Maternity Insurance UAE

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Is Maternity Insurance Mandatory in Dubai?

Yes, maternity insurance is mandatory in Dubai. 

Under the Dubai Health Insurance Law (No. 11 of 2013), all employers must provide health insurance coverage that includes maternity benefits to their employees, including dependents. This law was fully implemented by the end of June 2016. 

Maternity Insurance Rules and Requirements in the UAE

If you're planning to have a baby in the UAE, it’s important to understand that maternity insurance isn’t optional everywhere. In major Emirates like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it’s regulated by law and must be included in your health plan if you're married.

Regulatory bodies in the UAE require that — 

1. Married women must be offered mandatory maternity coverage in their insurance
2. There is a minimum waiting period, often 40 days to 12 months, depending on the maternity insurance plan
3. A defined minimum coverage limit must be included for maternity-related expenses
4. Once the waiting period is complete, the benefits must become active automatically

Even the most basic pregnancy insurance in UAE must include the following —

1. Doctor consultations
2. Prenatal checkups
3. Delivery (normal or medically required C-section)
4. Postnatal care
5. Newborn coverage for the first 30 days

Cost of Maternity Care without Pregnancy Insurance in UAE

Without pregnancy insurance UAE, families often end up paying out of pocket. This could be the case for everything — from doctor consultations to hospital delivery and newborn care. Let’s look at how the estimated costs look without maternity insurance — 

For instance, if a woman delivers via C-section and her newborn needs NICU care for 3 days, the total hospital bill could easily cross AED 40,000. Most plans under pregnancy insurance UAE cover these costs, depending on the plan type — basic, mid-tier, or premium.

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Difference Between Direct Maternity Packages & Maternity Health Insurance

If you're pregnant or planning to be, you’ll often come across two options: maternity packages from hospitals and maternity insurance plans from insurance providers. While they may sound similar, they are very different in what they offer and what they leave out.

The given table highlights the difference between these two — 

Let’s say you bought a maternity package for AED 10,000 at your preferred hospital. It includes your delivery and a few scans. But during childbirth, your baby needs NICU care for 2 days due to jaundice. That alone could cost AED 6,000 – 10,000 extra, not covered in your package. You'll have to pay it entirely by yourself. 

However, if you had maternity insurance, most of this would already be covered as per your maternity plan type.

Types of Maternity Insurance Plans in the UAE

When it comes to maternity insurance UAE, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all policy. Different plans offer different levels of coverage, depending on your needs and budget. There are three main types of pregnancy insurance — basic, mid-tier, and premium.

Basic Maternity Insurance

This is the most affordable type of pregnancy insurance in UAE. It usually covers —

• Up to AED 10,000 for delivery and related maternity expenses
• Limited hospital network (small to mid-range clinics)
• Co-payment may apply (you pay a small part of the bill)

Mid-Tier Maternity Insurance

These plans offer better coverage and access to more hospitals. The major features include —

• Coverage of up to AED 15,000 – 20,000
• Access to reputed hospitals like NMC, Medcare, or Aster
• Covers more consultations and tests during pregnancy

Premium Maternity Insurance

These are top-tier plans with maximum benefits. They may offer —

• Coverage from AED 50,000 to AED 150,000 or even full annual limits like AED 1 million
• Zero co-payment options (you pay nothing out-of-pocket)
• Access to VIP hospitals like King’s College, American Hospital, or select branches of Mediclinic
• Covers all major pregnancy-related services, plus post-delivery newborn care

Important: Each of these options for insurance for pregnancy in UAE can be customised based on your preferred hospital, doctor, and health condition.

What is the Waiting Period for Maternity Insurance in UAE?

In simple terms, the waiting period in pregnancy insurance is the period for which you must wait before you can claim your maternity benefits. In the UAE, the minimum maternity waiting period is 45 days. It can go up to 6-12 months, depending on the insurer you choose. 

With wise planning and timely insurance purchase, you can complete your waiting period and enjoy the benefits of your maternity policy. 

How Do I Avoid Surprises When Buying Maternity Insurance UAE?

Take the following tips into account to avoid any hassle while buying insurance for pregnant women in the UAE —

Always Buy a Plan Before Pregnancy

As discussed, maternity is considered a pre-existing condition once pregnancy begins. Buying insurance early ensures the waiting period is completed on time. This allows you to claim full maternity benefits without facing rejection.

Consider Policy Start Date

Maternity waiting periods start from the policy start date, not the date of conception. Choosing the right time to buy a policy helps you plan a pregnancy after eligibility for maternity benefits begins, avoiding unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses.

Understand Policy Wordings

Go through the inclusions, exclusions, and even the add-on coverage of your chosen pregnancy insurance policy. Each insurer defines maternity benefits, limits, and waiting periods differently. Reading policy wordings carefully helps you understand what’s covered and their sub-limits.

Buy a Plan With Multi-Birth Coverage

Some policies limit coverage to single births. When you choose a plan that covers twin or multiple births, it ensures higher medical costs are covered without restrictions or reduced payouts during delivery and postnatal care.

