Health Insurance for Expats in UAE

Overview

The UAE has one of the world's largest expat populations—over 80% of residents are foreign nationals. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents, and the requirements vary by emirate. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have the strictest regulations.

For expats, this means you must have compliant health insurance to obtain and maintain your residence visa. Employers are legally required to provide coverage, but many expats supplement employer plans or need to arrange their own coverage.

UAE Healthcare System

The UAE has world-class healthcare facilities, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Private hospitals offer cutting-edge technology and attract top medical professionals from around the world.

Public Healthcare

UAE citizens receive free or heavily subsidized healthcare through government facilities. Expats can use public hospitals but must pay, and public facilities are often more crowded than private options.

Private Healthcare

Most expats use private healthcare in the UAE. Benefits include:

• World-class facilities (Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, American Hospital Dubai)
• Short wait times
• English-speaking staff
• Latest medical technology
• JCI-accredited hospitals

The downside is cost—UAE private healthcare is expensive, making insurance essential.

Key Healthcare Hubs

• Dubai Healthcare City: Free zone with 160+ medical facilities
• Abu Dhabi: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, world-class facilities
• Dubai: American Hospital, Mediclinic, Emirates Hospital

Visa Insurance Requirements

Health insurance is mandatory for all UAE residents. Requirements vary by emirate:

Dubai (DHA Requirements)

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) mandates health insurance for all visa holders. Requirements:

• Employers must provide coverage for employees
• Sponsors must provide coverage for dependents
• Minimum coverage: AED 150,000 (~$41,000) annual limit
• Must include: Emergency care, maternity (for female dependents), basic tests
• Must use DHA-approved insurer

Abu Dhabi (HAAD/DOH Requirements)

Abu Dhabi's Department of Health (formerly HAAD) also mandates coverage:

• Thiqa: Free coverage for UAE nationals
• Daman Basic: Minimum plan for low-income workers
• Enhanced plans: Required for higher-salary employees
• Coverage must be from an approved insurer

Other Emirates

Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain don't have mandatory insurance (yet), but most employers still provide it. Recommendations follow Dubai standards.

Golden Visa

UAE Golden Visa holders (10-year residency) must have health insurance. There's no specific coverage requirement, but having compliant insurance is essential for visa processing and renewal.

Recommended Plans

Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in the UAE:

Local Plans

Daman is the largest health insurer in the UAE and the only provider of the government's Thiqa program. They offer plans specifically designed for DHA/HAAD compliance.

Oman Insurance is another major local provider with competitive rates and strong UAE network coverage.

Regional Plans

AXA Gulf offers plans tailored for the GCC region with competitive pricing and good coverage. They're DHA-approved and have a strong local network.

International Plans

International insurers offer worldwide coverage and portability:

• Cigna Global — Most popular international choice, strong UAE network
• Allianz Care — Modular plans with flexible options
• BUPA Global — Premium coverage with excellent mental health benefits
• Aetna International — Strong for US expats with US network access

Employer vs Personal Insurance

Most employers provide basic compliant coverage, but it may have limitations:

• Lower coverage limits
• Limited hospital network
• Exclusions for certain treatments
• No worldwide coverage

Many expats supplement employer plans or purchase personal international coverage for better protection and portability.

Expected Costs

Healthcare and insurance costs in the UAE are relatively high:

Insurance Costs

• Basic DHA-compliant plans: $80-150/month
• Mid-range local plans: $150-250/month
• International plans: $200-500/month
• Premium international coverage: $400-800/month

Out-of-Pocket Costs (Without Insurance)

UAE healthcare is expensive without coverage:

• GP consultation: AED 200-500 ($55-135)
• Specialist visit: AED 400-800 ($110-220)
• Emergency room: AED 500-2,000+ ($135-545+)
• Hospital stay: AED 2,000-5,000/day ($545-1,360/day)
• Surgery: AED 20,000-100,000+ ($5,450-27,250+)

Cost Factors

• Age: Premiums increase significantly after 50
• Coverage area: UAE-only vs worldwide
• Deductible: Higher deductibles reduce premiums
• Add-ons: Dental, maternity, wellness programs

Common Questions

Is health insurance mandatory in UAE?

Yes, in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Other emirates don't mandate it yet, but employers typically provide coverage anyway. You cannot obtain or renew a residence visa without valid health insurance.

Can I use my international insurance in UAE?

Yes, if your international plan is DHA/HAAD-approved. Major international insurers like Cigna, Allianz, BUPA, and Aetna have approval in the UAE. Always verify before relying on any plan for visa purposes.

What if my employer's insurance isn't enough?

You can purchase supplemental coverage or a personal international plan. Many expats do this for better hospital networks, higher limits, or worldwide coverage.

Does UAE insurance cover me outside the country?

Local UAE plans typically don't cover you abroad. International plans provide worldwide coverage. If you travel frequently, international coverage is strongly recommended.

What about pre-existing conditions?

DHA regulations require coverage of pre-existing conditions for compliant plans, though there may be waiting periods or limitations. International plans vary—some offer full underwriting while others use moratorium underwriting.

Can I get insurance as a freelancer or remote worker?

Yes. If you have a freelance visa or Golden Visa, you're responsible for your own insurance. International plans work well for this, and several DHA-approved options accept individual applicants.