Term Insurance Plans in UAE, Dubai

What is Term Insurance?

A term insurance plan is a financial security plan that offers a safety cushion to the life assured’s family in case the former passes away during the policy period. It is a pure life cover that usually offers only a death benefit.

Why Is Term Insurance Important in the UAE?

Unlike in many home countries, UAE expats have no government pension, state benefits, or automatic death-in-service gratuity beyond 21 days per year. If you pass away during your employment, your family's visa is cancelled within 30 days, with no income replacement. Term insurance is the only product that fills this gap instantly

• Term insurance is a fixed-period life insurance plan that protects your family financially if something happens to you during the policy term.
• Compare plans from leading insurers with premiums starting from just AED 50*/month and life cover of up to AED 1 million.
• Choose from flexible term plans with coverage periods ranging from 5 to 35 years, along with optional benefits such as critical illness and accidental death cover.
• All plans available through Policybazaar.ae are offered by insurers regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE and follow UAE insurance regulations and guidelines.

Term Insurance UAE at a Glance (Quick Specifications)

The mentioned details are based on Policybazaar.ae data, updated as of September 2026, based on a sample customer profile. Your premium may be lower or higher.

Term Life Insurance for Expats in the UAE

Expats can buy term insurance in the UAE. Most CBUAE-licensed insurers offer plans for UAE residents, and the application process is generally similar for expats and UAE nationals.

Who can buy term insurance?

Anyone with a valid UAE residency visa and Emirates ID can apply for term insurance from a CBUAE-licensed insurer.

Most plans start at age 18. The maximum age for new applications can range from 65 to 70 years, depending on the insurer and plan. There is no nationality restriction.

What do insurers check?

Four main factors usually affect your approval and premium:

• Age: Younger applicants generally pay less. For example, a 30-year-old non-smoker can get AED 1 million cover for AED 58 a month. At age 45, the same cover could cost around AED 325 or more per month.
• Health: A pre-existing condition doesn't always mean your application will be rejected. The insurer may charge an extra premium or exclude the condition.
• Smoking: Smokers generally pay more than non-smokers. The difference can be 40% to 60% for the same age and cover amount.
• Occupation: Office and professional jobs are usually considered standard risk. Jobs such as construction, piloting, offshore oil work and other high-risk roles may need additional underwriting or cost more.

Which documents do expats need to get term insurance?

For a digital application, you will usually need:

• Emirates ID
• Passport
• UAE residency visa

Depending on the cover amount, you may also need proof of income, such as a salary slip or bank statement.

For high-risk jobs, the insurer may ask for an employer letter or details about your work. For larger cover amounts, usually above AED 2 million, the insurer may also require a medical examination. The insurer generally arranges this, with no test-related cost for the applicant.

Does term insurance provide worldwide coverage?

Most term insurance plans in the UAE cover death worldwide. So, if you die outside the UAE during the policy term, your beneficiary can receive the sum assured, subject to the policy terms.

You can also usually continue paying premiums and make a claim while living abroad. Before moving, check whether your policy allows overseas premium payments and claims.

Regulation and Trust: The Role of the Central Bank

Policybazaar.ae is regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) with Registration No.: 123 and Emirates Insurance Federation Registration number B81. The CBUAE Rulebook serves as the primary resource for regulations and standards mentioned in our article.

The CBUAE Framework

All term insurance policies distributed in the UAE are strictly underwritten by insurance companies licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). This central regulatory oversight ensures that insurance companies maintain mandatory capital solvency margins to honour long-term claims, providing legal protection for your policy.

The Mandatory Free-Look Period

Under consumer protection rules mandated by the CBUAE, every term life insurance policy issued in the UAE includes a free-look period of 15 to 30 days from the date of physical or electronic policy delivery.

During this window, you have the legal right to review the fine print. If you find hidden exclusions or are unsatisfied with the policy terms, you can cancel the plan and receive a 100% refund of your premium, free of cancellation fees or exit loads.

Directly from experts

Our mission is to help you protect your family's well-being with affordable term insurance. We strive to make your experience hassle-free to the greatest extent possible, whether you are purchasing a policy or making a claim. Our dedicated team is here to help you find the best plan for your needs and ensure you get all the necessary assistance with claims, documentation, and more.

