Why talk about vaccination coverage now?
A growing number of UAE employers and families are discovering that not every jab recommended by doctors is automatically reimbursed by their medical insurance. While the government funds the core childhood schedule, many adult vaccines—think shingles or human papillomavirus (HPV)—sit in a grey zone between public programs and private health plans. Knowing what is free, what is covered, and what you may need to pay for out of pocket can save you hundreds of dirhams per year.
This guide unpacks how vaccination coverage works inside UAE health plans in 2025, from Essential Benefits Plans (EBP) to premium “VIP” policies. If you are shopping for a new policy or renewing one, use the insights below to avoid surprises at the clinic.
How vaccine financing works in the UAE
- Federal & emirate-level programs: The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), Dubai Health Authority (DHA), and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health (DoH) fully fund the National Immunization Program (NIP) for children. Shots are free at public health centers and in most private clinics contracted with the authorities.
- Employer-mandated health insurance: Every sponsor must provide at least an EBP for employees earning under AED 4,000. EBPs include certain preventive services—such as child immunizations—but rarely all adult boosters.
- Enhanced or VIP plans: Insurers add preventive care benefits to stay competitive. Flu shots and hepatitis boosters are increasingly standard, yet caps and copays vary.
The financial split therefore looks like this:
- Childhood schedule: Government pays 100 %
- Mass public health campaigns (COVID-19, polio): Government pays
- Adult routine vaccines: Depends on your policy
- Travel/optional vaccines: Usually policy add-on or self-pay
Vaccines that are always free in the UAE (2025 update)
The list aligns with the National Immunization Program and MOHAP circulars:
- BCG, hepatitis B, polio (IPV/OPV)
- DTaP-HiB-IPV combo (Pentavalent)
- PCV (pneumococcal) for infants
- Rotavirus
- MMR and varicella for children
- COVID-19 primary series + updated boosters
Simply bring your Emirates ID and vaccination record to a government or participating private clinic; no insurance card is required.
Vaccines usually covered by standard health plans
According to the 2024 benefit schedules of seven leading insurers partnered with InsuranceHub, the following jabs are covered in 70 % or more of basic silver/gold plans:
- Seasonal influenza: 100 % covered once per policy year, subject to in-network provider.
- Tetanus / Tdap booster: Covered every 10 years, usually billed as part of outpatient benefits with standard copay (10–20 %).
- Hepatitis B booster: Fully covered for healthcare workers and high-risk professions; others may pay a small copay.
- Pneumococcal (PPV23) for seniors 60+: Covered in most enhanced plans.
Tip: If your doctor codes the injection as “preventive,” some insurers waive the usual outpatient deductible.
Vaccines that are often excluded - or need a rider
1. HPV (Gardasil 9)
- Only 3 of the 15 mainstream individual plans we reviewed included it.
- Typical out-of-pocket price: AED 800–900 per dose (three-dose series for adults >15 yrs).
2. Travel vaccines (yellow fever, typhoid, rabies pre-exposure, Japanese encephalitis)
- Generally excluded unless you buy a Travel Health rider.
3. Shingles (Shingrix)
- New to the UAE market; covered only in top-tier corporate packages.
4. Meningococcal ACWY
- Required for Hajj/Umrah pilgrims and some universities abroad. Coverage depends on plan.
5. Adult varicella or MMR boosters
- Seen as elective if you missed childhood shots.
If any of these vaccines are on your to-do list, confirm coverage before you book an appointment or ask your broker to add a preventive care rider (cost: AED 300–500 annually, but it can reimburse vaccines worth double that amount).
Comparing popular UAE health plans on vaccine coverage
| Plan name | Annual premium (30-yr expat) | Flu shot | HPV series | Shingles | Travel vaccines |
| EBP (Essential) | AED 750 | Copay 20 % | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Silver Core | AED 1,650 | Free | Copay 20 % | Not covered | Not covered |
| Gold Flex | AED 2,450 | Free | Free up to AED 1,500 | Copay 10 % | Not covered |
| Platinum Plus | AED 4,900 | Free | Free | Free | Free up to AED 2,000 |
(Data compiled June 2025 from publicly available policy schedules and InsuranceHub partner quotes.)
Cost snapshot when you pay out of pocket
- Influenza: AED 120–180 in most pharmacies.
- HPV (3 doses): AED 2,400–2,700 total.
- Shingrix (2 doses): AED 1,600–1,900 total.
- Yellow fever: AED 280–350 per dose.
- Meningococcal ACWY: AED 220–300.
For families planning multiple vaccinations, an enhanced plan or rider quickly becomes cost-effective
How to make sure your vaccine claim is approved
- Check the Schedule of Benefits (SoB): Search for “preventive services” or “vaccinations.”
- Stay in network: Many insurers reimburse only if the jab is administered at an approved clinic.
- Get pre-authorisation for series vaccines like HPV; one approval letter can cover all three doses.
- Submit your vaccination card: Some insurers require it as proof the series was completed.
- Use direct billing whenever possible to avoid cash claims.
Upgrading your coverage without breaking the bank
- Add a preventive care rider: Costs less than AED 50/month and usually lifts annual vaccine limits to AED 1,000–2,000.
- Split family members: If only one adult needs HPV or shingles, place them on an enhanced individual plan and keep others on standard cover.
- Leverage employer group policies: HR managers can negotiate higher vaccine caps at minimal extra premium—useful for industries with frequent business travel.
For a step-by-step on decoding policy jargon like “Schedule of Benefits” or “copay,” see our guide to health insurance terminologies.
Ready to stay protected from preventable diseases?
Compare health plans side by side, filter by “preventive care” benefits, and lock in coverage that pays for the shots you actually need. On InsuranceHub.ae you can:
- View instant quotes from 50+ DHA-approved insurers
- Check vaccine limits and rider pricing in one dashboard
- Chat with an experienced consultant for free
Visit InsuranceHub.ae now or explore our in-depth guide to health insurance in the UAE to make a fully informed decision.
