Orlando Harmon
Health insurance is mandatory for all residents of Dubai, and the cost of medical insurance in Dubai varies depending on several factors, including the type of coverage, the insured's age and medical history, and the number of dependents. Basic health insurance plans in Dubai start from AED 616 per year, while mid-range plans cost around AED 3,000 annually. Comprehensive health insurance plans are priced at approximately AED 5,500 per year. The average annual cost of health insurance for an individual in the UAE is AED 6,000, while a family plan costs at least AED 20,000. Dubai has a mix of public and private healthcare, with the latter being the preferred choice for many expats due to the common use of English and foreign-trained medical staff. Expats must pay for a health card to access public healthcare services, which costs AED 320 for adults and AED 120 for children under 10.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average annual cost of health insurance for an individual | AED 6,000 (£1,300) |
| Average annual cost of health insurance for a family | AED 20,000 (£4,400) |
| Basic health insurance plan | AED 616 per annum |
| Mid-range health insurance plan | AED 3,000 per annum |
| Comprehensive health insurance plan | AED 5,500 per annum |
| Medical insurance for females sponsored by husbands | AED 2,727 per annum |
| Average cost of a joint medical policy for couples | AED 9,000 per annum |
| Health card for expats | AED 320 (£70) for adults, AED 120 (£26) for under-10s |
| Fine for each uninsured month | AED 500 (£109, €136) |
| Number of private hospitals in Dubai | 39 |
| Number of public hospitals in Dubai | 6 |
| Dubai's spending ratio between public and private healthcare | 40% public, 60% private |
| Cost of a customised plan via Cigna | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
Mandatory health insurance in Dubai
Health insurance is mandatory for all residents of Dubai, irrespective of employment status. This is in line with federal laws, which state that health insurance is compulsory in the UAE.
Dubai has a mixture of public and private healthcare. The standard of healthcare is high, with modern and accessible medical facilities. While public healthcare services are used mainly by Emirati nationals, who receive treatment for free or at a very low cost, expats have to pay to use public healthcare services, and fees are higher for non-nationals. Expats also have to pay for a health card, which costs 320 AED for adults and 120 AED for under-10s. This card is required to access public hospitals and clinics, even if you have private health insurance, as some treatments may not be covered by private policies.
Private medical insurance in Dubai can be expensive, with Dubai being one of the most expensive countries in the world for it. The average annual cost of health insurance for an individual in the UAE is 6,000 AED, while the average annual cost for a family is at least 20,000 AED. However, prices vary depending on factors such as the type of coverage, the insured's age and medical history, and the number of dependents. Basic plans are typically more affordable but offer limited coverage, while comprehensive plans are more expensive and cover a wider range of services and conditions.
If you are employed in Dubai, your employer is legally obliged to provide you with medical cover. They are also encouraged to provide health insurance for your dependents, but not all companies do this. If you are moving to Dubai for retirement or any other reason that does not involve employment, you will need to purchase your own health insurance. It is important to evaluate your own needs and research the different plans available to find the most suitable option for you and your family.
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Private vs public healthcare
The cost of medical insurance in Dubai varies depending on the type of plan chosen and the number of family members covered. Here is a breakdown of the average costs:
- Basic Plan: This plan is for members earning below AED 4001 per month. The exact price is not mentioned, but it is the most affordable option.
- Mid-Range Plan: The average cost of a mid-range medical insurance plan is AED 3,000 per annum. These plans offer outpatient consultations and basic hospitalisation.
- Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan: Priced at around AED 5,500 per annum, these plans offer extensive coverage, including higher limits for inpatient and outpatient services, specialist consultations, and sometimes dental and optical care.
- Family Health Insurance (4 Members): The average cost for a family plan covering four members is AED 15,000 per annum. This includes inpatient and outpatient services for all family members, including children.
