Dubai
Employers must provide coverage for employees; sponsors are responsible for dependents and domestic staff
Minimum requirement is the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP), capped at AED 550 in annual premium.
Oversight: Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
Abu Dhabi
Employers cover employees and one spouse plus three children under 18. Extra dependents need separate policies.
Minimum plan: Thiqa (for Emiratis) or Basic Plan for expats.
Oversight: Department of Health—Abu Dhabi (DoH).
Other Emirates
No federal mandate yet, but most free-zones now require proof of insurance for residence visa processing.
For a deeper dive into bare-minimum options, see our guide to
basic health insurance in the UAE.
Benefits of Having a Cheapest Health Insurance UAE
Now, the benefits of every health insurance plan depend on various insurance providers, but generally, the following are the key advantages of having health insurance:
1. Cashless Treatment
Cheapest Health Insurance Abu Dhabi assures the policyholder of cashless treatment in case of any unexpected medical issues.
In such cases, the policyholder only needs to provide the policy details, like the policy number, to the hospital. The rest is taken care of by the hospital and the insurance company, ensuring uninterrupted treatment.
2. Room Rent ExpenseCheapest Health Insurance Abu Dhabi covers all room rent expenses billed during the treatment process.
Note: The terms and conditions regarding the type of room and the cost covered vary across different
health insurance policies.
3. Pre-Medical and Post-Medical Expenses
Some Cheapest Health Insurance UAE policies cover the expenses incurred by the policyholder during the pre- and post-hospitalization periods for a certain number of days.
4. FREE Health Checkups
Health insurance also allows policyholders to avail of cashless treatment in case of unexpected health issues.
Additionally, some policies provide free health checkups, allowing policyholders to undergo periodic checkups for free (as mentioned in the respective policy terms)
5. Transportation Expenses
Traveling during emergencies can be costly
Some Cheapest Health Insurance UAE policies cover transportation expenses incurred by the policyholder at the time of hospitalization
Types of Health Insurance Policies Available
| Type
| Details
|
|---|
| Individual Plans |
Ideal for freelancers, remote workers, and those without employer coverage. Includes optional add-ons like optical, dental, and worldwide emergency cover.
Explore the best individual health insurance in the UAE for 2025’s top picks. |
| Family Plans |
Covers you, your spouse, and children under one aggregated annual limit.
- Single renewal date for easy budgeting
- Perks like newborn cover from day one and paediatric teleconsultations
See specialised products like health insurance for kids and health insurance for parents |
| Employer-Sponsored Group Plans |
Offer richer benefits at lower premiums due to economies of scale.
- Often include wellness programs and COVID-19 telehealth
HR looking to upgrade? Visit our Employer Health Insurance page. |
| Senior / Parent Plans |
Designed for chronic conditions and higher inpatient needs.
- Top-tier plans may waive pre-existing condition waiting periods
|
How to Choose the Right Insurance Provider
Check the network:
Does the plan cover your preferred hospital—Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi or Mediclinic Parkview?
Compare co-pays & sub-limits:
A cheaper premium isn’t useful if every specialist visit costs 30 %
Review claim ratios:
Insurers with a high medical loss ratio (MLR) generally approve claims faster.
Assess digital services:
Telemedicine, e-pharmacy delivery, and app-based approvals save time.
Look for portability:
Planning to shift jobs or emirates? Choose policies with minimal exit charges.
Pro tip: Use InsuranceHub’s quote engine to compare plans side by side, including hidden fees and maternity waiting periods.
What Does a Good UAE Policy Cover?
| Benefit
| Essential Plan
| Mid-Range
| Premium
|
|---|
| Inpatient treatment
| Up to AED 150,000
| AED 250,000+
| Unlimited
|
| Outpatient GP/Specialist
| Co-pay 20%
| Co-pay 10%
| Mostly direct billing
|
| Maternity
| AED 7,000–10,000 normal / AED 10,000–12,000 C-section
| AED 15,000+
| AED 25,000–40,000
|
| Emergency worldwide
| UAE only
| GCC & South Asia
| Global
|
| Dental & optical
| Not included
| Optional add-on
| Usually included
|
How InsuranceHub Makes It Simple
Instant Quotes:
Enter your Emirates ID & basic details—get live prices from 20+ DHA-approved insurers
Advisor Recommendations:
Our licensed consultants match you to a plan that fits both budget and health profile.
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Save Up to 40 %:
Exclusive promos negotiated with leading insurers.
After-Sales Support:
Claim denied? Our team escalates it for you at no extra cost.
Ready to Protect Your Health—and Wallet?
A five-minute application today can spare you five-figure bills tomorrow. Click below to compare plans or request a free consultation
FAQs About Health Insurance UAE
What is the minimum age for purchasing health insurance?
The minimum age for purchasing health insurance varies depending on the state you reside in. Some states have a minimum purchase age of 18, while others may require individuals to be at least 21. It’s best to check with your state's Department of Insurance for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
What documents are required to acquire health insurance?
To apply for health insurance, you will need several documents
- Proof of identification (e.g., driver’s license or passport)
- Proof of residency (e.g., utility bill or lease agreement)
- Employment and health history information
These documents help insurance providers assess your eligibility and determine suitable coverage options.
How to apply for the cheapest health insurance online?
Applying online for affordable health insurance is quick and straightforward. Visit your preferred health insurance provider’s website and complete a short application form. Once submitted, you can sign up for coverage and begin using your new policy immediately. If you're unsure about which provider to choose, you can compare plans and pricing on websites like eHealthInsurance.com or HealthCare.gov. After selecting a plan, click “Apply Now” and follow the on-screen instructions.
What happens if I don’t have health insurance?
Without health insurance, you will be responsible for covering all medical expenses out of pocket. This can lead to significant financial strain, especially in the case of serious illnesses, accidents, or even routine medical care.
What influences health insurance premiums in the United Arab Emirates?
Several key factors impact health insurance premiums in the UAE:
Age:
Premiums increase as you get older
Health status:
Healthier individuals generally pay lower premiums
Region:
Medical costs and premiums can vary across different Emirates.
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