Many UAE residents underestimate how much life cover their family may actually need. For example, a family living on AED 15,000 a month would need at least AED 2.7 million in cover to replace 15 years of income. Yet AED 1 million is often the default choice. The cheapest plan isn't always the right plan. Our job is to help you find cover that fits your needs.

Atul Kathuria

Business Head – Term Life Insurance, Policybazaar.ae
15+ years in UAE life insurance & wealth management

Compare 8 Best Term Insurance Plans Dubai, UAE 2026

Here’s the rundown of the best term life insurance plans in UAE for your reference -

Types of Term Life Insurance in UAE – Which One Should You Buy?

There are various types of term plans in UAE that you can choose as per your security needs and family obligations:

How Term Insurance Works for UAE Expats: Step-by-Step

A term life insurance policy provides life cover for a fixed policy tenure

This period could be anywhere between 5 years and 35 years

You pay a premium in exchange for life cover, which is usually 10-20 times the annual income

If you pass away during policy tenure, the beneficiary or nominee receives a death benefit

If you survive, the policy simply lapses.

The earlier you buy the policy, the lower the premium and the higher the life cover. You can also go for riders at your convenience and budget.

Example for UAE Residents

27 Years

Meet Sadiq, who has a life insurance cover of AED 1 million for 30 years

27 to 57 years

He pays the premium regularly for the next 30 years

Before Turning 57

Unfortunately, he passed away, and the life cover is payable to his nominee, his wife

Filing Claim

Sadiq'ss wife files a claim

After Filing Claim

She receives the claim, and it helps her live a secured life.

What is Takaful Term Insurance in UAE?

Takaful term insurance is a Sharia-compliant alternative to conventional term life insurance.

Instead of paying premiums into an insurer’s fund, participants contribute to a shared protection pool (Tabarru). If an insured participant passes away during the policy term, the fund provides the death benefit to beneficiaries.

Takaful term insurance UAE plans are designed to comply with Islamic financial principles and avoid interest (Riba) and excessive uncertainty (Gharar).

Takaful vs Conventional Term Insurance

Best for: UAE residents looking for Sharia-compliant family protection

Term Life Insurance Premiums by Age in the UAE (2026)

Term insurance premiums increase as you age. Buying early helps you lock in the lowest price. The mentioned figures are for a male living in Dubai who has a monthly income of AED 9,000 and is looking for AED 1 million coverage.

Insight: Smokers pay far higher premiums because of elevated health risks.

*For reference only - actual premiums may vary as per your age, health conditions, and more. The mentioned details are based on Policybazaar.ae data, updated as of September 2026, based on a sample customer profile. Your premium may be lower or higher.

Best Life Stages to Buy Term Insurance

1. When You Start Earning: Financial independence begins. Premiums are the lowest.

2. Starting a Family: Your spouse depends on your income. Term insurance reduces financial stress.

3. Taking a Home Loan: The payout helps your family clear outstanding loans.

4. Moving to Another Country: NRIs in the UAE use term life insurance to protect family members back home.

Can You Buy Term Insurance Without a Medical Exam in UAE?

Yes. Some insurers in the UAE offer term insurance without a medical exam through a simplified underwriting process. Instead of undergoing physical check-ups, blood tests, or medical screenings, eligible applicants can apply using a shorter digital assessment.

These plans are designed for people who want faster approvals and a more convenient application experience.

What is Usually Required?

To assess eligibility, insurers may ask for:

• A health declaration
• A lifestyle questionnaire
• Age and identity verification

In many cases, decisions can be made digitally, making policy issuance quicker than traditional underwriting.

Coverage Limits

No-medical term insurance plans generally offer coverage between AED 500,000 and AED 1 million, depending on factors such as your age, health profile, and insurer guidelines.

Important: Disclose Your Health Details Accurately

Since approval is based largely on self-declared information, it is important to answer all health and lifestyle questions honestly.

Incorrect or incomplete disclosures may affect policy validity and could lead to delays or issues during claim assessment later.

Who Should Buy Term Insurance in Dubai, UAE?

If you are in Dubai and have dependent individuals - whether your children, spouse, or your parents - you should take term insurance seriously. It’s an affordable way of ensuring that your loved ones have sufficient funds for life even if you’re not there.