Look Into Exclusions

Pregnancy insurance UAE may exclude infertility treatments, elective C-sections, and other expenses. Carefully reading the exclusions helps you avoid assuming coverage for treatments or conditions that the insurer may not cover at the time of a claim.

Choose a Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive maternity coverage offers prenatal checkups, delivery, postnatal care, complications, and newborn expenses. This reduces financial stress and ensures you’re protected throughout your pregnancy and childbirth.

Opt for a Plan With Large Network Hospitals

Choosing a plan for maternity insurance UAE with an extensive hospital network allows easier access to cashless facilities during pregnancy. It helps you select reputed hospitals, reduces paperwork, and avoids reimbursement delays during delivery.

Why Choose Policybazaar.ae for Maternity Insurance?

Family planning is exciting, yet the costs can be overwhelming. 

We, at Policybazaar UAE, understand how important insurance is as part of your pregnancy journey. We are here to make your search for the right insurance easy. 

Know what perks you get on choosing pregnancy insurance UAE from us —

Exclusive Plans For You

We have plans that are specifically tailored to your requirements. Simply customise your maternity package according to your coverage and financial requirements. 

Feature to Compare Plans

On Policybazaar.ae, you can compare several maternity insurance plans and choose the right policy without any confusion. 

Partnership with 35+ Insurers

We have collaborated with more than 35 top insurers across the UAE to provide you with quality coverage and healthcare. 

Instant Claim Assistance

Perhaps the biggest perk of getting a policy from us is our claim support. Simply go to the ‘Claims’ section on our website, select your TPA, and immediately receive all the details of your claim and claim process. For any further assistance, we are always happy to help you. 

Quick Policy Purchasing

Buy a maternity insurance plan effortlessly in easy steps. When you apply with us, you will get a call for any assistance in the process. 

What is EBP Maternity Coverage?

The EBP plan, known as the Essential Benefits Plan, is the most fundamental health insurance policy for Dubai residents. It is a mandatory requirement for those earning AED 4,000 or less monthly. Within this plan, doctor consultations, hospitalisation, medications, and even maternity coverage are covered. 

The type of insurance for pregnant women includes out-patient services, like antenatal checkups, in-patient services (both C-section and normal deliveries), maternity complications, and newborn cover. Generally, a 10% co-pay is applicable to all maternity services. 

Is Maternity Insurance for Already Pregnant Women in UAE Available?

Yes, maternity insurance is available for already pregnant women in the UAE, but it often comes with specific terms and conditions. Insurance companies usually apply what is called "premium loading," meaning the cost of your policy will be higher than standard maternity insurance. This is because the insurer takes on a higher financial risk when covering maternity insurance already pregnant. Once you pay the loading amount, the coverage of maternity insurance in UAE starts from then day one. 

It’s important to review the policy details carefully and speak with your insurer to understand what is covered and what isn’t when applying for maternity insurance already pregnant in UAE. This can help avoid unexpected costs and ensure you have the best possible coverage during your pregnancy.

Eligibility Criteria and Documents Required for Maternity Insurance in UAE

The table below highlights the essential parameters to keep in mind when considering the best maternity insurance in UAE – 

When applying for maternity insurance already pregnant in UAE or even before pregnancy, you'll need to submit the following documents —

1. Valid Emirates ID
2. Passport copy with UAE residence visa
3. Marriage certificate (if required by insurer)
4. Medical records (blood tests, ultrasound, and more) — especially if you're already pregnant
5. Previous insurance details (if applicable)
6. Declaration of Last Menstrual Period (LMP) and any current test results

Important:  Incorrect or delayed declarations can lead to rejected claims. Insurers verify pregnancy start dates using your submitted medical reports, so it’s important to be honest at the time of application.

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How Does Maternity Insurance Coverage Calculated in UAE?

To calculate your coverage under maternity insurance UAE, you need to consider a few key factors —

1. Type of plan (basic, mid-tier, or premium)
2. Your total annual coverage limit
3. Specific maternity coverage cap (usually separate from general health cover)
4. Hospital network and co-payment conditions
5. Whether you're already pregnant or not at the time of purchase

The higher the coverage and wider the hospital network, the more comprehensive (and expensive) the plan. Premium plans often include zero co-payment, private room options, and full newborn care. In contrast, basic plans may have coverage caps and out-of-pocket expenses.

Let’s say you choose a mid-tier pregnancy insurance plan in Dubai — 

In this case, although the total delivery cost is AED 22,000, the plan only covers up to AED 15,000 for maternity. After deducting the 10% co-payment, the insurer pays AED 13,500. Thus, you pay the remaining AED 8,500 out of pocket.

Maternity Insurance For Women Planning Pregnancy

For married women who are planning to get pregnant, pregnancy insurance in UAE typically covers both outpatient (OP) and inpatient (IP) services, depending on the plan chosen. However, in order to claim maternity benefits, most insurance companies require the individual to serve a waiting period before becoming eligible for maternity-related claims.

