Top Life Insurance Plans for Expats in the UAE: Protect Your Family's Future

Whether you're in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, securing the best life insurance for expats in UAE is essential for protecting your family’s future.

This guide will walk you through the essentials: life insurance plans for expatriates in UAE, how they work, the types available, how to choose the right one, and common misconceptions to avoid.

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Why Do Expats in the UAE Need Life Insurance?

Living far from your home country means you might not have the same social or family support systems in the event of a tragedy. Life insurance for expats in UAE ensures your dependents remain financially protected.

Key Reasons to Consider Life Insurance:

✅ Family Protection: Ensures financial security for your spouse, children, or dependents
✅ Debt Coverage: Pays off outstanding mortgages, car loans, or personal debts
✅ Legacy Planning: Leaves a financial legacy or inheritance
✅ Critical Illness & Disability: Some plans offer additional coverage for unforeseen medical events

What is Life Insurance for Expats and How Does it Work?

Life insurance is a contract between you and an insurance provider. You pay regular premiums, and in return, the insurer pays a lump sum (called a death benefit) to your beneficiaries if you pass away during the policy term.

Ask Yourself These Three Core Questions:

1. Do I need life insurance?
Yes, if anyone depends on your income or if you have liabilities like loans or mortgages.

2. How much do I need?
Financial experts suggest coverage worth 10–15 times your annual income. Calculate based on —

Immediate costs (funeral, debts)
Ongoing costs (daily expenses, rent, tuition)
Future costs (university fees, retirement for spouse)

3. What type of policy is right for me?
Depends on your budget, length of stay in the UAE, and long-term plans.

Types of Life Insurance in UAE

UAE offers a range of life insurance options tailored for expatriates. Each type of life insurance serves different financial goals, risk profiles, and lifestyles.

Type of Insurance	Description	Ideal For
Term Life Insurance	Term life insurance is the most popular option for expats Fixed period coverage options: typically 10, 20, or 30 years Lump sum payout, if the insured passes away during the term Affordable premiums at high coverage Practical choice for expats who want protection during key life stages such as paying off a mortgage, raising children, or building a financial safety net	Young expats Families Mortgage protection Short-to-medium-term residents
Whole of Life Insurance	Whole life insurance ensures your beneficiaries receive a guaranteed payout no matter when you pass away. While it comes with higher premiums than term plans, it also builds a cash value component that can be borrowed against. This is ideal for expats with long-term financial goals or estate planning needs.	Long-term residents High-net-worth individual Expats with permanent relocation plans

✅ Pro Tip: Before choosing an expat life insurance in Dubai, consider your duration of stay in the UAE, dependents, financial goals, and budget.

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5 Life Insurance Plans for Expatriates in UAE

These top 5 life insurance plans for expats in the UAE offer strong benefits, flexible premiums, and global protection.

Let’s break down the best options tailored to your unique expat lifestyle —

Quick Comparison Table

Insurance Provider	Life Cover	Term	Starting Premium (AED/year)	Critical Illness Add-on	Key Benefit
MetLife	500,000	30y	On Request	✔️ (183,500 AED)	Premium worldwide coverage + extras
Sukoon (Oman)	500,000	30y	409	✔️	Low cost, no medical (below 46)
HAYAH	1,000,000	5y	667	✔️ (optional)	Affordable short-term cover
Zurich	1,000,000	5y+	1,254	✔️ (optional)	Trusted global provider
LIC Intl.	1,000,000	5y	1,170	✔️ (37 illnesses)	Indian expats’ favourite

1. Live Life Now – MetLife

Plan Type: Level Term Plan

Best for: Expats looking for long-term protection with comprehensive add-ons.

✅ Key Highlights:

Full payout for both accidental and illness-related death from Day One
Terminal Illness included
Accelerated Critical Illness and Accidental Death Benefit available
Includes Second Medical Opinion and Medical Discount Card

Why does it stand out?

This life insurance for expat in UAE is designed not just to cover life risk but to help your family continue their lifestyle, whether that means paying off debts or supporting your children's education.

2. Life Guard – Sukoon Insurance (formerly Oman Insurance)

Plan Type: Regular Pay Term Plan

Best for: Budget-friendly protection with flexible terms and non-medical approval.

✅ Key Highlights:

No medical test required up to AED 2.2 million (age < 46)
Joint life cover option for family members
Waiver of premium on disability
Discounted premiums for non-smokers
Multiple currency & payment modes available

Why does it stand out?

Affordable yet robust, Sukoon’s Life Guard offers practical features for UAE-based expats who want hassle-free coverage.

3. Term Life Protect – HAYAH Insurance (Previously AXA GCIC)

Plan Type: Level Term Plan

Best for: Short-term cover with premium add-ons and flexible currency options.

✅ Key Highlights:

AED 900,000 temporary cover during the application process
Terminal illness cover (AED 500,000) included
Priority Screening Services included
Flexible payments: monthly, annual, or lump-sum
Add-on cover for Passive War Risk included

Optional Add-ons (5 years):

Critical Illness (AED 100,000): AED 138.96
Permanent Total Disability (AED 1,000,000): AED 107.14

Why does it stand out?

This expat life insurance in Dubai is ideal for those seeking shorter-term cover with flexible options in AED or USD.

