attractions for kids Expats with families will need plenty of sunscreen when taking the kids out in Dubai. With scorching hot temperatures during the summer months, you can cool off at the beach or go to to the waterparks Wild Wadi or Wonderland.
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There are indoor playgrounds in just about every shopping mall, such as Children’s City, while Al Nasr Leisureland will provide hours of arcade and sporting entertainment. During the cooler months, pack a picnic basket and head off to Creekside Park for a day of fresh air where the little ones will have plenty of space to run around, ride their bicycles, or play miniature golf. Marriage and cohabitation It is illegal for a man and woman who are not married to live together. However, it is clear, given the number of unmarried Western couples living in Dubai, that this law is neither adhered to, nor enforced with any vigour. Many unwed couples give the illusion of being married by referring to each other as husband and wife and wearing “wedding” rings. The general rule is to remain low key; the police do not actively seek out cohabiting couples (although they are more vigilant during the holy month of Ramadan). It should be noted that it is illegal and lawbreakers can be punished with prison, deportation or both.
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Schools • Private English school: www.gemseducation.com • British School: www.bsme.org.uk/schools • Dubai English Speaking School: www.dessdxb.com • MiddleSex University: www.mdx.ac • Michigan State University Dubai: www.dubai.msu.edu Education There are a huge number of schools in Dubai catering to the various expat communities, although schooling is free for children of UAE citizens. Many follow the English school system and offer KS, GCSE and A Level curriculums. Others follow the US, Indian or UAE public school syllabus.
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School fees have seen a sharp rise in the last three years and many expat parents are now choosing to home school their children or send them back to their home country, since they can no longer afford to educate them in the UAE. Hikes of up to 90 percent mean education in Dubai is certainly not cheap. Yet for those on good salaries or with education allowances
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there is no shortage of schools to choose from. Currently the most popular choices for expat primary education are Dubai English Speaking School and Jumeirah English Speaking School, while Dubai College tops the list of secondary schools. For those intending to study at tertiary level, there
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are several international universities who have campuses in Dubai offering degree level studies. School fees for primary education start at around 6,000AED while high school costs begin at 16,000AED. Ramadan Each year Muslims recognise the Holy Month of Ramadan with a period of fasting. Muslims are forbidden from eating, drinking, smoking and even chewing gum during daylight hours. At this time, it is imperative that all Dubai residents remember the importance of adhering to the relevant laws. During Ramadan it is a good idea to be particularly vigilant
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regarding public displays of affection, modest dressing and drinking. Police tend to be less lenient during these times and arrests have been known to be made for couples kissing in public, tourists smoking in public during the day and unlicensed drinking. Working conditions during Ramadan may vary, with some workplaces adopting a traditional approach, forbidding any eating, drinking or smoking, to other more relaxed environments where designated rooms are allocated for non-Muslims to eat and drink. Muslims break the day’s fast at sundown with water and dates, and then enjoy the Iftar feast. See and do It may be in the middle of a very big desert, but Dubai has plenty of attractions and activities to keep its expat residents busy. During the cooler months (which are still hot by any standards) you can enjoy a desert safari, or spend weekends at Jumeirah Beach Park. Soak up the city’s culture with a tour of the Grand Mosque, souks and museums, ot take the familiy to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Expats from the northern hemisphere craving a bit of snow needn’t look any further than the indoor ski resort Ski Dubai. Dubai Creek: Take an abra (small water taxi) down Dubai creek and visit the old trading port and dhows on this natural seawater inlet that flows through the centre of the city to get your bearings.
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Souks: There are dozens of traditional markets dotted throughout Dubai. Pick up gold jewellery, spices or electrical goods such as toasters and kettles.
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Wild Wadi: If there’s one thing in Dubai you can’t escape it’s the heat and there’s no better (or more fun) place to cool off than at Wild Wadi, one of the most impressive water theme parks ever to be designed. www.wildwadi.com / Tel: (0)4 348 4444 Ski Dubai: Another good way to cool off and keep in shape while in Dubai is to visit Ski Dubai, a real indoor ski resort — in the middle of the desert. Clothing and equipment is available for hire. www.skidxb.com / Tel: (0)4 409 4000 Jumeirah Beach Park: Arguably one of the best beaches in Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Park is clean, safe and has designated “women only” areas too. It is usually reserved for hotels and tourists, but locals can pay a small fee to gain access. Tel: (0)4 349 2555
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Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: One of the city’s most popular attractions and a fascinating excursion for locals and tourists alike, expats can familiarise themselves with the marine life living off the coast of Dubai’s shores, such as Sand Tiger Sharks and stingrays. www.thedubaiaquarium.com / Tel: (0)4 448 5200
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Dubai Museum: The Dubai Museum is located inside the 19th century Al Faheidi Fort and features fascinating military and cultural artefacts. Learn about the city’s cultural and social history as well as the old port that was Dubai. Tel:(0)4 353 1862 Driver’s license Those from Europe, Australia and the US do not have to take a driving test, but it is necessary to go to the Roads and Transport Authority with your existing licence, passport and residence permit. There you will be required to take an eye test before being issued with your UAE license. Prior to receiving your residence permit you may drive a rental vehicle using your license from
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your home country. A comprehensive list of who is exempt from retaking the test is available from www.rta.ae. Restaurants
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Everything from informal food stands to Michelin-starred restaurants can be found in Dubai. Anyone looking for a good bottle of wine, or any type of alcohol for that matter, to accompany their meals will have to dine at the major hotels, as independent restaurants are prohibited to serve alcohol. During the holy month of Ramadan only big hotels serve food between sunrise and sunset, but once the canon signalling the end of Ramadan fires, the locals flood the restaurants and cafés and a great atmosphere can be enjoyed — that is if you can find a table. Alcohol It is a myth that Dubai is a “dry” state. Alcohol can be bought and consumed here depending on various factors. Firstly, it is only sold in restaurants belonging to a hotel. There are no pubs in Dubai, but there are plenty of places to enjoy a drink since most of the shopping malls and entertainment centres are attached to a hotel. Alternatively, alcohol can be purchased for private consumption at selected liquor stores to those in possession of a liquor license. For this, a letter from the employer is needed, plus a copy of the residence permit and passport. Women also need to have permission from their husbands. Tipping Service charge is not included in most bills, and the standard 10% is usually adequate for services. Be sure to check the bill as restaurants and hotels may include the service charge from time to time.
