How to Request Access to Medical Records is something most people in the UAE only look up when they urgently need them — for a new doctor, an insurance claim, a second opinion, or a visa medical review. Knowing the process in advance saves you time and repeated trips to the hospital’s records department.
The good news is that patients in the UAE have a clear right to access their own medical records, and most hospitals have a defined process for it. This guide walks you through exactly what to prepare, the different ways to make your request, how long it takes, and what to do if your request is delayed or refused.
Quick Answer
To request access to your medical records in the UAE, contact the medical records department of the hospital or clinic where you were treated — in person, through the hospital’s patient portal or app, or by phone or email. Bring your Emirates ID (or passport for visitors), state which records you need and the date range, and pay any small administrative fee the facility charges. Most facilities respond within a few working days to two weeks, depending on the type of records.
Before You Request: Gather These Details
A precise request gets processed faster than a vague one. Before contacting the hospital, have the following ready:
- Your identification: Emirates ID is the standard requirement; visitors may use a passport.
- Your patient identifiers: medical record number (MRN) or file number if you know it, plus your full name as registered at the hospital.
- Which records you need: consultation notes, lab results, imaging reports, discharge summaries, vaccination records, or the complete file.
- The date range: for example, “all records from January 2024 to October 2026.”
- The purpose: you usually do not have to justify your request, but stating it (second opinion, insurance claim) helps staff locate the right documents.
If your personal details at the hospital are out of date — a changed name, new passport number, or new Emirates ID — update them first; mismatched identities are one of the most common reasons requests get held up. See UAE Emirates ID renewal if your ID situation needs sorting out.
How to Request Access to Medical Records: Four Ways
Hospitals in the UAE generally accept requests through several channels. Choose whichever is most convenient:
1. In person at the medical records department
Visit the hospital’s medical records or patient services counter with your Emirates ID. You will typically fill out a request form specifying the records and date range. Staff may verify your identity on the spot and tell you when the copies will be ready. This is the most reliable option when you need certified or stamped copies.
2. Through the hospital’s patient portal or app
Many large UAE hospitals — including SEHA facilities in Abu Dhabi and major private hospital groups — offer patient portals where you can view and download test results, prescriptions, and visit summaries directly. If your hospital has one, this is the fastest route for recent records. Our guide on how to request a medical record covers portal-based requests in more detail.
3. By phone or email
Call the hospital’s main line and ask to be connected to medical records, or email the department. Have your ID details ready. Some hospitals accept scanned ID documents and process the request remotely, then arrange pickup or secure delivery of the copies.
4. By written request
A signed letter (or the hospital’s own request form downloaded from its website) stating your name, date of birth, contact details, the records requested, and the date range. Attach a copy of your Emirates ID. Written requests are useful when you want a paper trail, for example if you later need to show the request was made.
| Method | Best for | Typical speed |
|---|---|---|
| In person | Certified or stamped copies | Same visit to a few days |
| Patient portal/app | Recent results and summaries | Immediate |
| Phone/email | Simple requests from a distance | A few working days |
| Written request | Formal paper trail | One to two weeks |
Requesting Records for Someone Else
You cannot simply walk in and collect another adult’s records. Hospitals will ask for proof that you are authorised:
- For your child: a parent or legal guardian can request records with their own ID plus the child’s birth certificate or Emirates ID.
- For your spouse: most hospitals require the patient’s written authorisation or presence.
- For an elderly or incapacitated parent: you may need a guardianship order or power of attorney before the hospital will release records to you.
These safeguards exist to protect patient privacy — read Medical Record Privacy Explained to understand who is allowed to see what.
What You Will Receive and How Long It Takes
Depending on your request, you may receive printed copies, PDF files through the portal, or certified copies stamped by the hospital. Lab results and imaging reports are usually the quickest — often available the same day or within a few working days. Full file copies, archived records from years ago, or records that need a doctor’s summary can take one to two weeks.
If you only need a specific document rather than the whole file, targeted requests are faster and often cheaper: how to get a copy of a medical record explains the difference between a single record and a full file.
Fees: What to Expect
Hospitals in the UAE may charge small administrative fees for copying, printing, or certifying records. Fees vary by facility and by the volume of records — a few pages of recent results cost little, while a full archived file costs more. There is no single official price list across all hospitals, so ask the medical records department for their fee schedule before you submit the request. If a fee seems unreasonable, you can ask for an itemised explanation or check whether a portal download of the same documents is free.
If Your Request Is Delayed or Denied
Delays usually have mundane causes: records stored off-site, mismatched ID details, or a request sent to the wrong department. If you have waited beyond the timeframe the hospital gave you:
- Follow up with the medical records department, referencing your request date and any reference number.
- Ask specifically what is holding the request up — you can often fix it on the spot (for example, by providing an updated ID).
- If the facility refuses access without a clear reason, ask for the refusal in writing.
- As a final step, complain to the health authority that licenses the facility — MOHAP, DHA, or the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi — since unjustified denial of access can be raised with the regulator.
Note that records may legitimately be withheld in rare situations, such as information that could seriously harm the patient or that identifies another person who has not consented to disclosure.
After You Receive Your Records
Once you have your records, keep them organised and secure. Check that the documents are complete and that the details match you — names, dates, and ID numbers. If you spot mistakes, do not ignore them: follow how to correct information in a medical record to get errors fixed before they cause problems with insurance or future treatment. If the records are for an insurance claim, review your policy first — our overview of UAE health insurance plans explains what insurers typically ask for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to get medical records in the UAE?
It depends on the hospital and the type of records. Recent lab results through a patient portal can be instant; printed or certified copies usually take a few working days; full archived files can take one to two weeks.
Do I need to give a reason for requesting my records?
Generally no — access to your own records is your right. Mentioning the purpose (second opinion, insurance claim) is still helpful because it guides staff to the documents you actually need.
Can I request records from a hospital I visited years ago?
Yes, hospitals retain records for a defined number of years under health authority regulations. Older records may be archived off-site, so allow extra time. Contact the facility’s medical records department to confirm they still hold your file.
What if the hospital says it cannot find my records?
Provide as much identifying detail as possible — full registered name, date of birth, old file numbers, approximate visit dates, and the treating doctor’s name. If records are genuinely lost, ask for a written statement and escalate to the health authority.
Can someone request my records without my knowledge?
No — hospitals must verify the requester’s identity and authority. Unauthorised access is a privacy breach; see Medical Record Privacy Explained for your rights and how to complain.
The Bottom Line
Requesting access to your medical records in the UAE is straightforward: identify the facility, prepare your Emirates ID and the details of what you need, and submit your request in person, online, or in writing. Be specific about the records and date range, ask about fees upfront, and follow up if the timeline slips. Your records are your right — and keeping them accurate and organised pays off every time you change doctors or file a claim.
Last Updated: 8 October 2026
About the author: Zaviyar Sultan is a UAE-focused writer at Paxi, covering driving, visas, banking, insurance and everyday UAE life. His guides are researched from official UAE government and regulator sources and updated regularly.
Paxi is an independent informational website, not affiliated with the UAE government or any agency mentioned; content is general information only, not legal, immigration or financial advice; verify critical details with official sources before acting.