Health Insurance cover is mandatory in Dubai

Health Insurace mandatory in Dubai

Abu Dhabi already has rules in place for mandatory insurance coverage for all citizens and residence visa holders without any exception. Dubai which has a population in excess of 3 million has now made it mandatory for companies to offer Health insurance cover to their citizens and residents. This means, starting next year, immigration may not issue any new or renewal of residence visa without health insurance coverage on the applicant.

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Download PDF version of Health Insurance Law of Dubai  2014Opens in a new tab.

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health-insurance-dubai

The scheme is expected to start implementing from 2014 and end in 2016.

The scheme for health insurance will cover UAE Nationals, Residents and visitors, officials from Dubai Health uthority mentioned. Eisa Al Maidoor, speaking while releasing the law effective 26th November 2013 mentioned that “The law is fundamental to ensure smooth delivery of basic health insurance to everyone living in the emirate, wjicj ,eams over thre million people, which includes nationals(Emiratis) and residents with Dubai visas.”

Mnay of us are lucky to have our companies already covering our health insurance expenses. However, many blue collar workers are not covered by their employers in Dubai and this law is meant to provide atleast some kind of health insurance benefits to them.

The existing health cards of Emiratis issued by DHA will be replaced with the new health insurance cards that provide for health care services and preventive care.

Health insurance packages will soon be made available to all employers in Dubai. The basic package is set to cost AED 600 per annum and this will provide basic health services.

Categories:

1. UAE Nationals
2. Residents (with residence visa)
3. Visitors (on visit visa or tourist visa)

Whose responsibility is it to provide the health insurance coverage:

  1. For UAE Nationals, government will be responsible based on the health-funding policy and regulations issued by DHA.
  2. Employers will be responsible for their employees, based on current health insurance policy and the benefits shall not be less than those of the essential benefit package.
  3. The sponsors, for theor sponsored individuals (spouse, children et), who do not work for an employer; and the benefits shall not be less than those of the essential benefit package.
  4. People on visit visa: DHA will designate a party in collaboration with relevant entities.

Responsibility of Employers:

  1. Employers are responsible to enroll their employees in the mandatory health insurance scheme based on their current health insurance policy, and in accordance with the law and regulations.
  2. Employers are supposed to bear the cost of health insurance coverage and this should not be deducted from employees’s salary.
  3. Employers will be required to ensure the validity of the health insurance coverage throughout the period of their employment.
  4. In case of the absense of health insurance coverage, Employers are required to ebar all the costs of health care and emergency services.
  5. Employers are rquired to provide health insurance card to their employees.
  6. Employers are rquired to submit proof of health insurance coverage when applying for new or renewal of residence visas for their employees.
  7. Any other responsibilities assigned by DHA as issued in the regulations.

The new law regarding the health insurance coverage is applicable in the entire emirate of Dubai including the Private development areas, Free zones. The articles of the law are applicable to any and all the the below:

  1. Nationals
  2. Residents
  3. Visitors
  4. Employers
  5. Sponsors
  6. Healthcare providers
  7. Health insurance companies
  8. Third party Administrators
  9. Health insurance brokers
  10. All/Any other individual or legal person decided by the Executive Council, based on DHA’s recommendations.

Who will benefit from this health insurance coverage scheme?

Everyone stands to gain from this. This is a very good move by DHA to bring every resident within the purview of this health insurance coverage law. Employees will have access to better health care under this coverage.

Deepak

Deepak is a passionate blogger with interests in bitcoin, online marketing, and writing.

21 thoughts on “Health Insurance cover is mandatory in Dubai

  1. Hi , iam teaching in school I have insurance but my husband he is working in dubai since 12 year finish but he don’t have insurance and his company is taking responsibility they will provide insurance I have 3 kids so I want to ask our visa will be renew 15 Oct 2017 so if September I can issue my kids insurance. So I don’t have to pay any penalty please rpl I can apply on September so no problem …..

  2. kindly let me know the cut off date of providing medical insurance for my family(wife&son).their residence visa is already renewed on last march.

  3. Hi,

    My name is deepti bisht. We live in Sharjah. I am looking for health insurance for my baby(age 15 months) and for myself(age 33 yrs). My husband is working in dubai but their company doesn’t provide family visa. I am looking for basic plan below AED 1000. Please provide me information.

