Explore the top 10 best health insurance companies in the UAE for 2024. Find comprehensive coverage options and choose the best plan for your health needs.

The Best Medical Insurance Providers in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah

The constantly changing and fast-paced way of modern life has made us more prone to lifestyle related ailments and health conditions. Opting for a health insurance plan at such a time has a wide range of benefits.

Quick Read Section

• A health insurance plan covers essential and necessary health issues important to maintaining and sustaining your health and involves treating illnesses.
• Health insurance policies protect you from inflation in medical expenses.
• Medical insurance offers coverage across multiple healthcare facilities and a world-class network of hospitals and clinics.
• You can access preventive care like vaccines and annual health check-ups for better medical care.
• It also covers benefits like maternity care and cashless hospitalisation costs (both pre & post).
• It is mandatory for resident expats to get Health Insurance for visa issuance purpose in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Northern Emirates. Applicable for self, spouse, kids and aged parents (as per conditions defined by each emirate)

Read the full article to know the types of health insurance plans and the best health insurance companies in UAE.

What is Health Insurance? 

A health insurance policy is an insurance policy that covers hospitalization & medical expenses for you and your family. Numerous health insurance policies offer coverage for different types of illnesses, depending on the type of policy you choose. Some policies may include maternity coverage, critical illness coverage, in-patient treatments, out-patient procedures etc. These health insurance plans may require you to pay yearly premiums to avail of their services.

Why Do You Need Health Insurance In The UAE?

Health insurance is a crucial necessity for residents and expatriates in the UAE due to several compelling reasons. The UAE's healthcare system is renowned for its high quality, but medical expenses can be substantial. Health insurance provides a financial safety net by covering the costs of medical treatments, hospitalizations, and consultations, which can otherwise be overwhelming.

Having health insurance coverage ensures timely access to medical care, allowing individuals to promptly address health concerns without facing delays or financial strain. In addition to this, health insurance is also a mandatory requirement for visa renewal in the UAE.

What are the Types of Medical Insurance Plans in the UAE?

Broadly, there are five types of medical insurance policies available in the UAE. They are:

•  Individual Health Insurance:

True to its name, individual health insurance plans are designed for a single policyholder in the UAE. These types of health plans offer coverage against a number of diseases and offer direct billing treatments, pre and post-hospitalisation coverage. However, as the name suggests, this plan is meant for a sole policyholder and offers coverage for only one individual.

1. Basic Health Insurance plan – Individuals can opt for basic health insurance plan also known as Essential benefits plan (EBP) which covers pre-existing & chronic conditions.

2. Enhanced Health Insurance plan – Individuals can also opt for enhanced health insurance plans to cover additional illnesses and medical conditions.

• Family Health Insurance:

Along with your health, you are also concerned for your family's health. In the UAE, you can find many family health insurance plans that will fit your needs. Family insurance is the best choice for you if you’re looking for extensive coverage at affordable premiums. You can acquire health insurance for your family under one policy rather than choosing separate policies for each member.

However, family health insurance limits the number of policyholders to you, your spouse, and your children (pre-stated). In these types of plans, the sum assured is shared by all the family members, who are named in the policy. 

• Senior Citizen Plans:

These plans are designed for individuals who are aged above 60 years. There are only a limited number insurance companies that offer senior citizen plans. As senior citizens are more prone to pre-existing health conditions, insurance companies generally request a complete health check-up before providing insurance coverage. This is generally done to understand risk profile of the insured person.  

• Employee/Group Insurance Plans:

Typically purchased by employers, group insurance plans cover all employees under one policy. Group insurance policies comparatively have a lower premium due to larger number of applicants.

• Critical Illness Plans:

Critical illness policies are specifically designed to offer coverage against life-threatening and critical diseases which are not covered in a standard healthcare policy. A critical illness plan covers certain medical conditions requiring extended hospital stays and expensive pre and post-hospitalization services. In these plans, insurance providers offer large pay-outs in event of diagnosis of critical medical conditions and for further treatments, saving you all the hassle of the financial burdens that come along with medical emergencies.

What Should You Look for in a Medical Insurance Policy?

• Waiting Period: You should look for a minimum waiting period, as you can claim benefits only after the waiting period is over. Usually, the waiting period for pre-existing medical conditions ranges between 2-5 years depending on the insured’s risk profile.
• Claim Process: Before investing in a medical insurance policy, it is important to understand the claims settlement ratio of insurance companies. You can compare policies based on claim settlement time and claim settlement ratio.
• Coverage for Maternity Services: It is critical to check if your policy offers maternity benefits. Usually, there is a waiting period ranging between 2-4 years before you can claim the benefits. Also, ensure the plan covers outpatient treatments and consider the sub-limit for pregnancy-related expenses.
• Direct billing Hospitalisation Benefits: Many insurance providers have associations with hospital networks where you can avail of direct billing facility. This will save you from time-consuming paperwork, as the insurance provider will directly pay the sum assured to the concerned hospital.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Health Insurance

Selecting the right health medical plan in the UAE is a critical decision that requires careful consideration. With a wide range of options available, it's essential to evaluate various factors to ensure that the chosen plan aligns with your healthcare needs and financial circumstances. This article highlights the key factors to consider when selecting a health insurance plan in the UAE.

