The United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched a fundamental health insurance scheme on Monday, December 16, aimed at private sector employees and domestic workers nationwide who currently lack insurance coverage.
According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), this initiative will take effect on January 1, 2025, for private sector workers in regions such as Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.
This health insurance scheme is already mandatory in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The program has been launched in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), as well as the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), following a Cabinet decision.
“The health insurance scheme demonstrates the UAE’s dedication to providing a comprehensive protection system to all workers in the labor market, ensuring a decent standard of living by facilitating access to high-quality healthcare services for private sector employees and domestic workers,” stated Khalil Al Khoori, the undersecretary of labor market and Emiratisation operations at MoHRE.
He further noted, “The new Health Insurance Scheme in the UAE is expected to significantly enhance the competitiveness of the country’s labor market, improving indicators related to quality of life, rights protection, and social and healthcare security.”
Key Information on the New Health Insurance Scheme
Who is eligible?
Employers are required to obtain a new health insurance policy as a condition for issuing or renewing residency permits.
However, this obligation does not pertain to employees with work permits issued before January 1, 2024, which remain valid. The requirement will only be enforced upon the renewal of their residency permits.
How to obtain it and the cost?
This newly introduced insurance is available through the DubaiCare Network or other products from accredited insurance providers via various channels, including the Insurance Pool website, smart applications, and business service centers across the UAE.
The policy has a validity of two years, and if the visa is canceled, the second-year premium may be refunded.
The basic insurance package is priced at AED 320 per year, with no waiting period for workers with chronic illnesses. It covers individuals aged up to 64; those over this age must complete a medical disclosure form and provide recent medical reports.
Coverage includes treatment expenses, requiring a 20 percent co-payment for inpatient care for hospitalizations or surgeries. The insured pays a maximum of AED 500 per visit, capped at AED 1,000 annually for medications. Beyond these limits, the insurance company covers all treatment costs.
For outpatient care, patients needing medical visits, diagnostic tests, or minor procedures without hospital stays face a 25 percent co-payment, with the insured contributing a maximum of AED 100 per visit.
There is no co-payment required for follow-up visits within seven days for the same condition, and there is a 30 percent cap on medication co-payments, capped at AED 1,500 annually.
The basic plan network includes seven hospitals, 46 clinics and medical centers, and 45 pharmacies.
Dependents of the worker’s family can avail themselves of the same benefits and pricing outlined in the insurance policy.