Let's see who exactly actually needs it -

Common Mistakes People Make When Buying Term Insurance in UAE

1. Buying Late

Many people delay buying term insurance, thinking they can do it ‘someday’. But the longer you wait, the higher your premium gets. In fact, you may even lose eligibility for a high life cover if health issues develop.

2. Choosing a Low Life Cover

Ideally, your life cover should be at least 15–20 times your annual income. This way, your family can manage expenses, loans, and long-term goals without financial stress.

3. Ignoring Riders

For a small extra premium, riders like critical illness, waiver of premium, or accidental death benefit can offer financial support when unexpected events occur.

4. Hiding or Withholding Information

Some people skip sharing medical or lifestyle details to get lower premiums, but this can backfire. If the insurer discovers missing information during claim verification, the claim can be denied.

Example: If a smoker hides their smoking habit, the insurer can easily trace it through medical records during a claim investigation and may reject the claim entirely.

How to Find the Right Term Insurance Plan in UAE?

Here’s how you can find the best term life insurance policy for yourself -

• Compare plans from multiple insurance providers
• Check the Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) of insurers - this figure gives the idea of the number of claims settled against the total claims received
• Understand your requirements - when getting term insurance Dubai, consider your current income and liabilities as well as your family’s needs, future plans, and more
• See how easy the claim settlement process is - go with a company that has a straightforward process so that you don’t have to rush in time of emergency
• Look for a plan that offers riders or add-ons - you can use them to increase the coverage of your term insurance UAE at nominal additional prices

How to Buy Term Insurance Online from Policybazaar.ae?

With Policybazaar.ae, getting the best term policy is just a matter of a few clicks. Here’s how we help you get the best term insurance in UAE in 5 simple steps:

1

Go to Policybazaar.ae and select term insurance from the topmost bar.

2

Fill in your basic details like name, age, phone number, etc. in the form on the right.

3

Click on 'view quotes' to see the most relevant term insurance quotes.

4

Compare and select the one that suits you the best.

5

Click on apply and follow the on-screen instructions.

When you buy term life insurance online via Policybazaar.ae, you get an additional advantage of expert assistance to help you wherever you get stuck. Alternatively, you can visit your selected provider’s nearby office and submit your application in person.

What is the Difference Between Term Insurance and Life Insurance?

A term policy is a type of policy that financially secures the beneficiary in case the policyholder, unfortunately, passes away during the policy tenure. A whole life insurance plan is a policy that remains active throughout the policyholder’s life.

If you are looking for more affordable options, you can opt for a term policy. However, if you want investment and insurance in one place, you can explore whole life insurance or ULIPs.

Read More: Difference Between Term and Life Insurance

Inclusions of Term Life Insurance

The types of death covered under the plan include –

• Death because of natural causes or medical conditions
• Death owing to a terminal illness that was diagnosed less than 12 months before the survival period
• Death due to critical illness

Exclusions of Term Life Insurance

Listed below are the exclusions or the conditions under which the beneficiary will not receive any benefit –

• Death after the policy matures
• Death due to an undisclosed pre-existing health condition
• Death due to substance overdose
• Death due to sexually transmitted diseases
• Death owing to foreign invasions, warlike situations, or war
• Death because of a criminal activity as per the UAE laws
• Deaths related to military service

Why are Critical Illness Riders Essential in the UAE?

Critical illnesses are becoming increasingly common due to lifestyle habits and stress. Having a rider ensures you get financial protection when treatment costs are highest. While your health policy can cover the medical treatments, it doesn’t help you with daily expenses. This can be especially important if you lose your job due to illness.

A critical illness rider comes into play in such scenarios. It gives you a lump sum amount if you’re diagnosed with a critical illness. You can use this amount for day-to-day expenses, debt repayments, and other regular obligations.

Key UAE Facts

• 4,500 new cancer cases reported annually
• Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death
• 77% of deaths are caused by non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes & heart disease

Example: If someone in Dubai is diagnosed with a major cancer, they may have to take time off work for treatment. Their expenses can be anywhere near AED 300,000–500,000. While their health plan can cover the treatment, they may still find it difficult to manage children’s school fees, ongoing debts, utility bills, and more.

If the said individual had taken a critical illness rider, they would have received a lump sum amount. This could have reduced the financial burden of such non-medical expenses.

All of this makes it necessary to buy term insurance with the right riders!

Sources: Central Bank of the UAE

Term Insurance Policies - Frequently Asked Questions

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