UAE to launch basic health insurance scheme starting January 1

UAE to Launch Basic Health Insurance for Workers Starting January 2025

The introduction of a new basic health insurance program for domestic workers and employees of the private sector was announced by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday, December 16. Starting on January 1, 2025, the program will cover workers in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi already need the program. The UAE Cabinet made the decision to expand in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP), and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE).

MoHRE’s Undersecretary for Labor Market and Emiratization Operations, Khalil Al Khoori, stated that the program demonstrates the UAE’s dedication to provide employees access to comprehensive healthcare.

Eligibility for the Scheme

Before granting or extending residency permits, employers must get a new health insurance policy. The exemption applies to employees who were issued work permits before January 1, 2024, before their permits expire.

The Access to Insurance

Mobile apps, the DubaiCare network, licensed insurance providers, the Insurance Pool website, and business service locations spread around the United Arab Emirates are all ways to access the insurance plans.

Cost and Coverage

The cost of the basic health insurance plan is 320 dirhams annually. It includes people under 64, while those over 64 are required to provide updated medical reports and medical disclosure papers.

Including prescription drugs, hospital admissions for inpatient care have a 20% co-payment, a weekly cap of 500 dirhams, and an annual cap of 1,000 dirhams.

The insurance provider will pay for all treatment expenses over these caps.

Medical appointments, diagnostic tests, and minor treatments for outpatient care have a 25% co-payment requirement, with a maximum payment of 100 dirhams each visit. There is no co-payment required for follow-up appointments within seven days of the same condition.

Medication costs include a 30 percent co-payment, capped at an annual limit of 1,500 dirhams.

Healthcare Network

The insurance package gives workers access to a network of seven hospitals, 46 clinics and medical centers, and 45 pharmacies across the country.

Family Coverage

Family members of workers can also access the same benefits and pricing under this scheme.

The introduction of this basic health insurance scheme marks an important step toward ensuring affordable healthcare for all workers in the UAE. By expanding healthcare access, the initiative aims to improve workers’ quality of life and strengthen the country’s labor market.