Your Essential Guide To Health Insurance In The UAE

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Your Essential Guide To Health Insurance In The UAE

22 Feb 2025

Health insurance in the UAE is not a choice — it is a requirement for all residents, with employers being responsible for providing coverage. However, in reality, many people (at least from what I hear around me) have little idea of what their health insurance covers, how to use it, what to do in an emergency, or even how to switch if their plan does not suit them. That is why, with the help of experts from the Insurance Market , we have put together this Insurance Guide — key things you must know if you live in the UAE or plan to move here. Let us figure out everything together.

Is health insurance mandatory in the UAE?

Yes, health insurance is required here by law, and failing to have it can result in penalties. In Dubai, for example, the fine is 500 AED per person for each month without coverage — it could be imposed on either you or your employer (depending on your visa status).

According to UAE regulations, your employer (who sponsors your visa) must provide you with health coverage. In Abu Dhabi, by the way, it is also mandatory for your company to provide health insurance for your dependents (spouse and children). In Dubai, there is no such rule; however, the Dubai government recommends that companies also provide coverage for employees' families.

Although it may seem like you don’t need to buy an insurance if you have a job, in most cases, companies opt for basic plans, which may only cover essential healthcare services — especially if you need any specific medical care or prefer private hospitals. This means your policy might not be sufficient.

Photo: Getty Images

What does health insurance cover and how does it work?

Your health insurance typically covers medical expenses such as hospitalisation, surgeries, doctor visits, prescription medications, and other healthcare services. Each policy has a list of approved healthcare providers (known as the ‘network’).

There are two ways the insurance will cover you.

Cashless treatment:

You visit a clinic or hospital that is within your insurance network.
The clinic submits the claim to your insurance provider.
After approval (usually taking 10 minutes to several hours), the insurer covers most of the bill — typically 80–90% — and you only pay the remaining 10–20%. The exact percentage depends on your insurance policy.

Payment through Reimbursement Claims:

If you visit a hospital outside your network, you will need to pay the full amount upfront.
You then submit a claim to your insurer to get reimbursed for the portion covered by your policy. The submission is made to the email mentioned on your insurer's website.

Photo: Stephen Andrews

How to check which clinics and hospitals are covered by my insurance?

We all know that the names of the covered clinics and hospitals can be found in the network list — the question is, where can you find this list? The easiest way is to check directly with your provider. If you are unsure who that is, ask your employer for the name (e.g. NextCare) and look up their customer support details online.

Most providers offer WhatsApp support, so you can simply send them a message with your Emirates ID number, and they will send you the full list back. Since these network lists tend to be quite long, it helps to narrow down your options by choosing a clinic or hospital close to home or work. You can also check hospital ratings online or look up specific doctors for reviews to make a more informed decision.

How much does insurance cost?

The short answer is — the price really depends on your needs, the hospitals you want to include, your age, and your health condition. But let us dive into it a little deeper.

Generally, insurance costs vary based on a few key factors. Younger adults typically get less expensive coverage, while adults aged 30–40 may need to include maternity and pre-existing conditions in their policy, which certainly increases the price. For seniors, insurance often covers hospitalization, long-term care, and chronic disease management, which can also significantly impact the cost.

Each insurance policy is tailored to individual requirements, so prices are not usually available on the website. After checking your age, marital status, etc., the insurance provider will give you a price based on different factors. However, to give you a rough idea: I am a 25-year-old married woman, and my most basic insurance costs 2,200 AED + VAT per year, while a plan covering preferred private hospitals is around 6,000 AED + VAT. If you are looking for premium hospitals, clinics, and additional benefits, the cost can go up to 15,000 AED + VAT or more.

Photo: Irwan

When should I use a non-network hospital?

The main reason for choosing a non-network hospital is in emergency situations. If you need urgent medical care, the best option is to go to the nearest hospital, even if it is outside your insurance network. In most cases (if it is a genuine emergency, like, for example, the one I had with appendicitis), your insurance provider will still reimburse you for most of the amount. However, to avoid complications, make sure that you, your family member, or the hospital staff inform your insurance provider within 24 hours of your hospital visit — otherwise, the reimbursement process could become much more difficult.

Another reason to use a non-network hospital is your personal preference. If you want to see a specific doctor or visit a particular clinic for non-emergency reasons, you can do so, but you will need to cover all the costs yourself.

What is not covered by health insurance?

In addition to standard treatments (like the common flu, gastrointestinal issues, neurological and gynaecological conditions, and other common illnesses), most health insurance plans also cover heart diseases, various types of cancer, diabetes, and digestive disorders such as GERD, IBS, and IBD.

However, there are certain cases that, in most instances, are not covered (unless you have a particularly comprehensive plan). These typically include:

Undisclosed pre-existing conditions (varies by policy — more on that later).
Cosmetic and non-essential procedures, such as plastic surgery.
Self-harm or suicide attempts.
Injuries from high-risk activities or adventure sports (here coverage depends on the policy).
Injuries caused by war, terrorism, or natural disasters.
Dental treatments (here coverage depends on the policy). The most popular question here is about wisdom teeth, and the answer is the same — it all depends on the insurance provider and the package you purchase.

Photo: Stephen Andrews

Does insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

A pre-existing condition usually refers to an illness you had before taking out your insurance policy. And if you are thinking of not mentioning it to the insurance company — bad news — that won't work. Failing to disclose such information could lead to claim denials or even policy cancellations.

That said, this does not mean that if you have asthma, for example, your insurance will never cover it. Most policies apply a waiting period for pre-existing conditions — typically between six months and two years. Once this period ends, your insurance should start covering treatments and medications for that condition, as per the policy terms.

What else should I know about my health insurance?

Before we wrap up, here are two more key terms worth knowing:

Critical illness insurance — This type of insurance can be purchased on its own or added to a life insurance policy. It gives you a lump sum payout if you are diagnosed with a serious condition, such as cancer, a heart attack, or a stroke. You can use the money however you need — for treatment, daily expenses, or even travel. But keep in mind, it only covers illnesses listed in the policy.
Free-look period — When you buy health insurance in the UAE, you are not locked in straight away. There is a short period when you can review your policy, ask questions, and ensure it fits your needs. If you change your mind, you can cancel the insurance anytime during this period.

And one more thing — many coverages include an annual check-up, so do not postpone taking care of your health. Take care of it now!

by Barbara Yakimchuk