How to get Health Insurance without a Job in the UAE?

Losing a job or taking a break from work doesn’t mean you have to give up your peace of mind — especially when it comes to your health. In the UAE, where healthcare is top-tier but can be expensive, staying insured is a smart choice and also a legal requirement.

But what happens when you’re not employed? Can I get health insurance without a job in the UAE? Many people ask this question — from housewives to freelancers to fresh graduates — and the good news is: yes, you can.

In fact, there are multiple easy and affordable ways to get health insurance without a job in the UAE. If you’re covered under a family member’s sponsorship, applying for a government plan or choosing a private insurer, help is available.

Why Health Insurance is Mandatory – Even If You’re Jobless

In the UAE, having health insurance is legally required for everyone — no matter your job status. Authorities across all emirates have made it compulsory for residents to have at least basic health insurance coverage.

If you lose your job, your employer usually cancels your insurance. That means you're responsible for getting your own — or risk fines and issues with visa renewals.

Can I Get Health Insurance Without a Job in the UAE?

Yes, you can get health insurance without a job in the UAE. Even if you're unemployed, the UAE offers different ways for you to stay covered. You just need to choose the option that fits your situation best.

Here’s how to get health insurance without a job — 

1. Get sponsored by a family member (like your spouse or parent)
2. Buy an individual insurance policy from a private insurer
3. Use free coverage available through domestic worker schemes (if applicable)

Let’s break them down one by one.

Sponsored by a Spouse or Family Member

If you're living in the UAE under a family visa, your sponsor — usually your husband, wife or parent — is responsible for providing your health insurance.

Example: Sarah is a housewife in Dubai. Her husband works full-time and sponsors her visa. Even though she doesn’t work, Sarah has health insurance under her husband’s family policy.

This is the most common way for non-working spouses, children or parents to get health insurance without a job. If you are in this situation, just ask your sponsor to include you in their company-provided insurance or buy a personal plan for you.

Buy Private Health Insurance for Individuals

If you don't qualify for family sponsorship, your next option is to buy a personal plan from a private insurance company.

Popular insurers include — 

• Orient Takaful
• Adamjee Insurance
• Noor Takaful
• Orient Insurance
• Takaful Emarat

Private plans offer flexible coverage levels, ranging from essential benefits to full maternity, dental, and chronic illness care.

Covered as a Domestic Worker (If You Are One)

If you're working as a nanny, maid, driver, cook or any other domestic helper, your employer (sponsor) is required by law to provide health insurance for you.

This still applies even if you're living inside their home or not employed by a company.

Make sure your sponsor registers you under a plan — or they could face fines from Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or Abu Dhabi Department of Health.

Retired or Aged 60+? Get a Senior Insurance Plan

Many retirees or parents on long-term visas ask: can I get health insurance without a job in my older years?

Yes, you can. Most insurers in the UAE now offer senior citizen insurance plans for those aged 60–75+. These may cost more, but they provide the necessary coverage for hospital visits, medications and check-ups.

What Happens If You Stay Uninsured?

If you don’t have health insurance in the UAE, even for a short time, you might face:

1. Fines of AED 500–1,000 per month (depending on your emirate)
2. Visa rejection or delay
3. No access to subsidized hospitals or emergency care

So even if you're between jobs, don’t wait. Make sure to get health insurance without a job right away.

Already Have Individual Health Insurance But Lost Your Job?

So, you already have health insurance, but suddenly find yourself without a job. What now? Will your coverage continue? Can you afford to renew it? These are common questions — and the UAE government has put systems in place to help ease the burden during this transition.

The Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) Insurance Scheme, launched in 2023, provides a safety net for UAE workers who lose their jobs due to reasons beyond their control, like layoffs or company restructuring. While it doesn't directly pay for your health insurance, it does offer financial support — giving you breathing room to maintain your existing health coverage or buy a new policy.

Here’s how it works – 

If you were employed and subscribed to the ILOE scheme for at least 12 continuous months, you're eligible to receive 60% of your basic salary (up to AED 20,000 per month) for a maximum of three months after losing your job. That income can help you keep paying for your health insurance without a job, or enroll in an individual plan if your employer-provided one has been cancelled.

Looking for Individual Health Insurance? Here’s the Easiest Way to Compare Plans in One Place

If you’ve lost your job and don’t qualify for family sponsorship, securing health coverage is still possible. Your next best option is to buy an individual health insurance plan — something flexible, affordable, and tailored to your needs.

But let’s be honest: finding the right plan on your own can be overwhelming. That’s where Policybazaar.ae makes things easier — way easier.

Instead of calling different insurance companies one by one, you can simply visit Policybazaar.ae and compare multiple health insurance options in one go. Just fill in a few quick details (like your age, visa type, and preferred coverage) and you’ll instantly see a list of plans you qualify for — whether you want just the basics or full coverage with maternity and dental benefits.

It’s perfect for situations like:

• You just lost your job and need to get health insurance without a job
• You’re a freelancer or dependent and want to buy an individual health plan
• You need a low-cost policy that still keeps you covered legally

You can also filter by price, insurer, coverage type — and best of all, their team is available if you want to speak with someone and get help picking the right policy. So, if you’re thinking “Can I get health insurance without a job and still afford a decent plan?”, Policybazaar is a great place to start.

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