01Is health insurance mandatory?
According to the UAE government portal, health insurance is mandatory for private sector employees and domestic workers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Employers must buy a policy before residency permits are issued or renewed. The portal says the requirement will extend to private sector workers in the other emirates, and does not give a date for that.
The portal also says workers whose work permits were issued before 1 January 2024 and are still valid are exempt until their residency permit comes up for renewal.
02Who pays for it
- Abu Dhabi: employers and sponsors are responsible for covering their employees and families. The portal lists covered family members as one spouse and three children under 18.
- Dubai: employers must cover their employees, and sponsors must insure their resident dependants.
Family members get the benefits and pricing set out in the policy. If you are sponsoring your own family, our visas guide explains the sponsorship steps.
03The basic package
The government portal describes a basic package from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The figures it lists:
- Premium of AED 320 per year, with no waiting period for people with chronic illnesses, valid for two years.
- Covers ages 1 to 64. Applicants over 64 submit a medical disclosure form and recent medical reports.
- Inpatient care: 20% co-payment, capped at AED 500 per visit and AED 1,000 per year including medicines. Costs above the caps are covered at 100%.
- Outpatient care: 25% co-payment, capped at AED 100 per visit. Follow-up visits for the same condition within 7 days have no co-payment.
- Outpatient medicines: 30% co-payment, with an annual cap of AED 1,500.
The level of cover your employer buys can depend on your salary and role, so ask for your policy document and check the network of hospitals and the co-payments.
04Other emirates
The portal says the mandate will extend to Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, without a start date. Until then, rules depend on your employer and emirate, so ask your employer what cover you have. For finding a doctor and understanding how the system works, see our healthcare guide.
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Is health insurance mandatory in the UAE?
Yes in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, for private sector employees and domestic workers, according to the UAE government portal. The portal says the requirement will extend to the other emirates and does not give a date.
Who pays for health insurance in Dubai?
Employers must cover their employees, and sponsors must insure their resident dependants, according to the government portal.
Who is covered in Abu Dhabi?
Employers and sponsors cover their employees and families. The portal lists one spouse and three children under 18 as covered family members.
How much does the MOHRE basic package cost?
The government portal lists a premium of AED 320 per year, valid for two years, with co-payments on inpatient care, outpatient visits and medicines.
Can I get a residence visa without health insurance in Dubai?
The portal says employers must buy a policy before residency permits are issued or renewed in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, so insurance is part of the visa process there.
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