Is health insurance compulsory in Dubai?

Yes, health insurance is a legal requirement for all residents in Dubai. Both expats and UAE nationals are required to have health insurance that provides at least basic medical cover. Employers and sponsors are responsible for ensuring that their employees, sponsored persons and their family members have appropriate health insurance. This insurance obligation is intended to ensure that all residents have access to basic healthcare and are financially protected in the event of illness.

The most important facts in brief:

• Compulsory health insurance: All residents of Dubai, both nationals and expats with residence visas, are required to have statutory health insurance.
• Responsibility of employers and sponsors: Employers and sponsors are responsible for providing health insurance for their employees and sponsored persons and their family members.
• Insurance options for expats: Expats can choose between national and international health insurance, with international insurance often offering more comprehensive worldwide cover.
• Minimum requirements: Health insurance must cover benefits such as outpatient and inpatient treatment, medication and maternity benefits in order to be recognized for a residence visa.
• Costs of international health insurance: These vary depending on the provider and scope of services and average between 100 and 500 euros per month.
• Consequences of not having insurance: Failure to comply with the health insurance obligation can lead to legal consequences and fines.

How do you get health insurance in Dubai?

There are two main types of health insurance in Dubai: public and private.

• State health insurance ("Thiqa"): This is mandatory for all local citizens and is offered by the state health authority.
• Private health insurance: This is offered by various providers and is available to all Dubai residents, including expats.

Health insurance for employees in Dubai

Since 2014, health insurance has been mandatory in Dubai to ensure that all residents have access to medical services. Employers and sponsors are obliged to take out health insurance for their employees and their family members.

Compulsory health insurance for expats in Dubai

Expats emigrating to Dubai, whether to start a business, become self-employed or retire, must take out health insurance. This can be obtained from either national or international insurance providers. Failure to comply with this obligation can lead to legal consequences.

• National health insurance: Only applies to services within the UAE.
• International health insurance: Offers comprehensive protection worldwide.

Minimum requirements for insurance cover

In order for a health insurance policy to be recognized in Dubai and for a residence visa to be issued, it must cover the following minimum benefits:

• Outpatient and inpatient treatments
• Diagnostic tests
• Medication
• Maternity benefits

Important criteria when choosing health insurance

The following points should be considered when choosing the right health insurance:

• Scope of services
• Price-performance ratio
• Service quality
• Processing time for claims
• Flexibility of tariffs
• Foreign validity

National vs. international health insurance

Advantages of international health insurance

Many expats opt for international health insurance because of the following benefits:

• Worldwide coverage
• Comprehensive scope of servicesincluding specialized treatments
• Broader network of providers Worldwide
• Flexible tariffsadapted to individual needs
• Seamless transfer of the insurance cover in the event of a change of residence

International health insurance benefits

International insurance policies generally cover outpatient and inpatient treatment. Additional benefits such as dental treatment, vaccinations, mental health care and physiotherapy may also be included.

Costs of international health insurance

The costs vary depending on the provider, the scope of benefits and the age of the insured person and average between €100 and €500 per month. Factors such as age, state of health and the selected scope of benefits influence the amount of the premiums.

Emergency care in Dubai

Emergency care in Dubai is of the highest standard. Emergency services are on the scene quickly and hospitals offer state-of-the-art treatment. There are also German-speaking doctors and clinics, which makes care easier for international patients.

Health insurance for tourists

Tourists are not required to have health insurance, but travel health insurance is strongly recommended to avoid high treatment costs in an emergency.

Summary

In Dubai, health insurance is mandatory for all residents and employers are required to provide it for their employees. International health insurance offers more comprehensive cover and is particularly attractive for expats who travel frequently or have special medical needs. Choosing the right insurance depends on individual requirements, the desired level of cover and the cost.

Do you need help choosing the right health insurance for your emigration to Dubai? Setupco will be happy to advise you and help you find the right solution to ensure that your health insurance meets the legal requirements and meets your individual needs.