Haris Ashley
In 2014, the Dubai Health Authority made it mandatory for all residents, including foreigners and Emirati citizens, to have medical insurance. Companies must provide private health insurance plans for their expat employees, and basic health insurance for all. The Essentials Benefits Plan (EBP) assists expatriates and international citizens on lower salaries by providing affordable primary medical care coverage. Employers can choose an international health insurance plan other than the EBP for employees earning more than 4,000 dirhams a month, but the plan must be as good as, or better than, the EBP. Expats moving to Dubai should research health insurance plans beforehand, as the quality of care is often linked to the cost of the plan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs medical insurance in Dubai | All residents – foreigners and Emirati citizens |
| Who provides medical insurance in Dubai | Employers are required to provide basic health insurance to all expats |
| What is the role of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) | The DHA has made it mandatory for all UAE Nationals & Expats to have health insurance |
| What is the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) | The EBP assists expats and international citizens on lower salaries by providing affordable primary medical care coverage |
| What is covered under the EBP | Coverage for children, domestic staff, and non-working residents |
| What is the co-payment under the EBP | 20% of medical costs at each clinic and hospital visit, capped at 1,000 dirhams a year |
| What is the cost of a health card | 320 dirhams per adult and 120 dirhams for children under 10 |
| What is the role of insurance companies | Insurance companies like Allianz, Daman, and MetLife offer flexible, affordable expat healthcare plans for Dubai |
| What is covered under these plans | In-patient, day-care, out-patient treatments, dental services, maternity benefits, and repatriation benefits |
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What You'll Learn
Mandatory health insurance for all residents
In 2014, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) implemented legislation that made health insurance mandatory for all residents, including foreigners and Emirati citizens. This means that if you are a resident of Dubai, you are eligible for basic individual medical coverage. The DHA has also mandated that companies must provide private health insurance plans for all their expat employees.
The Essentials Benefits Plan (EBP) is designed to assist expats and international citizens on lower salaries by providing affordable primary medical care coverage. The EBP covers children, domestic staff, and non-working residents. Employers can choose an international health insurance plan other than the EBP for employees earning more than 4,000 dirhams a month, as long as it offers the same or better benefits. It is illegal for employers to reduce an employee's salary to meet low-cost EBP coverage standards.
As an employee covered by the EBP, you can expect a co-payment of 20% of medical costs for each clinic and hospital visit, capped at 1,000 dirhams per year. To access medical care in government-run facilities, such as Dubai Hospital or Rashid Hospital, you will need a health card, which can be obtained from the DHA online or at a medical centre for 320 dirhams per adult and 120 dirhams for children under 10.
There are several insurance providers in Dubai that offer a range of plans to suit different requirements and budgets. These plans typically include inpatient and outpatient benefits, such as hospital accommodation, medical evacuation, doctor consultations, health checks, and optional add-ons like dental, maternity, and repatriation cover. Some providers also offer global access, allowing you to use your cover in any country within your chosen geographical area. It is important to carefully review the different plans and select one that best meets your healthcare needs and preferences.
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Employer-provided health insurance
In 2014, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) implemented legislation requiring all residents, including foreigners and Emirati citizens, to have medical insurance. This legislation also mandated that companies must provide private health insurance plans for all their expat employees. The specific requirements for employer-provided health insurance in Dubai are as follows:
The Essentials Benefits Plan (EBP)
The EBP is a mandatory basic health insurance plan that employers must provide for their expat employees. It assists expat and international citizens on lower salaries by providing affordable primary medical care coverage. The EBP covers 80% of medical costs at each clinic and hospital visit, with co-payments capped at 1,000 dirhams per year. It also includes coverage for children, domestic staff, and non-working residents. The EBP is designed to ensure that all residents have access to quality healthcare, regardless of their financial situation.
Choice of International Health Insurance Plan
Employers are free to choose an international health insurance plan other than the EBP for employees earning more than 4,000 dirhams per month. However, the chosen plan must be as good as, or better than, the essential benefits offered through the EBP. This means that employers can offer more comprehensive coverage, including additional benefits such as dental, enhanced maternity, and repatriation services.
Compliance with DHA Requirements
All health insurance plans in Dubai must comply with the DHA's requirements. This includes ensuring that the plan provides adequate coverage for visa applications and access to quality medical providers. The DHA has approved certain insurance providers, such as MetLife, that offer plans tailored to the needs of expats and Emirati citizens.
Customisable Plans
For companies with more than 10 employees, insurance providers in Dubai offer customisable Gold, Silver, and Bronze plans. These plans offer flexibility in coverage, allowing employers to choose the specific benefits that best suit the needs of their employees and their dependants. This ensures that employers can provide comprehensive health insurance while managing their costs effectively.
Prohibition on Salary Reduction
It is important to note that it is illegal for employers in Dubai to reduce an employee's salary to meet the low-cost EBP coverage standards. This provision is in place to protect employees' rights and ensure that they receive the full benefits of their earned salary, regardless of the cost of their health insurance plan.
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Individual medical plans
Dubai has become one of the most popular expat destinations in the world, with nearly 90% of its population being international citizens. In 2014, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) implemented new legislation requiring all residents, including foreigners and Emirati citizens, to have medical insurance. This mandate also applies to companies, which must now provide private health insurance plans for all their expat employees.
