Who Provides Health Insurance in the UAE?
<h3>Who is Responsible for Health Insurance in the UAE?</h3><p>Health insurance in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is not just a benefit but a legal requirement. The country has built one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the region, and access to it is closely tied to health insurance coverage. To ensure this access, the responsibility of providing health insurance falls primarily on <strong>employers and sponsors</strong>. However, the exact rules and benefits differ from one emirate to another, creating a framework that employees, sponsors, and families need to understand.</p><h3>The Employer’s Role</h3><p>Across the UAE, employers are obligated to provide health insurance for their employees. This requirement applies to all companies, regardless of size, and extends to sponsors of domestic workers as well. For most employees, this means their employer will purchase and pay for a health insurance policy as a condition of obtaining or renewing their residency visa.</p><p>While the general responsibility remains the same nationwide, there are important differences between Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the northern emirates when it comes to coverage levels, dependent eligibility, and costs.</p><h3>Health Insurance in Abu Dhabi</h3><p>Abu Dhabi was the first emirate to implement mandatory health insurance. Under the Department of Health regulations, employers must provide coverage not only for their employees but also for their dependents—specifically <strong>one spouse and up to three children under the age of 18</strong>.</p><p>For workers earning less than AED 5,000 per month, or AED 4,000 plus housing allowance, employers are required to provide a <strong>basic health insurance policy</strong>. This ensures that low-income employees are not left without adequate healthcare access.</p><p>Employees with larger families or those who want a more comprehensive plan can purchase additional coverage. This flexibility allows families to tailor healthcare options to meet their unique needs, although the extra cost is usually borne by the employee.</p><h3>Health Insurance in Dubai</h3><p>Dubai has enforced compulsory health insurance since the implementation of the <strong>Dubai Health Insurance Law</strong> in 2014. Under this law, every resident must be insured. Employers are legally responsible for covering their employees, typically by enrolling them in the <strong>Essential Benefits Plan (EBP)</strong>.</p><p>The EBP, with annual premiums ranging from AED 550 to AED 650, is designed to cover basic healthcare needs, particularly for employees earning lower wages. This makes healthcare accessible while also keeping costs predictable for companies.</p><p>Unlike Abu Dhabi, employers in Dubai are not legally required to cover dependents. Instead, if an employer only provides coverage for the employee, the responsibility of insuring dependents such as a spouse, parents, or children falls on the sponsor (usually the employee). This rule ensures that all family members have access to healthcare but places part of the financial responsibility on individuals.</p><h3>Health Insurance in the Northern Emirates</h3><p>Until recently, the northern emirates—Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah—did not have a unified health insurance mandate. This changed in <strong>January 2025</strong>, when the UAE government extended mandatory health insurance to cover all private sector employees and domestic workers in these emirates.</p><p>The <strong>Health Insurance Scheme</strong> was launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), and licensed insurance providers.</p><p>Under this scheme, employers are required to provide at least a basic policy for their workers. Importantly, dependents can now access the same pricing and benefits as the insured worker, making healthcare coverage more inclusive across the emirates.</p><h3>Purchasing Health Insurance</h3><p>Employers must purchase health insurance policies as a condition for visa issuance or renewal. This process can be done through accredited channels such as:</p><p><strong>The DubaiCare Network</strong> – offers affordable insurance packages designed for small businesses and individuals.</p><p><strong>Insurance Pool website</strong> – a government-backed platform that helps employers find cost-effective plans.</p><p><strong>Licensed insurance providers and business service centers</strong> – available across the country.</p><p>By using these channels, employers can secure competitive pricing while ensuring compliance with UAE law. The DubaiCare Network, in particular, reduces the financial burden on companies by offering low-cost treatment options and predictable insurance expenses.</p><h3>Why This Matters</h3><p>Mandatory health insurance ensures that every worker in the UAE has access to quality healthcare without facing overwhelming medical bills. For businesses, providing insurance is not just a legal requirement but also an investment in employee well-being and productivity. Healthy employees contribute to stronger companies, while insured families enjoy greater peace of mind.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>In summary, <strong>employers are responsible for providing health insurance in the UAE</strong>, but the rules differ slightly depending on the emirate:</p><p><strong>Abu Dhabi</strong>: Employers must cover employees, one spouse, and up to three children.</p><p><strong>Dubai</strong>: Employers cover employees, while dependents must be insured by the sponsor.</p><p><strong>Northern Emirates</strong>: From January 2025, employers must cover all employees and domestic workers, with dependents eligible for equal benefits.</p><p>This system ensures that healthcare remains accessible to all residents, while balancing costs between employers, sponsors, and individuals. Understanding these rules helps employees and families make informed decisions about their health coverage in the UAE.</p>