As an expat coach and someone who has personally navigated life in the UAE, I understand the unique challenges that come with maintaining your health and wellness in a new country. Whether you’re preparing to move or are already settling in, prioritising your wellbeing is essential to adapting and thriving in your new environment.
As a trailing spouse, these challenges might feel particularly heightened as you juggle the demands of supporting your partner’s career, managing your household, and finding your own place in the community. Let's explore some common issues and solutions that will help you find healthcare expat and stay fit as you settle in.
Finding Healthcare as an Expat
One of the first things you'll likely want to sort out when moving to the UAE is healthcare. The UAE boasts world-class medical facilities, but understanding how the system works and what’s available to you can feel overwhelming at first. Depending on where you come from, you might be used to public healthcare systems, but here in the UAE, you'll need to rely on private health insurance unless your spouse's company provides comprehensive cover.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Understanding Your Insurance Coverage: Make sure you thoroughly review the health insurance policy provided by your spouse's employer. Does it cover routine check-ups, emergency care, and any specific needs you might have? Many policies offer varying levels of coverage, so it's important to ask questions and understand what’s included. Remember to include vision, dental and maternity - these are often optional extras. Find out if you can pay to be included on your husband's medical or upgrade above the minimum coverage being offered, if you need to.
Finding a Doctor: With a wide array of private hospitals and clinics, you have options, but recommendations from fellow expats or community forums can be invaluable in identifying healthcare providers who meet your needs. You may also find that some doctors speak your native language, which can be a comfort when dealing with medical issues.
Specialist Care and Wait Times: Something that I've personally benefited greatly from has been the ability to book directly with a specialist, rather than going through a GP for a referral. I think GPs are fantastic members of the healthcare system for day to day health issues and if you don't know what type of specialist is appropriate (or even necessary) they can set you on the right path, but if I have a particular concern and I know what department I need, I can go there directly and save myself a lot of time. Speaking of time - here in Dubai, the wait times range between seeing a specialist the same day, to having surgery within a week of the consultation.
Direct Payments: Many insurance providers have great connections with the healthcare providers and the payments are dealt with behind the scenes, meaning you don't have to go through the reimbursement process every time you see a doctor or have treatment. I can't tell you how convenient that is! It's also worth checking before you attend an appointment whether direct payments apply for your insurance company, as not all clinics are well connected.
Staying Active in Your New Environment
Moving to the UAE comes with a shift in lifestyle, and for many trailing spouses, staying fit becomes an essential part of building a routine and managing stress. But adapting to the hot climate, busy schedules, and sometimes unfamiliar environments can make it difficult to prioritise physical activity.
Combatting the Heat: One of the biggest challenges you’ll face is the weather. The UAE’s scorching temperatures, particularly in the summer months, can make outdoor exercise impossible. But don’t let that put you off—there are plenty of ways to stay active indoors. Most residential buildings offer gyms or fitness centres, and if yours doesn’t, there are countless options for membership at gyms across the city. Additionally, many expats turn to swimming as a great way to stay cool while getting a workout, with most pools being cooled to enable use even in the summer months.
Finding Fitness Classes and Communities: Joining a fitness community can help you build a routine and stay motivated. Whether it's yoga, pilates, or group fitness classes, there are numerous options available that cater to expats, often led by instructors who understand the transition process. Connecting with a local fitness community can also be a great way to meet new people and establish social ties - a little nugget of advice here is to try and attend the same classes each week so people get to know your face, and say hello to those you recognise from previous sessions.
Work-Life Balance and Self-Care: As a trailing spouse, you might feel pressure to keep everything running smoothly at home while your partner focuses on his job. It’s easy to put your own wellness on the backburner, but remember that your health is just as important and he wants you to be happy and healthy too. Set aside time in your week for self-care, whether that’s attending a fitness class, going for a walk, or simply carving out quiet time for yourself.
Mental Wellbeing: Staying Balanced Abroad
It’s not just about physical health—your mental wellbeing is just as important. Moving to a new country, especially as a trailing spouse, can lead to feelings of isolation or anxiety, particularly if you’ve left behind a strong support network. Here are a few tips to keep your mental health in check:
Building a Support System: The UAE is home to a vibrant expat community, and many trailing spouses find comfort in joining local clubs, groups, or online forums where they can share experiences. Having a network of people who understand your challenges can make a world of difference in how you adapt to your new surroundings. Don't be afraid to say hi and start a conversation with those around you. It might seem awkward, but so many people have been in your shoes, or even be looking for connection too!
Maintaining Routine: Establishing a routine that includes physical activity, social connections, and personal downtime is key to feeling grounded. Don’t feel guilty about setting boundaries for yourself to ensure you have the space you need to recharge. I found this very challenging as I had quite a well defined routine back home formed around my work, so I had to really think about what I wanted my days to look like and build my routine from the ground up.
Access to Mental Health Support: If you find yourself struggling, don’t hesitate to seek professional support. Many hospitals and clinics offer counselling services, and there are also a growing number of therapists who work with the expat community, often with a focus on adjustment and cross-cultural challenges. It's also worth checking if your health insurance covers mental healthcare, as it can be surprising how much all the change can impact you.
Consider the Sun and Heat: Just because you've moved to a sunny clime, doesn't mean you'll be getting all the vitamin D you need - most people in the UAE require Vitamin D supplements in the summer because they spend almost no time outdoors. It's October as I'm writing this and I've only just last week started taking my morning strolls again. Having said that, don't forget your SPF50 for the winter months as although the temperature drops significantly, midday sun is still very strong and it's so important to protect your skin.
Embrace Your Wellness Journey
Health and wellness might look a little different while living abroad, but with the right mindset and tools, it’s possible to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle in the UAE. Remember, this journey is about finding balance and discovering what works best for you in this new chapter of your life.
As an expat coach, I'm here to guide and support you in making the best choices for your wellbeing as you navigate life in a new country. Prioritising your health will allow you to enjoy your expat experience to the fullest while feeling empowered and resilient no matter what challenges come your way.
If you're interested in starting the process of creating a fulfilling and healthy life, subscribe for my emails and get your free Expat Life workbook. It will help you take action towards a better life as a trailing spouse.
コメント