UAE Announces New Basic Health Insurance For Private Sector Employees And Domestic Workers From January 1
Eligibility for the new health insurance policy is required for the issuance or renewal of residency permits for employees. However, this requirement does not apply to employees who hold work permits issued before January 1, 2024, and are still valid. The rule will only apply when their residency permits need to be renewed.
How Can You Apply?
The newly launched insurance package can be accessed through the DubaiCare Network. Employers have the option to purchase the new insurance package via the DubaiCare Network or select other products from accredited insurance companies through various channels. These channels include the Insurance Pool website, a smart application, and business service centres located throughout the country.
Policy Cost And Coverage Details:
MOHRE stated that the package will be offered at a competitive price with minimal treatment costs.
The policy remains valid for two years, and the premium for the second year is refundable if the visa is canceled. The basic insurance package is priced at AED 320 per year, with no waiting period for workers with chronic illnesses. It covers individuals aged between one and 64 years. Individuals older than this age must complete a medical disclosure form and provide recent medical reports.
The package includes coverage for treatment expenses with a 20 percent co-payment for inpatient care, meaning patients hospitalized for medical treatments or surgeries. The insured individual is responsible for a maximum of AED 500 per visit, with an annual limit of AED 1,000, which includes medications. Beyond these limits, the insurance company will cover 100 percent of the treatment costs.
For outpatient care, which involves medical visits, diagnostic tests, or minor procedures that do not require a hospital stay, the co-payment is 25 percent. The insured pays up to AED 100 per visit. No co-payment is needed for follow-up visits for the same condition within seven days. Additionally, co-payments for medications are capped at 30 percent, with an annual limit of AED 1,500.
The network comprises seven hospitals, 46 clinics and medical centers, and 45 pharmacies.
Coverage for Dependent:
Family members who depend on the worker can get the same benefits and prices as stated in the insurance policy. This program was started with help from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), following a Cabinet decision.
Objective of the New Policy:
The initiative, developed in partnership with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), follows a Cabinet decision.
Khalil Al Khoori, Undersecretary of Labour Market and Emiratisation Operations at MoHRE, said, "The Health Insurance Scheme shows the UAE's commitment to providing a complete protection system for all workers in the labor market, ensuring a dignified life for everyone by providing access to high-quality healthcare services for private sector employees and domestic workers.”
He added, “This scheme is part of a broader vision to expand the integrated social protection umbrella, which includes the Worker Protection Programme, Unemployment Insurance Scheme, and the voluntary alternative end-of-service benefits system known as the ‘Savings Scheme’. These initiatives reinforce our commitment to creating a secure, healthy work environment and enhancing the quality of life for all workers.”
“The new Health Insurance Scheme is also expected to significantly enhance the competitiveness of the country’s labor market by improving key indicators related to quality of life, rights protection, and social and healthcare security. Additionally, it is anticipated to benefit both workers and employers by lowering the financial burdens associated with medical treatments and reducing the need for unpaid sick leave typically required by uninsured workers.”
Is Health Insurance Now Required For Residency In All Emirates?
Major General Saeed Salem Balhas Al Shamsi, Acting Director-General of ICP, announced that the ICP will establish an electronic connection with various ministries, government entities, and private sector institutions, especially within the insurance industry. This system will check that workers in the private and business sectors, as well as domestic workers, have insurance before getting residency permits. The aim is to protect workers’ rights and make sure they can access healthcare. “This is one of their basic rights, required by laws that govern the UAE labour market,” said Major General Al Shamsi.
He further noted that the approval of the health insurance system underscores the UAE’s humanitarian commitment, reaffirming its dedication to upholding international human rights conventions and providing healthcare to all residents.
Impact on UAE’s Healthcare System
Dr. Mohammed Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, explained, “The initiative enhances the outcomes of the ‘Riayati’ platform, the integrated digital healthcare system that is part of the National Unified Medical Record (NUMR) and Population Health Management projects. Including these groups under insurance coverage helps expand our national health database, making it more comprehensive and accurate.
This, in turn, improves our capabilities for health research, strategic planning, and more efficient resource allocation. These efforts contribute to the integrated development of the healthcare sector, boosting its competitiveness and aligning it with the UAE’s goals and priorities.”
