ISAHD-Redefining Health Care in Dubai

What Does ISAHD Stand For?

ISAHD stands for Insurance System for Advancing Healthcare in Dubai. 

It is a strategic initiative by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to improve the quality and reach of health care in UAE. The program ensures that every person in Dubai has medical insurance coverage, whether they are citizens, residents, or workers. 

ISAHD is part of Dubai’s vision to build a healthier community and reduce the financial burden of medical expenses. Through this system, UAE health care becomes more accessible, affordable, and efficient for all.

What is the Purpose of ISAHD?

ISAHD was launched to improve the overall structure and fairness of health care in the UAE, especially in Dubai. Its purpose can be understood through the following key goals — 

✅ Ensure universal health coverage for all Dubai residents, including citizens, expatriates, and workers
✅ Protect individuals and families from high medical expenses by making health insurance mandatory
✅ Support the development of a sustainable health care model through partnerships between the public and private sectors
✅ Improve the quality of medical services by setting clear standards for insurance and care delivery
✅ Offer affordable basic health plans (like the Essential Benefits Plan) to low-income workers, so that no one is excluded

What’s the Difference Between ISAHD and DHA?

Dubai Health Authority (DHA)

The DHA is the government body responsible for overseeing health care in Dubai. It regulates hospitals, clinics, medical professionals, and health insurance providers. The DHA also sets health policies, ensures quality standards, and promotes public health and safety.

In short, the DHA is the regulator and policymaker for the entire healthcare system in Dubai.

ISAHD (Insurance System for Advancing Healthcare in Dubai)

ISAHD is an insurance initiative that was launched and is managed by the DHA. It’s one of the programs created to support DHA’s mission of delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare.

ISAHD’s main focus is to make sure that every resident in Dubai has mandatory health coverage. It sets the rules for coverage, insurance plan types, and who must be insured. 

Key Features of ISAHD

ISAHD has several important features that make it a strong and effective system for improving health care in the UAE — 

1. Mandatory Health Insurance: Every resident of Dubai must have medical insurance. 
2. Employer Responsibility: Employers are legally required to provide insurance coverage for their employees. This includes full-time and low-income workers.
3. Essential Benefits Plan (EBP): For workers earning AED 4,000 or less per month, a basic plan called the Essential Benefits Plan offers affordable and adequate coverage.
4. Approved Insurance Providers: Only DHA-approved insurance companies can offer ISAHD-compliant plans. This ensures quality, transparency, and proper regulation.
5. Third Party Administrators (TPAs): These licensed entities help manage claims and administrative tasks between healthcare providers and insurers.
6. Wide Network of Healthcare Providers: Insured individuals get access to a wide range of clinics, hospitals, and specialists across Dubai.
7. Smart Health Card Integration: ISAHD is integrated into Dubai’s e-health system, which makes it easier to track medical history and ensure continuity of care.

Who is Covered Under ISAHD?

The ISAHD system covers every person living in Dubai, no matter their background or job title. Here’s who must be covered —

1. UAE Nationals (Emiratis): Emiratis are automatically covered under government-sponsored health programs regulated by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
2. Expatriates Living in Dubai: All expatriate workers — whether in corporate jobs, service roles, or domestic work — must have valid health insurance. Employers need to provide this coverage.
3. Dependents of Expat Workers: Sponsors (usually the head of the family) are responsible for arranging insurance for their spouses, children, and any other sponsored family members.
4. Domestic Workers: Housemaids, drivers, and other household staff must also be insured. Their sponsor (usually the household employer) is legally required to arrange this.
5. Visitors (optional coverage): While not mandatory, ISAHD allows for visitor health insurance plans. Some DHA-approved insurers offer health coverage to individuals for their short stays.

Roles and Responsibilities of ISAHD

Given below are the main responsibilities of ISAHD as outlined by the Dubai Health Authority — 

Employers

• Must provide medical insurance to all employees, regardless of their salary or job title
• Cannot deduct the insurance cost from employee salaries
• Responsible for renewing the insurance before it expires
• Must use DHA-approved insurance companies only
• Required to maintain records as proof of compliance

Sponsors (for dependents or domestic workers)

• Individuals sponsoring family members or domestic workers must arrange and pay for their insurance
• Cannot shift the cost to the insured person
• Must ensure coverage is in place for visa applications and renewals

Insurance Companies

• Must be licensed by the Dubai Health Authority
• Required to offer ISAHD-compliant plans, including the Essential Benefits Plan for lower-income workers
• Must maintain service quality and fair pricing, and provide a wide healthcare provider network

Healthcare Providers

• Should only accept and treat patients with valid ISAHD-compliant insurance
• Must follow DHA’s pricing structure and service standards
• Required to work with approved insurance networks and third-party administrators (TPAs)

How to Get Insured Under ISAHD?

Getting insured under ISAHD is a simple but important step for anyone living in Dubai — 

Step 1: Choose a DHA-Approved Insurance Provider

Visit the ISAHD website to view the list of Dubai Health Authority (DHA)-licensed insurance companies. Only these providers can issue ISAHD-compliant plans.

You can also compare DHA-approved health insurance options through platforms like Policybazaar.ae, which makes it easier to find plans that suit your needs and budget.

Step 2: Pick the Right Insurance Plan

• For employees, the employer usually selects a suitable plan.
• For domestic workers or family members, the sponsor must choose a plan that meets DHA’s minimum standards.
• Low-income workers earning AED 4,000 or less are eligible for the Essential Benefits Plan. It offers affordable basic coverage.

Step 3: Submit Required Documents

The insurer will generally request a passport copy, a visa, and an Emirates ID. Sometimes, it may also ask for basic medical information. 

Step 4: Activate the Policy

Once approved, the policy is linked to your Emirates ID. Note that active insurance is mandatory for visa applications and renewals in Dubai.

Important: Platforms like Policybazaar.ae can help you make smarter choices while staying fully compliant with ISAHD. It also supports better access to quality UAE health care.

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Common Questions About ISAHD (FAQ)