UAE Health Insurance for Workers 2026: What Your Employer Must Provide

If you are a migrant worker in UAE, you have a legal right to health insurance — and your employer is required to provide it. UAE health insurance for workers is not optional. This guide explains what your employer must give you, what the plan covers, how to check if you are insured, and exactly what to do if your employer has not enrolled you.

Is Health Insurance Mandatory for UAE Workers?

Yes. UAE health insurance for workers is mandatory under Federal Health Insurance Law No. 7 of 2022, which extends the compulsory health insurance requirement to all seven emirates. Employers who fail to provide coverage face fines and penalties from the relevant health authority.

The requirement was first introduced in Dubai and Abu Dhabi years earlier, and the 2022 federal law brought all other emirates in line. As of 2026, every employee working in UAE — regardless of salary, nationality, or visa status — must be enrolled in a health insurance plan by their employer.

Essential Benefits Plan: Coverage for Low-Income Workers

For workers earning AED 4,000 per month or less, employers in Dubai must enroll them in the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) — a minimum standard health plan approved by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Abu Dhabi has equivalent plans through the Department of Health (DOH) and its insurance partner Daman.

What the Essential Benefits Plan Covers

Important: The EBP has a co-payment (the amount you pay at each visit). Co-payments are typically AED 20–50 per outpatient visit and a percentage for medications. Your employer pays the insurance premium — you only pay the co-payment at the time of treatment.

Workers Earning Above AED 4,000

If you earn above AED 4,000 per month, your employer must provide an Enhanced Benefits Plan with broader coverage. The DHA and health authorities set minimum standards for these plans as well. Check your employment contract and insurance card to confirm what your plan includes.

How to Check if You Have Health Insurance in UAE

You should receive an insurance card from your employer when you start your job. If you are not sure whether you are covered, use one of these methods to check:

Dubai

• Download the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) app — log in with your Emirates ID to see your insurance status.
• Visit dha.gov.ae and use the insurance verification tool.
• Call the DHA call centre at 800-342.

Abu Dhabi

• Check through the Daman portal at damanhealth.ae using your policy number or Emirates ID.
• Call the Department of Health (DOH) at 800-555.

Other Emirates

• Contact the health authority in your emirate, or call MOHRE at 800-60 to ask which health authority to contact for your area.

What to Do if Your Employer Has Not Given You Health Insurance

If your employer has not enrolled you in UAE health insurance for workers as required by law, you have the right to file a complaint. Follow these steps:

1. Ask your employer or HR first: It may be an administrative delay. Ask your HR or employer directly for your insurance card and policy number. Request a written response.
2. File a complaint with the health authority:
   • In Dubai: Report to the DHA via dha.gov.ae or call 800-342.
   • In Abu Dhabi: Report to the DOH at doh.gov.ae or call 800-555.
3. File a complaint with MOHRE: Call 800-60 or visit mohre.gov.ae and file a labour complaint. Failing to provide health insurance is a violation of UAE Labour Law and MOHRE can act against your employer.
4. Document everything: Keep records of your request to your employer, any response you receive, and the dates. This will support your complaint.

Employers who fail to provide UAE health insurance for workers face fines from the DHA or relevant health authority, starting at AED 500 per uninsured employee per month. MOHRE can also impose penalties separately.

How to Use Your UAE Health Insurance

• Always carry your insurance card: Present it at the clinic or hospital reception before treatment begins.
• Use network providers: Your plan only covers you at approved hospitals and clinics (the network). Visiting a non-network facility may mean you pay the full cost yourself.
• Understand your co-payment: Most plans require you to pay a small share of the cost at each visit (AED 20–100 typically). This is normal — your employer pays the premium, you pay the co-payment.
• Emergency treatment: For genuine emergencies, go to the nearest hospital. Emergency treatment is covered at any facility — do not delay due to network concerns in an emergency.
• Pre-approval for planned treatment: Some treatments — surgeries, specialist referrals, certain medications — require pre-approval from your insurer. Ask at the hospital reception.

If your employer is not paying your salary either, see our UAE unpaid salary guide for your rights and how to file a complaint with MOHRE.

For workers whose employers face financial difficulties affecting salary and insurance payments, see our guide on the UAE Workers Protection Programme, which covers your rights when your employer cannot meet their obligations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I need medical treatment before my insurance card arrives?

Ask your employer for a confirmation letter on company letterhead stating your insurance details and policy number. Most DHA-network hospitals will accept this as proof of coverage while the card is being processed. For emergencies, go directly to any hospital — UAE health insurance for workers covers genuine emergencies at all facilities.

Can my employer deduct the health insurance premium from my salary?

No. The employer is legally required to pay the health insurance premium for employees. Your employer cannot deduct the premium from your wages. If your employer is deducting insurance costs from your salary, file a complaint with MOHRE at 800-60.

Does UAE health insurance cover my family members?

The mandatory employer insurance covers the employee only. Family members (spouse and children) require separate health insurance, which is the employee’s responsibility to arrange unless the employer provides family coverage as an extra benefit. Check your contract to see what your employer offers for family members.

What happens to my health insurance when my employment ends?

Your employer-provided health insurance ends when your employment is terminated or your work visa is cancelled. You have a grace period (usually 30 days after visa cancellation) to arrange alternative coverage or leave the country. Do not remain in UAE without valid insurance — treatment costs without insurance can be very high.

I am on a probation period. Does my employer still have to give me health insurance?

Yes. UAE health insurance for workers is mandatory from your first day of employment, including during the probation period. The law does not allow an exemption during probation. If your employer tells you that insurance starts after probation, this is incorrect — file a complaint with MOHRE or the DHA if necessary.

Can I choose my own health insurance provider instead of using my employer’s plan?

No. Under UAE law, the employer is responsible for providing insurance. Workers cannot opt out of the employer plan or substitute their own private plan. If your employer’s plan meets the minimum standard, you are covered. You may purchase additional top-up coverage privately if you want broader coverage.

My employer has insurance for me but the coverage is very basic. Is this legal?

If you earn AED 4,000 or less, the Essential Benefits Plan is the legal minimum and is considered adequate coverage. If you earn above AED 4,000, your employer must provide a higher Enhanced Benefits Plan. If you believe your employer’s plan does not meet the minimum standard for your salary level, contact the DHA (Dubai) or DOH (Abu Dhabi) to verify and file a complaint if needed.

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Rules can change. Always confirm with MOHRE or a qualified legal professional.