How can you get medical insurance in the UAE?

Navigating the healthcare system in the United Arab Emirates requires understanding its mandatory health insurance landscape, a vital component for anyone planning to live or even extend their stay in this dynamic nation, ensuring access to quality medical care and compliance with strict regulations. This comprehensive guide, meticulously compiled by the www.few.ae team, will walk you through the essential steps and key considerations for securing medical insurance in the UAE, from understanding legal requirements to choosing the right plan for your needs.

The Mandate for Health Insurance in the UAE

Health insurance isn’t merely a recommendation in the UAE; it’s a legal requirement across all emirates for residents and, increasingly, for certain long-term visitors. Dubai and Abu Dhabi were pioneers in this mandate, with specific authorities overseeing their respective healthcare systems: the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) in Dubai and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), formerly HAAD, in Abu Dhabi. As of January 1, 2025, the UAE Cabinet decided to extend mandatory health insurance coverage to all private sector employees and domestic workers across all seven emirates, making it a prerequisite for issuing or renewing residency permits. This significant step ensures a robust and inclusive healthcare safety net for almost everyone living and working in the country.

Employer’s Responsibility: A Cornerstone of Coverage

For most expatriates moving to the UAE for employment, the good news is that their employer is legally obligated to provide health insurance coverage. This is a crucial aspect of the employment contract and typically covers the employee, with some companies extending coverage to dependents (spouse and children), though this is not always mandatory and often depends on the company’s policy and the employee’s seniority. Employers are required to purchase the new health insurance policy through the DubaiCare Network or other approved suppliers. When you accept a job offer, always clarify the specifics of the health insurance package, including what it covers, the network of hospitals and clinics, and whether your family will be included or if you’ll need to secure separate coverage for them.

Securing Individual and Dependent Health Insurance

Even if your employer covers you, you’ll likely need to consider individual or family plans for dependents if your company policy doesn’t extend to them, or if you are self-employed, a retiree, or on a long-term visa like the Golden Visa. Several reputable insurance providers operate in the UAE, offering a wide range of plans to suit different needs and budgets. Some of the well-known providers include Daman, Sukoon Insurance (formerly Oman Insurance Company), AXA, Cigna, ADNIC, and Takaful Emarat, among others. These companies offer various tiers of coverage, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor a plan that fits your healthcare requirements.

Understanding Different Plan Tiers and Their Coverage

Health insurance plans in the UAE typically fall into several categories, each offering varying levels of coverage:

• Essential Benefits Plan (EBP): This is the minimum mandatory coverage required in Dubai for those earning lower incomes or for domestic workers. The EBP provides basic benefits, including general practitioner consultations, essential diagnostic tests, emergency treatment, and some inpatient care. For instance, it usually includes inpatient care with a co-payment structure, where the insured pays a percentage up to a certain annual limit, and the rest is covered. For outpatient care, a co-payment is also common.
• Basic Plans: These plans meet the minimum legal requirements across other emirates and generally offer essential benefits. They are designed to be affordable and inclusive, often starting at around AED 320 to AED 1,500 per year approximately, depending on the emirate and specific provider.
• Semi-Comprehensive/Mid-Range Plans: These plans offer broader coverage than the basic plans, including a wider network of hospitals and clinics, more extensive outpatient services, and sometimes limited maternity benefits. They typically range from approximately AED 1,300 to AED 8,600 per annum.
• Comprehensive/Premium Plans: These are the most extensive plans, offering high annual limits, wide network access (including international coverage options), full inpatient and outpatient benefits, specialist consultations, dental and optical care, and often shorter or no waiting periods for certain conditions. These plans can range from approximately AED 2,500 to over AED 20,000 annually, with prices varying significantly based on age, pre-existing conditions, and the level of coverage chosen. For a family of four, comprehensive plans could range from approximately AED 6,200 to AED 28,000 per year.

When comparing plans, pay close attention to the annual limit, network coverage (which hospitals and clinics you can visit), co-payments (the fixed amount you pay per visit or for certain services), deductibles (the amount you must pay before the insurance kicks in), and waiting periods for specific treatments like maternity or pre-existing conditions.

