Do you need insurance for your maid, nanny, or driver in Dubai or any other Emirate? From 2025, basic health coverage is mandatory, and sponsors are responsible for purchasing a compliant plan before visa stamping or renewal. This guide explains the rules, benefits, costs, and simple steps to buy insurance for my maid with confidence.
Is insurance mandatory for domestic workers in 2025?
Yes. Nationwide regulations now require private households to provide health insurance to domestic helpers, including housemaids, nannies, cooks, gardeners, and drivers. The policy must be active before application, visa stamping, or renewal, and it should remain valid for the duration of the residency. Failure to comply can lead to fines, delays in processing, or rejection of immigration requests. Always keep the policy copy and e card handy for clinic visits and visa procedures.
What is the Basic Benefit Plan (BBP)?
The Basic Benefit Plan is the mandated entry level medical package for low income workers and domestic staff. It focuses on essential healthcare, typically including outpatient consultations, basic diagnostics, emergency treatment, hospitalisation, maternity where applicable, and prescription medicines within a defined pharmacy limit. Access is limited to a designated provider network, and care is cashless at in network facilities subject to co pays. Many 2025 packages show example caps such as inpatient 20 percent, capped per visit and per year, outpatient 25 percent up to a small amount per visit, and medications at 30 percent up to an annual ceiling. Exact caps vary by insurer and emirate, so always read your policy schedule.
Step by step: How to buy insurance for your maid or nanny?
Step 1: Gather documents
Have copies of the worker’s passport, entry permit or visa page, Emirates ID or application number, your Emirates ID, sponsor details, and proof of residence. Some insurers may request a basic health declaration; keep any previous insurance card if you are renewing.
Step 2: Compare providers
Use a licensed marketplace such as insurancehub.ae to compare BBP options from multiple Central Bank approved insurers. Review networks near the worker’s accommodation and your home, clinic access for common needs, and language support. Shortlist two or three plans that balance premium and access.
Step 3: Confirm benefits and co pays
Check outpatient visit limits, pharmacy allowances, maternity eligibility, emergency coverage across all Emirates, and pre authorisation rules. If the worker travels with your family, consider a regional travel add on or confirm emergency out of emirate benefits.
Step 4: Purchase and get the e-card
Complete the application online, upload documents, pay securely, and receive the digital policy and medical e card. Share the e card with your worker and keep a copy on your phone for clinic check in.
Step 5: Link to visa and keep records
Use the policy certificate during visa stamping or renewal. Store PDFs in cloud storage, note renewal dates, and set reminders at least four weeks before expiry. Consistent coverage avoids fines and protects against gaps in care.
Step 6: Know how to use the plan
Share the insurer helpline and nearest in network clinics with your worker. For planned care, get referrals where required and bring the e card. For emergencies, go to the nearest network hospital and notify the insurer as soon as possible.
Costs and timelines: what to expect
Premiums for BBP style policies are budget friendly compared to enhanced plans, and issuance is usually same day after successful payment and verification. Co pays and caps apply at point of care, and using in network providers keeps bills predictable. The example below summarises typical elements you will see in a basic package; always check your actual policy schedule.
| Feature | Example for BBP 2025 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Outpatient visits | 25 percent co pay, up to AED 100 per visit | Use in network clinics for cashless service |
| Inpatient hospitalisation | 20 percent co pay, capped AED 500 per visit and AED 1,000 per year | Emergency treatment covered across Emirates |
| Medications | 30 percent co pay, annual cap around AED 1,500 | Generic substitution may apply |
| Maternity (where eligible) | Antenatal visits, delivery within sub limits | Waiting period and pre authorisation may apply |
| Pharmacy network | Designated providers only | Present e card and Emirates ID |
Final tips before you buy
Set a budget, but prioritise network access near your home, because convenience determines how well the plan works day to day. Confirm co pays at common clinics and pharmacies, and keep a small emergency fund for those amounts. Make sure the worker understands how to use the card, which hospitals to visit, and when to call the assistance number. If your household includes multiple helpers, ask about group pricing or shared renewal dates to simplify admin. When in doubt, compare policies on insurancehub.ae and chat with an advisor. By arranging insurance for my maid early, you avoid visa delays and ensure your employee can access timely care from the first day of work. Stay compliant.
