Health Insurance for UAE Residence Visa: Price, Plans and Requirements
Health insurance is an important requirement for people living and working in the United Arab Emirates. Whether you are applying for a new residence visa, renewing an existing permit, sponsoring your spouse or children, or moving to the UAE for employment, understanding health insurance costs can help you prepare your budget.
The price of health insurance for a UAE residence visa depends on several factors, including the emirate where you live, your age, visa category, employment status, medical history, and the level of coverage you choose. Some basic insurance packages are available at relatively low annual premiums, while comprehensive policies with wider hospital networks and additional benefits can cost considerably more.
For example, the federal basic insurance package for eligible private-sector employees and domestic workers in the Northern Emirates is AED 320 per year. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have their own insurance arrangements, with different premiums and eligibility conditions. U.AE+3
Disclaimer: UAEHealthInfo.com is an informational platform only and does not provide insurance, legal, or medical advice. Insurance premiums and visa requirements can change. For official guidance, visit the UAE Government health insurance information portal.
Quick Facts: UAE Residence Visa Health Insurance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Insurance requirement | Mandatory in accordance with applicable emirate and federal rules |
| Cheapest advertised basic package | AED 320 per year for eligible workers in the Northern Emirates |
| Dubai insurance | Mandatory; price depends on the selected plan |
| Abu Dhabi insurance | Mandatory; premiums vary by category and age |
| Family insurance | Separate dependent coverage may be required |
| Main price factors | Age, emirate, medical history, benefits and network |
| Employer responsibility | Employers must arrange required employee coverage |
| Dependent responsibility | Sponsors must arrange applicable dependent coverage |
| Where to buy | Approved insurance companies and authorized channels |
| Policy duration | Depends on the insurance product and visa arrangement |
How Much Does Health Insurance for a UAE Residence Visa Cost?
There is no single health insurance price for every UAE residence visa holder. The amount depends on the insurance scheme available in the emirate and whether you need basic or comprehensive medical coverage.
Here is a useful overview of published basic insurance prices and examples.
| Emirate or insurance category | Published price or starting point |
|---|---|
| Northern Emirates basic worker package | AED 320 annually |
| Dubai basic employee insurance example | From AED 535 annually |
| Dubai basic child dependent example | From AED 805 annually |
| Abu Dhabi low-income employee, age 18–40 | AED 997.50 annually |
| Abu Dhabi small investor, age 18–40 | AED 2,835 annually |
| Abu Dhabi dependent child, age 0–17 | AED 1,753.50 annually |
These are specific published scheme or insurer prices, not universal quotations for every resident. Dubai prices are examples from Dubai National Insurance, while Abu Dhabi prices are from Daman’s published 2026 Basic Plan premium table. Daman’s listed premiums exclude VAT. MOHRE+2
A comprehensive health insurance policy may cost more depending on its benefits, hospital network, geographical coverage, annual limits, and additional services.
1. Health Insurance Price in Dubai
Health insurance is mandatory for residents in Dubai. Employers are responsible for arranging insurance for their employees, while individual sponsors must arrange coverage for their resident dependants.
The Dubai health insurance system is regulated by the Dubai Health Authority. Residents can obtain coverage through insurance companies authorized to provide policies under the applicable Dubai health insurance requirements. AE+1
Dubai Basic Health Insurance Prices
One example is the Essential Benefits Plan offered by Dubai National Insurance (DNI).
Its published starting premiums include:
| Insurance category | Starting annual price |
|---|---|
| Eligible low-salary employee | AED 535 |
| Domestic worker | AED 535 |
| Child dependent, 0–17 years | AED 805 |
| Other dependent, 18–59 years | AED 805 |
| Female spouse dependent, 18–45 years | AED 1,857 |
| Elderly dependent, 60+ years | AED 6,630 |
These are DNI’s advertised starting prices, excluding applicable policy service charges and VAT. Eligibility and final premiums must be confirmed with the insurer. DNI
Who Can Apply for Basic Insurance in Dubai?
The Essential Benefits Plan is designed for eligible lower-income employees and certain dependants. DNI describes its employee basic plan for individuals earning AED 4,000 or less per month.
Not every Dubai resident automatically qualifies for this particular plan. Your visa category, salary, sponsorship arrangement, and policy eligibility should be checked before purchasing.
For people who need a wider hospital network, more extensive outpatient benefits, maternity coverage, or international coverage, other insurance products may be more appropriate.
