Health insurance isn’t optional in the UAE — and since January 2025, that’s true nationwide, not just in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Your residency visa cannot be issued or renewed without an active policy, checked in real time by immigration authorities.
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Who has to cover you, and roughly what it costs
The law, by emirate
- Dubai: mandatory since 2014 under Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Law No. 11. Minimum plan is the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP), with an AED 150,000 annual coverage cap.
- Abu Dhabi: mandatory since 2005 under the Department of Health (DoH). Minimum plan is Daman Basic, AED 250,000 annual cap. Employers must also cover the employee’s spouse and up to three children under 18.
- Northern emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, UAQ, Fujairah): mandatory nationwide from 1 January 2025 under MOHAP/MOHRE rules. Basic package costs AED 320/year.
What the different plan levels cost
| Plan type | Annual cost (AED) | Coverage cap |
|---|---|---|
| Northern emirates basic package | 320 | Baseline mandatory minimum |
| Dubai EBP (single adult, 18–60) | 600–800 | 150,000 |
| Abu Dhabi Daman Basic | ~750–1,500 | 250,000 |
| Mid-range comprehensive | 3,000–7,000 | Higher, often includes dental/optical |
| Premium / international | 10,000–20,000+ | Highest, worldwide treatment |
Non-compliance penalties
- Employers face fines starting at AED 500 per month per uninsured employee
- Fines can escalate up to AED 150,000 depending on the emirate and duration of non-compliance
- Visa issuance and renewal is blocked without proof of active coverage
- Trade licence renewal complications for business owners with uninsured staff
Common questions
My employer covers me but not my spouse. Is that legal?
In Dubai and the northern emirates, generally yes — the employer’s legal duty runs to the employee, and dependants are the sponsor’s responsibility. In Abu Dhabi it is not: employers there must extend cover to a spouse and up to three children under 18. Check which emirate your employment is registered in, not where you live.
Is the Essential Benefits Plan actually enough?
It’s enough to be legal and enough for emergencies, with a AED 150,000 annual cap. What it typically won’t give you is a wide hospital network, dental, optical, or maternity beyond the basics — so you may find your preferred clinic isn’t covered. It’s a floor, not a recommendation.
Can I use insurance from my home country instead?
Generally no. The requirement is for a policy that meets your emirate’s regulatory minimum and is recognised by the relevant authority. International policies from abroad usually don’t satisfy it on their own, even where the actual cover is far better. Confirm compliance before relying on an existing policy.
What happens to my cover between jobs?
Employer-provided cover typically ends when your employment does, which leaves a gap precisely when your visa status is also in flux. Since a visa can’t be issued or renewed without active cover, this gap can hold up your new visa. Arrange interim cover rather than assuming the new employer’s policy backdates.
Does my policy cover pre-existing conditions?
Basic mandatory plans commonly apply waiting periods or exclusions for pre-existing conditions, and terms vary considerably between insurers. Read the policy schedule rather than the marketing summary, and declare accurately — non-disclosure is a common reason claims are refused later.
Last verified 21 August 2026. Coverage minimums and costs are updated periodically, and this page describes regulatory requirements rather than giving medical or insurance advice. Confirm your specific plan’s compliance with the Dubai Health Authority, Abu Dhabi Department of Health, or MOHAP depending on your emirate before relying on any figure above.
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Related Guides
- Visas & Residency — why your visa cannot be renewed without active cover
- Jobs & Careers — what your employer is legally obliged to provide, and what they aren’t
- Business Setup — arranging your own cover as a freelancer or company owner
- Your First 30 Days — where insurance sits in the move-in sequence