Key Factors Influencing Insurance Premiums

The cost of your health insurance premium in the UAE can vary significantly based on several factors:

• Age: Older individuals generally pay higher premiums due to an increased likelihood of health issues.
• Health Status and Medical History: Pre-existing conditions often lead to higher premiums or may be subject to waiting periods or exclusions, though some basic plans may cover them without a waiting period.
• Coverage Level: As discussed, the more comprehensive the plan, the higher the premium.
• Geographical Coverage: Plans that offer international coverage (e.g., worldwide excluding USA and Canada, or worldwide) will be more expensive than those limited to the UAE.
• Network Size: Plans with a larger network of hospitals and clinics, especially premium ones, usually cost more.
• Number of Dependents: Adding family members to your policy will increase the overall cost.
• Deductibles and Co-payments: Plans with lower deductibles and co-payments typically have higher premiums.

The Application Process: What to Expect

Getting medical insurance in the UAE generally involves a straightforward process:

1. Assess Your Needs: Determine what level of coverage you and your family require. Do you need basic emergency care, or comprehensive coverage including dental, optical, and maternity?
2. Gather Documents: You’ll typically need copies of your passport, visa (or visa application), Emirates ID (or application proof), and a recent passport-sized photo. For existing conditions, medical reports might be required.
3. Compare Quotes: Contact several approved insurance providers or use online comparison platforms to get quotes. Pay attention to the benefits, exclusions, network, and premiums of each plan.
4. Complete the Application: Fill out the insurance application form accurately.
5. Payment: Make the premium payment, usually annually, though some providers might offer quarterly or monthly installments for individual plans.
6. Receive Your Policy: Once approved and paid, you’ll receive your insurance policy documents and a health insurance card, which you’ll need to present at healthcare facilities.

For new residents, having an active health insurance policy is crucial for obtaining or renewing a residence visa. The UAE government cross-verifies insurance records during visa processing to ensure compliance.

Understanding Emirate-Specific Regulations

While the mandatory health insurance coverage now extends across all emirates, each major emirate still maintains its regulatory body:

• Dubai: The DHA oversees health insurance in Dubai. The DHA Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) is specifically designed to meet the minimum requirements for residents in Dubai.
• Abu Dhabi: The DoH (Department of Health – Abu Dhabi) regulates health insurance in the capital. Abu Dhabi was the first emirate to mandate health insurance, and its system, including the “Thiqa” program for UAE nationals, is well-established.
• Other Emirates: With the 2025 mandate, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), is instrumental in ensuring that private sector employees and domestic workers in Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain are covered.

It is always advisable to check the specific requirements of the emirate you reside in or plan to move to, as there can be slight variations in minimum coverage, approved networks, or specific documentation.

The Benefits of Adequate Health Insurance

Beyond legal compliance, having robust health insurance in the UAE provides invaluable peace of mind. The cost of medical treatment without insurance, especially for emergencies or specialized care, can be prohibitive. A good health insurance policy ensures you have access to a wide network of high-quality hospitals, clinics, and specialists across the UAE. It covers consultations, diagnostic tests, medications, and sometimes even preventive care and wellness programs, making healthcare accessible and affordable. Furthermore, many plans offer emergency coverage outside the UAE, which is a great benefit for frequent travelers. The well-being of residents is a priority for the UAE government, and mandatory health insurance is a testament to this commitment, ensuring everyone can lead a healthy and productive life.

Tips for a Smooth Insurance Experience

To ensure a smooth experience with your health insurance in the UAE, consider these practical tips:

• Always carry your health insurance card or have access to your e-card via a mobile app when visiting a medical facility.
• Understand your policy’s network: Know which hospitals and clinics are covered by your plan to avoid out-of-network charges.
• Be aware of co-payments and deductibles: These are your out-of-pocket expenses for certain services.
• Get pre-approvals: For specific treatments, surgeries, or expensive medications, your insurance company might require pre-approval. Always check this before proceeding.
• Keep records: Maintain copies of all medical reports, prescriptions, and invoices for future reference or reimbursement claims.
• Communicate with your provider: If you have any doubts about coverage or processes, contact your insurance provider directly.

Securing the right medical insurance is an essential step towards a healthy and worry-free life in the UAE. By understanding the regulations, exploring your options, and choosing wisely, you can ensure that you and your loved ones are well-protected in this thriving nation.