    Thanks
    Deepti bisht

  4. My Parents are living with me in Dubai , we have been using the Iranian hospital health card and the Dubai government hospitals health card when required to visit doctors. Whit the introduction of new mandatory health insurance how do I get basic insurance policy which is less than AED 1,000 from DHA or any other provider? please help me
    Thanks

  5. HI sir,
    I am working in a supermarket since 2012 but my company didn’t give us any health card or medical facilities although they were said to be paid for our medical expenses but now my company is saying that they gonna give us a medical insurance but they will cut 50 dhs per month from our salary, I just want to know my rights.
    Can you please suggest

  6. My wife is here on visit visa and i am transfering to resident visa under my sponsorship.so i need to know who is providing insurance for 600 per anum as i called daman and oman they are asking around 17000 dhs …can any body tell me please

    1. As I understand correctly, you will have to provide insurance for your wife and children at your cost. Your company will only provide insurance for you.

  7. my mother is living with me in Dubai since 2008, how do i get basic insurance policy which is less than AED 1,000 from DHA or any other provider? please help me

  8. Hi i am working in abu dhabi. i am holding daman enhanced premium health plan. my current salary will be 10000. now i am sponsoring my wife in residence visa. so how can i take health insurance to her. and with is the low cost plan is suitable to us.

  9. SIR,
    IAM WORKING IN SHARJAH….MA SALARY BELOW 2500 ONLY….OUR COMPANY NOT PROVIDING HEALTH INSURANCE……FULL MEDICAL EXPENSES IN OUR POCKETS….

    OUR COMPANY RENEWAL ON FEB….ACCORDING TO NEW RULE…..NEED ALL EMPLOYEES INSURED FOR RENEWAL…..FOR TRADE LICENCE…..IF YES THAT IS BETTER FOR US….BCZ EVERYBODIES SUFFERING SOME SICK PROBLEMS

  10. Dear Emirates diary, I have just been informed by my private insurance company (Bupa int.) that they will double my package price due to the new regulations. I am covered by my company although with them I do not have the freedom to choose my doctor etc. Do I really need to pay them double from the already expensive insurance to maintain my status with them?
    Thank you in advance for your advise.

  11. greetings!

    hi! i just received my health insurance card a month ago and recently resigned ,now im on my noticed period and as per my employer i have to pay for the health insurance card! my question is if do i have to?

    im looking forward for your reply.

    thank you!

  12. Good day,

    I’m an employee to an advertising agency and my work is a telesales agent and I earn only 3500
    In regards to health insurance how can I get it
    Since my company didn’t give us any health insurance though it was in our contract that they will be issuing group insurance but up to date no health insurance released, like me who is sick on the changing tenperature I shoulder all my medicines, lab tests and for physician fee.
    So any idea if on how I can get this
    Since Heath insurance is one of my needs when it comes to sickness..

    Thank you

    1. Eihchra,
      You could personally get your health insurance from any of the insurance companies in UAE.
      But it is usually expensive if you go alone. It is better for companies to provide insurance as it is mandatory in Abu Dhabi.
      Dubai has also started making health insurance mandatory in phases.

      Be part of a community at Emirates Diary Forum. Browse, ask a question at the latest feature of Emirates Diary. Visit: http://forum.emiratesdiary.com

  13. Hai Sumaya,

    cab you please guide on medical insurance.

    I entered dubai in year 2012 but still now company has not provided me medical insurance.

    in the above case what you will suggest ?

    Pleased to hear

  14. Hi deepak,

    I am inviting my parents to come for 3 months end of this year. How do I apply for travel health insurance for them?

    1. Sumaya,
      You will need to apply for travel insurance directly with insurance companies.
      Most of them provide you online access to apply and receive quote.
      Try: RSA Insurance online.

  15. Hi… Really appriciate the work you are doing… Bravo… When ever i need some information, emiratesdairy is the soluiton. Regarding this topic its a good iniciative from the Govt by implementing the compulsury insurance. My Question is that is there any catogeries for the Insurance packages/Premiums for the Labour, for officers & Manager?

    1. This actually depends on the company itself and what kind of insurance they would like to provide their employees.

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