Dubai has a mixture of public and private healthcare options. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) oversees both sectors, ensuring that residents have access to quality healthcare services. Here is a comparison of the two systems:
Public Healthcare:
Public healthcare in Dubai is well-regarded and offers high standards of care. It is primarily designed for Emirati nationals, who can access it for free or at a very low cost. However, expats must pay for a health card to access public healthcare services, and the fees are higher for non-nationals. The process for obtaining a health card involves applying online or visiting a medical centre and paying the required fee. The card offers basic healthcare coverage similar to what Emirati nationals receive. Public healthcare facilities in Dubai include Dubai Hospital and Latifa Hospital, a women's and children's hospital offering a range of services.
Private Healthcare:
Dubai has over 130 private health facilities, including luxury options that cater to a wide range of needs. Private healthcare is generally of a higher standard than public healthcare and offers shorter wait times and greater access to specialists. While the cost of treatment in private hospitals can be high, comprehensive health insurance plans can help address these costs. Additionally, the DHA reforms and partial cost-coverage of the Dubai Health Card have made private treatment more accessible and affordable. Expats in Dubai are legally obliged to have some form of private medical cover, and their employers are required to provide this for all expat employees.
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Cost of medical insurance in Dubai
The cost of medical insurance in Dubai varies depending on several factors, including the type of coverage, the insured's age and medical history, the number of dependents, and whether the plan includes local or international coverage. Basic plans are typically more affordable but offer limited coverage, while comprehensive plans are more expensive and cover a wider range of medical services. As of 2023, the average annual cost of health insurance for an individual in Dubai is 6,000 AED (around £1,300), while the average annual cost of health insurance for a family is at least 20,000 AED (£4,400).
Dubai has a mixture of public and private healthcare, with spending currently at 40% public and 60% private. There are 39 private hospitals and six public hospitals in Dubai. While public healthcare services are used mainly by Emirati nationals, who receive treatment for free or at a very low cost, expats must pay to use them and also need to purchase a health card, costing 320 dirhams (AED) (£70) for adults and 120 AED (£26) for children under ten.
Private medical insurance is mandatory for all residents of Dubai, and fines of 500 AED (£109) are charged for every uninsured month. Most employers in Dubai provide medical cover for their employees, and they are encouraged to provide health insurance for dependents, although not all do. Comprehensive health insurance plans in Dubai are priced at around AED 5,500 per annum, while mid-range plans offering outpatient consultations and basic hospitalisation cost around AED 3,000 per annum. Basic health insurance plans providing essential benefits cost around AED 616 per year.
The cost of medical insurance in Dubai can also depend on the insured's gender and marital status. For example, the average cost of a joint medical policy for couples in Dubai is AED 9,000 per annum, while medical insurance for females sponsored by their husbands costs AED 2,727 per annum.
Dubai's insurance market is quite competitive, and insurance companies have had to create low-cost options to cater to individuals. The Essential Benefits Plan (EBP), rolled out in 2016, offers standardised packages with premiums ranging from AED 650 to 725 per year, providing basic coverage including access to a general physician, specialist referrals, certain surgical procedures, laboratory tests, emergency services, check-ups, medication, and maternity care.
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Factors influencing insurance prices
The cost of health insurance in Dubai is influenced by a multitude of factors, which can be broadly categorised into two groups: factors that are within an individual's control and those that are not.
Coverage Type
The scope of coverage is a key determinant of insurance prices. Basic health insurance plans, which cover essential services such as outpatient consultations, emergency care, and hospitalization, are more affordable. In contrast, comprehensive plans that offer a wider range of benefits, including specialist consultations, dental and optical care, and international coverage, come at a higher price.
Age
Age is a significant factor, with older individuals typically paying higher premiums due to the increased likelihood of health issues. Younger people generally present a lower risk to insurance companies and, therefore, enjoy lower premiums.
Health Status and Medical History
An individual's health status and medical history can significantly impact insurance costs. Pre-existing conditions, high-risk health factors, and smoking or tobacco use often lead to higher premiums as they indicate an increased risk of needing medical services.
