# No Health Insurance from Your Employer? Know What UAE Law Says

**Published:** 2025-05-06T10:56:05.528Z
**Updated:** 2026-08-13T13:02:42.576Z
**Author:** Mousree Das
**Reviewer:** Toshita Chauhan
**Original Url:** https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/articles/no-health-insurance-from-your-employer/

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 Information on this page is for general guidance only - not personalised financial or medical advice.

🛡️ Health insurance is not a privilege in the UAE — it’s a legal right. But what happens when your employer doesn’t provide it? Here’s everything you need to know.

## 🏥Is Health Insurance Mandatory in the UAE?

Yes! In the UAE, employers are legally required to provide health insurance for expat workers.

👉 This rule isn’t new for Dubai and Abu Dhabi — but since January 2025, it now applies across all Northern Emirates too:

1.  Sharjah
2.  Ajman
3.  Umm Al Quwain
4.  Ras Al Khaimah
5.  Fujairah

| 📌 Without valid [health insurance](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/), your residence visa can’t be issued or renewed. |
| --- |

## ⚖️ What Does the Law Say About Employer Duties?

Here’s what employers are legally bound to do –-

✅ Provide a valid medical insurance plan  
✅ Pay for the full cost of the insurance  
✅ Keep the insurance active during your entire job contract

| **📚 Laws that support this:**<br>**Dubai Law No.** 11 of 2013 (Health Insurance Law)<br>Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (UAE Labour Law) |
| --- |

## 🚨 What If Your Employer Ignores the Law?

Some workers still report being left uninsured. That’s a serious violation and it can affect your ability to visit doctors or get emergency care.

| 👎 No insurance = financial risk + denied healthcare |
| --- |

**📝 A reader shared:**

"I’ve been working for a year, but still no insurance. I can’t afford a clinic visit. Can I file a complaint?"

Yes, absolutely. And here’s how ⬇️

## 📝 How Can You File a Complaint Against Your Employer?

If your employer hasn’t insured you, you have the right to report it. Here’s what you can do —

**✅ Step-by-Step Guide**

1.  **Try Talking First**  
    Sometimes it’s just a delay or oversight. Speak to HR or your manager.
2.  **If No Action, File a Complaint**  
    💻 **Online:**  
    Go to mohre.gov.ae  
    📱 **App:**  
    Download the MOHRE app and submit your issue  
    ☎️ **Call:**  
    MOHRE Labour Claims Centre: 80084

## ⏱️ What Happens After You File a Complaint?

Once you submit the issue:

**📅 Within 14 Days**

*   MOHRE tries to settle the dispute amicably

**⚖️ If no agreement**

*   The case is sent to court
*   MOHRE prepares a summary & recommendation

| **💡 Note:** If the claimed amount is under AED 50,000, MOHRE has the authority to resolve the case directly |
| --- |

## 💸 What Penalties Do Employers Face?

If companies break the law, here’s what happens:

**🔻 Fines**

*   **AED 500 to AED 150,000**
*   Repeat offences = up to **AED 500,000**

📍 DHA (Dubai Health Authority) can

*   Send official warnings
*   Suspend business licences
*   Cancel insurance permits
*   Inform immigration for further action

| ⚠️ **Also:** AED 500 per month per uninsured employee<br>➡️ Fines may also apply from GDRFA (Residency Authority) |
| --- |

## 🤔 Can DHA Help Too?

**Yes! Especially in Dubai:**

📲 DHA can take action if your employer doesn’t provide insurance.

**📍 Also involved:**

*   Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH) for Abu Dhabi
*   Local health authorities in Northern Emirates

## 📌 Quick Checklist: What Should You Do?

🔲 Confirm if your insurance is active  
🔲 Talk to your employer  
🔲 File a complaint with MOHRE if needed  
🔲 Keep a record of all documents and emails  
🔲 Monitor MOHRE or court updates

## 📚 FAQs: You Asked, We Answered!

**Can my employer deduct insurance from my salary?**

❌ No, employers must pay 100% of the insurance cost.

**Can I get fined if I don’t have health insurance?**

⚠️ No, the employer is fined, not the employee.

**Is it only for expats or locals too?**

This rule mainly applies to expat workers.

**What if my contract is short-term?**

The law still applies — all employees must be insured.

**What happens if I change jobs?**

Your new employer must provide coverage from Day 1.

**Can I buy my insurance?**

Yes, but it’s your employer’s duty too.

### **🔚 Final Word**

Health insurance is not optional in the UAE — it’s your right. If your employer fails to deliver, don’t stay silent. Use the tools and legal support available to protect your health and future.

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