Understanding the UAE’s low-cost health insurance scheme
The UAE has taken a significant step forward in making healthcare more accessible with the launch of its low-cost health insurance scheme, effective 1 January 2025. Designed to ensure every resident has access to essential medical services, the initiative for low-cost health insurance in the UAE aligns with the government’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare to everyone. Here’s everything you need to know about this scheme.
The UAE’s Low-Cost Health Insurance Explained
Starting next year, residents across all seven Emirates can enrol in basic low-cost health insurance in the UAE, priced at AED 320 annually. This package aims to make healthcare affordable for everyone, especially for workers in lower-income brackets, those on freelancer visa and dependents not covered by employer-provided plans.
Key Features of the Scheme
- Affordable Premiums: At just AED 320 annually, this plan is one of the most cost-effective in the region.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Includes in-patient and out-patient consultations, medications, emergency care and specialist visits.
- Co-Payment System: Beneficiaries are required to pay 20% of consultation and treatment costs.
- High Coverage Limits: Benefits are capped at AED 150k annually, providing sufficient financial protection for essential treatments.
- Emergency Coverage Across the UAE: The plan includes emergency treatments in any hospital across the UAE, ensuring immediate care when needed.
This low-cost medical and health insurance plan is not only beneficial for individuals but also for families seeking affordable healthcare. Those looking for low-cost family health insurance in the UAE can also access tailored options to cover their dependents.
Who Benefits from the New Scheme?
The scheme caters to various resident categories:
- Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals: Often without employer-provided insurance, they can find low-cost individual health insurance options through this plan.
- Lower-Income Workers: Workers earning AED 4,000 or less per month can now access affordable healthcare solutions.
- Families and Dependents: Residents can explore low-cost family health insurance plans in the UAE to ensure coverage for their loved ones.
- Domestic Helpers: Employers can enrol domestic workers under this scheme, fulfilling legal requirements while ensuring their wellbeing.
This initiative ensures every resident can find low-cost health insurance options in the UAE without compromising essential care.
How to Enrol in the Scheme
Enrolling in this low-cost health insurance scheme is straightforward:
- Online Registration: Residents can sign up through their emirate’s health insurance portal or authorised service providers. The low-cost health insurance in Dubai will be available via the DubaiCare Network, and the Insurance Pool app and website.
- Required Documents: Emirates ID, passport copies and visa details are essential for enrolment.
- Payment Options: Payments can be made online or through approved centres.
With an easy registration process, finding low-cost medical and health insurance plans has never been simpler.
FAQs on Health Insurance in the UAE
IS HEALTH INSURANCE MANDATORY IN THE UAE?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all UAE residents. Employers must provide coverage for employees, but dependents require separate policies.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER MANDATORY INSURANCES IN THE UAE?
Yes, other mandatory insurances for residents the UAE include:
- Car insurance
- Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) Insurance
In some cases, you may also be required to consider getting home insurance in the UAE.
WHAT DOES THE BASIC HEALTH INSURANCE PACKAGE COST?
The low-cost health insurance in the UAE under the new scheme costs AED 320 per year, making it highly affordable for individuals and families.
ARE FAMILIES INCLUDED IN THE EMPLOYER’S HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN?
No, employers usually only cover employees. Residents must arrange low-cost family health insurance UAE for their dependents separately.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR NOT HAVING HEALTH INSURANCE?
Without valid health insurance, residents may face difficulty renewing residency visas and incur high medical costs. Employers who fail to insure employees may also face penalties.
If cost is not a problem, insurance companies across the UAE offer comprehensive health insurance plans for residents. Take a look at the top health insurance providers in your emirate:
- Health insurance companies in Abu Dhabi
- Health insurance companies in Dubai
- Health insurance companies in Sharjah
The UAE’s new low-cost individual health insurance scheme is a game-changer, making healthcare accessible to everyone, from individuals to families. Whether you’re looking to find low-cost health insurance options UAE for yourself or your dependents, this initiative ensures essential medical coverage at an affordable price.
Explore the low-cost medical and health insurance plans today and secure peace of mind for you and your loved ones. With the launch of this comprehensive scheme, affordable healthcare is now within reach for all UAE residents.
