A Comprehensive Guide to Life Insurance for Expats in the UAE

Also known as international life insurance, expat life insurance presents comprehensive financial protection for the family of expats against death during the policy tenure. These plans are usually affordable and can be purchased at a young age when the life assured is usually healthy.

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On this page, find out the best life plans for expats in the UAE and why expat life insurance in the UAE is important. Read on to know more!

What is a Life Insurance Plan for Expats?

International life insurance for expats in the UAE differs from policies you buy in your home country. This is because the former covers you wherever you live or travel globally, within certain limits.

If you pass away unexpectedly during the policy tenure, the expat life insurance plan provider pays a lump sum to your family or chosen beneficiary. This death benefit can help them manage their financial responsibilities without you.

As long as you follow your policy's terms, it doesn’t matter where you are — an expat life policy will provide coverage for you.

Why Should You Buy an Expat Life Insurance?

Discussed below are the key benefits of expat life insurance in the UAE –

  • Replacement for Lost Income - When the life assured passes away, the income ceases but several expenses continue. An expat life policy can provide income to help support their loved ones' lifestyles.
  • Pay Off Debt - You don’t want your family to bear the burden of your debts such as a mortgage or business loan. An expat life insurance policy can cover these debts and protect your estate.
  • Fulfil Dreams and Promises - If you have aspirations for your family like sending your children to a top university, a life policy can help make those dreams come true and keep your promises even after you’re gone.
  • Cover Repatriation Costs - Life insurance for expats in the UAE can cover the life assured’s family's repatriation expenses, allowing them to start fresh in the former’s absence.
  • Leave a Legacy - It’s an affordable way to create a significant legacy for your heirs.
  • Estate Equalisation -  Life plans can help distribute your assets among heirs without selling or dividing them.
  • Add Living Benefits - In Dubai, you can add living benefits like critical illness coverage or disability benefits to your life policy.

Do You Need a Life Insurance Policy as an Expatriate?

Insufficient Coverage Temporary Coverage
The company-provided coverage may not be enough to fully support your family's financial needs in case of your unexpected death. The company policy only covers you while you're employed there. If you leave, the coverage ends. Furthermore, your age or health at that time might make it difficult to get term life insurance.

What are the Best Life Insurance Policies for Expatriates in the UAE?

Here’s a list of the best life insurance policies for expats in the UAE -

Provider Description Apply
Zurich International Term Assurance This is a level term life insurance plan for expats that financially covers the life assured’s family in case of the former’s demise during the policy tenure.
  • COVID-19 Coverage
  • Pre-existing Disease Coverage - Subject to the Insurance Company’s Approval
  • Worldwide Coverage
  • Riders -
    1. Terminal Illness
    2. Accelerated Critical Illness (upon Diagnosis)
    3. Permanent Total Disability
    4. Premium Waiver
View Offers
Sukoon LIFEGUARD This is a regular pay term life insurance for expats in the UAE. 
  • Death Benefit
  • Worldwide Coverage
  • Multiple Currency Option
  • Multiple Payment Modes
  • Add-ons -
    1. Accidental Death Benefit
    2. Permanent Total Disability (Accident Only)
    3. Waiver of Premium due to Disability
    4. Critical Illness Benefit
    5. Permanent Total Disability (Accident or Sickness)
    6. Hospital Indemnity
View Offers
Al Buhaira Life Protect This plan provides level term life insurance for expatriates in the UAE.
  • COVID-19 Coverage
  • Worldwide Coverage
  • Pre-existing Disease Coverage (subject to the provider’s approval)
  • Sum Insured Payout in case of Death
  • Add-ons –
    1. Critical Illness Benefit
    2. Permanent Total Benefit
View Offers
LIC International Life Protect Term Plan 278 This is a regular pay term life insurance plan in UAE for expats with the following features and benefits - 
  • Worldwide Coverage
  • Multiple Payment Modes
  • Add-on — Accelerated Critical Illness Benefit

