UAE Health Insurance Requirements for Free Zone Company Owners and Employees 2026
UAE health insurance is mandatory for all UAE residents. Free zone company owners must obtain health insurance for themselves and their employees. Here is the complete 2026 guide.
- UAE Health Insurance Requirements for Free Zone Company Owners and Employees 2026
- UAE Health Insurance — Mandatory Requirement
- Who Must Provide Health Insurance?
- Dubai vs Abu Dhabi Health Insurance Requirements
- Health Insurance for Free Zone Company Owners
- Health Insurance Cost Guide 2026
- Frequently Asked Questions
UAE Health Insurance — Mandatory Requirement
UAE federal law (Federal Law No. 7 of 1999 as amended) requires all UAE residents to have valid health insurance. In Dubai, this is further regulated by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) under the Mandatory Health Insurance Scheme. In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Health (DOH) regulates the mandatory insurance scheme.
Who Must Provide Health Insurance?
- Employers: Must provide health insurance for all employees they sponsor
- Free zone company owners (investor visa): Must have personal health insurance (either through their company or purchased personally)
- Visa sponsors: Must provide health insurance for all dependents sponsored on their visa
Dubai vs Abu Dhabi Health Insurance Requirements
Dubai (DHA Mandatory Health Insurance)
Dubai requires employers to provide minimum basic health insurance for employees earning less than AED 4,000 per month (or AED 3,000 with housing). The minimum coverage plan (“Thiqa” level) must cover:
- Inpatient coverage: Minimum AED 150,000 per year
- Outpatient coverage included
- Annual deductible: Maximum AED 500
- Cost: AED 700-1,200 per year for basic plan
Abu Dhabi (DOH Mandatory Insurance)
Abu Dhabi has its own Thiqa scheme for Emiratis and mandatory private insurance for expatriate employees. DAMAN (National Health Insurance Company) is the primary insurer for the Abu Dhabi market.
Health Insurance for Free Zone Company Owners
As a free zone company owner with an investor visa, you have several options:
- Company group plan: Add yourself to the company employee group health plan (most cost-effective if you also have employees)
- Individual plan: Purchase an individual UAE health insurance plan from an approved insurer (AXA, Daman, Bupa, Cigna, Allianz)
- International health insurance: Some free zones accept international health insurance (e.g., Cigna Global, AXA International) for visa purposes — check with your specific free zone
Health Insurance Cost Guide 2026
| Plan Type | Annual Cost (approx.) | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai basic (DHA minimum) | AED 700-1,200 | AED 150,000 inpatient, outpatient |
| Mid-range individual | AED 3,000-8,000 | AED 500,000 per year, wider network |
| Premium individual | AED 10,000-25,000 | Unlimited or very high; global coverage |
| Family plan (2 adults + 2 children) | AED 12,000-30,000 | Mid-range coverage for all family |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my home country health insurance in UAE?
For UAE visa purposes, you need UAE-licensed health insurance that meets DHA or DOH requirements. Your home country health insurance is not accepted for UAE residence visa purposes, even if it has global coverage. You must purchase a UAE-licensed plan for the visa process. Some premium international plans (Cigna Global, Bupa International) have UAE approvals — check with the insurer and your free zone before purchasing.