If you’re living in the UAE and not covered by employer-provided medical insurance, it’s crucial not to delay securing your own medical cover. This is true whether you’re self-employed, dependent on someone else, or between jobs. With healthcare costs rising rapidly and new regulations mandating medical insurance across all emirates, being uninsured is not only risky, but it can also be illegal. Here’s what you need to know and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Not Covered by an Employer? You’re Still Responsible.
As of January 2025, all employers in the UAE are required to provide basic medical insurance to their employees, including domestic staff. However, this does not guarantee coverage for dependents, freelancers, unemployed residents, or individuals in transition between jobs. If you fall into any of these categories, you are legally and financially responsible for arranging your own medical insurance as well as for your dependents, including spouses and children. This means that if your employer does not cover your spouse or children, it’s essential to arrange a private policy to avoid medical costs and potential fines.
The High Cost of Being Uninsured in the UAE.
Healthcare in the UAE is world-class, but it comes at a price. Without insurance, even basic outpatient treatment or emergency care can result in thousands of dirhams in out-of-pocket costs. With healthcare inflation in the region expected to exceed 12% in 2025, the risks are only increasing. Delaying cover could cost you significantly more in the long run. Common scenarios where people go uncovered include: spouses and children of workers whose employer only covers the employee, freelancers and self-employed individuals, domestic workers whose employer has not arranged cover, and residents in between jobs or on a visit visa.
What the Law Says.
In all emirates, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai, medical insurance is mandatory for all residents. In some emirates, penalties may be applied for non-compliance, including visa processing delays or fines. Dubai’s ISAHD system and Abu Dhabi’s Thiqa programme both enforce minimum cover levels. These include access to outpatient, inpatient, maternity, and emergency care. Even basic plans must meet certain standards so low-cost options still offer reliable protection.
Why Private Medical Insurance Is a Smart Investment.
Medical insurance doesn’t need to be expensive. A range of affordable medical insurance options are available in the UAE, many starting from just a few hundred dirhams per year. These can be tailored for individuals, couples, or families. And there are benefits to taking out your own policy including full control over your coverage and provider, the flexibility to upgrade or extend benefits, access to specialist care, mental health support, and chronic condition management. Having your own policy also provides invaluable peace of mind in the case of emergencies and unexpected illness, while making sure you are compliant with UAE visa and residency regulations.
Choosing the Right Cover for You and Your Family.
At IAE Insure, we help residents without employer-provided insurance find plans that are:
- Cost-effective for individuals and families
- Inclusive of outpatient, inpatient, and maternity cover
- Supportive of mental health and chronic condition management
- Integrated with digital platforms for easy access and claims
- Compliant with UAE legal requirements
Covering Children and Dependents? You Must Act Proactively.
If your children or spouse are not automatically covered by your employer, it’s your legal duty to arrange suitable medical cover for them. In many cases, applying early can reduce premiums significantly, especially for young children with no existing health issues. It can be a good idea to consider bundling family members into a group policy to save on cost and simplify administration. Talking to an expert about the best way to do this will help to find the best policy and make sure all necessary conditions and procedures will be covered.
IAE Insure make it easy for individuals, freelancers, dependents, and families to get insured. Our advisors offer free, no-obligation advice and access to:
- Plans from leading UAE insurers
- Options tailored to different emirates and residency types
- Support with policy selection, registration, and claims
- Bilingual assistance and fully digital service options
Even if your employer doesn’t provide medical insurance, you can still secure affordable, comprehensive medical cover for yourself and your family. Make sure you choose a plan that meets UAE legal requirements, covers essential healthcare services, protects against rising medical costs, and gives you peace of mind for every stage of life. Contact IAE Insure today to find out how you can get a suitable medical insurance policy for you and your financial dependents.
