The UAE has introduced a new basic health insurance scheme that will cover all private sector employees and domestic workers across the emirates, ensuring nationwide coverage for the country’s workforce. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) confirmed that the scheme will be effective from January 1, 2025.
While mandatory health insurance has already been implemented in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the new initiative will extend this coverage to workers in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, thereby ensuring that the entire UAE workforce is insured.
Who is Eligible?
The new health insurance policy is required for the issuance or renewal of residency permits for employees. However, it does not apply to employees with work permits issued before January 1, 2024, whose permits remain valid until their renewal date.
How to Access the Insurance?
Employers can purchase the new insurance plan through the DubaiCare Network or any accredited insurance provider via various channels, including the Insurance Pool website, mobile apps, and business service centers across the country.
Cost and Coverage Details
The new health insurance package is offered at a competitive rate with affordable treatment costs. The policy, valid for two years, is priced at Dh320 per year, with the second-year premium refundable if the worker’s visa is cancelled. The policy covers individuals aged 1 to 64 years, with a medical disclosure form and recent medical reports required for those older than 64.
Inpatient care (hospitalization, surgeries) includes a 20% co-payment, with a cap of Dh500 per visit and an annual limit of Dh1,000. Once this limit is reached, the insurance covers 100% of treatment costs. For outpatient care (doctor visits, diagnostic tests), the co-payment is 25%, with a maximum of Dh100 per visit. Medications have a 30% co-payment, capped at Dh1,500 annually.
The insurance plan is part of a broad network of healthcare providers, including seven hospitals, 46 clinics, and 45 pharmacies.
Dependents Coverage
Workers’ dependents are eligible for the same insurance benefits and pricing as the policyholder.
Collaboration and Purpose
This initiative is launched in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), following a Cabinet decision. Khalil Al Khoori, Undersecretary of Labour Market and Emiratisation Operations at MoHRE, emphasized that the new scheme ensures workers have access to high-quality healthcare, aligning with the UAE’s broader social protection programs, including the Worker Protection Programme and the Unemployment Insurance Scheme.
Impact on UAE’s Workforce and Healthcare System
Major General Saeed Salem Balhas Al Shamsi, Acting Director-General of ICP, stated that the new system would be integrated with various ministries, government bodies, and insurance companies to verify health insurance coverage before residency permits are issued. This initiative is designed to safeguard workers’ rights and ensure they have access to essential healthcare.
Dr. Mohammed Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary at MOHAP, highlighted that the scheme will enhance the capabilities of the UAE’s healthcare system, particularly by contributing to the National Unified Medical Record (NUMR) and the Riayati digital healthcare platform. The inclusion of private sector and domestic workers under insurance will strengthen the national health database, supporting health research and improving resource management.
The new health insurance policy marks a significant step in the UAE’s ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive healthcare access for all residents, reinforcing its commitment to international human rights standards.
