# Basic Health Insurance **Published:** 2023-07-20 **Updated:** 2026-07-17 **Author:** Mousree Das **Reviewer:** Toshita Chauhan **Original Url:** https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/basic/ **We are Rated:** 4.7/5 **Review Count:** 44,602 [Reviews](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ry9H7NLgFAGso8gZ7) **Trusted Customers:** 2 Million+ **Insurance Partners:** 35+ **Policies Sold:** 1 Million+ Health insurance is something you can’t ignore if you’re living in the UAE. In fact, it's also the law. Whether you live in Dubai, Sharjah, or anywhere else in the country, having medical insurance is a must. But not everyone needs an expensive, all-inclusive plan. For many people, especially those earning a limited salary, a basic health insurance plan does the job just fine. Regulatory credentials Licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE **([Registration No. 123](https://cdn.policybazaar.ae/pbuae/images/IA-License-Renewal-2026.pdf))** DHA Health Insurance Intermediary **Permit No.** [BRK-00041](https://www.isahd.ae/Home/PermittedIntermediaries) Emirates Insurance Federation **Membership No.** [B81](https://static.pbcdn.ae/pbuae/images/Policybazaar-Middle-East-Insurance-Brokers-LLC.pdf) Information on this page is for general guidance only - not personalised financial or medical advice. Table of Content * [What is Basic Health Insurance in the UAE?](#what-is-basic-health-insurance-in-the-uae) * [Why Do You Need Basic Health Insurance?](#why-do-you-need-basic-health-insurance) * [Who Should Buy Basic Health Insurance in UAE?](#who-should-buy-basic-health-insurance-in-uae) * [How is Basic Health Insurance Different Across All Emirates?](#how-is-basic-health-insurance-different-across-all-emirates) * [What is the Cost of Basic Health Insurance in the UAE?](#what-is-the-cost-of-basic-health-insurance-in-the-uae) * [What are the Inclusions of Basic Health Insurance in the UAE?](#what-are-the-inclusions-of-basic-health-insurance-in-the-uae) * [What are the Exclusions of Basic Health Insurance?](#what-are-the-exclusions-of-basic-health-insurance) * [How to Buy Basic Health Insurance via Policybazaar.ae?](#how-to-buy-basic-health-insurance-via-policybazaarae) * [Why Buy Basic Health Insurance through Policybazaar.ae?](#why-buy-basic-health-insurance-through-policybazaarae) * [How to File a Basic Health Insurance Claim in the UAE?](#how-to-file-a-basic-health-insurance-claim-in-the-uae) * [Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions) ## What is Basic Health Insurance in the UAE? Basic health insurance is a minimum-coverage health plan that meets the mandatory requirements set by the respective health authority in each emirate. By law, it is mandatory for all UAE residents to have a [health insurance](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/) policy. Three tiers of health insurance, based on the coverage and premium, include basic, semi-comprehensive, and comprehensive plans. A basic health plan fundamentally covers essential medical services. Unlike a comprehensive or semi-comprehensive policy, it does not provide a wide coverage, such as for pre-existing disease cover or international coverage. However, it does cover your basic medical necessities. ## Why Do You Need Basic Health Insurance? In Abu Dhabi, health insurance was declared mandatory in 2007. In 2014, the same was announced in Dubai. As of January 1, 2025, health insurance is mandatory for all private sector employees and domestic workers across all seven emirates. Without a valid policy, employers cannot issue or renew an employee's residency permit. For individuals, not having medical insurance can result in visa delays, rejections, or financial penalties. A basic health policy complies with this legal requirement. Moreover, medical consultations and treatments can be quite high in the UAE. A medical insurance plan eliminates the burden of paying medical bills upfront. ## Who Should Buy Basic Health Insurance in UAE? Basic health insurance is ideal for those belonging to the following categories: * **Private Sector Employees -** Those earning lower to mid-range salaries, whose employers are legally required to provide at least minimum statutory coverage * **Domestic Workers -** Housemaids, drivers, nannies, and similar household staff, for whom sponsors bear full financial responsibility for insurance premiums and those who cannot afford to pay high premiums * **Dependents and Family Members -** Immediate family members and dependents sponsored by insured employees can be added to the basic plan under the same benefits and pricing structure * **Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals -** Those not covered by an employer's group policy need a cost-effective plan to comply with visa and residency requirements ## How is Basic Health Insurance Different Across All Emirates? Three separate authorities are responsible for handling medical insurance across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Northern Emirates. Let’s understand how these governing bodies regulate the health insurance system: ### **Dubai Health Authority (DHA) - Dubai** Health insurance Dubai operates under the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). The mandatory minimum standard is the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP). This plan type has a defined benefit package that all insurers operating in Dubai must offer. Employers are required to cover employees, while sponsors must cover dependents. In fact, sponsors must cover their domestic workers under this policy. ### **Department of