Domestic Worker Health Insurance in UAE

Is Domestic Worker Health Insurance Mandatory in the UAE?

Yes. From 1st January 2025, every domestic worker in every emirate must be covered by a valid health insurance policy before their employer can obtain or renew their residency permit.

In the UAE, it's a legal requirement. The employer pays the full premium, and an active policy is required before the worker's visa can be issued or renewed.

Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 Concerning Domestic Workers already made it mandatory for employers to cover the cost of a domestic worker's medical treatment or provide health insurance. In December 2024, the UAE Cabinet introduced the MOHRE basic health insurance scheme to help employers in the Northern Emirates meet their existing health insurance obligations.

ICP and MOHAP partnered to provide affordable, standardised health insurance coverage for employees.

Who Counts as a Domestic Worker Under the Law?

Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 defines domestic workers by role. As per this law, domestic workers are individuals employed in the following professions:

• Housemaids
• Private coaches
• Gardeners
• Nannies/babysitters
• Family chauffeurs
• Private cooks
• Guards

What Changed on 1st January 2025?

Before 2025, a domestic worker health insurance policy was mandatory only in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Dubai has required it since Dubai Law No. 11 of 2013, mandated by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Sponsors buy coverage through DHA-licensed insurers, usually the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) built for lower-income workers.

In Abu Dhabi, domestic workers are covered under the medical insurance system regulated by the Department of Health (DoH). Their sponsors must buy domestic health insurance coverage for medical care and treatment when needed.

But from 1st January 2025, all Northern Emirates now fall under the federal basic health insurance scheme. This means that insurance is now mandatory for everyone, including medical insurance for domestic workers.

How to Buy Domestic Worker Health Insurance in UAE?

You can find the best health insurance plans for your domestic workers via Policybazaar.ae! Here’s how:

1. Click on the lead form and enter the necessary details
2. You will be taken to the quotes page after submitting the form
3. Compare plans from different insurers and choose one
4. Follow the prompts and make the payment
5. You will receive your policy document on the registered email ID

Disclaimer

• The AED 320 Basic Health Insurance Package for the Northern Emirates is a government scheme and is not available on Policybazaar.ae. Plans on our platform start from AED 340 per year.
• Policybazaar.ae offers domestic worker health insurance only for Dubai and the Northern Emirates. For Abu Dhabi, this plan is available only through Daman Insurance.

How Much Does Domestic Worker Health Insurance Cost?

For the Northern Emirates, the basic health insurance scheme starts from AED 320 per year. This is a government plan covering individuals aged 1 to 64. The policy is valid for two years. MOHRE allows a refund on the second year’s premium if the work permit is cancelled during the first year.

In Dubai, the DHA-mandated Essential Benefits Plan for domestic workers starts at AED 550 per year. The EBP plan is specifically for those earning AED 4,000 or less per month.

Abu Dhabi’s Thiqa-based domestic worker coverage is specifically available with Daman Insurance.

What are the Inclusions of Health Insurance for a Domestic Worker?

Listed below are the general medical services and facilities included in a health policy for domestic workers across the UAE:

• Inpatient treatment
• Outpatient treatment
• Emergency medical treatment
• Maternity coverage
• Preventive services, mandatory immunisations, and vaccinations
• Pre-existing health conditions

What are the Exclusions of Domestic Worker Health Insurance in UAE?

The following are the exclusions under domestic worker health insurance in the UAE -

• Services in the medical field that are not strictly necessary
• All costs associated with dental care, dental prosthetics, and orthodontic procedures
• Unauthorised healthcare service providers’ healthcare services
• Health services and equipment for nicotine addiction treatment and smoking cessation programmes
• The cost of hearing exams, vision corrections, prosthetics, or eye and hearing aids
• Unless in a critical state, mental health problems (both outpatient and inpatient treatments) are excluded
• Acupuncture, acupressure, hypnosis, therapeutic massage, aromatic treatments, ozone therapy, homoeopathy, and all other types of alternative medicine for healthcare

Documents to Apply for Domestic Worker Health Insurance

• Emirates ID (for both sponsor and employee)
• Passport
• Salary certificate
• Expat sponsor health insurance
• Health insurance continuity certificate
• Completed, signed, and stamped application form
• Letter of Acceptance

Benefits of Buying Health Insurance for Maids

With inflating medical costs, domestic workers can, at times, end up getting into a spiral of debt. It is important that you sponsor your house help, as this can ensure peace of mind for them.

Here are the benefits of buying a domestic worker's health insurance plan in the UAE:

• No More Extended Loans to Cater to Health Issues - If your domestic help gets a health insurance plan, they would not need any big loan as the basic health insurance plan would cover all fundamental and life-threatening diseases.
• Enhanced Retention - When you take care of your house help and secure them with a domestic worker health insurance plan, you increase the chances of retaining them.
• Financially Secure the House Help in Case of Health Crisis - Your domestic help won’t have to worry about funds while getting treated during a health crisis, as the health insurance for housemaids would offer them much-needed financial assistance in case they require any treatment.

What Happens If I Don't Insure My Domestic Worker?

Not insuring your domestic worker with a valid medical insurance policy can lead to several challenges, depending on the emirate where they are employed. In emirates where insurance is directly linked to the employment or residency process, employers may face delays or difficulties when applying for or renewing a domestic worker’s residence permit.

Apart from this, you may face financial consequences as well. Generally, you are responsible for taking care of your domestic worker’s medical expenses. If you don't buy a policy, the medical costs can add up quickly, especially during emergencies.

Before buying domestic worker health insurance, always read the policy requirements specific to your emirate. Choose a plan that provides enough medical coverage.

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