UAE Basic Health Insurance Scheme: Coverage from Dh320 for Northern Emirates residents

Dubai: If you are based in the Northern Emirates, and are looking for an affordable health insurance policy, consider the UAE’s federal Basic Health Insurance Scheme, also known as Workers Health Insurance (WHI). Here’s everything you need to know about this unique initiative, which brings affordable healthcare to employees in the UAE. How does health insurance work in the UAE? In Dubai, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) mandates the health insurance sector through Law No. (11) of 2013 and Administrative Resolution No. (78) of 2022, whereby it oversees licensing of insurance companies, third-party administrators, brokers, and healthcare providers within the emirate. All residents in the city are expected to hold health insurance that meets or exceeds the DHA’s minimum benefit standards. Similarly, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi regulates mandatory health insurance in the capital, under framework established in Law No. (23) of 2005. It enforces policy standards and penalties for non-compliance, and has introduced flexible insurance plans with tiered systems that allow companies to tailor packages based on geographical coverage or benefit levels. In the remaining five emirates, however, residents had no legal requirement to hold health insurance, and most people paid their medical bills out of pocket. This changed when the UAE introduced a federal scheme that ensured workers are able to access basic health insurance coverage for themselves and their families in all emirates. What is the Basic Health Insurance Scheme? On January 1, 2025, a UAE Cabinet Resolution extending mandatory health insurance coverage to all emirates came into effect. Called the Basic Health Insurance Scheme or Workers Health Insurance, the initiative was launched by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). The Basic Health Insurance Scheme is the UAE government’s minimum coverage standard, and ensures employees in every emirate have access to essential medical care. It’s designed specifically for private sector employees and domestic workers, according to MOHRE. The Scheme extends to residents of Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain, and is regulated by the Emirates Health Services (EHS) in these regions. It provides a standardised minimum-coverage option for two years, for residents of the Northern Emirates, including for lower-income earners. After two years, the insurance can be renewed. According to MOHRE, the Scheme’s objectives are: To support the well-being of workers by providing a comprehensive healthcare system. To enhance the competitiveness of the UAE labour market. To reduce financial burdens associated with medical treatment and unpaid sick leaves for uninsured workers. The package also helps reduce the financial burden on employers, by offering health insurance at a significantly lower cost, compared to covering medical expenses directly. Terms and conditions The Basic Health Insurance Scheme comes with certain conditions, so check the criteria below to ensure you are aware of the fine print, before applying. Here are the terms and conditions, as stated by the official Workers Health Insurance (WHI) website: The policy is available only to UAE citizens who are working in the Northern Emirates, and UAE residents holding a valid work visa status in the Northern Emirates. The maximum age of applicants is up to 64 years old. Members 65 years and older are subject to individual medical evaluations and acceptance is at the discretion of the insurer. The insurer may add a premium, or apply sub limits, or decline the application accordingly. Deductibles and any co-insurance amounts must be paid by the insured person. Premiums are per person for two years, and are payable fully in advance. Treatment within the DubaiCare Network in the Northern Emirates is settled on a direct billing basis. Musa Dayani, a Dubai-based public relations officer, clarified that Dubai and Abu Dhabi residents can also avail of this insurance scheme, subject to the policy and premium amount at the time of signing, and conditional to hospitals and clinics that are not affiliated with the DHA. What does the Basic Health Insurance Scheme cover? The plan covers day-to-day healthcare needs, and is based on a network model. This means policy holders must use approved hospitals and clinics within the specified DubaiCare Network. Treatment outside the network will not be covered by this insurance policy, except in emergencies. In general, the Scheme provides coverage for the following: Outpatient consultations: Specialist and general practitioner (GP) visits at network hospitals and clinics. Inpatient treatment: Hospitalisation, surgeries and emergency procedures. Emergency care: Serious medical emergencies, including ambulance services. Maternity care: Antena