The United Arab Emirates is one of the most attractive destinations for expats, thanks to its exceptional job opportunities and high quality of life. With the increasing number of expats, health insurance becomes crucial to ensure access to necessary healthcare services. It aims to provide comprehensive medical coverage for all foreign workers and their families. Given the importance of health insurance for expats in the UAE, it is essential to understand all the details, including the main laws and available types of insurance. We cover all of this in the following sections.
Health insurance is a system designed to provide medical coverage for all expats and residents in the UAE. This insurance covers the cost of medical services and ensures that expats receive healthcare without bearing financial burdens. Health insurance requirements vary depending on the emirate in which the individual resides—whether it's Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or another city. Since the law now mandates health insurance for all expats in the UAE, questions have emerged regarding the legal regulations and requirements for each emirate, which we will explain in the next section.
The UAE government enforces strict laws requiring expats to obtain health insurance, with varying regulations by emirate:
Abu Dhabi: The first emirate to mandate health insurance for all residents, under a law passed in 2006.
Dubai: Introduced mandatory health insurance in 2014, covering all employees and their families.
Other Emirates: Also apply mandatory health insurance, although the regulations may be less strict compared to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Due to the mandatory nature of health insurance in Abu Dhabi, the following requirements are in place:
Employers must provide health insurance for their employees and their families.
The insurance must cover basic medical services such as check-ups, treatment, and emergency care.
The requirements to obtain health insurance in Dubai are:
Companies must provide health insurance for their employees.
Expats can opt for additional insurance to expand the scope of coverage.
The UAE government has outlined the health insurance requirements in the remaining cities as follows:
Requirements vary depending on the emirate, but generally include basic coverage for healthcare services.
There are various types of health insurance in the UAE, designed to suit all expats. These types include:
Basic health insurance is one of the most important types for expats in the UAE. It is mandatory for all expats and covers essential medical services such as check-ups and basic treatments. It is typically provided by the employer.
Comprehensive health insurance offers broader coverage, including advanced treatments, surgeries, and private hospital care. This type is more suitable for individuals seeking high-quality medical services.
Corporate Health Insurance This insurance is offered by large companies as part of employee benefits and usually covers the employee's family as well.
Health insurance is essential for expats in the UAE due to the many benefits it provides, primarily comprehensive medical coverage from diagnosis to medication. Key benefits include:
Health insurance includes complete medical coverage such as routine check-ups and various treatment methods, including medication and physical therapy.
Health insurance covers emergencies and critical conditions, allowing the insured person to visit hospitals and receive intensive care when needed.
One major benefit is access to a wide network of clinics and hospitals. The insured can benefit from these services as long as they are within the insurance network.
There are several ways expats can obtain health insurance, either through their employer or by purchasing personal insurance.
Most expats receive health insurance through their employers. Companies typically offer insurance for both employees and their families. The employee must follow the company’s procedures to access this insurance.
Expats who do not receive insurance through their employer can purchase personal health insurance by contacting insurance providers in the UAE. Given the large number of providers, a smart solution would be to work with a brokerage company to help find the best option. One leading insurance brokerage in the Arab world is Brokerage Company, known for its extensive experience in health insurance.
The total cost of health insurance for expats varies depending on the type of insurance and how it is obtained. Health insurance provided by an employer differs in cost from personal insurance. Due to price differences, you can consult Brokerage Company to help you find the best quality insurance at a suitable price. Simply define the type of insurance you want, and they will provide you with the ideal health coverage.
As mentioned earlier, the UAE has many health insurance providers due to the government’s insurance mandates. Choosing the right provider can be overwhelming, which is why Brokerage Company, with its extensive experience, stands out. It helps clients find the most suitable insurance company and supports them in selecting the ideal plan.
If it’s your first time applying for health insurance in the UAE, here are some tips to help you choose the right plan:
Compare Plans: Start by outlining your health needs and setting a budget.
Check the Hospital Network: Make sure your plan covers the hospitals and clinics you prefer.
Read the Coverage Terms: Review all terms and conditions to understand what’s included and excluded.
Use Brokerage Services: A company like Brokerage Company can help you find the most suitable plan.
Don’t hesitate to contact Brokerage Company, the leading insurance brokerage, to help you get the right health insurance and ensure a safe and healthy life in the UAE.