View Offers
Arabia Insurance Term Life This expat life insurance plan is a regular pay term plan.
  • COVID-19 Coverage
  • Worldwide Cover
  • Type - Regular Pay 

View Offers
Sukoon Life Cover This is a level term life insurance plan for expats with the following major features and benefits -
  • COVID-19 Coverage
  • Pre-existing Medical Condition Cover - As per the insurance provider’s approval
  • Medical Checkup (depends on health condition, sum cover and age)
  • Worldwide Coverage
  • Sum Insured Payout in case of Death
View Offers

How to Get Life Insurance for Expats in the UAE?

Here are some things to keep in mind to get expat life insurance in the UAE —

  • Determine Your Needs - Start by calculating how much life coverage you need. For this, you will first need to think about whether your family will stay in the UAE or move elsewhere. 
    Once this is done, estimate how much they would need to maintain their current lifestyle, including schooling costs, higher education, marriage expenses, and debt repayment. Don’t forget to account for inflation and future financial needs.
  • Understand the Types of Life Insurance - There are 4 main types of life coverage – Term Insurance, Endowment Plans, Whole Life Insurance, and Universal Life Insurance. Keep in mind that further sub-variants exist too.
    It’s advisable to get a basic idea of the major types so that you can make a choice as per your own requirements.
  • Research Providers - Explore different life insurance companies in the UAE. Consider their reach, financial standing, customer service, and more. Check websites, customer reviews, and recommendations.
  • Get Quotes - Contact multiple providers to compare quotes. Be ready to share personal details such as age, health, and lifestyle as these factors affect policy costs.
  • Consider Additional Riders - Add benefits like critical illness coverage or accidental death benefits for extra protection.
  • Apply for a Policy - Once you've chosen a plan, complete the application process, which may include a health questionnaire and medical exam.
  • Review and Sign Your Policy - Check the details of your policy, including coverage, premiums, and exclusions. Sign the policy when everything is clear.
  • Regularly Review Your Policy - Keep your coverage updated by reviewing your policy as your personal or financial situation changes.

What are the Factors that Affect Expat Life Insurance?

Several factors affect the expat life insurance cost beyond the type of policy chosen, including:

  • Age - The older you are, the higher the premiums, as the risk of health issues increases with age.
  • Lifestyle - Unhealthy habits, like excessive alcohol use or being overweight, can raise premiums due to their impact on life expectancy.
  • Health - Pre-existing medical conditions may result in higher premiums, especially for chronic or serious conditions.
  • Family medical history - If your close family members have had serious medical conditions, your premiums could be affected.
  • Occupation - Jobs with higher risks may lead to higher premiums compared to safer professions.
  • Smoking - Smokers, including users of nicotine products like vapes, generally pay more due to health risks.
  • Length of cover - Longer-term policies tend to be more expensive.
  • Amount of cover - The more coverage you choose, the higher the premium.

Why Should You Buy Life Insurance for Expats in the UAE via Policybazaar.ae?

You should buy a life insurance policy for expats in the UAE on Policybazaar UAE. This is a third-party insurance aggregator that offers the best, customisable life plans for expats in the country from the leading providers. 

When you buy an expat life insurance plan from us, you get the following benefits - 

  • Platform to compare and select the best plans
  • Customisable life plans
  • Access to free credit score
  • Round-the-clock customer care service
  • Assistance from industry experts

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does life insurance cost in general in the UAE?

In general, the starting life insurance premiums in the UAE are around AED 59 per month. Just keep in mind that actual costs can vary from provider to provider.

2. Can an expat have more than one life insurance in the UAE?

Yes, an expat can have multiple life plans as long as they mention this fact every time they buy one.

3. What is financially covered under expat life insurance in the UAE?

Life insurance financially covers the life assured’s family in case the former dies due to terminal illness or natural circumstances.

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