Private medical insurance in the UAE includes healthcare coverage offered by private entities, distinct from government-provided alternatives. Unlike public health insurance, which involves programs like Medicaid, private healthcare insurance forms a contractual agreement between individuals and private insurance companies. ...read more
Health insurance, mandatory in some parts of the UAE like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is set to get the same status throughout the country next year. This step will ensure that all residents have access to necessary medical services.
In the UAE, there are two main types of health insurance: Private Medical Insurance and Public Health Insurance.
Private medical insurance plans offer coverage for a wide range of private medical care services. Offered by private medical insurance companies, these policies usually ensure faster access to specialists and comfortable facilities.
Best Private Medical Insurance in UAE
Dubai Insurance (NRI Care)
Plan NameNRI DubaiCare Next N1
Medical Cover (AED)1,000,000
Starting FromAED 7,773/Yearly
Sukoon Insurance (Prev. Oman Insurance)
Plan NameMax
Medical Cover (AED)500,000
Starting FromAED 5,425/Yearly
Dubai Insurance
Plan NameDubaiCare Next N1
Medical Cover (AED)1,000,000
Starting FromAED 7,334/Yearly
Takaful Emarat
Plan NameAPN Plus
Medical Cover (AED)500,000
Starting FromAED 1,993/Yearly
Orient Takaful Insurance
Plan NamePlan 1
Medical Cover (AED)1,000,000
Starting FromAED 7,611/Yearly
Orient Insurance
Plan NameSilk Road - Family Care
Medical Cover (AED)1,000,000
Starting FromAED 2,736/Yearly
Adamjee
Plan NameGold
Medical Cover (AED)1,000,000
Starting FromAED 7,454/Yearly
Dubai National Insurance
Plan NameSilk Road
Medical Cover (AED)1,000,000
Starting FromAED 2,608/Yearly
The above plans and premiums are for AED 1,000,000 Sum insured for 1 Adult of 30 Years for Dubai city.
Private health insurance involves a contract between an individual and a private insurer. Here, the insurer is required to cover a portion or all of the medical expenses as per the contract. In return, you, as the insured, will need to pay a premium.
So What is Public Health Insurance?
Public health insurance is generally provided or mandated by government entities and may cover basic healthcare services.
For instance, in Dubai, the government has unified all government health insurance under the 'Enaya' system. It serves government employees and citizens with extensive healthcare services.
In Sharjah and Ajman, similar systems ensure that all government employees and their dependents are covered.
A key point of difference between the two is that private medical insurance offers more flexibility and broader coverage options compared to public health insurance. Private health plans may include benefits like global medical coverage, choice of providers, and access to faster and more personalised services.
An Overview of Best Private Medical Insurance
Aspects
Key Features of Top Private Medical Insurance Plans
Cost of Private Medical Insurance
AED 4/ Day for AED 1 Million Coverage *
Minimum Age
18 Years
Maximum Age
99 Years
Most Preferred Sum Insured Amount
AED 1 Million
Types of Private Medical Insurance
For self
For both self and family
For family without self
For domestic workers
For investor
Key Coverages of Best Private Medical Insurance
Emergency hospital services
Outpatient services
Pre-existing and chronic medical conditions
Dental and gum treatment (included in some plans)
Cashless Claims
Available
Reimbursement Claims
Available
Waiting Periods
Applicable to pre-existing diseases and other diseases
Renewability
Renewable up to 99 years
Factors Affecting Private Medical Insurance Cost
Age
Sum insured
Type of coverage
Past medical history
*Actual prices may vary as per your profile
Difference Between Public and Private Healthcare Insurance in UAE
Let’s understand the differences between public and private healthcare insurance in the UAE —
Aspects
Private Medical Insurance
Public Health Insurance
Coverage Options
Broader range of coverage options — you can customise your medical insurance policy as per your needs
Limited customisation options with standard coverage primarily focused on basic health services
Access to Healthcare
Both public and private healthcare facilities, often including premium and specialised services
Primarily for government healthcare facilities and services
Cost
Generally more expensive due to broader and more comprehensive range of services and private facility access
Typically lower due to government subsidy and focus on essential healthcare services
Eligibility and Requirements
Essential for expatriates and often required to meet visa requirements — includes plans that cover pre-existing conditions and maternity
Primarily for UAE nationals or GCC citizens, with some provisions for public sector employees and their families
Why Should You Choose Private Medical Insurance?
When you choose private healthcare in the UAE, you get to enjoy several benefits —
Comprehensive Coverage: Private health insurance brings extensive coverage options. This can include a high sum assured, maternity coverage, diagnostic tests, and additional options like dental or vision care.
Flexibility in Service Providers: One of the biggest advantages of private health insurance is the flexibility in choosing between different healthcare providers.
You are not limited to public facilities and can access both public and private healthcare providers. In addition, this flexibility often extends to international coverage as well.
Essential for Expatriates: While public health insurance schemes are primarily for UAE nationals, private health cover is crucial for expatriates. In many cases, having private health insurance is necessary for getting a residency visa in the UAE.
Value for Money: Despite higher premiums compared to public insurance, the best private health insurance often represents good value for money. This is due to the high cost of healthcare services in the region.
Private health insurance ensures that most of these costs are covered and makes healthcare more affordable.
Increased Choices and Personalisation: These plans offer various levels of cover and can be tailored to individual needs.
What is Covered Under Private Healthcare Insurance?
