How to Get Health Insurance in the UAE (Mandatory Cover)
Health insurance is mandatory in the UAE. From 1 January 2025, the federal Basic Health Insurance Scheme covers private-sector employees and domestic workers in Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain. Employers must buy it before a residency permit can be issued or renewed (MOHRE). The Basic Scheme costs AED 320/year. Dubai has its own Essential Benefits Plan (EBP). Abu Dhabi has its own scheme. Check their current terms with DHA / DOH.
At a glance
- Cost:
- Federal Basic Scheme: AED 320/year; other plans vary — confirm with insurer
- Total time:
- Varies — confirm with employer/insurer; Basic Scheme tied to residency permit issuance/renewal
- Steps:
- 6 steps
- Where to apply:
- mohre.gov.ae
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked annually · next review due October 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UAE sources(October 2026).
0 of 6 steps
- Before You Go Self-check
Confirm who covers you
Under the federal Basic Scheme, employers pay. This covers private-sector employees. It also covers domestic workers, through their employers. It applies in Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain. It applies when any residence permit is issued or renewed, from 1 January 2025. Dubai and Abu Dhabi run separate schemes. If you are self-employed, a dependent, or a visitor, arrange your own cover through an approved supplier.
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- Before You Go Self-check AED 320/year
Know the Basic Scheme terms
The price is AED 320 per year. The policy is valid for 2 years. If the visa is cancelled, the premium for the second year is refunded. For inpatient care, you pay a 20% co-payment. The co-payment is up to AED 500/visit and AED 1,000/year. Amounts above this are covered 100% by the insurer. For outpatient care, you pay a 25% co-payment. You pay at most AED 100/visit. There is no co-payment if your follow-up is within 7 days of the first appointment. For medications, you pay a 30% co-payment. It is capped at AED 1,500/year. Chronic diseases and pre-existing conditions are covered, with no waiting period. But pregnancy, childbirth, and dental care are NOT covered. Telehealth consultations have no co-payment, except pharmacy services. For inquiries, call 800382467.
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- Before You Go Self-check
Dubai: check the Essential Benefits Plan
Dubai has its own Essential Benefits Plan (EBP), under DHA. We could not find a DHA page that confirms the current EBP terms. This includes the premium, the salary threshold, the annual limit, and waiting periods. Check the current EBP terms on dha.gov.ae before you rely on them.
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- Fill / Prepare Self-check
Compare coverage
Compare the network, the co-payments, and what is not covered. The Basic Scheme network has 7 hospitals, 47 clinics and medical centres, and 44 pharmacies. Dependents can get the same benefits and prices, per the policy terms. Do you need cover for pregnancy, childbirth, or dental care? The Basic Scheme does not cover them. Compare enhanced plans.
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- Submit & Pay Varies Basic Scheme AED 320/year
Buy the policy
Employers buy the Basic Scheme policy through DubaiCare Network or other approved suppliers. Individuals buy through an approved supplier or insurer. There is one exception. If your work permit is valid and dated before 1 January 2025, insurance is only required when you renew your residency permit.
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- Follow Up With residency renewal
Renew with your residency permit
You need insurance before a residency permit can be issued or renewed. So your insurance renewal follows your permit cycle. The Basic Scheme policy is valid for 2 years. If the visa is cancelled, the premium for the second year is refunded.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for health insurance?
Under the federal Basic Scheme, employers pay. This covers private-sector employees. It also covers domestic workers, through their employers. For dependents, and for the Dubai and Abu Dhabi schemes, check the position with your employer or insurer.
Does the Basic Scheme cover pregnancy and dental?
No. Pregnancy, childbirth, and dental care are NOT covered under the Basic package (MOHRE FAQ). If you need them, compare enhanced plans.
Can my dependents get the same cover?
Yes. Under the Basic Scheme, dependents can get the same benefits and prices, per the policy terms. Check with the supplier that your dependents qualify.
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