Fine for No Medical Insurance in UAE: Understand New Laws and Avoid Penalties
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Overview
So, keep in mind that non-compliance with this regulation can result in hefty fines. This blog will explore the main aspects of the fine for no medical insurance in UAE, including the causes of penalties and how to avoid them. We will also outline the steps to take if you are at risk of receiving a fine in the UAE.
Is medical insurance mandatory in the UAE?
Yes, medical insurance is mandatory in the UAE. Earlier, Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the UAE followed mandatory health insurance laws for Emiratis. A recent report states that the UAE will make health insurance mandatory for all emirates starting from 1 January 2025. This law of fine for no medical insurance will be applied to both Mainland and Freezone companies.
The UAE Cabinet has approved the Health Insurance Scheme, which is going to launch on 1 January 2025. The scheme is being introduced in partnership with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Security, the Ministry of Health and Prevention, and several other insurance companies.
The medical insurance provision will now be mandated in Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah.
Importance of Health Insurance for Employees
Group Health Insurance is mandatory for every business. According to UAE laws, the employer must cover all employees without deducting the premium amount from their salaries. If the employer does not cover the employees’ dependent family members, then it is the responsibility of the concerned individual to cover the dependents. The laws impose strict penalties on businesses, employees, and sponsors for non-compliance with the mandatory provisions.
What is the penalty for no health insurance in the UAE?
Do you know how much is the fine for no health insurance? Failing to comply with the specific health insurance requirements in the UAE can lead to substantial financial penalties. A monthly fine is imposed for non-compliance. Keep in mind the amount of the fine depends on the number of individuals affected.
So, wondering how much is health insurance fine? Let’s discuss the health insurance fines in mandatory Emirates such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai;
Health Insurance Fine in Abu Dhabi
Health Insurance Fine in Dubai
As discussed earlier, Dubai’s Health Insurance Law No. 11 requires all residents and nationals residing in the Emirates to have a basic health insurance plan. Moreover, the UAE may deport expats and foreigners back to their home countries who are living there without health insurance.
Also, employers and companies will face penalties for non-compliance with health insurance laws. If any company fails to provide health insurance for its employees, it will be charged with fines ranging between AED 500 and AED 150,000. Note that the amount of the health insurance fine in Dubai depends on the severity and duration of the non-compliance.
| Aspect | Health Insurance Fines in Dubai | Health Insurance Fines in Abu Dhabi |
|---|---|---|
| How much is the penalty for no health insurance? | AED 500 | AED 300 |
| Authorities supervising compliance | Dubai Health Authority (DHA) | Department of Health (DOH) |
| Health insurance is mandatory | for every resident, including dependents | for all residents, including dependents |
| Checking fines | DHA portal, via Emirates ID | DOH or TAMM portal via UAE Pass or Emirates ID |
To learn more about the penalty for no health insurance, visit the official sites, i.e., DHA and TAMM.
How to check and pay a health insurance fine?
To check medical insurance fines in Dubai, visit the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) portal. Here are the steps;
First, go to the Dubai Health Authority website.
You need to log in with your Emirates ID and fill in the personal information to check and pay the fine.
To check and pay medical insurance fines in Abu Dhabi, go to the TAMM portal. Check out the below steps;
Go to the TAMM website, which is the official online service centre in Abu Dhabi.
Log in using your UAE PASS or Emirates ID.
Provide the certificate of continuity (COC) reference number
Upload the required documents
Settle the penalty payment
Receive your payment receipt
Here is the list of documents required and its purpose;
| Documents | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Commercial license number | Verification of health insurance penalties for your business or employees within your company is needed. |
| Trade license (if needed) | This document may or may not be needed. It is usually asked for the confirmation of your business details when you are accessing government portals. |
| Emirates ID | You will need both your Emirates ID and your employees’ Emirates IDs to check their individual insurance status. |
| Medical insurance policy details | Medical insurance policy details are helpful for verifying the insurance status of multiple employees, particularly when managing several policies. |
How can health insurance fines in the UAE be avoided?
On-time enrolment
You need to get your health insurance upon your arrival in the UAE. Research various insurance providers and choose a plan that fulfils the legal requirements. Make sure the selected plan complies with the necessary laws and regulations.
Make sure your coverage is active
You must renew your health insurance on time to ensure its validity in the UAE. In addition, you need to update your personal information or make changes in dependents to avoid coverage gaps.
Check your coverage
Always have copies of your insurance cards and policy documents readily available. You need to understand how to verify your insurance with healthcare providers to ensure easy access to healthcare services.
Know Employer Responsibilities
As an employee, your employer must provide health insurance. Confirm that your employer meets the required needs and that the plan has been updated.
Understand the Mandatory Health Insurance Law in the UAE
UAE has recently announced its new scheme for mandatory health/medical insurance for all employers. It is the new basic health insurance scheme under which all employers are asked to provide essential health coverage to domestic workers and private sector employees across the UAE. This law is all set to come into effect in January 2025. The new law turns out to be a significant step in making sure healthcare is accessible to everyone in the country. The new scheme in the UAE is set to positively impact the country's labour market competitiveness. Moreover, it will enhance performance in key areas such as quality of life, social and healthcare security, and rights protection.
How to Buy/Renew health insurance in UAE?
Visit your health insurance provider’s official website.
Enter the necessary information and details of your current policy.
Select the renewal option.
After providing the required details, receive quotations based on your policy information.
Frequently Asked Questions on Medical Insurance fines
What is the new rule for employee insurance in UAE?
Starting January 1, 2025, the UAE will implement a mandatory insurance program for every private sector employee and domestic worker. This nationwide scheme will extend the current mandatory insurance plans, which were only required for employees in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Therefore, it is going to cover all Emirates.
Is medical insurance mandatory in Dubai for employees?
Yes, it is not just mandatory but also a legal requirement to have medical insurance if you are an Emirati or a Dubai expat. Also, you need this for your dependents.
What Happens if You Don’t Have Medical Insurance in Dubai?
Dubai imposes fines ranging from AED 500 to AED 150,000 on expats, residents, and employers who fail to comply with the Dubai Health Insurance Law. If violators repeat the same thing within a year, their fines can be doubled.
How much is medical insurance in the UAE?
The average health insurance cost for an individual can be between AED 3,000 and AED 4,000. If you are looking for family health insurance, it ranges between AED 7,000 and AED 10,000.
What is the grace period for health insurance in the UAE?
The UAE grants a 30-day grace period for renewing health insurance, after which a monthly fine for no health insurance of AED 300 is imposed for each month the renewal is delayed.
Can insurance automatically renew?
Yes, you can auto-renew the insurance policy with the help of your service provider.
Is medical insurance mandatory for a golden visa in the UAE?
A valid medical insurance policy is mandatory to obtain a golden visa in the UAE.
Do you need medical insurance for Emirates ID?
Your Emirates ID is a must to access health insurance benefits in public and private healthcare facilities. Moreover, it is needed to verify your insurance coverage and billing process.
Disclaimer: The health insurance policy or plan may have limitations, exclusions, and other terms and conditions that may affect coverage. It is important to carefully review the policy wording before making any decision.