• Coverage and Benefits:

The first and foremost factor to consider is the coverage offered by the medical insurance plan. Evaluate what medical services, treatments, and procedures are covered under the plan. Look for benefits such as hospitalization, outpatient care, maternity coverage, prescription drugs, dental and optical care, preventive services, and emergency services. A comprehensive plan ensures you're adequately protected against various medical expenses.

• Network of Hospitals and Clinics:

Check the network of hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers that are part of the insurance plan's network. Make sure the plan covers reputable medical facilities and healthcare professionals in your preferred area. Having access to a wide network ensures convenience and cost-effectiveness when seeking medical care.

• Premiums and Costs of healthcare treatments:

Consider the premium costs, deductibles, co-payments, and other out-of-pocket expenses associated with the health insurance plan. While lower premiums might be attractive, they often come with higher deductibles and co-payments. Balance the premium costs with the coverage and benefits offered to find a plan that suits your requirements without compromising on essential coverage.

• Pre-existing Conditions:

If you have pre-existing medical conditions, ensure that the medical insurance plan covers them. Some plans might have waiting periods before covering such conditions, while others might offer immediate coverage. Understanding how pre-existing conditions are handled is crucial to avoid any denial of medical claims in the future.

• Annual and Lifetime Limits:

Review the annual and lifetime limits imposed by the insurance plan. These limits define the maximum amount the insurer will pay for covered services over a specific time frame. Opt for a plan with higher limits to ensure you're adequately protected against significant medical expenses.

• Family Coverage plans:

If you're planning to start a family or already have dependents, consider a medical insurance plan that offers maternity coverage and family-oriented benefits. Maternity coverage should include prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care. Family coverage ensures that your loved ones receive the necessary medical attention when needed.

• Additional Services & Alternative treatments :

Some health insurance plans in the UAE offer additional services such as wellness programs, preventive screenings, telemedicine services, and coverage for alternative treatments. These services can enhance your overall healthcare experience and provide value beyond traditional medical coverage.

• Emergency Coverage:

Medical emergencies can happen unexpectedly. Ensure that the medical insurance plan provides comprehensive emergency coverage, including ambulance services and emergency room treatments. This coverage is especially crucial in situations where immediate medical attention is required.

• Customer Reviews and Reputation:

Research the reputation of the insurance provider by reading customer reviews and testimonials. A reliable and responsive insurance company is essential to ensure smooth claims processing and assistance whenever you need support.

Top 10 Best Health Insurance Companies in UAE 2024

1.     Takaful Emarat Insurance Company:

Takaful Emarat insurance offers premium insurance policies with worldwide coverage of up to AED 1 million. Their health insurance plans have a basic starting rate of AED 919 for individuals with income above AED 4000 and AED 588 for individuals with income below AED 4000. The aggregate annual limit of sum insured coverage is up to AED 1 million.

Their insurance policies also offer dental benefits, optical benefits, and physiotherapy as add-ons. Coinsurance payable by the insured is 20% on dental and optical treatments. The coinsurance payable for maternity and diagnostics is 10% and for medications is 15%.

Takaful Emarat Health Insurance Plan Benefits include:

• Offers global coverage for health insurance.
• Policies include home nursing coverage and dental add-ons.
• Facilitates instant health insurance certificate receipts for residency visa issuance.
• Insurance policies available at AED 5 per day.
• Takaful Emarat Health plans also offer optional optical coverage up to AED 1500

**Note: The above-mentioned rates are applicable for an individual male aged 30 having no pre-existing illnesses.

2.     Gulf Insurance Company (GIG):

GIG insurance is a renowned company in the UAE. With their extensive experience and professionally trained employees, GIG Insurance offers curated and well-designed plans to meet your needs. GIG health products are classified into Smart Health, Health Secure and Group Health Plans. 

Their health insurance plans have a basic starting rate of AED 6000. GIG Health insurance plans offer sum insured ranging from 150,000 AED to 7,500,000 AED. Coinsurance payable by the insured is 20% on inpatient bills and 10% to 20% copay on outpatient bills. For psychiatric, optical, and routine dental treatments, the coinsurance payable by the insured is 20%.

