Several Emirates in the UAE have made health insurance mandatory for their expatriate employees, but there are certain rules and regulations regarding the coverage of the employee’s family.
“Should a company provide health insurance for an employee’s spouse and children?”
In certain Emirates of the UAE, it is required for employers to provide health insurance for their expatriate workers. However, there are certain regulations that apply to the coverage for family members. The following is a breakdown of the rules in each Emirate.
Should Companies Provide Health Insurance in Abu Dhabi?
Law No. (23) of 2005 Concerning Health Insurance in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Implementing Regulations govern health insurance in Abu Dhabi.
“Abu Dhabi health insurance law’s scope of applicability includes employers, who can be natural persons or juridical persons [companies] who hire employees or workers, within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. According to the law, an employer is mandated to procure medical insurance for his employees and their families, which is limited to a spouse and three children.”
As per Article 5 of Abu Dhabi’s health insurance law: “The Employer shall undertake to subscribe in the Health Insurance Scheme for all the employees hired thereby and their families, who may only include the wife of the employee or the worker and three of their children who have not reached 18 years of age.”
So, in Abu Dhabi, employers are required to provide health insurance cover to the employee, as well as their family, including their spouse and up to three children. If an employer does not provide health insurance, the employee is entitled to take legal action. Employers who violate health insurance laws will be liable to pay hefty fines and penalties in addition to compensating employees for any costs, loss, damage, or expense they incur as a result.
Should Companies Provide Health Insurance in Dubai?
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) passed a law in 2013 making health insurance mandatory for all residents. In Dubai, employers are legally obligated to provide medical cover for their employees. The Health Insurance Law of Dubai No. 11 of 2013 requires that all residents must have a level of health insurance that meets or exceeds minimum benefits stipulated by the DHA. The responsibility of providing health insurance rests with the employer. However, health insurance for the employee’s family may or may not be covered by the company, depending on their policy. Sponsors are required to provide private health insurance to their dependents in Dubai, so if the family is under a residence visa sponsored by the employee, they are legally required to apply for a health insurance for them.
Should Companies Provide Health Insurance in the Northern Emirates?
There is no legislation regarding medical insurance for employees in emirates such as Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah at present, and it is not compulsory to provide medical insurance. The company’s policy determines whether to provide medical insurance to employees.
