Health Insurance in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, UAE

What is Health Insurance?

Health insurance provides insurance coverage to medical expenses, incurred for outpatient as well as inpatient treatment. It also covers pre-hospitalization and post-hospitalization expenses can be covered. Health insurance can be purchased by individuals, families, and employers. The area of cover, annual limits, category of hospitals/clinics etc are flexible and can be selected based on the budget.

For more options and quotations for health insurance in the UAE, please click here.

Types of Health Insurance Plans in the UAE

Health insurance is a crucial and mandatory requirement in the UAE. Following are different types of health insurance coverages that you can opt for, to meet your specific insurance needs:

Individual Health Insurance

As the name implies, individual medical insurance plans are provided to a single policyholder by insurance companies in the UAE. It provides financial protection from illnesses along with a number of features like access to network hospitals, cashless treatments, pre and post-hospitalization needs, and others apart from outpatient treatment. The coverage for this policy is limited to a single policyholder.

Family Health Insurance

Family health insurance plans are the best option to safeguard your family’s health affordably. Family health insurance covers two or more people of the same family. You can choose family plans to cover your entire family under a single insurance plan rather than buying individual medical insurance policies for each member of your family. Family health insurance policies often only allow you, your spouse, and your children to be policyholders (pre-specified).

Employee or Group Health Insurance

Employers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are legally obliged to offer group health insurance to their employees. An employee health insurance or group health insurance plan is bought by an employer for their employees. It can offer the employees healthcare services which include, physician consultations, diagnostic test/procedures, pharmacy, physiotherapy, pre-existing medical conditions, or bodily injuries requiring hospitalization, day-care services, emergency hospital services etc. These plans are designed to safeguard employee’s health and their financial security.

Domestic Workers' Health Insurance

Domestic help/maids can also be covered if their gross monthly salary is under AED 4000 per month. Such insurance is currently mandatory for Dubai Visa Holders and Abu Dhabi Visa Holders.

Northern Emirates Health Insurance

Northern Emirates Health Insurance is a type of plan that provides individual medical insurance to Northern Emirates visa holders. This includes the regions of Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. It covers a comprehensive range of medical services such are hospitalization, physician consultations, diagnostic test/procedures, physiotherapy, maternity benefits, etc.

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As UAE’s leading insurance brokers, our team of Health Insurance experts will be happy to assist you with optimum health insurance solutions in Sharjah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi with the following:

Products compliant with the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH) and Dubai Health Authority (DHA) directives respectively.
Enhanced cost-effective options with wider benefits tailored to individual and family needs.
Advice from experts to choose the best product from a wide range of options.
Complete peace of mind in the event of any medical exigencies – with our claim assistance service.

Benefits of a Health Insurance Policy

Coverage of unforeseen medical expenses

While an unforeseen illness can lead to mental anguish and stress, there is another side to dealing with health conditions that can leave you drained – the expenses of medical treatments. Having the right health insurance policy with the right coverage can help in managing medical expenditures for you and your family.

To deal with the inflation of medical expenses

Medical costs have dramatically risen lately. So, in case of a medical emergency, we end up utilizing our savings, which hampers future life goals. You can avoid withdrawing your savings and investments as a health insurance will cover a sizable portion of your medical expenses.

Changing lifestyle

The tectonic shift in our lifestyle has made us more prone to a wide range of health disorders. Commuting, hectic work schedules, bad eating habits, quality of food, stress, and rising pollution levels have increased the risk of developing health problems at a young age. Hence, having a health insurance policy to manage health expenses is especially important. Health insurance can also provide you with medical check-ups at network hospitals during the tenure of your coverage.

Safeguard financial security

Health insurance provides a much-needed financial backup in times of medical emergencies and avoids erosion of your savings.

Health Insurance for Individuals & Families

Adequate Health Insurance coverage is the need of the hour for you and your family. Our wide range of health insurance plans from various leading insurers policies that meet the mandatory health insurance requirements in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Dubai. Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH) have mandated compulsory health insurance for all Dubai and Abu Dhabi citizens. Our team of experienced insurance professionals will assist you in getting the best health insurance as per your needs and requirements. Additionally, we will also be happy to assist with claim requirements that may arise during the tenure of your policy.

What does a Health Insurance Policy cover?

Territorial coverage

The members can obtain coverage for medical expenses based on the territorial limit opted for while taking the policy. They can include their home country, subject to the opted policy terms and conditions.