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Healthy living guide for expats By Dr Sneh Khemka, medical director at Bupa International
Dubai is one of my favourite places to visit. I love its modernity and constant strive to be the biggest and best at everything it does, whether that be in the recent unveiling of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, or just to watch the exquisite fountain dance next to the Dubai Mall. On my travels as medical director for Bupa International, I’ve met
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many people who have made the life changing leap and relocated to Dubai; the city stills attracts people from all corners of the globe to live and thrive in its abundance. Many of the health challenges they face are similar to other expats around the world, others are unique to this irrepressible sheikdom. A developing health problem In the last few decades Dubai has risen from the desert to become the cosmopolitan hub of the Middle East. However, this harsh desert environment combined with a booming construction industry has brought with it a sizeable health problem — an increase in respiratory-related illnesses, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Air pollutants from concrete batch plants, demolition, unpaved roads and the surrounding desert are thought to be affecting the lungs and airways of Dubai residents, aggravating respiratory conditions. This situation has prompted the University of Sharjah (with the backing of UAE health authorities) to undertake a comprehensive study examining the rise in respiratory-related illnesses in Dubai. If you are an expat working in the construction industry, you may be particularly affected by this problem. However, if you live or work in an area where there is heavy construction going on, you may also be at risk. My advice is to exercise common sense, and avoid areas where the air is particularly polluted. You can, for example, check your local weather forecast and air quality index on a daily basis and modify your activities accordingly. On particularly hot days the air quality tends to be poorer; you will naturally try to stay indoors as much as you can, and an air-conditioned environment
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is luckily the best to minimise the effects. If you have to go outside, try to choose times of the day when the air pollution is lighter, ie first thing in the morning. But most importantly, listen to your body. If you feel symptomatic, for example if you’re tired or are having trouble breathing, stay indoors, rest and take any medicines your doctor has prescribed for your condition.
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Feeling the heat Working in a country with temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celcius in the summer can pose serious health hazards. Recent media reports of workers falling ill and dying of heat stroke have brought this reality to light. Heat-related illnesses occur when your body is unable to regulate its temperature. Physical activity in extreme temperatures or exposure to heat you are not used to can cause ailments that are minor (like prickly heat rash and heat cramps), or major, and life‑threatening conditions such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. In recent years, the Dubai Municipality has been taking these risks extremely seriously and launched the “Safe and Healthy Summer” campaign. The campaign runs each summer and aims to raise awareness about the dangers of heat‑related illness among workers and other people at risk. Activities often take place in work places, shopping malls, bus stations and other public spaces, so look out for them.
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Be sensible in the heat. Minimise the amount of heat you are exposed to and stay out of the sun in the middle of the day. Stick to the shade as much as you can and take advantage of air‑conditioned or cool areas. Try not to do intense physical activity in high temperatures or under direct sun light. Generally in Dubai, air‑conditioned gyms are a much better idea than trying to exercise outside. I’m afraid that the heat cannot be the final excuse for forgetting to take regular exercise.
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Relocation depression An issue that often isn’t discussed in relation to expat health is “relocation depression”. Moving away from family and friends, the pressures of a new job, and adapting to a new way of life and culture can be difficult. Relocating abroad is not like being a tourist, although it may feel like it at first, especially in a country like Dubai. Once the excitement and newness of your surroundings has worn off, you may be left feeling unsettled and anxious. For some people this can even develop into a form of depression; it is also well documented that expats tend to have alcohol playing a more significant role in their life than before. Being prepared and proactive will help stave off any negative feelings. Try to make contacts in Dubai before you move. If you’re already there, join communities, clubs, a gym or classes in your area; the internet has a wealth of useful information. Take care of yourself — eat right, set yourself positive, achievable goals, and keep fit and active. If all else fails, don’t suffer in silence. Ask your employer if they have an occupational health department or access to an employee assistance programme or similar scheme.
