Compulsory Health Insurance for UAE’s Private Sector

2025 Brings Compulsory Health Insurance for UAE’s Private Sector: What to Expect

In 2013, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) mandated that all employers in Dubai must provide compulsory health insurance for their employees. Similarly, Abu Dhabi introduced its Health Insurance Law No. 23 of 2005, which required all residents, including expatriates, to have health coverage. Both ...read more

The above plans and premiums are for AED 1,000,000 Sum insured for 1 Adult of 30 Years for Dubai city.

Expanding on these efforts, the UAE government has now introduced a new initiative. Starting from January 1, 2025, the government has made health insurance mandatory for all private-sector employees and domestic workers across the entire country, including the Northern Emirates such as Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.

Here's everything you need to know about this change —

What is compulsory health insurance in the UAE?

Compulsory health insurance is a law that requires all private-sector employees and domestic workers in the UAE to have medical coverage. This coverage is provided by employers, who must arrange and pay for their workers' insurance plans. The law guarantees that everyone has access to essential medical services, reducing the risk of large medical bills for employees.

By making health insurance mandatory, the government ensures that workers receive timely medical care when they need it.

Who is affected by the new mandatory health insurance?

The law will apply to all private-sector employees across the UAE, including those in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, and the Northern Emirates. Additionally, domestic workers such as maids, drivers, and nannies will also be covered.

While Abu Dhabi and Dubai already have similar laws in place, the new regulation will extend to the entire country from 2025.

Is healthcare mandatory for domestic workers too?

Yes, from 2025, health care is mandatory for domestic workers as well. This means that employers must make sure that all household staff, including maids, gardeners, and drivers are covered by health insurance compulsory plans.

This change is expected to improve healthcare access for thousands of workers who may not have had coverage before.

What services are covered under this compulsory health insurance?

The compulsory medical insurance will cover a range of essential healthcare services. These usually include doctor consultations, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and emergency services.

Each plan might offer different levels of coverage depending on the insurance package, but the key goal is to ensure that no employee is left without basic health protection.

Why is health insurance mandatory in the UAE now?

The decision to make health insurance mandatory stems from the UAE government’s goal to protect workers and improve the country’s healthcare system.

By making this type of insurance a legal requirement, the government confirms that every worker, regardless of their role, has access to medical care. This law also helps reduce healthcare-related financial stress for workers, paving the way for healthier, more productive lives.

How will mandatory health insurance affect employees in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, laws making health insurance mandatory have been in place for a while now. Employees in these Emirates are already required to have medical coverage through their employers.

However, the new 2025 law will extend this requirement to the Northern Emirates such as Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Ajman.

What happens if employers don’t provide health insurance by 2025?

Employers are legally required to comply with the health insurance mandatory law by 2025. If they fail to provide coverage, they risk penalties, fines, and even the refusal of visa renewals for their employees.

How can I get more information about health insurance options in the UAE?

If you’re looking for more information about health insurance compulsory plans in the UAE, a great place to start is Policybazaar.ae. This platform provides detailed comparisons of various health insurance plans, helping you find the best options for your needs.

Whether you are an employer or employee, you can get expert advice and find plans that meet the legal requirements for compulsory health insurance.

What are the key benefits of having compulsory health insurance in 2025?

Compulsory health insurance means that all employees will have access to critical healthcare services, including consultations, hospital stays, and medications. The health insurance mandatory policy also reduces the financial stress of healthcare costs and improves the overall well-being of the workforce.

Is healthcare mandatory for family members under the new law?

While the law to make health insurance compulsory primarily focuses on employees, some employers may offer extended coverage to family members as per the package. In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, it’s already common for employers to provide health insurance for employees' families.

For workers in the Northern Emirates, employers will now have the option to do the same, depending on the specific insurance plan they choose.