Coverage of in-patient and out-patient treatment

The insurance policy ensures coverage of both in-patient and outpatient services within network facilities.

Access to major medical providers

As per the health insurance plan chosen, there are medical care providers across multiple specialties that will provide health care services to you as per the benefits listed under your coverage. These multiple medical specialists can be found in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates.

Hospitalization cost & direct billing

The UAE has an expansive healthcare system, a health insurance policyholder can avail treatments from medical providers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates, subject to the terms of the policy.

Comprehensive coverage

Health insurance plans offering extensive coverage act as a financial pillow in case of medical emergencies. A comprehensive policy covers out-patient as well as in-patient treatments, including consultations, medical tests as well as hospital stays.

Annual health check-ups

Members can avail annual health check-ups, which include routine screening tests to ensure health and well-being, identify diseases at a treatable stage, etc. if covered under the policy.

Vaccination & Inoculations of Kids

Covers the cost of immunizations and preventive health care services if it is part of your health insurance plan.

What does a Health Insurance Policy not cover?

A standard health insurance policy in the UAE does not cover the following:

Plastic surgery, hormone-related treatments, cosmetic procedures, weight reduction surgery, etc.
Optical treatment and Dental cover are optional add-ons and will not be covered.
Maternity is not mandatorily covered in the Northern Emirates plan and could have a waiting period of 12 months for non-working married females.
Undeclared pregnancy will not be covered for the entire policy period.
Injuries caused by terrorism/war/suicide attempt/nuclear activity.

What factors affect Health Insurance premiums in the UAE?

The cost of health insurance coverage in the UAE is influenced by several factors. These can include:

Pre-existing medical condition
Age of the policyholder
Geographic location
Individual vs Family enrolment
Tobacco usage
Body Mass Index (BMI) of individuals
Medical History
Gender
Marital status
Type of coverage you are opting for
Previous health insurance claims

How to choose a Health Insurance Plan for your parents?

While selecting a health insurance plan for your parents, below points must be kept in mind:

Coverage

As our parents age, they might become more vulnerable and susceptible to illness and diseases. This may result an increase in the health insurance premium. In the absence of a suitable health insurance plan, the healthcare expense can be crippling, hence a health insurance plan is a necessity to safeguard the health of your parents.

Pre-existing illness

For individuals with pre-existing health conditions, this is a very important factors to consider while choosing a health insurance policy.

Hospital Network

The UAE has a robust network of hospitals and clinics, spanning across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates. While choosing a health insurance plan for your parents, ensure your network includes their preferred hospitals, any specialist clinics if required, and clinics and hospitals that are easily accessible in case of unfortunate medical emergencies.

Simple Claims Process

In case of illness or injury, the additional stress of a strenuous claims process is not something you would want for your parents. A simple and hassle-free claims process is important while selecting a health insurance plan for your parents.

If you are scouting for suitable health insurance plans for your parents, you can reach out to our team of experts who can help you evaluate coverage options, pre-existing illness and waiting periods, and hospital networks of different plans. Moreover, we have a dedicated claims team who go above and beyond to ensure the well-being of our clients.

How to apply for Health Insurance online in UAE?

You can apply for health insurance online policy in 3 easy steps.

Step 1 - Click on Get a quote and fill in the quotation form with your name, contact details, coverage type, family details, pre-existing conditions, and any other specific requirements.

Step 2 - After submission of your enquiry, one of our health insurance experts will reach out to you with specific health insurance quotes.

Step 3 - You can choose any of the quote and confirm your preferred health insurance policy.

What are the documents required for filing a Claim in a Health Insurance Policy?

The documents required for filing a health insurance claim in UAE are:

Claims reimbursement form of the respective TPA/Insurers
Original copy of bills & invoices related to the treatment taken
Doctor’s reports with sign and stamp
Diagnostics and lab test reports
Policy details
Banking details of the insured

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a Health Insurance in UAE?

In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, health insurance is mandatory for all citizens and resident expats. In northern emirates like Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm-al-Quwain, the health insurance is regulated by each of the respective emirates.

The main reason to have a health insurance in the UAE is to protect yourself and your family from financial strain in case of injury or illness. Medical treatments in the UAE can be quite expensive, and without health insurance, you may find it difficult to pay for them. Finally, health insurance can also provide peace of mind in knowing that you and your family will be taken care of in the unfortunate situation of illness or accident.

