Mandatory Health Insurance in the UAE

Health insurance is mandatory in the United Arab Emirates, with requirements varying by emirate. In Abu Dhabi, the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD, now part of the Department of Health) mandated health insurance for all residents since 2006, making it the first emirate to do so. In Dubai, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) implemented mandatory health insurance through the Iskan scheme in phases from 2014, requiring all employers to provide health insurance for their employees.

In the Northern Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain), health insurance requirements are gradually being implemented. Employer obligations: in Dubai, every employer must provide a minimum Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) for employees earning under AED 4,000 per month, covering AED 150,000 in annual benefits, maternity, emergency services, and prescribed treatments. For higher-earning employees, enhanced plans are common.

Abu Dhabi's Thiqa program provides free healthcare for UAE nationals, while expatriate residents must have private health insurance through their employers. The UAE insurance market is regulated by the Insurance Authority (IA), and all health insurers must be licensed to operate. Major health insurers include Daman (National Health Insurance Company), AXA Gulf, MetLife, Cigna, Oman Insurance, and Allianz Care.

Premium costs vary significantly: a basic EBP plan costs approximately AED 600-1,500 per year, while comprehensive plans for families can range from AED 5,000 to AED 25,000 annually depending on coverage level, hospital network, and geographic scope. Co-payment and deductible structures are common, with typical co-pays of 20% for outpatient and 0% for inpatient treatment at network facilities.