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The UAE provided basic health insurance to all uninsured private sector and domestic workers in the country. The system is in effect on January 1. Employees in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah will be eligible for necessary health insurance UAE coverage, which is already available in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization has announced a nationwide standard for health insurance Dubai and the UAE, which was previously left to each emirate's discretion. This meant that employer-provided coverage for employees was optional in the Northern Emirates.

The decision follows a Cabinet resolution in March to establish a system "for registered employees in the private sector and domestic workers who do not have existing health insurance Dubai and the UAE." The initiative is being led by the ministry in partnership with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, the Ministry of Health and Prevention, and a number of insurance companies.

Khalil Al Khoori, undersecretary of labor market and Emiratisation operations at MoHRE, said “The Health Insurance UAE Scheme reflects the nation’s commitment to extending the comprehensive protection system to all workers across the labor market, ensuring a decent life for all by providing access to high-quality healthcare services for private sector employees and domestic workers.” 

 “The new Health Insurance UAE Scheme is poised to have a notable positive impact on the competitiveness of the country’s labor market, improving performance on key indicators related to quality of life, protection of rights, and social and healthcare security.“ It is also expected to benefit workers and employers by reducing the financial costs associated with medical treatment and unpaid sick leave uninsured workers typically need to take.”

How does the scheme work, and how much does it cost?

Employers must get the new health insurance Dubai and UAE coverage before issuing or renewing residency permits. The rule, however, does not apply to employees who had work permits prior to January 1, 2024, and are still valid; rather, it will be required when their residency permits are up for renewal.

Beginning January 1, employers are able to purchase the new insurance package through the DubaiCare Network or any other product from certified insurance firms via a variety of channels, including the Insurance Pool website and smart app, as well as business service locations around the nation.

The policy will be valid for two years. If the visa cancellation occurs, the second-year money will be refunded. The basic insurance plan costs Dh320 ($87) per year and has no waiting time for employees suffering from chronic conditions. It covers persons up to the age of 64, but those over that age must fill out a medical disclosure form and attach recent medical records. The package includes treatment charges, with a 20% co-payment for inpatient care (patients in the hospital for treatment or surgery). The insured pays a limit of Dh500 for each visit, with an annual cap of Dh1,000, which includes medications. Beyond these restrictions, the insurance company will reimburse all treatment costs.

Outpatient care, which includes medical visits, diagnostic tests, and minor procedures that do not require a hospital stay, has a 25% co-payment, with the insured paying a maximum of Dh100 for each visit. Follow-up visits for the same disease within seven days do not require a co-payment, although co-payments for medications are limited to 30%, with an annual cap of Dh1,500. The health insurance network includes seven hospitals, 46 clinics and medical facilities, and 45 pharmacies. Dependents from the worker's family may receive the same benefits and pricing as provided in the insurance policy.