For an overview of what is generally included in the best private health insurance plans in the UAE, check out the table below —
Aspects
Inclusions of Best Private Health Insurance
Outpatient Benefits
Laboratory tests and radiology diagnostics (with prior approval for specific tests)
Physiotherapy (limited sessions per year with co-insurance)
General consultations and specialist visits (often require a referral from a general practitioner)
In-patient Benefits
Room and board in shared accommodation
Surgeries, hospital stays, and major medical interventions
Emergency medical transportation within the UAE
Emergency Treatments
Immediate care services in emergency situations
Required approvals for covering emergencies within a short time frame after admission
Maternity Benefits
Antenatal visits and routine maternity tests (subject to co-insurance and limited number of visits)
Inpatient maternity services for childbirth, including normal and C-section deliveries (with caps on total cost covered)
Medication
Prescription drug coverage up to a specified annual limit
Preventive Services
Vaccinations and immunisations as per local health authority guidelines
Screening for common conditions like diabetes (based on age and risk factors)
What are the Exclusions of Private Health Insurance?
The general exclusions of private medical insurance plans in the UAE are as follows —
Non-medical expenses: Includes personal comfort items like televisions and beauty services
Cosmetic treatments: Except when linked to an injury or to improve physiological functioning
Obesity treatment: Surgical and non-surgical treatment for obesity and related weight control programs
Dental and vision care: Routine dental treatments, vision corrections, and related surgeries (unless it’s an emergency)
Experimental treatments: Services not approved by medical standards, including experimental procedures and medications
Chronic conditions: Long-term care for chronic conditions like dialysis may be excluded or have specific limitations
Pre-existing conditions: Often excluded for a specified period upon the commencement of the policy
Psychiatric and psychological treatments: Coverage for mental health care may be limited or excluded unless it's for an emergency condition
Top Private Health Insurance Companies
Some of the private health insurance companies in the UAE are given in the table below –
Orient Insurance
HAYAH Insurance
Takaful Emarat
Daman Insurance
Dubai Insurance
Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC)
Adamjee Insurance
Cigna Insurance
Sukoon Insurance
Orient Takaful Insurance
Cost of Private Medical Insurance Plan
As we explore the costs associated with private healthcare plans in the UAE, it’s interesting to note that generally, the premiums for private medical insurance can start from as low as AED 4 per day for a coverage amount of AED 1 Million.
However, keep in mind that the premium rates for private medical plans can vary based on the type of plan and the level of coverage you choose.
For example,
If you are a 30-year-old, living in Dubai, single, with a salary range of AED 6001-7000, and have no existing medical conditions, your private health insurance could start from AED 917 yearly.
Remember that any changes in your personal details or the addition of add-ons can cause these premiums to change.
How to Get Private Health Insurance Quotes in UAE?
Comparing different policies offered by the top insurers is one of the most efficient ways to buy a private healthcare cover. The best platform for this is Policybazaar.ae, which has comprehensive private healthcare insurance options available at competitive rates.
Policybazaar UAE not only provides a variety of insurance plans but is also renowned for its expert advice, round-the-clock customer service, and extensive range of products.
Here’s how you can easily get a private health insurance quote —
On Policybazaar UAE, click on the health insurance Plan section. Here, you can select the type of insurance you're interested in — options include individual, family, investor, and domestic worker coverage.
Fill in the necessary details that will tailor the search to your specific needs.
After submitting your details, a page will display various private health insurance quotes.
Choose the plan that best fits your needs and move forward with the application.
Factors Affecting Private Health Insurance Quote
Several factors can influence the cost of a private health insurance quote in the UAE —
Age of the Insured: Older individuals generally face higher premiums as they are more likely to require medical services.
Medical History: Your past and current health conditions also affect your insurance premiums. If you have a history of chronic illness or frequent medical needs, you may see higher costs for private medical care coverage.
Coverage Type: The extent and the type of coverage you choose will also impact your premium.
For example, comprehensive plans covering a wide range of medical services, including specialist visits and overseas treatments, will cost more than basic private medical insurance plans.
Lifestyle Factors: Lifestyle choices, such as smoking or high-risk hobbies, can increase your premiums.
Insurance providers consider these factors as they can lead to health issues that might require private health cover.
Family Coverage: Opting for family health insurance that covers multiple family members is generally more expensive than individual coverage. However, it often provides better value as it covers more individuals under one policy.
What are the tax implications of buying private health insurance in the UAE?
In the UAE, there is no personal income tax. Thus, the purchase of private health care plans does not have direct tax implications.
How do I claim insurance for outpatient services in private health care?
To claim insurance for outpatient services, you have to present your health insurance card at the registered clinic or hospital. For services that require prior approval, make sure you get this from your insurer before your appointment to avoid out-of-pocket expenses.
Are alternative treatments covered under private health insurance in the UAE?
Coverage for alternative treatments like acupuncture or chiropractic services varies between insurers. Some private health insurance companies may offer these as part of a comprehensive plan, while others might not cover them at all.
What should I look for when comparing the cheapest private health insurance plans?
When looking for the cheapest private health insurance, it's important to consider not only the premium but also the extent of coverage, deductible amounts, co-pay percentages, network of healthcare providers, and customer service reputation of the insurance company.
How does family private health insurance differ from individual plans?
Family private health insurance offers a single plan that covers all members of a family. These plans often include special provisions for children, such as vaccinations and paediatric care, which makes them more comprehensive.
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