Who can Buy an Individual Health Insurance Plan in UAE?
Individual health insurance in the UAE is available to almost anyone who needs personal medical cover. The given table highlights the eligibility criteria for individual health insurance in the UAE —
Eligibility Criteria
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Details
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Residency Status
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Available to UAE residents with a valid Emirates ID or residence visa. New residents can purchase a plan once they have residency documents in process or completed.
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Age Limits
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Most plans cover from 0 years (newborns after 30 days from mother's coverage expiry) up to 99 years. Some insurers may have different maximum age limits.
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Employment Status
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Self-employed individuals, freelancers and those without employer-provided health cover can buy these plans.
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Dependents
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Spouses, children and elderly parents can be covered under separate individual plans if they are not included in a family or employer plan.
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Medical Underwriting
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Applicants may be required to declare pre-existing medical conditions and undergo medical underwriting before coverage is approved.
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Compliance with Local Laws
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In UAE, it is mandatory for all residents to have valid health insurance, so those not covered by an employer must buy a plan to comply with regulations.
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How to Compare Different Individual Health Insurance Plans?
Consider the following pointers while comparing various personal insurance policies.
- Identify Your Medical Needs: It is highly recommended to note down your medical needs and choose a health insurance plan based on them. This can prove helpful when you compare the plans based on factors like regular check-ups, medical tests, consultation fees, and more.
- Inspect the Insurer’s Records: Before choosing a health insurance plan, check the insurer’s reputation and track record in the UAE market. Look for their claim settlement ratio, customer reviews and how quickly they process claims. A company with a strong history of reliable service and timely payouts will give you more confidence, especially during emergencies.
- Explore the Network Hospitals: Before you select a plan, you must compare the list of hospitals under the networks of different providers. If you opt for a plan that has your preferred hospital on the list, seeking help in a medical emergency will prove more convenient.
- Check How to File a Claim and Renew the Policy: Understand the steps involved in filing a claim, whether it’s cashless at network hospitals or through reimbursement. Make sure you know what documents are needed, the timelines for submission and how quickly claims are processed. Also, check the policy renewal process to confirm that it is simple, transparent and allows you to maintain continuous coverage without a gap.
- Pick the Best-Fit One: Once you are done exploring all the plans, compare the individual health insurance quotes and pick the one that best suits your needs.
How to Buy Individual Health Insurance?
Comparing health insurance plans is important to make sure you get the right coverage for your needs and budget. On Policybazaar.ae, you can easily check and compare plans from multiple insurers in one place. This helps you see the benefits, costs and features side by side before making a decision.
Steps to Compare Plans on Policybazaar.ae:
- Visit Policybazaar.ae and click on any banner for health insurance.
- Fill out the lead form with your basic details, such as your name, contact information and a few questions.
- Once you submit the form, you will instantly see a list of individual health insurance quotes from various insurers in the UAE.
- Compare the plans by looking at the medical cover amount, hospital network, inclusions, exclusions and premium.
- Check important features like maternity cover, pharmacy limits and waiting periods to see which plan meets your needs best.
- Review the claim process, renewal terms and no-claim benefits before making your choice.
By comparing plans in this way, you can make a well-informed decision and find a policy that offers the right balance between cost and coverage.
Documents Required for Individual Medical Insurance in Dubai
The following documents must be carried when you apply for an individual health insurance plan:
- Valid Passport Copy – For proof of identity and nationality.
- Valid UAE Residence Visa – Required for non-UAE nationals to confirm legal residency.
- Emirates ID Copy – For identification and linking your insurance to government health records.
- Passport-Sized Photograph – Some insurers require a recent photo for their records.
- Medical History or Health Declaration Form – To disclose pre-existing conditions, past treatments and current medications.
Tip: If you are buying a plan for a newborn, you may also need the baby’s birth certificate and passport copy, along with the mother’s insurance details.
Claim Process of Individual Health Insurance in the UAE
- Emergency Treatment
In an emergency, seek treatment immediately at the nearest hospital, whether it is part of your insurer’s network or not. If possible, present your insurance card or policy details at the time of admission. Inform your insurer or their claims assistance number as soon as possible—most insurers require notification within 24 hours of the emergency. Keep all medical reports, bills and discharge summaries in case your claim needs supporting documents later.
- Cashless Claims
If you are getting treatment at a network hospital or clinic, you can use the cashless facility. Present your insurance card or Emirates ID at the reception and the hospital will send a pre-approval request to your insurer. Once approved, the insurer will directly settle the bills with the hospital and you only need to pay for any expenses not covered by the policy (such as co-pays or non-medical charges). Always confirm with the hospital that your treatment is covered under your plan before starting.
- Reimbursement Claims
If you visit a non-network hospital or pay for your treatment yourself, you can later claim reimbursement from your insurer. Submit the completed claim form along with original bills, payment receipts, medical reports, prescriptions and any other required documents. Most insurers have a submission deadline (often within 30 days of treatment), so make sure to file your claim on time. The insurer will review and, if approved, transfer the eligible amount directly to your bank account.
How to Renew Your Individual Health Insurance Plan?
Renewing your individual health insurance on time is important to avoid a gap in coverage. In the UAE, most policies need to be renewed every year before the expiry date. The renewal process is simple and can be done online through Policybazaar.ae.
- If you are a first-time user: Visit Policybazaar.ae and click on any health insurance banner. Fill out the lead form with your details and you will see available individual health insurance quotes. Choose the plan you want to renew (or a new one if you wish to switch) and proceed with the payment.
- If you have already purchased your plan through Policybazaar.ae: Simply log in to your dashboard on the website. You can view your current policy, check the renewal date and make the payment online in just a few clicks.
Tip: Always review your plan’s benefits and compare other available options before renewal—you may find better coverage or a more competitive premium.
Individual Self Health Insurance FAQs