Health insurance is not optional in the UAE. It is mandatory for all residents, and there are fines for employers who do not provide it. Here is what you need to know to make sure you are properly covered.
The rules
- Health insurance is mandatory for all UAE residents.
- In Dubai, employers are legally required to provide health insurance. Failure to do so results in fines for the employer.
- In Abu Dhabi, even visitors staying more than 30 days need health insurance.
- If you are self-sponsored (Green Visa, Golden Visa, freelancer), you must arrange your own.
What to look for in a plan
- Network coverage — Make sure the hospitals and clinics near you are on the plan. Dubai has public and private networks. Private is generally faster.
- Inpatient vs outpatient — Inpatient (hospital stays) is standard. Outpatient (GP and specialist visits) varies by plan.
- Repatriation cover — Important for serious illness or injury requiring return to SA.
- Dental and optical — Often excluded from basic plans, available as add-ons.
- Multi-emirate cover — Some plans only cover the emirate of issue. Check this if you travel between emirates regularly.
Approximate costs for self-arranged plans
- Basic (outpatient only, Dubai Essential Benefits) — AED 600-1,200 per year
- Standard (outpatient + inpatient) — AED 2,000-4,000 per year
- Comprehensive — AED 5,000-12,000+ per year
- Family plans (spouse + 2 children) — AED 8,000-20,000+ per year
Where to buy
- Bayzat — UAE-focused comparison platform, good for individuals and small businesses.
- Daman — Abu Dhabi government-linked insurer, good for Abu Dhabi residents.
- AXA Gulf, Oman Insurance, Orient Insurance — Established providers.
- Your employer's broker — Always ask if you can extend your employer plan to cover family members.
Howzit tip
If you are on an employer plan, read the network list carefully before choosing a GP or specialist. Seeing a doctor outside the network means paying full price out of pocket. The network list is usually in the insurance app or on the insurer's website.
Information correct as of June 2026. Always verify at dha.gov.ae and haad.gov.ae before acting.