UAE mandates health insurance for private sector by 2025

In the light of ensuring quality healthcare across the private sector workforce, the UAE Cabinet on Monday, March 18th, 2024, announced mandatory health insurance for all private sector employees. It is important to note that the decision will be implemented starting January 1st, 2025. 

Did You Know This is the Second Mandatory Insurance?

Yes, you read it right! Last year, workers were supposed to subscribe to a job loss scheme. Over 7.2 million private sector employees and federal government sector employees have registered for this scheme so far. 

The Role of Employers

It will be the employer’s financial and legal obligation to pay for a registered employee’s health coverage when issuing or renewing their residency permit. However, it is unclear if the company will pay for the employee’s family members. 

How is the Scheme Different from the Existing Mandatory Plans?

The current mandatory health insurance applies to employees in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The new scheme mandates the employers to protect their staff pan-UAE from the ever-growing healthcare costs. 

What is in Store for Private Sector Employees?

The insurance scheme will surely cover surgeries, emergencies, medication, medical diagnosis, maternity cover, and both inpatient and outpatient treatments. Other coverage benefits will be declared soon. 

However, there are certain limitations and conditions applied. They include co-insurance requirements where the insured needs to pay a particular part of the treatment cost. 

Relevant information and awareness about the campaign will be provided by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). 

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Written By: Tanvi Pathak