• Waiting Period: The waiting period is generally 45 days, which means the insured woman should not conceive during this period. If the pregnancy occurs within the waiting period, any maternity-related claims will not be covered by the insurer.
• Coverage After the Waiting Period: Once the waiting period is over, maternity claims can be made and coverage will be fully available for all eligible maternity-related expenses. The waiting period applies to first-time scheme members, but it is often waived upon policy renewal.

This type of coverage applies not only to women planning to conceive but also to those who may not be planning but are still eligible under the terms of the policy.

Maternity Insurance For Women Already Pregnant

If a woman is already pregnant at the time of applying for maternity insurance, the coverage process differs slightly. The insurer requires the individual to declare the pregnancy through a Medical Application Form. After the declaration, the insurer may apply additional charges, known as premium loading.

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What is Covered & Not Covered in ​​Maternity Insurance in UAE?

Covered

 

Pre-natal checkups and tests

 

Doctor consultations and scans

 

Normal delivery costs

 

Medically necessary C-section

 

Epidural anesthesia coverage

 

Hospital stay after delivery

 

Post-natal follow-up visits

 

Newborn care for 30 days

 

Emergency pregnancy complications

 

Prescribed maternity medications

Not Covered

 

Elective C-sections

 

NICU care beyond the allowed limit

 

Cord blood banking or stem cell banking

 

Room upgrades

 

Partial cost of epidural

5 Lesser-Known Facts About Maternity Insurance in the UAE

When looking for maternity insurance in UAE, most individuals focus on basic coverage such as doctor visits and delivery costs. But there are several important things that many people don’t know. These lesser-known facts can significantly impact your planning, and help you avoid unexpected issues.

Maternity Insurance Is Not Mandatory Everywhere in UAE

Many people don’t realise that maternity insurance in UAE is only mandatory in some parts of the country. If your visa is issued in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, your employer is legally required to provide health insurance that includes maternity cover for you and your dependents. This includes pre-natal checkups, delivery and post-natal care. However, in the Northern Emirates like Sharjah, Ajman, or Ras Al Khaimah, pregnancy insurance in the UAE is not mandatory by law.

Your Baby Is Not Automatically Covered After Birth

Many parents assume their newborn is automatically added to the mother’s policy. In reality, most pregnancy insurance in the UAE covers the baby only for the first 30 days. After that, you must apply for a separate health insurance plan for your child.

Maternity Insurance in the UAE Has a Waiting Period

Most maternity policies require you to wait 6 to 12 months before you can use them. This means you must buy the policy well in advance if you're planning a pregnancy. If you're already pregnant, only a few insurers will accept your application — often with higher premiums or limited coverage.

Coverage Limits Can Be Very Different

One policy may offer AED 10,000 for delivery, while another gives AED 25,000. Many people don’t compare this properly and end up paying out-of-pocket. Always match the coverage with the actual hospital costs in your city.

Pregnancy May Be Treated as a Pre-Existing Condition

In the UAE, pregnancy is generally treated as a pre-existing condition by most private health insurance providers only if the applicant is already pregnant at the time of buying the policy. This matters because pregnancy insurance in the UAE often comes with a waiting period of 6 to 12 months before maternity benefits can be claimed. So, while insurers do provide maternity coverage, they usually require that the pregnancy begins after the policy starts. If you're already pregnant, you may still get maternity insurance in the UAE, but coverage will be limited and may exclude delivery or antenatal benefits unless you choose a specialised or employer-sponsored plan.

Cheap & Best Maternity Insurance in Dubai, UAE 

Now let us take a look at the best health insurance with maternity coverage in uae and the special maternity features offered by them:

1. Takaful Emarat Health Insurance

Takaful Emarat Silver Health Insurance Plan

(B) Takaful Emarat Platinum Health Insurance Plan

2. Adamjee Health Insurance

(A) Adamjee Family Care - Silk Road

Adamjee Family Care plan offers worldwide coverage for emergency as well as elective treatment.

(B) Adamjee Family Care - Emerald

Adamjee Family Care plan offers coverage for medical emergencies as well as elective treatments.

3. Daman Health Insurance

(A) Care Bronze DNE Without Dental

(B) Care Bronze DNE with Dental

4. Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC)

(A) Shifa Silver Opt - 1

(B) Shifa Bronze Opt - 1

5. DNIRC

(A) Silver Classic

(B) Silk Road

Which Insurance is Best for Maternity in UAE?

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Over To You

Planning a family is a matter of great joy, however, planning your finances is an integral part of good parenting. Investing in a good maternity insurance plan at the right time, therefore, is crucial.  Different policies offered by different insurance companies provide a wide range of benefits that are exclusive to each policy. Before opting for any insurance policy, make sure to read the fine print for all the policy details, terms, and conditions. Policybazaar.ae allows you to take into account the features of each plan that suits you. You can browse through different maternity plans and make a well-thought-of decision for your family.

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