Why every UAE household needs domestic helper insurance
Hiring a housemaid, nanny, cook, or driver is common among residents, but many sponsors still underestimate their legal responsibilities. Since Federal Law (9) of 2022 on Domestic Workers – reinforced by emirate-level health-insurance mandates – employers must provide minimum healthcare, workplace injury cover, and repatriation benefits. Failure to comply can lead to fines up to AED 10,000, visa delays, or refusal of residency renewals.
In this guide you’ll learn:
- What the law actually says in 2025
- The minimum insurance benefits you must arrange
- Typical premiums and the most affordable plans on the market
- How to buy or renew a policy online in minutes via InsuranceHub
1. Current legal requirements (2025 update)
| Requirement | Dubai | Abu Dhabi | Northern Emirates |
| Basic health insurance | Mandatory for every resident, including domestic workers; payment by sponsor | Mandatory since 2016 under Thiqa/Basic plans | Recommended but not yet legally enforced; visa centres increasingly demand proof |
| Work injury & compensation | Covered under Federal Law 9/2022 – employer liable for treatment and up to AED 25,000 death/total disability benefit | Same federal rule | Same federal rule |
| Repatriation of mortal remains | Required (air ticket + AED 7,500 minimum) | Required | Required |
| Premium payment | 100 % by sponsor; cannot be deducted from salary | Same | Same |
Key source: Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) – see official FAQ at mohre.gov.ae.
2. Types of insurance you should consider
(a) Basic medical insurance (Essential Benefits Plan)
- Annual aggregate limit: AED 150,000
- Co-payment: 20 % outpatient; 30 % medicines
- Network: UAE-wide or emirate-limited, depending on insurer
- Premium: AED 650 – AED 900 per year
(b) Workmen’s compensation / employer liability
- Settles hospital bills for accidents on duty
- Pays lump sum (up to 24 months’ wage) in case of death or permanent disability
- Often bundled with personal-accident cover
(c) Personal accident & life cover
- Extra AED 50,000 – AED 100,000 benefit
- Annual premium add-on: AED 75 – AED 120
(d) Repatriation & replacement ticket
- Airfare to home country for medical evacuation or at end of contract
- Mortal-remains repatriation expenses
Most “domestic helper insurance” packages sold in the UAE combine all four benefits into one certificate, making visa typing at Tasheel or Amer centres straightforward.
3. How much does it cost in 2025?
Premiums are indexed to the worker’s age, medical history, and the insurer’s network size. For a 25–45-year-old helper with no chronic illnesses, expect:
- Essential Benefits Plan only: AED 650 – AED 900
- Comprehensive bundle (health + work injury + repatriation): AED 1,000 – AED 1,400
Tip: If you already have a home or life policy, ask your insurer for a multi-policy discount. Some carriers knock off 10 % when you bundle domestic-helper cover.
4. 5 best budget policies this year
| Insurer & Plan | Annual Premium* | Core Benefits | Notable extras |
| Orient Bupa “Essential Maid” | AED 680 | Health (AED 150k), network N3 | 24/7 tele-doctor in 5 languages |
| Daman EBP Domestic | AED 725 | Health + work injury | Maternity up to AED 7,000 |
| Oman Insurance “Helper Secure” | AED 1,050 | Health + liability + repatriation | Dental emergency cover |
| Takaful Emarat Domestic Protect | AED 975 | Health + personal accident 75k | Sharia-compliant surplus sharing |
| RAKINSURANCE MaidCare | AED 1,140 | Health (AED 250k) + liability | Cashless pharmacy in UAE Exchange branches |
*Premiums checked July 2025 for a Filipina helper aged 30, Dubai visa holder. Rates may vary with age and nationality.
5. How to choose the right plan
- Visa location matters: If your helper’s visa is issued in Abu Dhabi but she lives in Dubai, pick a nationwide network to avoid out-of-network penalties.
- Check sub-limits: Some low-cost EBP plans cap maternity at AED 3,000 – fine for male drivers, risky for nannies of child-bearing age.
- Inpatient guarantee letter: Make sure the insurer offers cashless admission at major hospitals; otherwise you pay upfront.
- Simple claims: Look for an app-based reimbursement flow or direct-billing agreements. (Orient and Daman lead here.)
- Language support: Hotlines in Tagalog, Hindi, Bengali, and English reduce stress during emergencies.
6. Buying online with InsuranceHub: 3 quick steps
- Compare live quotes – Enter your helper’s visa data and health history at InsuranceHub Domestic Worker to view real-time prices from 15 insurers.
- Get expert advice – A licensed insurance advisor UAE based will WhatsApp you unbiased recommendations within 10 minutes.
- Pay & download certificate – Pay by card or Apple Pay. Your compliant insurance certificate (PDF) arrives instantly, ready for Amer/Tasheel upload.
Average time: 12 minutes. Savings: up to 40 % compared with walking into individual insurer branches.
Key takeaways
- Domestic helper insurance is mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and functionally required elsewhere for visa processing.
- The cheapest compliant plans start at AED 650 per year, but adding liability and repatriation gives fuller protection for around AED 1,000.
- Compare quotes, verify network coverage, and buy online through InsuranceHub to stay legal and compassionate toward the people who make your daily life easier.
Need a quote right now? Get started in minutes and secure peace of mind for you and your valued helper.