GIG Health Insurance Plan Benefits include:

• Easy treatment access and direct settlement from providers located across the UAE.
• Easy and quick online reimbursement of claims
• Free medical consultation prior to treatment
• Routine dental coverage
• Comprehensive health plans including in and out-patient treatments, pre-existing and critical illness cover
• Offers coverage for cancer and other specialist patient support programmes.
• Access to MYGIG mobile application which fulfils all your health insurance requirements.

**Note: The above-mentioned rates are applicable for an individual male aged 30 having no pre-existing illnesses.

3.     National Life and General Insurance Company (NLGI):

NLGI Insurance was established in 1995 and is one of the major medical insurance providers in the UAE today. Their well-experienced and exceptionally qualified brokers offer customized plans, suitable for your needs.

NLGI basic medical insurance plans start from a rate of AED 1,900 per annum which extends up to an annual rate of AED 4,700 for their Gold plans. Coinsurance payable by the insured is 20% for medications, laboratory, dental, optical, and physiotherapy with conditions applied. And the coinsurance payable by the insured for all maternity treatments is 10%. The maximum limit of medical insurance coverage for an individual per year is AED 150,000.

The medical insurance offered by NLGI complies with the inclusions list in the UAE. The medical insurance plan covers the following:

• Pre-existing illnesses and diseases
• Pre and post-hospitalisation
• Ambulance expenses
• In-patient hospitalisation costs
• Daycare treatments
• Medical check-ups
• Hospital room expenses
• Maternity care

**Note: The above-mentioned rates are applicable for an individual male aged 30 having no pre-existing illnesses.

4.     Ras Al Khaimah National Insurance Company (RAK):

With over 25 years of excellence, RAK Insurance offers quality care and exceptional health insurance policies. They offer individual and family insurance plans with excellent value-added services at your preferred medical centres. Their plans cover in and out-patient procedures, emergency medical evacuations, and repatriation. RAK health insurance plans have a basic starting rate of AED 1966.

• The annual limit of their sum insured coverage is upto AED 1 million.
• Coinsurance payable by the insured ranges from 20% to 50% and 0% copay for OP pharmacy for Dubai and Northern Emirate customers.
• Their Abu dhabi health plans have 0% to 30% copay on OP pharmacy and 0% copay on OP diagnostics.

**Note: The above-mentioned rates are applicable for an individual male aged 30 having no pre-existing illnesses.

5.     Sukoon Insurance Company:

Sukoon Insurance, previously known as Oman Insurance Company (OIC) offers one-of-a-kind healthcare plans that cover even psychiatric and mental health needs. They also offer inpatient/outpatient deaddiction and rehabilitation treatments for the insured. They offer medical coverage up to AED 1 million. Their HealthPlus plans start from a cover limit of AED 150,000 to AED 5,000,000. Sukoon health insurance plans have a basic starting rate of AED 2586.

Sukoon Medical Insurance Plan Benefits include:

• In-patient treatments with world-class and personalised facilities.
• Access to ICUs that manage health emergencies with round-the-clock care.
• Sukoon insurance policies also offer coverage for services and treatments at your residence.
• Sukoon health insurance policies start from AED 560 and cover critical and pre-existing health conditions.
• Maternity and newborn coverage is also available at highly affordable rates.
• Coinsurance payable by the insured is 10% on diagnostic services, outpatient procedures, physiotherapy and medications. And 20% coinsurance is applicable on dental and optical treatments for most of their plans.

**Note: The above-mentioned rates are applicable for an individual male aged 30 having no pre-existing illnesses.

6.     Daman National Health Insurance Company:

Daman Insurance provides 24/7 access to health experts with comprehensive insurance policies with optional worldwide coverage. They offer healthcare plans for individuals, families, businesses, and domestic help.

• Offers coverage for emergency, inpatient, outpatient, and maternity treatments.
• Flexible and customisable medical insurance plans with various benefit modules.
• Family plans start from AED 800 per annum.
• Get access to the largest hospital network with over 3,000 healthcare facilities and pharmacies.
• Daman health insurance policies start at AED 800 and cover pre-existing health conditions as a basic benefit.
• Coinsurance payable by the insured ranges from 0% to 20%.
• The annual sum limit of their medical insurance coverage for an individual ranges from AED 2,294 to AED 22,838.

**Note: The above-mentioned rates are applicable for an individual male aged 30 having no pre-existing illnesses.

7.    Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC):

One of the most renowned insurance providers in the UAE, ADNIC offers numerous medical insurance plans that best fit your requirements. ADNIC offers EBP and SHIFA health insurance plans that are categorized into Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze plans.