2. Health Insurance Price in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has its own health insurance framework, and the cost of basic insurance varies according to the insured person’s category and age.
Daman publishes separate premium categories for low-income employees, small investors, dependants, and domestic helpers. The following are its published 2026 annual Basic Plan premiums. Daman
Abu Dhabi Basic Health Insurance Prices for 2026
| Category | Age | Annual premium |
|---|---|---|
| Low-income employee | 18–40 | AED 997.50 |
| Low-income employee | 41–59 | AED 1,522.50 |
| Low-income employee | 60+ | AED 9,358 |
| Small investor | 18–40 | AED 2,835 |
| Small investor | 41–59 | AED 3,465 |
| Small investor | 60+ | AED 10,408 |
| Dependent child | 0–17 | AED 1,753.50 |
| Dependent adult | 18–40 | AED 2,100 |
| Dependent adult | 41–59 | AED 4,987.50 |
| Dependent adult | 60+ | AED 19,306 |
| Domestic helper, non-UAE national | 18–40 | AED 918.80 |
Source: Daman’s published 2026 Basic Plan premium schedule. Amounts exclude VAT. Other categories and conditions may apply.
There is also a mandatory maternity surcharge of AED 750 for married females aged 18–50 under the published pricing schedule. Check the insurer’s applicable category and final quotation before purchasing. Daman
Important Points About Abu Dhabi Insurance
- Premiums increase significantly for some older age groups.
- The insurance category can affect the final price.
- Dependent coverage is priced separately according to the applicable category.
- Existing medical conditions and maternity requirements should be discussed with the insurer.
- The final premium may include additional applicable charges.
Abu Dhabi residents should check their eligibility and the latest policy information directly with Daman or another authorized insurer.
3. Health Insurance Price in Sharjah, Ajman and Other Northern Emirates
From 1 January 2025, a federal Basic Health Insurance Scheme was introduced for eligible private-sector employees and domestic workers in:
- Sharjah
- Ajman
- Umm Al Quwain
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Fujairah
The scheme was introduced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) in collaboration with other UAE authorities.
Basic Health Insurance Price: AED 320
AED 320 per year
The published basic package costs AED 320 annually for eligible workers. Employers are responsible for purchasing the required policy when issuing or renewing applicable residence permits. MOHRE
The policy has a two-year validity period under the scheme, and the second-year premium can be refunded if the visa is cancelled, subject to the applicable terms.
What Does the AED 320 Insurance Package Cover?
The basic package provides access to an approved network of healthcare providers.
| Benefit | Coverage details |
|---|---|
| Inpatient treatment | 20% co-payment |
| Inpatient co-payment limit | AED 500 per visit, AED 1,000 annually |
| Outpatient treatment | 25% co-payment |
| Outpatient maximum | AED 100 per visit |
| Follow-up visits | No co-payment for eligible follow-ups within seven days |
| Medication | 30% co-payment, subject to an annual cap of AED 1,500 |
| Chronic conditions | Covered without a waiting period under the scheme |
| Telehealth | Available without consultation co-payment, subject to policy terms |
The package does not cover pregnancy, childbirth, or dental care. Always review the policy documents for exclusions and treatment limits. MOHRE
Who Pays for This Insurance?
For eligible private-sector employees and domestic workers in the five Northern Emirates, the employer is responsible for purchasing the required basic insurance.
This is important because employees should not automatically assume that they must personally pay for the mandatory employee policy.
4. Health Insurance Price for UAE Family Visa and Dependants
If you sponsor your family in the UAE, you may need to arrange separate medical insurance for your spouse, children, or other eligible dependants.
The price depends on the emirate, age, insurance category, and benefits selected.
For example, a family living in Dubai may choose an Essential Benefits Plan for eligible dependants, while an Abu Dhabi resident may need to select from the applicable Abu Dhabi insurance categories.
Factors Affecting Family Insurance Prices
Age of dependants: Children’s insurance premiums are generally different from adult and elderly premiums.
Spouse coverage: A spouse may require a separate policy, with premiums depending on age and applicable insurance category.
Number of children: The total family cost increases according to the number of insured dependants.
Maternity coverage: If pregnancy and childbirth benefits are important, check whether the selected policy includes them.
Hospital network: Plans offering access to more hospitals and specialists may have higher premiums.
Is Health Insurance Required for a Family Residence Visa?
Medical insurance is part of the applicable residence arrangements, but requirements and accepted coverage can vary by emirate and visa category.
