The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a significant step towards ensuring comprehensive healthcare for its residents by introducing a nationwide mandatory health insurance policy. This initiative, effective from January 1, 2025, extends coverage to all seven emirates, making healthcare more accessible and affordable for private sector employees and domestic workers.
Overview of the New Policy
Coverage Expansion: The new policy expands the existing health insurance mandates in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to include Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. This ensures that all private sector employees and domestic workers across the UAE have access to basic health coverage123.
Cost and Benefits: The insurance package starts at approximately AED 320 per year, offering a range of benefits including coverage for chronic conditions without a waiting period. Employers are required to purchase this insurance as a prerequisite for issuing or renewing residency permits14.
Co-payments and Limits: The policy includes co-payments for inpatient care (20% with a maximum of AED 500 per visit and an annual cap of AED 1,000) and outpatient care (25% with a maximum of AED 100 per visit). Medication co-payments are capped at 30% with an annual limit of AED 1,50034.
Insurance in Dubai
Dubai has been at the forefront of health insurance initiatives in the UAE. The city offers the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) for residents earning lower-end salaries, providing comprehensive coverage for emergencies, surgeries, and maternity care7.
How to Get Medical Insurance in the UAE
Employer-Sponsored Insurance: For most private sector employees, health insurance is provided by employers as part of the new mandate. This insurance can be purchased through approved suppliers like the DubaiCare Network6.
Individual Plans: Individuals can also purchase health insurance directly from providers. This is particularly useful for those not covered by employer-sponsored plans or for additional coverage beyond the basic package.
Travel Insurance: For visitors, it is essential to have valid travel insurance that covers medical expenses during their stay in the UAE8.
InsuranceHub.ae: Your Partner for UAE Medical Insurance
For those seeking to navigate the UAE's health insurance landscape, platforms like InsuranceHub.ae can provide valuable assistance. They offer a range of insurance options and expert advice to help individuals and businesses find the right coverage.
The UAE's commitment to universal health coverage marks a significant step towards creating a healthier and more equitable society. With the new nationwide health insurance policy, residents can enjoy better access to medical care, ensuring peace of mind and financial security in times of need.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a significant step towards ensuring comprehensive healthcare for its residents by introducing a nationwide mandatory health insurance policy. This initiative, effective from January 1, 2025, extends coverage to all seven emirates, making healthcare more accessible and affordable for private sector employees and domestic workers.
Overview of the New Policy
Coverage Expansion: The new policy expands the existing health insurance mandates in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to include Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. This ensures that all private sector employees and domestic workers across the UAE have access to basic health coverage123.
Cost and Benefits: The insurance package starts at approximately AED 320 per year, offering a range of benefits including coverage for chronic conditions without a waiting period. Employers are required to purchase this insurance as a prerequisite for issuing or renewing residency permits14.
Co-payments and Limits: The policy includes co-payments for inpatient care (20% with a maximum of AED 500 per visit and an annual cap of AED 1,000) and outpatient care (25% with a maximum of AED 100 per visit). Medication co-payments are capped at 30% with an annual limit of AED 1,50034.
Insurance in Dubai
Dubai has been at the forefront of health insurance initiatives in the UAE. The city offers the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) for residents earning lower-end salaries, providing comprehensive coverage for emergencies, surgeries, and maternity care7.
How to Get Medical Insurance in the UAE
Employer-Sponsored Insurance: For most private sector employees, health insurance is provided by employers as part of the new mandate. This insurance can be purchased through approved suppliers like the DubaiCare Network6.
Individual Plans: Individuals can also purchase health insurance directly from providers. This is particularly useful for those not covered by employer-sponsored plans or for additional coverage beyond the basic package.
Travel Insurance: For visitors, it is essential to have valid travel insurance that covers medical expenses during their stay in the UAE8.
InsuranceHub.ae: Your Partner for UAE Medical Insurance
For those seeking to navigate the UAE's health insurance landscape, platforms like InsuranceHub.ae can provide valuable assistance. They offer a range of insurance options and expert advice to help individuals and businesses find the right coverage.
The UAE's commitment to universal health coverage marks a significant step towards creating a healthier and more equitable society. With the new nationwide health insurance policy, residents can enjoy better access to medical care, ensuring peace of mind and financial security in times of need.
