Health insurance in Dubai 2025 isn’t optional—it’s a legal requirement for all residents, whether you’re an expat professional, freelancer, or sponsoring dependents. This guide helps you understand your options, compare plans, and stay compliant with the latest Dubai Health Authority (DHA) rules.
Let’s explore how to stay compliant and covered while making the most of your health insurance plan.
Mandatory Health Coverage Requirements in 2025
As per Dubai Health Insurance Law No. 11 of 2013, every resident in Dubai must have valid health insurance. This is enforced by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). The law applies to:
- Employers (who must insure all employees)
- Residents sponsoring family members
- Freelancers and investors under personal sponsorship
2025 Highlights:
- No visa will be issued or renewed without valid health insurance.
- Minimum requirement is an Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) for lower-income workers, but expats and dependents often need more comprehensive coverage.
- Insurers must be DHA-approved and upload policy data to the DHA’s eClaimLink system.
Fines: AED 500 per month for non-compliance.
Basic vs Premium Plans: What’s Covered
1. Basic Plan (Essential Benefits Plan – EBP)
Best for: Low-income workers earning under AED 4,000/month
Cost: AED 550–750/year
Coverage:
- General practitioner visits
- Emergency treatments
- Tests, x-rays, and maternity care
- Basic medications
Limitations:
- Only limited network hospitals/clinics
- No international coverage
- Usually excludes dental, optical, and chronic conditions
2. Comprehensive / Premium Plans
Best for: Families, professionals, and business owners
Cost: AED 1,800–6,000+/year depending on age, provider, and add-ons
Coverage:
- Specialist and consultant visits
- Surgeries and hospital stays
- Maternity, pediatric, and chronic illness care
- Mental health and physiotherapy (with some plans)
Optional Add-ons May Include:
- Dental coverage, including one day dental implants, full mouth dental implants, and full arch dental implants
- Optical and hearing aids
- International coverage for travel or global treatment
- Annual health checks, vaccines, or alternative medicine
Understanding Key Terms: Co-pay, Deductible, and More
Co-Pay
The fixed percentage you pay for each visit/service.
Example: If your plan has a 20% co-pay, and your doctor visit costs AED 300, you pay AED 60.
Deductible
The amount you must pay out-of-pocket each year before your insurance starts covering expenses.
Example: If your deductible is AED 1,000, you pay that before the insurer covers claims.
Network Clinics/Hospitals
Every insurer has a list of approved healthcare providers (Tier 1 or Tier 2). Check the provider’s “Direct Billing Network” before choosing.
Top DHA-Approved Providers Compared (Daman, AXA, Takaful)
1. Daman Insurance Dubai
- Government-backed and popular for both individuals and corporate policies
- Offers Thiqa (for Emiratis) and Enhanced Plans for expats
- Strong hospital network across UAE
- Add-ons available: dental, maternity, and chronic care
2. AXA Health UAE (now part of GIG Gulf)
- Wide international coverage, especially for frequent travelers
- Flexible plans for families and SMEs
- Premium plans include dental, mental health, and full outpatient services
- Offers full arch dental implants under select policies
3. Takaful Health Plans
- Shariah-compliant insurance (Islamic insurance)
- Ideal for families and small businesses preferring ethical investment-based models
- Plans through Dar Al Takaful, Salama, and others
- Includes add-ons like optical, maternity, and dental implants
Compare Providers on:
- Policybazaar UAE
- Bayzat (for companies)
- YallaCompare
- DHA-approved provider list
Insurance Tips for Freelancers and Business Owners
If you’re self-employed or have undergone company formation under a free zone (like DMCC, IFZA, or Dubai Media City), you are responsible for securing your own insurance.
Steps:
- Choose a DHA-approved provider
- Provide Emirates ID, residence visa, and passport copy
- Enroll in a personal or corporate plan (if your company has multiple employees)
Tip: Consider Takaful or AXA SME plans for better rates with business protection.
Covering Your Family: Dependents, Children & Elderly
If you’re sponsoring your spouse, children, or parents, you are legally required to provide insurance.
What to Look for:
- Family packages (Daman, AXA, Oman Insurance)
- Pediatric and maternity coverage
- Dental and optical add-ons
- Elderly-specific plans (for parents over 60, costs can range from AED 5,000–15,000/year)
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Dubai (2025)?
| Category | Approx. Annual Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Low-income worker (EBP) | 550–750 |
| Individual (age 25–45) | 1,800–4,500 |
| Family of 4 | 7,000–12,000+ |
| Parent (60+ years) | 5,000–15,000+ |
| Dental Add-ons | +600–2,000 (depending on plan) |
Premium dental coverage may include full mouth dental implants, one day dental implants, and full arch dental implants, especially under AXA and Daman’s upper-tier plans.
FAQs: Health Insurance in Dubai (2025)
1. Is health insurance mandatory in Dubai in 2025?
Yes. According to the Dubai mandatory insurance law 2025, all residents must have valid health insurance. Employers must insure employees, and sponsors must insure dependents.
2. Can I include dental care in my Dubai health insurance plan?
Yes. Many premium plans include optional dental coverage for services like dental implants, cleanings, and even full arch dental implants.
3. What happens if I don’t have insurance in Dubai?
You may be fined AED 500 per month. Visas can also be delayed or denied without valid DHA-compliant coverage.
4. Are freelancers eligible for health insurance in Dubai?
Absolutely. Freelancers must obtain their own plan, either as individuals or through their free zone’s business registration.
5. How do I compare and buy insurance?
Use platforms like Policybazaar UAE, YallaCompare, or check the DHA’s official provider list. Always verify the network hospitals and read the fine print.
Final Word:
In 2025, health insurance isn’t just a legal requirement in Dubai—it’s a smart move for peace of mind. Whether you’re a solo expat, a business owner, or a family, choosing the right health plan can make all the difference in quality of care and financial protection.
Want help comparing plans or understanding dental add-ons? Drop your questions below or consult a licensed insurance advisor in Dubai today.