Here are some features of ADNIC policies:

• They offer a sum assured ranging up to AED 5 million.
• Platinum SHIFA plans cover extensive treatments like organ transplants and surgeries.
• They also offer maternity coverage and preventive service covers.
• They provide direct billing claim services in 197 countries.
• Coinsurance payable by the insured ranges from 10% to 30% for medications and from 20% to 50% for dental care which is available exclusively only to Gold and Platinum plan members.

The maximum sum limit of their medical insurance coverage for an individual per year ranges from AED 250,000 to AED 5,000,000.

**Note: The above-mentioned rates are applicable for an individual male aged 30 having no pre-existing illnesses.

8.  Dubai National Insurance and Reinsurance Company (DNI):

Dubai National Insurance is one of the first companies in the Dubai Financial industry. It was established in 1991 and is a public shareholding firm currently operating in the UAE. They offer comprehensive medical insurance plans for personal and commercial use and access to an extensive medical network of hospitals across the UAE. They offer customised health insurance plans and hassle-free claim procedures accessible from inside and outside the UAE. They offer numerous plans with different ranges of medical covers and pharmacy limits.

Individual and family under various ranges are available- Essential, Gold, Diamond, and Platinum offer coverage based on the medical network, elective treatments, and emergency coverage. Their Regional Plans include Gold, Silver, and Diamond plans. They offer in and outpatient benefits like consultation, nursing, hospital expenses, therapy, and alternative medicine. Coinsurance payable by the insured ranges from 0% to 20% on doctor visits and outpatient procedures. Coinsurance of 20% and 10% is applicable on dental and maternity treatments respectively.

DNI also offers Worldwide coverage with their Platinum, Family Care Plus, and Platinum Plus plans. The Worldwide program includes in and outpatient benefits like consultation, nursing, hospital expenses, therapy and alternative medicine, and coverage for private hospitalisation.

**Note: The above-mentioned rates are applicable for an individual male aged 30 having no pre-existing illnesses.

9.  Oriental Insurance Company:

Oriental Insurance is one of the oldest health insurance providers. They offer medical insurance plans for specific illnesses like dengue, COVID-19, cancer, and other critical conditions. Oriental Insurance offers individual, family and employee benefit plans.

• Oriental EBP: This plan covers small employee groups with a minimum of 5 employees, offering in and outpatient and maternity benefits in the UAE, Indian sub-continent, and South East Asia.
• Oriental EBP Plus: This plan covers at least five employees’ in and outpatient, dental, and maternity reimbursements. They offer in-patient treatment benefits in India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka on elective direct, subject to prior approval.
• Oriental Wellness Economy: This plan is suitable for a minimum of 3-5 employees and covers in and out-patient benefits. It also offers maternity, dental and optical coverage in the Indian subcontinent, UAE, and Southeast Asia.

How much does medical insurance cost in Dubai?

The cost of health insurance in Dubai varies based on several factors, including the level of coverage, the age of the insured individual, the type of plan, and any additional services included.

On average, basic medical insurance plans can start from around AED 600 to AED 1,500 per year for individuals. (These rates are subject to change as per insurance laws in UAE) However, more comprehensive plans with extended coverage and additional benefits can cost significantly more, ranging from AED 1,500 to even AED 10,000 or more per year. Family plans also vary widely in price depending on the number of family members and the extent of coverage desired.

It's important to note that these figures are approximate and can change over time due to insurance regulations, market dynamics and inflation. Additionally, factors such as pre-existing conditions, network of healthcare providers, and the insurer's reputation can also influence the cost of health insurance in UAE.

Can I get medical insurance without Emirates ID?

No, you cannot obtain medical insurance in the UAE without an Emirates ID. The Emirates ID functions as an identification method when purchasing an insurance policy. It's a standard requirement for individuals to have a valid Emirates ID when applying for medical coverage. The Emirates ID ensures accurate identification and verification of individuals, facilitating a streamlined and reliable insurance application process.

You can access health insurance services through your Emirates ID while visiting any hospital in the UAE. Therefore, if you're planning to acquire medical insurance, it's important to have a valid Emirates ID to meet the essential eligibility criteria.

How to Choose the Right Medical Insurance Plan?

Due to lifestyle changes, we should be more aware of our health. However, medical emergencies arrive at unprecedented times, and health insurance is a wise choice to protect yourself and your family. Buying health insurance through a broker will not only save you time but also get you affordable premiums.

Health insurance brokers are agents who get good deals for you from insurance providers. Insurance brokers will assist in purchasing the best health insurance plans for you and your family through extensive research. They will provide you with numerous options that best fit your budget and requirements.

Conclusion

Selecting the right medical insurance plan in the UAE involves careful consideration of coverage, costs, benefits, and other crucial factors. By evaluating these aspects, you can make an informed decision that suits your healthcare needs and financial situation, providing you and your family with the necessary medical protection and peace of mind.

Contact us today for all your health insurance needs.