What does Health Insurance cover?

While the care benefits are standard, insurance coverage can vary from insurance company to company, so you should check the Table of Benefits listed under the policy of your choice.

Some of the coverages which you can avail under the health insurance plan are as below:

The maternity cover includes the prenatal, postnatal, and delivery expenses.
Vaccination cover for the kids – This can cover the cost of immunizations and preventive care services if included in the policy.
Diagnostic test & treatments – This will cover the medically indicated tests, diagnoses, treatments, and surgeries in hospitals for non-urgent medical cases.
Out-patient Services – This covers services like consultation, lab/radiology tests, and pharmaceutical/medicine.
In-patient Services – Any treatment which requires more than 12 hours of admission is referred to as in-patient services, and the same will be covered as per the terms agreed in your plan.
Day care – This covers day care admission for any small procedures.

You can also opt for additional cover for eye care and dental care to boost your health insurance cover.

How much does Health Insurance cost in the UAE?

The cost of health insurance in the UAE is dependent on a number of factors which include age, overall health of the policyholder, pre-existing conditions, insurance provider, and the type of coverage you opt for, etc. There are two types of health insurance plans - Basic and Enhanced. The basic health insurance plans can start from as little as AED 1.6/Day.

What documents do I need to submit for a medical claim reimbursement?

Some of the documents which you will need to submit when filing for your medical claim reimbursement include:

Duly filled out claim form of the concerned insurance company / TPA, signed and stamped by the treating doctor with beneficiary signature.
All official itemized invoices with the service details.
Payment proof such as official receipts, paid stamps, card payment slips, etc.
Prescription from the treating doctor for all the medications availed and for optical items.
All the diagnostic reports including but not limited to Laboratory and Radiology reports.
Referral letter from specialist consultant and progress reports (after every 5 sessions) for claims related to physiotherapy treatment/ chiropractic treatment.
Discharge summary with the operative notes (for surgical treatment) for all the in-patient, day-care, and emergency admissions.
Medical Report with injury details (when, where and how) for claims related to any kind of injuries.
Medical Insurance card copy
Bank Details (if applicable)
Copy of passport showing exit and entry stamp for the treatments done outside UAE.
A police report in case of accident (if covered under medical policy).

What should be done if an insurer does not carry their medical card to avail a medical service at a health care provider?

These days most of the policies are card-less. The policy is activated on the Emirates ID and medical insurance policy is linked through the member’s Emirates ID.
Emirates ID is a mandatory requirement for all medical providers.
Members can use Insurer or TPA Mobile Application, if applicable.
Members can use ECARDS, if applicable.

How does Health Insurance work in Dubai?

In accordance with the Health Insurance Law of Dubai, all residents are mandated to have a basic health insurance policy that covers the minimum health benefits that are recommended by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). In fact, Visa applications are only accepted if the applicant has a valid health insurance policy.

Can a person have more than one Health Insurance policy?

As per the law, a person cannot have dual health insurance coverage in the UAE. You are permitted to have only one policy. That is why it is important to carefully evaluate your needs and seek the help of an insurance broker to get the best policy as per your needs and requirements.

Is there any waiting period for claims under a policy?

The waiting period refers to the time duration after the issuance of the health insurance policy, after which the policyholder is eligible to file a claim. Usually waiting periods apply only for first-time policy issuance and not renewals. Health insurance policies have differing waiting periods based on the type of health insurance, diseases, etc.

What is a pre-existing condition in a Health Insurance Policy?

A pre-existing condition in health insurance is any health condition that an individual has before enrolment in a health insurance plan.

Declaration of pre-existing conditions/ailments/illnesses is important as it will ensure the coverage of treatment of illness from day one and will also assist the insurance company in underwriting the policy before inception to cover any future costs of treatment. Undeclared conditions will not be covered by the insurer for the entire policy period and will be declared a violation of the insurance principle of utmost good faith.

What is the maximum number of claims allowed over a year for a Health Insurance Policy in UAE?

During the health insurance policy period, there is no set limit on the number of claims that can be registered. The number of claims depend on the sum insured and any other terms and conditions specified in the health insurance policy.

What if I fail to renew my Health Insurance Policy in UAE?

A health insurance policy must be ideally renewed before the policy expiry date. Most insurers also provide a grace period after the policy expiry date for renewal of health insurance. If a policy holder fails to renew the health insurance, there might be consequences as follows: