Basic Health Insurance

A basic medical insurance plan is a low-cost health policy that covers the most important medical services. This includes things like emergency treatment, hospital stays, and, sometimes, outpatient visits. It gives you basic health coverage without the high price tag. In Dubai, this type of plan is often called the DHA basic insurance plan, approved by the Dubai Health Authority.

What is Basic Health Insurance?

Basic health insurance is a type of insurance that gives you the most essential health services — just what you really need to stay protected without spending too much money.

In the UAE, it’s often called basic medical insurance or the DHA basic insurance plan (especially in Dubai). It’s mainly for people with lower salaries, domestic workers, dependents, and more. Basically, it’s for anyone seeking a simple plan that meets the government’s health insurance rules.

While this type of plan doesn’t include everything, it does cover important things like — 

1. Emergency treatment
2. Hospitalisation and surgery
3. Basic doctor consultations (depending on the plan)
4. Some lab tests and X-rays
5. Maternity cover (only with selected plans and usually under limits)
6. Pre-existing and chronic conditions (after a waiting period)

How Basic Health Insurance Rules Differ Across Emirates?

In 2025, the UAE government took a big step toward standardising healthcare access across all seven emirates. However, there are still some differences in how basic medical insurance is handled in each emirate. 

Here's a clear breakdown — 

Dubai – DHA Basic Insurance Plan

Regulator: Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
Rule: Health insurance is mandatory for all residents, including domestic workers, dependents, and investors. Employers must provide cover.

• Minimum policy: DHA Essential Benefits Plan (EBP)
• Annual coverage: AED 150,000
• Covers: Emergency care, surgeries, outpatient consultations, chronic conditions, and maternity (for married females)
• Co-payment: 20% for inpatient, 25% for outpatient (max AED 100 per visit)
• No waiting period for pre-existing or chronic conditions 
• Network: Limited to approved DHA providers

Abu Dhabi – DOH / SEHA Rules

Regulator: Department of Health (DOH Abu Dhabi)

Implementation Partner: SEHA – Abu Dhabi Health Services

• Medical insurance is mandatory for all employees and dependents
• Employers must provide cover — including for domestic workers
• Basic plan: Thiqa (for UAE Nationals) or Abu Dhabi Basic Plan (for expats)
• Annual coverage: AED 250,000+
• Coverage includes hospital care, outpatient services, maternity, and chronic diseases (after a short waiting period)
• Network: SEHA hospitals and clinics across the emirate
• Co-payments: Generally 20% outpatient, AED 10-50 per consultation

Northern Emirates – Ajman, Sharjah, RAK, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain

Regulator: UAE Insurance Authority (federal)
Regions: Ajman, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain

• No single authority like DHA/DOH — rules depend on private insurer packages (regulated federally)
• Basic health insurance is still mandatory for —
  • Low-income workers
  • Families with Northern Emirates visas
  • Small business employees
• Annual limit: Ranges from AED 50,000 to AED 150,000
• Basic plans approved by insurance providers (e.g., Nextcare, NAS, Alliance)
• Pre-existing and chronic condition coverage after 6–12 months
• Co-payments: Typically 20% to 30%, with limits on outpatient clinics

How Does Basic Health Insurance Work in the UAE?

Let’s understand how a basic health insurance plan works in real life with a simple example.

👇 Example

Suppose you’re a housemaid or a driver in Dubai. You’re covered under a DHA basic insurance plan, and your yearly medical limit is AED 150,000. You suddenly feel unwell and want to visit a doctor. So how does the process work?

Step 1: Visit a General Practitioner (GP) First

With a basic health coverage plan, you can’t go directly to a specialist. You must first visit a GP (General Practitioner) at a clinic that is part of your insurance network.

• The doctor will examine you
• If your condition needs specialist attention (like dermatology, ENT, or cardiology), the GP will issue a referral

✅ Referral is mandatory in most DHA basic insurance plans.

Step 2: Referral to a Specialist

If referred, you can then see a specialist — but only:

• If your insurance covers it
• If it’s done within the same network
• If you get prior approval (called pre-authorisation)

Without a referral, most basic plans don’t cover your consultation with a specialist.

Step 3: Tests or Medicine

If the GP or specialist recommends blood tests, X-rays, or medication:

• You’ll pay a co-payment (usually 20% to 30%)
• Many basic plans limit medicine cover to AED 1,500 per year
• You need pre-approval for things like MRI, CT scans, and surgeries

Step 4: Emergency Care

If it’s an emergency (accident, stroke, or anything life-threatening), you don’t need a referral. Just go to the nearest hospital. Your DHA basic insurance will cover emergency care — but only up to your annual limit and within network hospitals.

Cost of Basic Health Insurance in the UAE

When it comes to protecting your health in the UAE, cost is often the first thing that comes to mind. The good news? Basic health insurance is one of the most affordable types of coverage available. It’s designed to meet legal requirements without putting a burden on your budget.

As of 2026, the cost of a basic medical insurance plan in the UAE starts from just AED 4 per day. This comes to around AED 1,400 to AED 1,600 per year. 

