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Medical insurance for employees

to insure the highest level of welfare for it’s citizens as well as it’s expats, the government of Dubai has made the Medical insurance for employees mandatory for all the inhabitants.

not just that, they also regulated the matter for both employers and employee, as well as their dependents, the insurance companies, and the government itself.

why is it mandatory? how efficient is the law? and who pays the bills? all of this questions and more are answered by the great legal team at Khairallah legal. here to help you with all your legal needs

first of all, what is Medical insurance for employees?

the law number (11) of 2013 in Dubai is the federal law scripted by the government of Dubai in order to regulate mandatory Medical insurance for all it’s inhabitants whether they are citizens or expats or their dependents.

as of now only Dubai and Abu Dhabi governments have mandated the medical insurance for everybody, yet other Emarits like Ajman or Sharjah still has this procedure optional.

according to Health Insurance Law in Dubai, all Emiratis and Dubai expats and their dependents are obligated to have at least the minimum health insurance to cover their basic needs.

the law has been in motion since January 2014, it was implemented by Dubai Health Authority (DHA) by initiative of ISHAD (Dubai Health Authority (DHA)) with great success.

since then, it has reduced the costs of health care , treatment of chronic illnesses, reduced costs for routine check-ups, and emergency care along with several other medical services.

it basically states that all inhabitants of Dubai (resident or citizen) must have medical insurance, as all employers must provide at least the minimum package of health care, without deducting the premiums cost from their salaries.

employers may extend the coverage beyond the basic minimum if they choose so, they also may extend coverage to the employee’s dependents if they see fit, otherwise, employees must make sure to insure their dependents.

the law states the rights of all people residing in Dubai, whether they are citizens, residents, or even just visitors. it also explains the role of employers and insurance companies’ obligations.

if an individual fails to comply and register health insurance for himself/herself or her/his dependents they will be penalized and will have to pay a monthly penalty of AED 500 to AED 150,000 until the matter is resolved.

Read more about How do I claim medical negligence? and what is the role of DHA?

the goals of Medical insurance law in Dubai, the duties of Dubai health authority (DHA)

This law aims to organize and categorize the processes and procedures used to implement this law, qualifying and classifying insurance companies and claims management companies.

it sets the standards for health providers as well as insurance companies it also regulates the matter of issuing permits for all required parties.in addition, it provides the pricing required for such services.

this law gives the authority to monitor the correct implementation of the law governing medical insurance for employees, employers, and insurance companies it also guarantees the privacy of information for all.

what does this law mean for employees?

this law insures that all employees are covered with a health plan to insure their welfare, as their employers are required to cover at least their basic needs with the basic health plan.

the basic health plan covers medical emergencies as well as pre-existing conditions for 6months. in addition, it covers a wide range of treatments such as periodical check-ups, surgeries, vaccines, and maternity.

this plan can provide coverage for up to 150.000 AED, although some treatments may require joint payments depending on the contract between the employer and the insurance company.

the dependents of the employees could be covered either by the employer, but if they don’t offer coverage for dependents the employee must pay a premium for the basic insurance plan at least.

Read more information about: what is money laundering in Dubai?

what does this law mean for employers?

employers are obligated by law to offer medical insurance for their employees yet they can choose whether they want to insure their dependents or not.

they are obligated to provide a basic medical plan that can cost premiums between 500 AED and 700 AED. although this amount may rise to 1000 AED depending on the chosen plan.

as for citizens of the UAE, they are guaranteed health insurance by the state, as per the Enaya program which provides medical services for citizens within all the state national health institutions and more than 1000 private ones.

Read more about: Money Laundering Lawyer in Dubai | Defenses, Penalties, Charges 

The services insurance companies and claim management companies are required to provide

insurance companies are required to pay for all medical expenses by health providers as per the insurance agreement, they must issue a health insurance card for each individual under that agreement.

they must report to the Dubai health authority (DHA) all violations made by health providers and any conflict of interest if there is any, also any violation of the patient’s privacy.

they are also obligated to keep and maintain the financial records of all the treatments paid for also the amounts they charge as premiums for health insurance to present to the (DHA) if needed.

Read more about 7 Examples of Money Laundering Cases in Dubai

how does health insurance dubai work?

first of all, you have to decide on the right insurance plan for you and your dependents, also if you are running a business you are obligated in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to choose the right plan for your employees.

an annual premium is required to be paid to the insurance company by you or your employer, it must be renewed each year before it expires.

in case -God forbids- you had a medical problem, you must visit a treatment facility -i.e. hospital- and provide them with your health insurance card or documentation (ID if you are a citizen benefiting from the SAADA program).

after that, the health provider demands payment from the insurance company which will check if the treatment is covered by your health plan.

different insurance companies charge you premiums in different ways depending on the medical history, type of treatment, and of course the type of plan.

as premiums may be monthly or annually, also there might be joint payments for certain treatments where you have to pay a percentage of the cost or pay any extra amount that exceeds a certain amount.

example : the insurance company could offer to pay 100 AED for each routine check-up, so if the doctor charges you 120 AED you have to pay 20 AED out of your own pocket.

May you like to read Is money laundry legal in Dubai?

exceptions from the insurance agreement

For medical insurance for employees in UAE, insurance companies can abstain from providing the payments for your treatments based on many cases that can occur, here are a few of them:

  • injuries during intoxication (drugs- alcohol)
  • injuries during a natural disaster (earthquakes)
  • work-related injuries
  • any treatment not proscribed by a doctor
  • injuries from criminal acts
  • pandemics related treatments
  • HIV patients and all other excluded illnesses.
Maher Mahmoud Al Khalaf

Abdultaiyab Bahrainwala

Partner / Senior Lawyer

Abdultaiyab Bahrainwala, LLM, LLB advises on all aspects of UAE Property Laws, Commercial Laws, Corporate Laws, Labour Laws, 

+971 4 427 0842

FAQ about Medical insurance for employees in Dubai

1- Is it mandatory for employers to provide health insurance in the UAE?

All businesses are obliged to provide health insurance to their employees in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. However, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah in the northern Emirates lack local laws requiring employers to provide health insurance for workers.

2- How much does health insurance cost in UAE?

UAE medical insurance prices, Only those who make less than 4,000 AED per month are eligible (1,090 USD). You must give domestic employees access to healthcare if you hire them. Most foreigners opt to utilize EBP. Between 550 and 650 AED are spent annually on the EBP (150–175 USD).

3- How to check medical insurance status with Emirates ID?

Your medical insurance card number or your emirates ID number may be used to examine the details of your medical insurance plan. Simply to the login page for present policyholders on your provider’s official website, identify it, and log in. Use your insurance card number or your Emirates ID here.

In the end, we hope that you remain fit and healthy, but in case anything happens make sure you are properly covered, and as always we say “stay safe”.