UAE Health Insurance Regulatory Updates

The UAE Cabinet announced the expansion of mandatory health insurance coverage across all emirates, closing regional coverage gaps outside of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Under this federal framework, all private-sector employers and domestic worker sponsors operating across Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah are legally obliged to provide baseline health insurance policies for their workforce upon visa issuance and renewal.

Proof of valid health insurance is now integrated directly into Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and immigration renewal channels across the federation.

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has confirmed that workers earning a gross monthly basic salary of AED 4,000 or below remain eligible for the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP).

Employers are legally prohibited from passing on insurance premium fees, administration charges, or policy issuance fees to employees via salary deductions.

The unified minimum annual aggregate coverage remains set at AED 150,000 per policy year, providing emergency stabilization, essential outpatient GP consultations, and vital inpatient care.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) has reminded international tourists and incoming residents to verify whether their prescribed medications fall under Annexes of Controlled or Semi-Controlled drugs.

Personal import permits must be requested online prior to travel, submitting the valid prescription, attested doctor statement, and proof of traveler identity.

Standard uncontrolled prescription medicines (such as common antibiotics or antihypertensives) do not require advance permits, but travelers must retain the doctor's prescription in original packaging for up to a three-month supply.