Health (DoH) - Abu Dhabi** Abu Dhabi follows the Department of Health (DoH) framework, which is administered largely through Daman (the National Health Insurance Company). Abu Dhabi's mandate has been in place since 2007. Employers are required to extend coverage not just to employees but also to their immediate families. ### **Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) - Northern Emirates** MOHAP made the Northern Emirates put under a mandatory health insurance law in 2025. All private sector employees and domestic workers must be secured through their respective employers. Also, note that employees with work permits issued before January 1, 2024, are exempt until their permit is due for renewal. ## What is the Cost of Basic Health Insurance in the UAE? The government-introduced basic health insurance package is priced at AED 320 per year, making it among the most affordable health plans available in the region. Insurance packages vary across insurers and buyers, depending on the extent of coverage, age, gender, medical history of the buyer, and more. Know how [health insurance prices](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/medical-insurance/) differ across emirates, insurers, and individual criteria. ## What are the Inclusions of Basic Health Insurance in the UAE? A standard basic health insurance plan in the UAE typically covers the following: * Inpatient hospitalisation: Doctor consultation, hospitalisation, surgeries, nursing care, and related services within the network * Outpatient consultations: GP visits, specialist referrals within the approved network * Maternity coverage: Pre-natal, post-natal, delivery, and newborn coverage * Emergency care: Treatment required in life-threatening situations * Diagnostic tests: X-rays, ultrasound, CT-Scan, blood tests ## What are the Exclusions of Basic Health Insurance? UAE health insurance companies do not cover certain treatments. Find below the major exclusions across most plans: * Dental treatment: Routine dental care, orthodontics, and cosmetic dental procedures * Optical care: Eyeglasses, contact lenses, and eye tests * Cosmetic or elective procedures: Any treatment not medically necessary * Treatment outside the UAE: Standard basic plans don’t cover medical expenses incurred abroad * Self-inflicted injuries: Conditions arising from deliberate self-harm are excluded * Treatments related to substance abuse: Treatment linked to drug or alcohol consumption * Non-network providers: Treatment at hospitals or clinics outside the insurer's approved network will not be reimbursed unless it is a genuine emergency * Experimental or unproven treatments: Therapies not approved by the UAE health authorities ## How to Buy Basic Health Insurance via Policybazaar.ae? To buy a basic health insurance plan via Policybazaar.ae, here are a few easy steps you need to follow: 1. Fill out the lead form with the correct details 2. Submit to get your desired quotes 3. Compare plans that suit your medical and financial requirements 4. Once you've read the policy wording, complete the application 5. Make the payment and receive your policy document ## Why Buy Basic Health Insurance through Policybazaar.ae? * Find multiple plans from the top UAE health insurance providers * The 'Compare' feature helps you compare several plans at the same time * Get dedicated customer service assistance * Buy the best plan for your requirements instantly without any hassle * The annual plan renewal process is seamless * Switch between providers during the renewal period without any complications ## How to File a Basic Health Insurance Claim in the UAE? The claims process for basic health insurance in the UAE is straightforward, for both cashless and reimbursement claims. **Cashless claims (in-network) -** Present your insurance card at a network hospital or clinic. The provider directly bills the insurer. You pay only the applicable co-payment at the time of service. Seek treatment at your preferred hospital. Keep all the original invoices, prescriptions, discharge summaries, and diagnostic reports ready. Submit these documents to your insurer within the specified claim window. Upon evaluation, your money will be reimbursed. Read More: [Health Insurance Cashless and Reimbursement Claims](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/articles/cashless-and-reimbursement/) ## Related Health Insurance [Family Health Insurance](https://www.policybazaar.ae/family-health-insurance-hic/) [Senior Citizen Health Insurance](https://www.policybazaar.ae/senior-citizen-health-insurance-hic/) [Individual Health Insurance](https://www.policybazaar.ae/individual-health-insurance-hic/) [Critical Illness Health Insurance](https://www.policybazaar.ae/critical-illness-health-insurance-hic/) [Health Insurance for Kids](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance-for-kids-hiart/) [Private Medical Insurance](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/private-medical-insurance/) You May Also Know About Health guide: * [Asthma](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/articles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-asthma/) * [Chickenpox](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/articles/chickenpox-symptoms-causes-treatment-prevention-and-insurance/) * [Kidney Cancer](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/articles/kidney-cancer-symptoms-risk-factors-treatment-prevention-and-insurance-options/) * [Tuberculosis (TB)](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/articles/medical-insurance-plans-for-tuberculosis/) * [Infectious