Number of Dependents
Adding dependents to a policy increases the cost of insurance, especially if those dependents are not employed or have specific health needs. Family plans may offer a discounted rate per person when compared to individual policies, but the overall cost is influenced by the number of family members covered.
Provider Network
The breadth of the provider network can also affect insurance prices. Policies that offer access to a broader network of hospitals and clinics may be priced higher than those with a narrower selection of healthcare providers.
Deductibles and Copayments
While higher deductibles and copayments can reduce premiums, they also mean that the policyholder will need to pay more out-of-pocket when medical care is required.
Policy Term
The duration of a policy, whether short or long-term, is another factor that influences premium costs.
Competition and Market Trends
Marketplace competition and general trends in healthcare costs and inflation can impact insurance prices. More competition among insurance providers in a specific market can drive down premiums, while healthcare inflation tends to increase premium costs over time.
It is worth noting that, in Dubai, medical insurance is mandatory, and most employers provide it as part of their employment package. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) sets minimum coverage requirements, influencing the insurance premiums and plans available.
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Health insurance for expats
Health insurance is mandatory for all residents of Dubai, including expats. The city has a mixture of public and private healthcare, with the public healthcare system mainly used by Emirati nationals, who receive treatment for free or at a very low cost. Expats do have to pay to use public healthcare services and fees are higher for non-nationals.
If you are an expat in Dubai, you will need to look into health insurance plans before you go. Expats in Dubai have several options for global health insurance. The two leading providers for foreigners in Dubai are Cigna Global and William Russell. Both meet the required benefits as outlined by the Dubai insurance authorities. Cigna Global's Healthguard plan is tailored to meet the needs of individuals and families working and residing in the Emirate of Dubai and the Northern Emirates, approved by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Insurance Authority (IA). The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs is also an option. The average annual cost of health insurance for an individual in the UAE is 6,000 AED (around £1,300), according to a report from 2023. The average annual cost of health insurance for a family in Dubai is at least 20,000 AED (£4,400).
In Dubai, companies are required to provide health insurance for all their expat employees. However, they are not required to cover the employee's dependents. If you are moving to Dubai to work, your employer is legally obliged to provide you with medical cover, but they are not required to cover your family. Employers are encouraged to provide health insurance for their employees' dependents, but not all do. If you need to take out health insurance for your family, you may want to get it sorted before you go. Likewise, if you are moving to Dubai for your retirement, you will need health insurance as you won't have an employer to provide cover.
Expats wishing to take advantage of public hospitals and clinics must have a health card, so even if you are covered by private health insurance, it is wise to apply for the health card. You can apply for the card online or by paying a visit to a medical centre. The cost per adult card is 320 dirhams (around £70), and 120 AED (£26) for under-10s.
The standard of healthcare in Dubai is high for its region, which is part of why the Emirate has become one of the medical tourism capitals of the world. The UAE has a highly developed health infrastructure and modern and accessible medical facilities. Most staff members speak both Arabic and English, so language should not be a barrier.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all residents of Dubai, irrespective of employment status.
The cost of medical insurance in Dubai varies depending on factors such as the type of coverage, age, medical history, and number of dependents. Basic health insurance plans in Dubai cost around AED 616 per year, while mid-range plans offering a broader range of services cost around AED 3,000 per year. Comprehensive health insurance plans are priced at around AED 5,500 per year. The average annual cost of health insurance for an individual in the UAE is AED 6,000, while for a family, it is at least AED 20,000.
Yes, every uninsured month in Dubai comes with a fine of AED 500, which is much higher than the monthly cost of most health insurance plans.
Medical insurance plans in Dubai typically cover treatments, diagnostic tests, post-surgery therapies, maternity care, and declared pre-existing medical conditions. However, it's important to carefully review the specific coverage offered by different insurance providers and choose a plan that meets your needs.
