The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) has recently launched a basic health insurance package for private sector employees and domestic workers across the UAE who are not currently covered by any insurance. This initiative is part of the Health Insurance Scheme that the UAE Cabinet approved.
According to the Cabinet decision, the Health Insurance Scheme will extend coverage to private sector workers in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah starting from January 1, 2025. This ensures that 100 percent of workers in the UAE are covered by insurance. MoHRE already implemented the Health Insurance Scheme on a mandatory basis in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, covering employees in private companies and domestic workers.
Employers are required to purchase the new health insurance policy as a prerequisite for issuing or renewing residency permits. However, the mandate does not apply to employees with work permits issued before January 1, 2024, that remain valid, and will only become mandatory when their residency permits are due for renewal.
“The Health Insurance Scheme reflects the UAE’s commitment to extending the comprehensive protection system to all workers across the labor market, ensuring a decent life for all by providing access to high-quality healthcare services for private sector employees and domestic workers,” stated Khalil Al Khoori, undersecretary of labor market and Emiratization operations at MoHRE.
DubaiCare Network
MoHRE launched the health insurance initiative in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, and the Ministry of Health and Prevention, and in coordination with a number of insurance companies.
The insurance package targeting private sector workers and domestic workers is available through the DubaiCare Network and stands out for its competitive price with nominal treatment costs. This reduces the financial burden on employers, where the cost of this policy is significantly lower than the treatment expenses employers might otherwise bear for their workers, which significantly cuts operational costs.
“The initiative represents another major milestone in the series of accomplishments seen across the UAE labor market. It forms part of a comprehensive vision to expand the integrated social protection umbrella, which includes the Worker Protection Program, Unemployment Insurance Scheme, and the voluntary alternative end-of-service benefits system known as the ‘Savings Scheme’,” added Al Khoori.
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Policy valid for two years
The MoHRE health insurance policy is valid for two years, and the second-year premium can be refunded if the visa is canceled. The basic insurance package costs AED320 per year, with no waiting period for workers suffering from chronic illnesses. It covers individuals aged 1 to 64 years, while those over this age must complete a medical disclosure form and attach recent medical reports.
The package covers treatment expenses with a 20 percent co-payment for inpatient care (i.e. patients hospitalized for medical treatment or surgeries). The insured pays a maximum of AED500 per visit with an annual cap of AED1,000, including medications. Beyond these limits, the insurance company covers 100 percent of treatment costs.
As for outpatient care, the co-payment is 25 percent, where the insured pays a maximum of AED100 per visit. No co-payment is required for follow-up visits for the same condition within seven days, while co-payments for medications are capped at 30 percent, with an annual cap of AED1,500.
The network includes seven hospitals, 46 clinics and medical centers, and 45 pharmacies. Dependents from the worker’s family can access the same benefits and pricing, as specified in the insurance policy.
Starting from January 1, 2025, employers can purchase the new insurance package via the DubaiCare Network, or any other product from accredited insurance companies through various channels, including the Insurance Pool website and smart application, as well as business service centers across the country.