Diseases](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/articles/infectious-diseases-types-symptoms-causes-treatment-and-insurance/) * [Cardiovascular Diseases](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/articles/cardiovascular-diseases-symptoms-causes-treatment-and-insurance-options/) * [Liver Cirrhosis](https://www.policybazaar.ae/does-health-insurance-cover-liver-cirrhosis-hiart/) * [Liver Cancer](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/articles/liver-cancer-symptoms-risk-factors-treatments-and-insurance-options/) * [Organ Transplant](https://www.policybazaar.ae/critical-illness-insurance-for-organ-transplant-hiart/) * [Gastrointestinal Diseases](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/articles/gastrointestinal-diseases-symptoms-causes-treatment-and-insurance/) * [Psychological Disorders](https://www.policybazaar.ae/does-health-insurance-cover-psychological-disorders-hiart/) * [Lung Cancer](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/articles/lung-cancer-risk-factors-diagnosis-treatment-and-insurance-options/) * [Stroke](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/articles/best-critical-health-insurance-plan-for-stroke/) * [Breast Cancer](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/articles/breast-cancer/) * [Depression](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/articles/what-is-depression/) * [Skin Cancer](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/articles/skin-cancer/) ### **Health Insurance Popular Searches** [Health Insurance Dubai](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/) | [Dubai Health Insurance Cost](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/medical-insurance/) | [Health Insurance for Kids](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance-for-kids-hiart/) | [Health Insurance Plans for Family](https://www.policybazaar.ae/family-health-insurance-hic/) | [Dental Insurance](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/articles/dental-insurance-in-uae/) | [Individual Health Insurance](https://www.policybazaar.ae/individual-health-insurance-hic/) | [Health Insurance Abu Dhabi](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance-abu-dhabi/) | [Medical Insurance Sharjah](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/health-insurance-in-sharjah/) | [How to check Medical Insurance status with Emirates ID](https://www.policybazaar.ae/how-to-check-medical-insurance-status-with-emirates-id-hiart/) | [Best Medical Insurance in UAE](https://www.policybazaar.ae/top-10-health-insurance-companies-in-uae-hiart/) | [Health Insurance for Parents](https://www.policybazaar.ae/senior-citizen-health-insurance-hic/) | [Maternity Insurance UAE](https://www.policybazaar.ae/health-insurance/articles/maternity-insurance-in-uae/) ### **Other Product Searches -** [Car Insurance UAE](https://www.policybazaar.ae/car-insurance/) | [Car Insurance Companies in UAE](https://www.policybazaar.ae/car-insurance/articles/top-10-car-insurance-companies-in-dubai/) | [How to Check Car Insurance Status Online](https://www.policybazaar.ae/how-to-check-car-insurance-status-online-for-your-policy-ciart/) | [Group Health Insurance](https://www.policybazaar.ae/group-health-insurance-hic/) | [Home Insurance Dubai](https://www.policybazaar.ae/home-insurance/) | [Professional Indemnity Insurance](https://www.policybazaar.ae/business-insurance/professional-indemnity/) | [Workmen Compensation Insurance](https://www.policybazaar.ae/business-insurance/workers-compensation-insurance/) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is basic health insurance mandatory in the UAE? Yes. As of 2026, all UAE residents must have active health insurance linked to their Emirates ID to renew or apply for a visa. If your policy is inactive or missing, visa services may be delayed or rejected. ### Can I buy a basic health insurance plan for my parents or dependents? No, although the answer needs more explanation. Health insurance itself is mandatory in the UAE. The most basic form is a basic medical insurance plan, which is affordable yet covers the necessary medical treatment without incurring any upfront medical costs. However, basic coverage in itself is not mandatory - you can choose a comprehensive plan for better coverage ### How much does the basic health insurance package cost? The government-standardised basic package is available at AED 320 per year. However, the price may vary depending on the insurer and coverage you choose ### Does basic health insurance cover pre-existing conditions? Yes. The basic package, such as the EBP enhanced plan, covers chronic diseases and pre-existing conditions. ### Can I add my family members to my basic health insurance plan? Yes. Dependents can be added to the plan at the same benefit level and pricing. However, each member must buy a separate plan. ### Does the basic plan cover maternity? Yes, maternity is covered under a basic medical insurance plan. This covers the delivery, pre-natal, postnatal, and even new born. Newborns are covered for the first 30 days. ### What happens if my employer does not provide health insurance? Employers who fail to provide mandatory medical insurance are in breach of UAE labour law. They may face fines and necessary regulatory action from MOHRE. Employees must immediately report the same to the concerned authority. ### Can I purchase basic health insurance for myself even if I am not an employee? Yes. Freelancers and self-employed individuals who are not covered under any employer can purchase individual plans that meet the minimum coverage requirements of their emirate.