UAE health insurance 2026

Health insurance is now required for workers in all seven emirates, and your residence visa cannot be issued or renewed without it. Here is what that means for you.

Checked October 2026

Mandatory since1 January 2025, all emirates

Who is coveredprivate-sector employees and domestic workers

Who paysthe employer

Basic planAED 320 a year (2-year policy)

Needed forissuing and renewing residence visas

Who must have health insurance?

From 1 January 2025, every private-sector employee and domestic worker in the UAE must have health insurance. Abu Dhabi and Dubai already required it; the rule now also covers Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

Who pays?

The employer buys the policy before the residence visa is issued or renewed. Workers whose visas were issued before 2025 move to the new rule at their next renewal.

The basic plan

AED 320 a year, issued for two years; the second year is refunded if the visa is cancelled.
Inpatient: 20% co-payment, up to AED 500 per visit and AED 1,000 a year.
Outpatient: 25% co-payment, up to AED 100 per visit.
Medicines: 30% co-payment, up to AED 1,500 a year. No waiting period for existing conditions.

Don’t let it lapse

Your visa renewal stops if the insurance has expired. Put the policy end date next to your visa and Emirates ID dates and get a reminder a month before.

Get a reminder before it expires — free.

Add the document once. LifeDesk reminds you on your phone, for you and your whole family.

Set a free reminder

Questions

Is health insurance mandatory in the UAE?

Yes. Since 1 January 2025 it is mandatory for private-sector employees and domestic workers in all emirates.

Who pays for an employee’s health insurance in the UAE?

The employer, before the residence visa is issued or renewed.

How much is the basic health insurance plan?

AED 320 a year, issued as a two-year policy.

Sources

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