Basic Health Insurance

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 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 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

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Frequently Asked Questions