Note that prices may vary slightly based on —

1. Age of the insured
2. Emirate of residence
3. Existing health conditions (if any)
4. Insurance provider and network

Companies Offering the Basic Health Insurance Plans in the UAE

The following are the insurance providers that offer the basic health insurance plans (EBP) in the country -

• GIG Gulf (formerly AXA Insurance)
• National Health Insurance Company (Daman)
• Sukoon Insurance
• Orient Insurance PJSC
• Takaful Emarat
• Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC)
• Watania Takaful
• Union Insurance
• Ras Al Khaimah Insurance Company

Best Basic Health Insurance Plans in the UAE

Check out some of the best basic medical insurance plans in the UAE below — 

Disclaimer: This table highlights a few popular DHA basic insurance and other basic health coverage plans based on available documents. It is not a complete list. For the full list of approved basic plans across Dubai and other emirates, you can visit policybazaar.ae. On the website, you’ll find real-time prices, coverage details, and insurer comparisons tailored to your visa and emirate.

Inclusions & Exclusions of Basic Health Insurance in the UAE

Basic health insurance plans in the UAE offer limited but essential medical services. These are made to cover your core healthcare needs while keeping coverage affordable. Here is a quick comparison of what's included and what's not included in most basic medical plans in the UAE —

📌 Note: Always check the specific plan's terms to understand the coverage limit, network hospitals, and waiting periods.

Who Should Buy Basic Health Insurance?

Basic health insurance is mainly for people who need essential medical cover at a lower price. It doesn’t cover everything, but it offers peace of mind for day-to-day and emergency health issues.

Basic medical plan is best for — 

1. Workers earning a low monthly income (usually less than AED 4,000)
2. Domestic helpers like maids, drivers, cooks and cleaners
3. Dependents such as a spouse, children or elderly parents
4. Freelancers or small business employees without employer-provided insurance
5. New residents who need entry-level coverage before upgrading

These plans help you stay legally insured in the UAE and protect you from large hospital bills during emergencies.

Should You Always Choose a Basic Medical Plan?

Not always.

While basic plans are affordable, they don’t cover many important services — dental, vision, mental health, or specialist care without a referral. If you have a family or long-term medical conditions, or simply want better hospital access and lower waiting times, it’s better to go for comprehensive health insurance.

A comprehensive plan gives you – 

1. Access to more hospitals and doctors (larger network)
2. Better maternity, outpatient, and specialist coverage
3. International emergency coverage (on selected plans)
4. Higher annual limits — often over AED 150,000

Claim Process of Basic Health Insurance Plans in the UAE

If you're covered under a basic health insurance plan in the UAE, the claim process is usually simple. This is especially true if you visit a hospital or clinic that's part of your insurer's network. But if you go out-of-network or need to get reimbursed later, there are a few extra steps involved.

Direct Billing (Within Network) – No Claim Needed

This is the easiest and most common method. If you visit a hospital or clinic that’s part of your insurer’s approved network —

• Show your Emirates ID or insurance card at reception
• The clinic/hospital will request pre-approval from the insurance company (if needed)
• You pay only the co-payment amount (e.g. 20–30%)
• The provider handles the paperwork directly with the insurance company

Reimbursement Claim (Outside Network or in Emergency)

If you had to pay for treatment upfront — for example, during an emergency or while visiting a non-network clinic — you can file a reimbursement claim. Here are the steps — 

• Collect your documents
  • Original medical bills
  • Doctor’s report or medical certificate
  • Original pharmacy invoices (with prescription)
  • Emirates ID copy and insurance card copy
  • Bank details (IBAN, name, and so on)
• Download and fill the claim form from your insurance provider’s website (e.g., Nextcare, NAS, Alliance)
• Submit the documents via email or insurer portal, generally within —
  • 30 days of treatment (for local claims)
  • 60 days (for international claims, if covered)
• The insurance company will —
  • Review your documents
  • Approve or reject the claim based on your plan's coverage
  • Transfer the amount to your bank account (usually within 10–15 working days)

Why Choose Basic Health Plans with Policybazaar.ae? 

When it comes to buying basic health insurance in the UAE, the process can get confusing — too many plans, technical terms, hidden details, and more. That’s where Policybazaar.ae makes a real difference.

Here’s why thousands of UAE residents choose to buy basic medical insurance through this platform — 

1. Policybazaar.ae lets you compare multiple DHA basic insurance plans from top providers — all in one place. Instead of visiting different websites, you can see prices, features, and benefits side-by-side in minutes.
2. The platform shows you the best available rates, including discounted offers that are often not listed anywhere else. What you see is what you pay — there are no markups or hidden charges.
3. Whether you’re insuring a housemaid, sponsoring your parents, or buying a policy for yourself, Policybazaar.ae offers all types of plans. It even helps you find tailored options based on your visa type and emirate.
4. You can get free support from insurance experts who guide you through the process — without any pressure to buy. They’ll explain the inclusions, waiting periods, and documents required. They will even help you avoid any mistakes in the application.

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