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In the Emirate of Dubai, business is legally necessary to provide at least a basic policy of Health Insurance through the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) to their employees. EBP has been built up by the Dubai Health Authority as the minimum level of inclusion required for resident visa approval. The work visas of foreign employees cannot be issued or renewed without having health insurance in Dubai.

Though Dubai has been facing unpleasant situations due to the COVID 19 pandemic, employers were reminded that they have to renew the employee's health insurance policies by the government. Even if the offices are closed, both the employees and the employers should continue to renew the health insurance. Also, Article 96 of the Employment Law says that the employer must provide employees with means of medical care. The employer must also take care to provide the following;

1. Give medical coverage inclusion

2. Bear the expenses for health insurance coverage

3. Check that the health insurance of the employees are substantial for the length of their work period

4. Provide the health insurance policy for the employees' residence issuance or renewal

5. Bear the clinical intercession costs in crises, if any

6. Provide their medical coverage cards

For this, usually, businesses go for a group health insurance plan which is custom- made for each organization depending on the employee's requirements. In this type of plan maternity hospitalization, transportation expenses, pre and post hospitalization expenses, nursing charges, and the like would be covered. It covers the rest of the family members as well. As they have tie-ups with the hospitals and labs, the employees can have regular medical check-ups too. The employer has to verify if the insurance is valid for the length of the employee’s work period and has to bear all the expenses.

It is required for all businesses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to give in any event the basic health insurance plan for their employees. The employee can approach MOHRE and lodge a complaint against the employer if health insurance is not renewed. For employees who wish to have other health advantages that are excluded from this plan can buy the extra advantages by paying for the premium which doesn’t come under the obligation of the organization. If an expat in the UAE has an expired employment contract, and if the employer is interested in continuing the employee's service, it should be renewed with a new health insurance plan.

Employee health insurance is beneficial to the employers as well as the employers can retain their employees which boosts up their productivity and commitment.

In other Emirates like Sharjah, Ras al Khaimah, Ajman, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain, employers are not required to provide health insurance policies to their expatriate staff, as per the law.

In the event that a business neglects to give medical coverage, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) may force punishments extending from Dh500 to Dh150,000. Though there are various challenges faced by these companies due to COVID 19, the basic needs of the employees must be taken care of which includes health insurance.