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Useful information Below you will find: • A summary of useful information • Embassy contact details • Useful links
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Standard time zone: GMT + 4 hours. Currency: The local currency in Dubai and the entirety of the UAE is the dirham (AED, د.)إ, divided into 100 fils. The notes in use are: one thousand, five hundred, two hundred, one hundred, fifty, twenty, ten and five. The coins or cents are called fils, and come in a one dirham, a fifty and a quarter. You can check the latest exchange rates here. Currency is exchangeable at banks and large hotels, and no currency regulations exist in the emirate. Still, the best rates of exchange
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can be found at private money changers — usually located in shopping centres or well-known markets (souks). The dirham is fixed against the US dollar. Major credit cards are accepted for the most part, as well as travellers cheques (it is recommended to carry in US dollars or British pounds). ATMs are common throughout the UAE. Electricity: The electric current is 220 and 240 volts, 50Hz. The square three-pin type plugs are the most frequently used. Safety: Most visits to the UAE are trouble free. Serious crime is virtually unheard of, but the US and UK Departments of State have deemed there to be a threat of terrorism against Western interests and gathering points, large entertainment venues in particular. It is therefore wise to use precaution when frequenting these. It is also wise to stay away from political gatherings and public demonstrations. Medical exam and HIV: Employees are required to undergo a medical examination on arrival. This includes a TB, Hepatitis B and HIV test, which if positive will result in the worker being denied a residence permit and being forced to leave the country at once.
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Medicine: Certain prescriptions as well as over the counter medication from abroad may be considered to be a controlled substance within the UAE and will not be allowed through customs without prior permission from the UAE Ministry of Health Drug Control Department (DCD). A passenger arriving with such medication without permission may be subject to prosecution.
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Citizenship: There is no way for a non-Emirati to ever achieve citizenship in the UAE. It is irrelevant how long a person has been resident in the country; citizen status is never granted to foreigners. Access to UAE: Persons holding an Israeli stamp will not be granted access to the UAE. Communications: The International code for the United Arab Emirates is +971. The outgoing international code is 00. City/area codes are in use, eg (0)2 for Abu Dhabi and (0)4 for Dubai. The Etisalat mobile phone network provides wide GSM 900 coverage throughout the country and Internet cafes are widely available. Other religions: Dubai prides itself on being tolerant of other religions and there are several churches in the city, the largest of which are St Mary’s Church and Holy Trinity Church, both in Oud Metha.
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Embassy contact details United Arab Emirates Embassies : • Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 243 2400 • Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7581 1281
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• Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 565 7272 • Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6286 8802 • Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 7736
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Foreign Embassies in United Arab Emirates : • United States Embassy, Dubai: +971 (0)4 311 6000 • British Embassy, Dubai: +971 4 309 4444 • Canadian Embassy, Dubai: +971 4 314 5555 • Australian Embassy, Abu Dhabi: +971 2 6346 100 • South African Embassy, Dubai: +971 4 397 5222 • Irish Embassy, Dubai: +971 4 3298382 • New Zealand Embassy,Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (also responsible for the United Arab Emirates): +966 1 488 7988 Useful links Safety in Dubai • Official Dubai Police site: http://www.dubaipolice.gov.ae/dp/english/main.jsp? • Road and Transport Authority: www.rta.ae • Dubai Government Information Services: http://www.dubai.ae/en.portal Shipping and Removals to Dubai • Rolcation and shipping company: www.swiftfreight.com
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Join us at Bupa International Bupa International is a leader in international health insurance for expatriates. Our customers have access to more than 7,500 facilities worldwide and we serve 800,000 customers spread across 190 countries. We strive to make sure you receive the appropriate treatment and service. We can offer direct settlement with Bupa recognised facilities in order to take the hassle of reimbursement away from you. In-house Medical Centre Bupa International’s in-house Medical Centre is at the heart of our organisation. Our doctors and nurses help the medically trained staff handle more than 8,000 mails and telephone calls from our customers every month. The Medical Centre is available for you 24 hours a day, all year round. Our services include: • Easy access to multilingual medical professionals • Second opinion service delivered by Advanced Medical • Appointment booking • Direct settlement with providers • Evacuation services MembersWorld MembersWorld is an exclusive and secure website that enables our members to effectively manage their plans and get in touch with us wherever they are in the world. On MembersWorld you can: • View your plan • Update personal details • Track the progress of your claims* • Make payments online • Search our international hospital directory
benefits
• Download claim forms and other useful documents • Talk to a customer consultant via our free webchat service *MembersWorld may not track claims in the USA as we use our partner here.
c o n ta c t u s call us on +44 (0) 1273 718 306 send an email enquiry
request a c a l l b ac k
get a qoute and buy online
You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook. Bupa Rewards In Bupa International we care for our customers. We have a reward programme for our members with gifts, offers, health content and news. Contact us to discuss how we can help you.
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