From January 1, 2025, all private sector workers and domestic helpers in the UAE must have health insurance, as required by MOHRE, ICP, and MOHAP across all seven emirates.
This applies in all seven emirates, extending previous rules that covered only Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The law ensures workers and their dependents have access to healthcare, with penalties for non-compliance.
- Who needs Health insurance in Dubai? Private sector employees and domestic workers, including their families.
- When does it start? Applies from January 1, 2025, for new permits and upon renewal for existing permits.
- Is health insurance mandatory in Dubai for residency? Yes, mandatory for obtaining or renewing residence visas.
Sources: Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE), UAE Basic Health Insurance Scheme
Health Insurance Rules by Emirate: Is Health Insurance Mandatory in Dubai?
Residents living in the northern emirates, including those exploring popular places to visit in Ajman and Fujairah, must comply with the same mandatory health insurance rules from 2025 onward.
| Emirate | Requirement Highlights | Notes |
| Abu Dhabi | Employers must cover workers and their families | Includes spouse + 3 children |
| Dubai | Employers must cover employees | Family coverage may depend on company policy; the DubaiCare network is common |
| Northern Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah) | Extends Dubai & Abu Dhabi law | Mandatory from 2025 onward |
Source: Northern Emirates health insurance regulations, Dubai Health Authority
Insider Tip (Dubai): Use insurance from approved providers to avoid delays during visa renewals.
Who Is Required to Have Health Insurance in the UAE?
Everyone living in the UAE must have health insurance. This rule applies whether you are visiting as a tourist, born an Emirati citizen, or living in the country as an expat.
Employees working in sectors such as construction, logistics, and shipping companies must also be covered under employer-provided health insurance as per UAE labor law. Having medical coverage is a legal requirement for all residents. If you stay in the country, you must have medical insurance.
For Locals and GCC Nationals
- Emirati citizens sign up for public health insurance.
- GCC nationals have access to some public health benefits.
For Expats (Non-GCC Citizens)
- Employees and domestic workers: Employers must provide basic health insurance covering workers and their families (spouse + up to 3 children).
- Freelancers: They must buy private insurance themselves.
- Golden Visa holders: Must purchase private health insurance during their permit.
- Job seekers: Must have private insurance as part of the visa application.
- Students: Covered by parents’ insurance or must have private plans.
- Pensioners: Need private health insurance or sponsored family coverage.
- Short-term visitors: Visa-exempt tourists do not need insurance, but those needing a visa must buy private insurance.
- Asylum seekers and refugees: Must have a visa and private insurance; emergency treatment is usually available even without insurance.
Important Notes:
- Basic health insurance may not cover childbirth and has a 6-month waiting period after registration.
- Many expats choose private top-up insurance to cover treatments not included in basic plans.
Types of Health Insurance in the UAE
There are mainly two types of health insurance in the UAE
1. Public Health Insurance
- Mainly for Emirati nationals and special groups.
- The system covers most basic medical needs like doctor visits, vaccinations, prescription medicines, hospital care, and emergencies.
However, some things are not included or only partly covered, such as dental work, mental health services, vision and hearing care, alternative treatments, long-term rehabilitation, elderly care, and treatment abroad.
How does public health insurance work in the UAE?
Public health insurance is handled differently depending on where you live.
- In Abu Dhabi, citizens and GCC nationals must register with Thiqa.
- In Dubai, they register with Enaya.
- In the other emirates, nationals usually just show proof of nationality to get public healthcare.
Can foreigners get public health insurance in the UAE?
- Yes, if they are GCC citizens.
- No, if they are from outside the GCC.
2. Private Health Insurance
Most outsiders in the UAE have private health insurance. It brings many benefits like shorter wait times, specialized care, and more comfort at private hospitals and clinics.
Insurers offer plans made for students, families, retirees, and expats. Some plans even cover you globally and provide English-speaking support, making healthcare easier to access.
Some premium private plans also include travel medical coverage, which is useful for residents booking Umrah packages or traveling abroad for religious or leisure purposes.