4. International Term Assurance – Zurich Insurance

Plan Type: Level Term Plan (ITA/IDTA options)

Best for: High-value cover with trusted international providers.

✅ Key Highlights:

Lump sum payout for death (accident/illness)
Beneficiary can be a family member or lender (e.g., for mortgages)
Critical illness and disability riders available
Premium Waiver option

Why does it stand out?

Zurich’s plan offers trusted global coverage with flexible add-ons for critical illness or mortgage-related protection.

5. Life Protect Term Plan 278 – LIC International

Plan Type: Level Term Plan

Best for: Expats looking for Indian-backed coverage with critical illness riders.

✅ Key Highlights:

Entry age starts from 18; cover up to 65 years
37 critical illnesses covered (optional rider)
Different premiums for smokers vs non-smokers
Flexible premium payments

Why does it stand out?

LIC International offers peace of mind with deep roots in the Indian insurance industry, making this life insurance plan for expatriates in UAE ideal for Indians

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Reasons to Get Life Insurance for Expats in UAE

Below are the most important features to look for when purchasing life insurance for expats —

1. Global Coverage

Many expats travel frequently or relocate across countries. That’s why most UAE-based life insurance policies offer worldwide coverage. This ensures that your family is protected no matter where you are, be it in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, or the United States.

✅ Peace of mind for global citizens: You're covered no matter where life takes you.

2. High Claim Settlement Ratio

Reputable insurance companies in the UAE, like MetLife, Sukoon, Zurich, and HAYAH, boast strong claim settlement records. This means your beneficiaries can expect efficient processing with minimal hassle, even if they reside outside the UAE.

🛡️ Reliability matters; ensure your insurer has a proven track record.

3. 24/7 Claim Assistance

In the unfortunate event of a claim, your loved ones may need urgent help. Most UAE insurers typically provide round-the-clock claim assistance, giving your family access to support when they need it most, regardless of time zones or geography.

☎️ Global support, anytime, anywhere.

How to Choose the Right Life Insurance Plan for Expats in the UAE?

Consider the following when picking an expat life insurance in Dubai —

Coverage Amount: Will it cover your family’s lifestyle and financial goals?
Policy Term: Do you need short-term or long-term protection?
Premium Flexibility: Choose monthly, annual, or upfront options.
Medical Requirements: Prefer no-test policies? Go with Sukoon.
Global Coverage: Ideal for expats who travel frequently.
Add-ons & Riders: Include critical illness, disability, and waiver options for extra protection.

Local vs International Life Insurance for Expats

Local Insurance Providers in the UAE: Many expats opt for local insurance due to affordability and region-specific benefits.

Pros:

Lower premiums
UAE-tailored add-ons (e.g., Loan Protect, Critical Illness)
Local customer service and support

Cons:

Limited portability if you leave the UAE
Currency fluctuations (some plans are AED-based only)

International Life Insurance Options: For expats constantly on the move, international plans provide more flexibility and seamless coverage across borders.

Pros:

Global coverage is ideal if relocating
Multicurrency options (USD, GBP, EUR)
Comprehensive features like medical evacuation and travel protection

Cons:

Higher premiums
Complex underwriting processes

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Key Factors to Consider Before Buying Expats Life Insurance in Dubai

Here’s a checklist before you sign a policy —

Factor	Why It Matters
Coverage Amount	Must meet your family’s living expenses, debts, and future needs
Premium Affordability	Stay within budget—compare monthly vs annual payment options
Policy Term	Align it with your long-term goals (e.g., kids’ education, retirement)
Portability	Crucial if you plan to move countries in the future
Currency Option	Helps avoid currency loss when sending money home
Add-ons & Riders	Includes coverage for critical illness, accidental death, or disability

Common Myths About Expat Life Insurance in UAE

❌ “I’m healthy, I don’t need it.”
✔ Even healthy individuals face unexpected risks. Insurance is for the unknown.

❌ “My employer’s coverage is enough.”
✔ Employer policies are usually minimal and end when your job does.

❌ “Life insurance is too expensive.”
✔ Policies start from as low as AED 50/month depending on age and health.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right life insurance for expats in UAE depends on your lifestyle, financial responsibilities, and future plans. It’s not just about death, it’s about life. It ensures your loved ones won’t have to worry about bills, education, or housing when you're not there to provide.

A well-chosen policy ensures peace of mind, covering essential expenses such as bills, education, housing, so your family doesn’t have to worry about their future security.

Quick Recap

✅ Term policies are great for temporary needs like mortgages
✅ Whole of life is for those who want to leave a legacy
✅ Local plans are budget-friendly, but international plans offer flexibility
✅ Always calculate coverage based on family needs and existing assets

Ready to protect your future? Start by comparing expat life insurance Dubai plans or speak with a licensed advisor who understands the UAE insurance market. Let your journey in the UAE be backed by peace of mind: for you and the people who matter most.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Life insurance is not mandatory for all, but it’s typically required if you're taking a mortgage loan in the UAE. Most banks make it compulsory to protect the loan amount.

Top life insurance providers for expats in Dubai include Zurich, MetLife, HAYAH, and Sukoon, offering global coverage, flexible terms, and add-on benefits.

Yes, expats can get life insurance while living abroad. You must inform the insurer about your residency, as it may impact the coverage terms and premiums.