Several insurance providers in Dubai offer flexible and comprehensive individual health insurance plans. For example, Allianz Care offers tailored health insurance plans with a network of over 1.9 million quality medical providers, settling most in-patient treatment bills directly with the provider. They also offer optional add-ons, such as dental, maternity, and repatriation cover, and provide access to services like Telehealth, an Expat assistance programme, and various coaching apps. MetLife also provides an Individual Medical Plan, ensuring coverage for medical visits, hospital treatments, diagnostics, and more.
It is worth noting that the DHA's legislation includes the Essentials Benefits Plan (EBP), which assists expats and international citizens on lower salaries by providing affordable primary medical care coverage. The EBP includes coverage for children, domestic staff, and non-working residents, with a co-payment of 20% of medical costs up to a maximum of 1,000 dirhams per year. Employers are required to provide basic health insurance to all expats and support those on lower salaries through the EBP system.
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Expat healthcare plans
Dubai is one of the most popular expat destinations in the world, with international citizens making up nearly 90% of its population. In 2014, the Dubai Health Authority implemented legislation requiring all residents, including foreigners and Emirati citizens, to have medical insurance. This legislation also mandated that companies provide private health insurance plans for all their expat employees. The Essentials Benefits Plan (EBP) was developed to assist expats on lower salaries by providing affordable primary medical care coverage. Employers can choose an international health insurance plan other than the EBP for employees earning more than 4,000 dirhams a month, provided it offers benefits that are as good as, or better than, the EBP.
As an expat in Dubai, you can access modern and accessible medical facilities with staff who speak both Arabic and English. There are two leading providers of health insurance for foreigners in Dubai: Cigna Global and William Russell. Both meet the required benefits outlined by the Dubai insurance authorities and offer plans that can be tailored to suit your individual needs.
Allianz also offers flexible, affordable expat healthcare plans that comply with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) requirements for visa applications. Their plans include a wide range of in-patient, day-care, and out-patient treatments, with optional add-ons like dental services, enhanced maternity, and repatriation benefits. They also provide access to services like Telehealth, an Expat assistance programme, a Mind coaching app, a Fitness coaching app, and a Nutrition Hub.
When choosing a health insurance plan in Dubai, it's important to consider your specific medical needs and ensure that the plan covers all the essential services you require. Additionally, be aware that prescriptions in Dubai may differ from what you're used to, with certain drugs being difficult to obtain or banned altogether.
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Health insurance for families
Since 2014, the Dubai Health Authority has required all residents of Dubai to have medical insurance. This legislation also mandates that companies provide private health insurance plans for all their expat employees. Basic health insurance must be provided by employers to all expats, and lower-salaried expats are supported by the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP). This plan also includes coverage for children, domestic staff, and non-working residents.
If you are an expat in Dubai, you will need to look into health insurance plans for yourself and your family. There are a variety of insurance companies that offer family health insurance plans, such as Cigna Healthcare, Daman, and Allianz Care. These plans offer a range of benefits, including in-patient and out-patient treatments, maternity care, mental healthcare, and more. Children are covered in family insurance plans, which is more cost-effective than covering minors separately.
When choosing health insurance for your family, it is important to consider the specific needs of each family member. For example, if you have children, you will want to ensure that their health insurance covers dental, vision, and other expected healthcare elements of childhood. If you have elderly parents, you may want to consider a plan that includes the Life Management Assistance programme, which can provide assistance in their care.
It is also important to consider the cost of the insurance plan and whether it is within your budget. Some plans, such as the EBP, are designed to be affordable for those on lower salaries. Additionally, you may want to look for a plan that is flexible and can be tailored to your family's specific needs. For example, Allianz Care offers plans that can be enhanced with optional dental services, enhanced maternity, and repatriation benefits.
Finally, it is worth considering the convenience of managing your health insurance plan. Many companies now offer digital solutions, such as apps and online portals, that allow you to easily manage and access your plan and leverage its benefits.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, since 2014, the Dubai Health Authority has mandated that all residents, including foreigners and Emirati citizens, must have medical insurance.
There are two main types of health insurance plans available in Dubai: core plans and outpatient plans. Core plans typically cover inpatient benefits such as hospital accommodation, day-care, and medical evacuation. Outpatient plans cover benefits such as doctor consultations, health checks, and optical benefits. There are also more comprehensive plans that cover inpatient, outpatient, maternity, and emergency services.
Yes, the Dubai Health Authority offers the Essentials Benefits Plan (EBP) which is designed to assist expats and international citizens on lower salaries by providing affordable primary medical care coverage. The EBP also includes coverage for children, domestic staff, and non-working residents.
When choosing a health insurance plan in Dubai, it is important to consider your specific needs and budget. Compare the different plans offered by providers and select one that covers the benefits you require. Some factors to consider include the network of hospitals and clinics covered, the level of coverage, and the availability of additional services such as dental, maternity, and repatriation benefits.
To access medical care in Dubai, you will typically need a health card. You can apply for this card from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) online or by visiting a medical centre. With your health card and insurance, you will be able to access government-run medical facilities and private hospitals or clinics within your insurer's network.