Advantages of Private Health Insurance
Private insurance is not just required for residency; it also offers many perks:
- No hidden fees or copayments
- Access to English-speaking doctors and specialists
- Extra coverage like dental, vision, and other treatments
- Wide network of private hospitals and clinics
- Comfortable private hospital rooms
- Faster appointments and treatments
- Added benefits like sickness allowance and treatment abroad
How to Choose and Apply for Private Health Insurance
With many insurance providers, it’s smart to compare plans. When checking, consider:
- Does the plan cover what you need?
- Does the insurer pay hospitals directly, or do you pay first and claim later?
- Are there discounts or rewards?
- Does it cover treatment abroad or travel insurance?
- What do customers say about their service?
- Can you switch providers easily without big penalties?
What Does Health Insurance Cover?
While benefits vary by provider, most standard plans cover:
Typical coverage includes:
- Doctor and specialist visits
- Hospital stays and surgeries
- Prescriptions (with co-pays)
- Diagnostic tests
- Ambulance service
- Maternity care (variable)
Note: Always check your plan’s co-pay, exclusions, and coverage limits before signing.
UAE Medical Insurance Prices: Estimated Costs
The cost of health insurance changes depending on the kind of plan you choose, your age, and how much coverage you want.
| Type | Cost Range (AED) | Notes |
| Basic Public Health Plan | Free for UAE nationals | Limited coverage for residents |
| Employer-provided Basic Plan | ~320 AED/year per employee | Covers essential healthcare only |
| Private Insurance | 1,000 – 10,000+ AED/year per person | Premiums rise with age & coverage |
Families and dependents may cost extra if not fully included in employer plans. Source: Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratization
Compliance and Penalties of Health Insurance Policy in Dubai
- Employers must arrange insurance before visa issuance or renewal.
- Penalties include fines and visa issuance refusal.
- Workers should confirm insurance status with their employers.
How to Get Health Insurance in the UAE?
- If you are employed, your company arranges your insurance.
- If you are a new expat, Insurance is provided once you join a company.
- When renewing visas, make sure insurance is valid before renewal.
- For dependents: The Employer may arrange coverage, or you may need to purchase it separately.
- Freelancers & Golden Visa holders: Buy private plans directly from insurers or brokers.
Need Help Choosing the Right Medical Insurance Plan?
Many residents compare plans from the best health insurance companies in Dubai to find affordable coverage with a wide hospital network and fast claim settlements.
- Speak to your HR department or employer first.
- Compare plans from trusted providers.
- Choose insurance with a good hospital network near where you live.
- Ask insurance brokers for advice if you are unsure.
FAQs: Is Health Insurance Mandatory in Dubai?
1. Is medical insurance mandatory in Dubai for employees?
Yes, all private sector employees and domestic workers must have basic health insurance paid by their employers. It is required for issuing or renewing residency permits.
2. Is health insurance mandatory in Dubai for expats?
Yes, All expat residents, including those on work visas, need health insurance either through their employer’s plan or by purchasing private insurance themselves.
3. Is medical insurance mandatory in Dubai for dependents?
It depends. Employees must ensure their dependents are not already covered by the employer or other policies. Low-income families can use the Essential Benefits Plan for dependents.
4. Is there a fine for not having health insurance in Dubai?
In Dubai, if you don’t have health insurance, you can be fined starting from AED 500 each month for every uninsured person. Fines can increase up to AED 150,000 if the issue continues.
Final Thoughts
Is health insurance mandatory in Dubai? Yes, it is. And from 2025, this rule applies to the whole UAE. Every resident, whether they are a salaried employee or a domestic worker, must have health insurance to get or renew a residence visa.
While each emirate, like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the northern emirates, has slightly different rules, the main idea is the same: health insurance is required for residency.
If you are an employee, freelancer, or Golden Visa holder, it’s important to check your insurance, know the costs, and plan so your visa renewal goes smoothly.
