UAE Launches Nationwide Basic Health Insurance for Private Sector Workers

 

UAE Introduces New Basic Health Insurance for Private Sector Employees and Domestic Workers Starting January 1

The UAE has announced a new basic health insurance scheme for private sector employees and domestic workers, ensuring comprehensive health coverage across all emirates. The initiative, effective from January 1, 2025, marks a significant step in extending mandatory insurance beyond Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.

Who is Eligible?

The health insurance is mandatory for all private sector employees and domestic workers, making it a prerequisite for issuing or renewing residency permits. However, the requirement will apply only when existing residency permits, issued before January 1, 2024, are due for renewal.

How to Apply for the Insurance

Employers can purchase the insurance package through the DubaiCare Network or other accredited providers. Applications can be processed via the Insurance Pool website, mobile app, or business service centers across the UAE.

Policy Cost and Coverage

The scheme is competitively priced at Dh320 per year with comprehensive coverage for individuals aged 1 to 64. Workers above 64 must submit medical disclosures and recent reports. Key benefits include:

• Inpatient Care:

  • 20% co-payment, capped at Dh500 per visit.

    • Annual maximum cap: Dh1,000 (including medications).

    • Beyond these limits, the insurer covers 100% of treatment costs.

• Outpatient Care:

  • 25% co-payment, capped at Dh100 per visit.

    • Follow-up visits within seven days for the same condition are exempt from co-payments.

    • Medications: Co-payment capped at 30%, with an annual maximum of Dh1,500.

The coverage network includes 7 hospitals, 46 clinics and medical centers, and 45 pharmacies.

What About Dependents?

Family members (dependents) of workers can also access the same benefits at the same cost as specified in the insurance policy.

Objectives of the New Scheme

Launched in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), the policy aims to:

• Provide high-quality healthcare for workers.

• Support the UAE's vision of social protection and improved worker welfare.

• Reduce financial burdens for both employees and employers, especially costs associated with medical treatments and unpaid sick leave.

Khalil Al Khoori, Undersecretary of Labour Market and Emiratisation Operations at MoHRE, emphasized that the initiative forms part of an integrated system, which also includes the Worker Protection Programme, Unemployment Insurance Scheme, and Savings Scheme for end-of-service benefits.

Mandatory Health Insurance for Residency

Major General Saeed Salem Balhas Al Shamsi, Acting Director-General of ICP, confirmed that health insurance is now essential for residency permits across all emirates. The ICP will collaborate with government entities and private insurers to verify workers' insurance coverage, ensuring compliance with UAE labor laws and protecting workers' right to healthcare.

Impact on the UAE’s Healthcare System

Dr. Mohammed Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary at MOHAP, stated that the initiative will enhance the ‘Riayati’ platform, a digital healthcare system under the National Unified Medical Record (NUMR). The expanded insurance coverage will bolster the UAE’s national health database, improve health research, and enable better resource allocation, strengthening the competitiveness of the healthcare sector.

The new scheme reflects the UAE's commitment to upholding international human rights conventions and ensuring healthcare access for all workers, solidifying its role as a leader in workforce welfare and health security.

 

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