The UAE Government explains that sponsors in Dubai must arrange insurance for resident dependants. In Abu Dhabi, employers and sponsors have insurance responsibilities for employees and their families according to the applicable rules. U.AE+1
Before applying for or renewing a family residence visa, confirm the insurance requirements with the relevant immigration authority.
5. Who Is Responsible for Paying UAE Residence Visa Health Insurance?
Understanding who pays for health insurance is important for both employees and family sponsors.
| Resident category | Insurance responsibility |
|---|---|
| Private-sector employee | Employer |
| Domestic worker | Employer or sponsor, as applicable |
| Dubai employee | Employer |
| Dubai family dependant | Individual residence sponsor |
| Abu Dhabi employee | Employer |
| Family dependant | Sponsor or responsible party under applicable rules |
| Self-sponsored resident | Resident, subject to the applicable requirements |
| Investor | Depends on visa category and insurance scheme |
The responsibility can differ according to emirate and visa category. For private-sector employees covered by the federal basic scheme, the employer must purchase the required policy. U.AE+2
If your employer asks you to purchase the mandatory employee insurance yourself, request clarification about the applicable rules and your employment arrangement.
6. Basic vs Comprehensive Health Insurance in the UAE
Not every resident needs the same level of insurance. A basic policy may satisfy the applicable minimum requirements, while a comprehensive policy can offer additional healthcare benefits.
| Feature | Basic insurance | Comprehensive insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Annual premium | Usually lower | Usually higher |
| Hospital network | More limited | May offer wider access |
| Specialist consultations | Subject to plan limits | Depends on policy |
| Medication | Subject to limits | Depends on policy |
| Maternity | May be excluded | May be available |
| Dental | May be excluded | May be available |
| International coverage | Usually limited or unavailable | Available with selected policies |
| Annual benefit limit | Depends on scheme | Depends on scheme |
Which Insurance Should You Choose?
A basic policy may be suitable if you primarily need the required minimum coverage and want to keep insurance expenses low.
A more comprehensive policy may be worth considering if you:
- Have children or elderly family members.
- Regularly visit specialists.
- Want access to a wider hospital network.
- Need maternity benefits.
- Prefer higher annual treatment limits.
- Want additional geographical coverage.
The cheapest policy is not always the most suitable. Check the benefits, exclusions, co-payments, and participating hospitals before making a decision.
7. What Documents Are Required to Buy Health Insurance?
The documents required can vary between insurers and policy categories. However, residents may commonly be asked to provide:
- Passport copy.
- Valid UAE residence visa or entry permit.
- Emirates ID or Emirates ID application details.
- Passport-sized photograph, if requested.
- Sponsor’s passport and residence visa details, where applicable.
- Medical declaration or health information, if required.
- Employment or salary details for eligible employee insurance categories.
For family insurance, the insurer may also request documents establishing the relationship between the sponsor and dependant.
Ask the insurance company for its current document checklist before submitting an application.
8. How to Buy Health Insurance for a UAE Residence Visa
Residents can purchase suitable insurance through approved insurance companies and authorized distribution channels.
Here is a practical process:
Step 1: Identify your visa category
Determine whether you are applying as an employee, investor, freelancer, family dependant, or domestic worker.
Step 2: Confirm your emirate
Insurance requirements differ between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Northern Emirates.
Step 3: Choose the appropriate insurance category
Ask whether you qualify for a basic scheme or need another type of policy.
Step 4: Compare insurance quotations
Compare premiums, hospital networks, outpatient treatment, medicine coverage, and exclusions.
Step 5: Submit your documents
Provide the required passport, visa, Emirates ID, and other requested details.
Step 6: Make the payment
Check the final premium, including VAT and any additional administrative charges.
Step 7: Receive your insurance policy
Review your insurance certificate, policy number, coverage dates, and provider network.
Step 8: Confirm visa processing requirements
Make sure the insurance policy meets the requirements of the relevant residence permit authority.
9. What Affects the Price of UAE Health Insurance?
Even when two people live in the same emirate, their insurance premiums may be different.
Here are the main factors that influence the final price.
Age
Age is one of the most important pricing factors. Older applicants may face higher premiums because their expected healthcare requirements can be greater.
Medical History
Some insurers request medical declarations or additional information about pre-existing conditions. Depending on the policy, this may affect eligibility, waiting periods, exclusions, or premiums.
