Mandatory Health Insurance Dubai
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Is it Mandatory to Have Medical Insurance in Dubai?
What is the Health Insurance Law in the UAE?
The regulations of each Emirate govern the specific requirements of mandatory medical insurance in the UAE. Here’s a brief outline of the health insurance regulations in different Emirates.
Dubai
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulates and oversees the implementation of medical insurance in Dubai.
Health insurance coverage is compulsory for all citizens, residents, and their dependents in Dubai.
It is mandatory for employers to provide medical insurance coverage to their employees. The coverage must meet the requirements of the DHA.
The employer’s health insurance scheme may not cover the employees’ dependents. Then it is the responsibility of employees to purchase medical insurance for their spouses, children, and domestic workers.
Health insurance plans should have a minimum coverage of AED 150,000. This should include emergency healthcare, in-patient & outpatient treatment, and maternity care services.
Abu Dhabi
The Department of Health (DoH) is the regulatory authority for health insurance in the capital city.
Medical insurance coverage is compulsory for all citizens, expatriates, and their dependents living in Abu Dhabi.
Mandatory Health Insurance UAE coverage by employers includes their employees and their dependents.
The government-sponsored Thiqa program provides comprehensive health insurance coverage to the UAE citizens in Abu Dhabi.
Health insurance plans should have a minimum coverage of AED 250,000. This should include emergency healthcare, in-patient & outpatient treatment, and maternity care services.
Sharjah
Medical insurance in Sharjah is governed by the Sharjah Health Authority (SHA)
Health insurance coverage is mandatory for all expatriate residents and their dependents living in Sharjah.
It is compulsory for employers to provide medical insurance coverage to their employees.
The sponsors are responsible for providing health insurance to all their dependents such as spouses, children, and domestic staff.
A basic medical insurance policy covers emergency medical care, in-patient & outpatient treatment, essential maternity care, and preventive healthcare services.
Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah
Health insurance is governed by the local authorities of the respective Emirate.
Medical insurance is not mandatory in any of these Emirates. However, residents should have sufficient health coverage to protect themselves.
Most employers in these Emirates offer at least basic health insurance coverage to their employees.
Sponsors can cover their dependents by purchasing a suitable health insurance plan.
What Happens if You Don’t Have Health Insurance in Dubai?
As per the provisions of the Health Insurance Law No.11 of 2013, medical insurance is compulsory in Dubai for Emiratis, expatriates, and their dependents. This ensures that every person in Dubai has access to quality healthcare facilities. Lack of health insurance coverage can result in financial hardships and restricted access to medical care during emergencies.
The employers in Dubai must offer basic health insurance coverage to all their employees. If the dependents are not covered by the employers, it is the legal responsibility of the individuals to purchase health insurance for their spouses, children, and domestic workers. Failure to comply with the law can result in a monthly fine on the employers and individual sponsors. The penalty for not having health insurance for one month can range between AED 500 to AED 150,000.
Penalty for Not Having Health Insurance
Fines
The fine for not having health insurance in Dubai ranges between AED 500 to AED 150,000 (per month). The fine amount gets doubled if you repeat the violation within a year.
Legal Trouble
The residents who do not have health insurance coverage and fail to pay their medical bills can be sued by their healthcare providers in a court of law. This may cause irreparable damage to their standing & reputation.
Employer Penalties
Employers who do not provide mandatory health insurance in Dubai can be fined up to AED 10,000 and also face suspension of their business licenses
Visa-Related Hassles
The residents who violate this law may not be able to renew their visas. Their current visas may also get canceled, forcing them to leave Dubai immediately.
Limited Healthcare Access
Most hospitals in Dubai require their patients to demonstrate adequate health insurance coverage before admitting them. You may not be able to access quality medical care during an emergency if you do not have health insurance.
Financial Hardships
Lack of insurance coverage results in higher out-of-pocket expenses for medical treatment. This can drain your savings and land you in debt during a medical emergency.
Deportation
Ex-pats found violating the local laws face the risk of being deported from Dubai. Further, they may not be able to re-enter the UAE for a specific period.
Benefits of Health Insurance in Dubai
Health insurance assists in emergency medical situations and saves you from severe financial hardships.
Health insurance covers all the inpatient expenses for treatments and surgeries that require overnight hospitalization.
Pre-hospitalization expenses such as doctor’s visits, prescription medication, and diagnostic procedures are covered.
Post-hospitalization expenses such as follow-up visits, tests, medicines, etc are covered for up to 60 days after discharge.
Several daycare procedures for routine surgeries that require less than 24 hours of hospitalization are also covered.
Medical Insurance provides coverage for critical illnesses such as cancer, stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, etc.
Health insurance companies offer a cashless claim benefit to their policyholders. The medical bills are paid directly by the insurer to the hospital. The policyholders need not pay for the expenses from their pockets.
Preventive healthcare services such as vaccinations and medical checkups can prevent diseases and safeguard the health of your family members.
Frequently asked questions onMandatory Health Insurance in Dubai
How much does medical insurance cost in Dubai?
The cost of medical insurance depends on various factors such as policy coverage, features, insurance provider, etc. However, the average cost (i.e. annual premium) of medical insurance in Dubai for individuals ranges between AED 3,000 to AED 4,000.
Is health insurance mandatory for a Dubai visa?
Yes. Travel insurance (which includes health insurance) is required if you need a visa to enter the UAE. You cannot apply for a Dubai visa unless you show proof of having purchased travel insurance.
Is medical insurance mandatory for employees in Dubai?
Yes. The Dubai health insurance law makes it mandatory for all citizens, residents, and expatriates to have basic medical insurance coverage. Most employees are typically covered under their employer’s group health insurance program.
Is medical insurance mandatory for dependents in Dubai?
Yes. Health insurance is mandatory for every citizen and resident of Dubai. The responsibility for providing medical insurance for dependents in Dubai lies with their sponsors.
Is medical insurance mandatory for a family visa in Dubai?
Yes. Medical insurance is mandatory for everybody, including expatriates and their dependent family members who wish to reside in the UAE.
How much is health insurance for a family member in Dubai?
The average cost of family health insurance in Dubai ranges between AED 7,000 to AED 10,000. However, the premium amount can vary among insurance providers.
Can I get a Dubai visa without insurance?
No. You must purchase a travel insurance policy offering health coverage to apply for a Dubai visa.
Is a health card mandatory in Dubai?
No. A health card is a document that enables the holder to access low-cost public healthcare services in the UAE. The residents of Dubai don’t need to obtain a health card as long as they have adequate health insurance coverage.
