Mandatory Health Insurance in the UAE: A Comprehensive Overview

The UAE has taken a major step toward universal healthcare access. Starting January 1, 2025, all private-sector employers are required to provide health insurance coverage for their employees and domestic workers.

This move builds on long-standing systems in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, extending mandatory health insurance to the remaining emirates — Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.

Who Is Affected?

• Private-sector employees: All expatriate workers across the UAE.
  
  

• Domestic workers: Household staff such as maids, drivers, nannies, and gardeners.
  
  

Employers now shoulder the legal responsibility of arranging insurance as a prerequisite for work permit issuance or renewal, with oversight from MoHRE and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

What the Insurance Package Includes

The mandated health insurance plan is designed to provide essential yet affordable coverage, including:

• Inpatient care: Hospitalization, surgeries, and emergency treatments.
  
  

• Outpatient services: Consultations, diagnostics, and prescribed treatments.
  
  

• Maternity care: From prenatal appointments to newborn care.
  
  

• Chronic and pre-existing conditions: Covered immediately, with no waiting period.
  
  

Plans start at AED 320 per year, making them accessible while still ensuring meaningful coverage.

Timeline for Implementation

• January 1, 2025: Rule applies to all new work and residency permits.
  
  

• June 30, 2025: Deadline for coverage of all existing employees and domestic workers.
  
  

This phased approach gives employers time to transition smoothly while avoiding disruption.

Compliance and Enforcement

Employers must present proof of health insurance when processing residency permits. Non-compliance carries consequences ranging from financial penalties to non-renewal of trade licenses.

By tying coverage directly to residency permits, the UAE has built strong enforcement into the system.

Why This Matters

The new mandate underscores the UAE’s commitment to protecting worker welfare, reducing the burden on public health services, and ensuring all residents have access to essential healthcare.

It also enhances the UAE’s image as a globally competitive market, aligning labor standards with international best practices.

Conclusion

The nationwide health insurance mandate represents a landmark reform. For workers, it means access to healthcare regardless of income or employment sector. For employers, it is both a legal obligation and an opportunity to strengthen workplace well-being.

As the June 2025 deadline approaches, companies should act now to ensure compliance and safeguard the health of their workforce.