Type of Visa
An employee, investor, family dependant, and domestic worker may fall into different insurance categories.
Hospital Network
A policy that provides access to a limited network may cost less than one offering access to a broader selection of hospitals and medical centres.
Maternity and Additional Benefits
Maternity, dental, optical, and international medical coverage may increase the overall premium.
Annual Coverage Limit
Policies with higher annual benefit limits and additional medical services may have higher prices.
10. How to Avoid Paying More for Health Insurance
Before buying a policy for your UAE residence visa, consider these practical tips:
- Compare quotations from more than one authorized insurer.
- Check whether your preferred hospital is included in the network.
- Review outpatient and inpatient co-payments.
- Confirm whether prescribed medicines are covered.
- Check maternity and dental exclusions.
- Ask about waiting periods for pre-existing conditions.
- Confirm the policy duration and renewal conditions.
- Check whether the quoted premium includes VAT and administrative charges.
- Avoid purchasing a policy based only on its advertised starting price.
If you are buying insurance for several family members, request a combined quotation so you can compare the overall cost.
11. Where to Check Official UAE Health Insurance Requirements
Residents should use official government and insurer resources to confirm their eligibility, insurance obligations, and policy information.
| Authority or provider | Purpose | Official website |
|---|---|---|
| UAE Government | General health insurance requirements | u.ae |
| MOHRE | Federal basic insurance scheme | mohre.gov.ae |
| Dubai Health Authority | Dubai insurance regulation | dha.gov.ae |
| Department of Health Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi healthcare regulation | doh.gov.ae |
| Daman | Abu Dhabi insurance plans and premiums | damaninsurance.ae |
These resources can help residents check applicable insurance arrangements and avoid relying on outdated third-party price information.
Frequently Asked Questions About UAE Residence Visa Health Insurance Prices
1. What is the cheapest health insurance for a UAE residence visa?
The federal basic health insurance package for eligible private-sector employees and domestic workers in the five Northern Emirates costs AED 320 per year. Other emirates and visa categories have different insurance prices.
2. Is health insurance mandatory for a UAE residence visa?
Health insurance is mandatory under the applicable rules in the UAE. The requirements and responsible party depend on the emirate, visa category, and sponsorship arrangement.
3. How much does health insurance cost in Dubai?
There is no single price for all Dubai residents. For example, Dubai National Insurance advertises eligible basic employee insurance starting at AED 535 annually, excluding applicable charges and VAT. Dependant prices are different.
4. How much is basic health insurance in Abu Dhabi?
Daman’s published 2026 Basic Plan premium for low-income employees aged 18–40 is AED 997.50 annually, excluding VAT. Other categories have different premiums.
5. Who pays for employee health insurance in the UAE?
Employers are responsible for arranging the required health insurance for their eligible employees. The federal basic scheme also places the purchasing responsibility on employers of covered private-sector employees and domestic workers.
6. Do I need separate health insurance for my wife and children?
Family dependants may require separate insurance coverage. The sponsor should confirm the applicable requirements and arrange an appropriate policy for each dependant.
7. Can I use basic health insurance for hospital treatment?
Yes, subject to the policy’s approved network, medical necessity, coverage limits, and co-payments. Check the participating hospitals before receiving treatment.
8. Does the AED 320 UAE insurance package cover maternity?
No. The federal basic package described by MOHRE does not cover pregnancy and childbirth. Residents requiring maternity benefits should compare policies that specifically include them.
9. Can I buy UAE health insurance online?
Yes. Many approved insurance providers offer online applications and payment options. You should verify that the insurer and policy are accepted for your residence visa category.
10. Does health insurance price increase after age 60?
It can. For example, Daman’s published Abu Dhabi 2026 Basic Plan premiums show substantially higher prices for some categories aged 60 and above. Actual premiums depend on the applicable insurance category.
Final Thoughts
The price of health insurance for a UAE residence visa depends on where you live, your age, visa category, and the coverage you choose. The AED 320 federal basic package is an affordable option for eligible workers in the Northern Emirates, while Dubai and Abu Dhabi have different insurance arrangements and pricing structures.
Before purchasing a policy, compare the annual premium, hospital network, treatment limits, co-payments, and exclusions. Family sponsors should also consider the insurance costs of their dependants when preparing their residence visa budget.
Most importantly, do not choose insurance based on price alone. A suitable policy should meet your visa requirements and provide access to appropriate medical care when you need it.
