In short
- Dubai and Abu Dhabi already had mandatory health insurance, under their own rules.
- From 1 January 2025, the requirement extended to private sector employees and domestic workers in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
- In Dubai, employers must pay the full premium for employees and cannot deduct it from salaries.
- Rules for dependants differ by emirate, so check who is responsible for your family.
Dubai
Health insurance in Dubai comes under Law No. 11 of 2013. According to the FAQ on ISAHD, the Dubai Health Authority insurance portal, coverage is mandatory for categories including UAE nationals living in Dubai, expatriate residents and visitors.
- Employees. Employers are legally obliged to pay the full premium, and it cannot be deducted from salaries.
- Minimum cover. DHA sets the Essential Benefits Plan as the minimum level of cover.
- Spouses and dependants. Employers are encouraged to cover them, but this is not required. If the employer does not, the sponsor must make sure they have valid insurance.
- Penalties. Employers or sponsors who do not comply face penalties under the law.
Separately, Enaya is the scheme for Dubai Government employees and eligible Dubai citizens.
Abu Dhabi
The UAE government portal says that, for resident expatriates in Abu Dhabi, employers and sponsors are responsible for providing health insurance for their employees and their families. Employers in Abu Dhabi should check their duties for dependants with their insurer or the Department of Health.
Thiqa is a separate, government-funded programme for eligible groups in Abu Dhabi.
The northern emirates, from January 2025
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) says the Basic Health Insurance Scheme applies to private sector employees and domestic workers in Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain.
- Who pays. Private sector employers and the employers of domestic workers are responsible for the financial obligations of the insurance.
- When you need it. Employers must buy a policy as a prerequisite for issuing or renewing residency permits.
- Existing work permits. MoHRE says the rule does not apply to employees with valid work permits issued before 1 January 2025. It applies when their residency permit comes up for renewal.
- Family members. Dependants can get the same benefits and prices under the policy.
- Co-payments. The insured person pays a share of some care and medicines, up to set limits. Ask for the table of benefits.
MoHRE describes the package as being for workers not currently covered by any insurance. It does not spell out what happens to workers who already hold another policy, so check with your provider.
What employers should check
- Which emirate issues each employee's residency, and which rules apply to that person
- That a valid policy is in place before you apply for or renew a residency permit
- That your plan meets the minimum cover for that emirate
- What you must provide for dependants, and what falls to the employee as sponsor
- That nobody has premiums taken from their pay where the rules forbid it
What employees should check
- Who your insurer is, and that you have your insurance details
- Which hospitals, clinics and pharmacies are in your network
- What co-payments you pay for visits, tests and medicines
- Whether your spouse and children are covered, and who has to arrange it if not
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change, so confirm the details with your insurer, your employer or the regulator.
medicAI does not sell insurance or decide claims. If your employer or insurer offers medicAI, you sign in with the code or details they give you, the clinic checks your cover before a consult, and you pay only your co-pay, if any. Companies can read more on medicAI for employers.
Questions people ask
Does my employer have to pay for my health insurance in Dubai?
Yes. The Dubai Health Authority insurance portal says employers are legally obliged to pay the full premium for their employees, and that it cannot be deducted from salaries.
Is health insurance mandatory across the whole UAE?
It was already mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. From 1 January 2025 it extended to private sector employees and domestic workers in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
Does my employer have to insure my family?
It depends on the emirate. In Dubai, employers are encouraged to cover dependants but the sponsor is responsible if they do not. In Abu Dhabi, the UAE government portal says employers and sponsors are responsible for employees and their families.
Sources and further reading
medicAI is not for emergencies. If someone is seriously ill or injured, call 998 or go to the nearest hospital.
This article is general information. It does not replace advice from a doctor who knows your situation.
