Health insurance is now mandatory across UAE, even in the northern emirates. Read to know the average premium rates for health insurance plans available in the northern emirates.

Health Insurance Premium Rates for Northern Emirates

Health insurance was mandatory in only certain emirates of the UAE till last year. As per new government regulations, health insurance is now mandatory for all of UAE, including the northern emirates of Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Ajman.

Quick Read Section

• New government rules have made health insurance a requirement for all of UAE, including the northern emirates- Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and Fujairah
• Depending on the premium range selected and the benefits covered, health insurance coverage in the northern emirates can be bought for a premium price varying between AED 400 and AED 3000.
• The new regulations guarantee that everyone in the UAE has access to fundamental medical care.

Until 2023, it was compulsory for all citizens living in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to be covered under any health insurance policy. Starting this year, government rules stipulate health insurance is a mandatory requirement for individuals residing even in the northern emirates of UAE.

The UAE government's decision to make health insurance mandatory for all residents will ensure that everyone has access to basic medical care. It is also a progressive step in the right direction toward preventive care and well-being. Access to universal healthcare and comprehensive health coverage will ensure that quality healthcare is received by every citizen living and residing in UAE.

Health insurance in Abu Dhabi

Health insurance is mandatory by law in Abu Dhabi. Sponsors and employers are legally required to provide health insurance coverage for their dependents and employees respectively.

The Department of Health- Abu Dhabi (DOH) regulates healthcare in Abu Dhabi and requires employers to provide expatriates health insurance. The law also requires employers to offer benefits to an employee's dependents. The Abu Dhabi Basic Plan, provided by The National Health Insurance Company (Daman), specifies the minimal criteria for health insurance for expatriates.

Health insurance in Dubai

Health insurance is mandatory by law in Dubai. Sponsors are legally required to provide health insurance coverage for their dependents. Similarly, employers are legally required to provide health insurance coverage for their employees.

UAE law stipulates that all residents of Dubai must have a valid health insurance plan that satisfies or exceeds the minimum standards established by the Dubai Health Authority. (DHA)

The law also states that health insurance premiums cannot be deducted from an employee’s pay; rather, must be covered out of the employer’s pocket. Sponsors can also provide the employee's partner, children, and domestic workers with minimum essential health insurance coverage. However, employers are not required by law to offer it.

Health insurance in Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman & Umm Al Quwain

Northern emirates of UAE include Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, & Fujairah. Residents and expats living in these emirates need to get health insurance coverage as a mandatory requirement by law. Health insurance coverage can be purchased at premium prices ranging between AED 400 and AED 3000. (Values are subject to policy terms and may vary depending on the insurance company and government regulations)

The health coverage offered under the insurance policies for Northern Emirates depends on the premium range chosen and the benefits covered.

The regulations to make health insurance a mandatory requirement across all emirates of the UAE will ensure that all residents are covered by a health insurance policy without exceptions. Health insurance policies for the northern emirates are available at much lower premiums than the plans for Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The premium rates of health insurance policies for the Northern Emirates have a basic starting rate of AED 479, including VAT. This is comparatively cheaper than the rates for basic health coverage in Dubai and Abu Dhabi which begin at AED 525. The premium cost can further decrease in the case of coverage for a large group of individuals, like health insurance plans for families or group health insurance plans for employees.

On average, healthcare costs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are higher which explains why premiums are higher than in the northern emirates. The health insurance plans for Northern Emirates do not have a basic coverage limit unlike policies available to Dubai and Abu Dhabi residents. Health insurance with basic coverage can be purchased at AED 479 per annum in the Northern Emirates.

However, the premiums for medical insurance plans may vary from emirate to emirate. The benefits included under basic health insurance coverage will also depend on each emirate.

The premium rates across Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain are not standardized as the regulations and minimum coverage for each of the emirates are different.

The premiums for basic health insurance plans in the Northern Emirates are available at price ranges below AED 1,000.

Health insurance costs in UAE

*Rates not inclusive of VAT & Basmah Charges. Subject to terms and conditions of the opted policy

*Rates not inclusive of VAT & Basmah Charges. Subject to terms and conditions of the opted policy

*Rates not inclusive of VAT & Basmah Charges. Subject to terms and conditions of the opted policy

Mandatory health insurance for all UAE emirates is an active step towards ensuring that all citizens and residents have access to medical care. With medical insurance becoming a mandatory requirement in northern emirates, residents in UAE have more medical insurance plans and benefits to choose from. They also have more options when it comes to selecting a plan with lower premiums.

To use the country's top-notch medical services, you must have health insurance in the UAE. In order to select the best health insurance plan for your requirements at affordable premiums, it is advisable to get in touch with an insurance broker. Through research and comparison, insurance brokers will help you find the best health insurance plans for you and your family. They will offer you a variety of choices that best suit your needs and price range, no matter which emirate you reside in.

Contact us today for all your health insurance needs!