Ways to Reduce the Cost of Health Insurance

Let’s face it — health insurance can be expensive, especially in a place like the UAE where private healthcare is the main option for most residents. If you're buying health coverage for yourself or your family, the premiums can add up fast.
But here’s the good news — there are several easy, practical ways to bring those costs down without losing the benefits you really need. From comparing different plans to taking better care of your health, you can take real steps to reduce the cost of health insurance — and we’ll show you how.

🔍 Compare Plans — Don’t Just Auto-Renew

One of the most common mistakes people make is sticking with the same medical insurance plan year after year. It feels safe and easy, but it could be costing you more than you think.

Every year, insurance companies update their prices, coverage options, and hospital networks. For you, this means last year’s great deal might not be so great anymore.

What to Do?

• Take a little time to shop around before your policy renews
• Use local UAE comparison websites like Policybazaar UAE to get the best deal
• Compare coverage, not just the price 

Cheaper isn’t always better — make sure the plan meets your needs.

Why Does it Help?

By exploring other options, you may find a plan that offers the same (or better) benefits at a lower price. This can save you hundreds of dirhams a year.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Choose Family or Group Insurance Plans

If you're buying separate health policies for your spouse and kids, you're probably paying more than you should. Most insurers in the UAE offer family plans that cover multiple people under different policies — these options are often more affordable per person.

What to Do?

• Ask your current insurer about bundling policies for your family
• If you’re self-employed or running a small business, look into group health plans for your team

Example

Let’s say individual coverage costs AED 2,500 per person. A family plan for four might cost around AED 8,000 — a clear saving over paying a total of AED 10,000.

Why Does it Help?

By combining everyone under one umbrella, you reduce administrative fees and may even get extra benefits like maternity cover, free consultations, and wellness perks.

🧾 Choose a Higher Deductible or Co-Pay (If You Can Afford It)

This tip is ideal for people who are generally healthy and don’t visit the doctor often. By agreeing to pay a bit more out of pocket when you do need medical care, your insurer will usually reduce your premium.

Let’s break it down — 

• Deductible: This is the amount you pay before your insurance kicks in
• Co-pay: This is a fixed amount you pay for each visit or service, while the insurance covers the rest

What to Do?

• Look at your previous medical bills — if you barely made any claims last year, consider increasing your deductible or co-pay
• Make sure the savings in your premium are bigger than the extra costs you might pay

Example

Let’s say your monthly premium is AED 900 with a low deductible. If you raise the deductible, your premium might drop to AED 700. Over the year, that’s AED 2,400 in savings.

Why Does it Help?

You reduce your fixed monthly costs while only paying more when you actually need treatment. 

But be careful ⚠️— this works well only when you’re financially prepared for occasional medical bills. As you take a higher deductible or copay, it will also increase your share of the financial burden when faced with a medical condition.

🗂️ Customise Your Plan — Don’t Pay for What You Don’t Use

Not every health insurance plan is built with you in mind. Many plans come with extras like dental, optical, maternity, and international cover — whether you need them or not.

What to Do?

• Think about your real needs
  For instance — 
  • Do you need maternity cover if you’re not planning a family?
  • Do you wear glasses?
  • Do you travel often?
• Contact your insurer and ask them to remove or downgrade benefits you don’t use

Why Does it Help?

You only pay for what you need. Cutting out unnecessary extras is one of the easiest ways to reduce the cost of medical insurance without affecting your access to core healthcare services.

🌍 Go Local — Avoid Unnecessary International Coverage

International health insurance sounds great, especially when it promises global hospital access. But here’s the truth: most people living in the UAE don’t need worldwide cover unless they travel frequently.

What to Do?

• If you mostly live and work in the UAE, ask for a ‘local network only’ plan
• Even better — check if your insurer offers tiered networks

A plan with access to good UAE hospitals (without the luxury clinics) can save you a lot.

Why Does it Help?

You’re paying for access you don’t use. Limiting your coverage to where you live and work is one of the smartest ways to cut the cost of health insurance while still feeling secure.

🧠 Ask About No-Claim Discounts

Some insurers offer a No-Claim Bonus if you haven’t made any claims during the previous policy period.

What to Do?

• Contact your insurance provider and ask if they reward claim-free years.

Why Does it Help?

If you rarely use your insurance, you deserve a reward. That reward might come in the form of a premium discount or added benefits at no extra cost. 

Example — you can find policies that offer no claim bonus (in the form of increased sum insured) of up to 50%. 

👶 Buy Health Insurance When You’re Young and Healthy

One of the smartest financial moves you can make is purchasing medical insurance while you’re still young and in good health. Many people in their 20s and 30s delay it, thinking they don’t need it yet. But waiting can be costly in the long run.

Why Does it Help?

• Premiums are much lower when you're younger because you're considered low-risk
• If you wait until you’re older or develop a health condition, insurers may charge you more or exclude certain treatments
• Early coverage also helps you build a claim-free history, which can lead to better deals later on

What to Do?

• Don’t wait for a health scare to start thinking about insurance.
• Lock in an affordable plan early and adjust coverage as your needs change over time

Example

A 27-year-old in good health could pay 30–40% less for the same coverage compared to someone starting at age 45.

It’s Not About Cutting Corners — It’s About Making Smart Choices Medical insurance doesn’t have to drain your wallet. By understanding your needs, planning ahead, and asking the right questions, you can absolutely reduce the cost of health insurance without sacrificing quality care.

If you’re comparing plans, trimming unused benefits, or just taking better care of your health, every little step adds up. And the best part? These aren’t just ways to save — they’re steps toward gaining more control, peace of mind, and value from every dirham you spend.

So the next time someone asks you how to cut the cost of health insurance, you’ll know exactly where to start — and how to make choices that work for your health and your budget.

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