UAE law requires all employers to provide health insurance for employees — and the requirements vary by emirate. Here is a comprehensive guide to UAE health insurance obligations for free zone businesses.
UAE Health Insurance Mandate: Emirate by Emirate
Dubai (DHA): Mandatory health insurance for all employees (including investors and their dependants) under the Health Insurance Law (Law No. 11 of 2013). Applies to: all Dubai-licensed companies including free zones within Dubai (DMCC, DIC, DMC, DAFZA, JAFZA, etc.). Minimum coverage: Basic Daman plan (Thiqa for UAE nationals; standard for expatriates) — AED 650/year per employee for the basic plan. Abu Dhabi (DOHMS): Mandatory health insurance under Law No. 23 of 2005. Applies to: all Abu Dhabi-licensed companies and employees. DOHMS sets minimum coverage requirements — basic plan cost approximately AED 1,000–1,500/year. Northern Emirates (Sharjah, RAK, Ajman, Fujairah, UAQ): Currently no mandatory health insurance law at the emirate level. Companies in these emirates are encouraged (but not legally required) to provide health insurance. Many companies provide basic plans voluntarily — or employees purchase individually.
Basic Dubai Health Insurance Requirements
For Dubai-licensed businesses: the minimum compliant plan (ISAHD plan / Daman Basic): covers emergency in-patient care, out-patient GP visits (co-payment applies), basic diagnostic tests and pharmacy. Does NOT cover: dental, optical, pre-existing conditions (in year 1), maternity (in some basic plans). Premium: AED 650–900/year per person for the DHA-compliant basic plan. Enhanced plans start at AED 2,000/year and cover dental, maternity, and pre-existing conditions.