UAE medical insurance prices range from AED 500 to over AED 20,000 annually depending on your coverage requirements. Most expats are caught off guard by this wide price range when planning their relocation budget to the Emirates.
Health insurance is mandatory for all Dubai expatriates and tourists who need access to quality healthcare, not just recommended. The UAE medical system is well-established with 181 doctors per 100,000 citizens, but the costs vary significantly. Basic plans cost between AED 500-1,500 yearly, mid-range options run from AED 3,000-7,000, while premium plans with comprehensive coverage can reach AED 10,000-20,000 per year.
The year 2025 brings major changes to the healthcare landscape. From January 1st, all employers must provide a Basic Health Insurance package for private sector employees and domestic workers priced at just AED 320 annually. This new package comes with specific co-payment structures: 20% for inpatient care (with a cap of AED 500 per visit) and 25% for outpatient services (maximum AED 100 per visit).
This guide explains the actual costs of medical insurance across different plan types, factors affecting your premiums, and the new 2025 regulations you must understand before making healthcare decisions in the UAE.
Types of Medical Insurance Plans in the UAE
Medical insurance plans in the UAE come in several forms, each designed to cater to different healthcare needs and budgets. Understanding these options helps you make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage as an expat.
Essential Benefits Plan (EBP)
The Essential Benefits Plan is the minimum required health insurance coverage for Dubai residents earning less than AED 4,000 monthly. This plan serves non-working dependents and domestic workers as well. EBP offers basic yet crucial coverage with an annual limit of AED 150,000.
For 2025, the UAE government introduced a new Basic Health Insurance package priced at just AED 320 per year for private sector employees and domestic workers across the country. Unlike most policies that require six-month waiting periods, this affordable option covers chronic diseases without any waiting period.
Mid-Tier and Standard Plans
Mid-tier plans provide broader healthcare access with semi-comprehensive benefits at a reasonable price. These plans typically include direct specialist consultations without GP referrals, wider hospital networks, and more flexible treatment options.
Standard plans generally cost between AED 3,000-7,000 annually, reflecting their enhanced coverage levels. Many insurance companies offer these as "Silver" or "Bronze" packages with annual limits ranging from AED 187,268 to AED 500,000.
Premium and International Plans
Premium plans cater to those seeking high-quality care or who travel frequently. These plans typically offer worldwide coverage (sometimes excluding USA/Canada), private hospital rooms, and specialized treatments.
For example, Allianz's Dubai Elite Individual plan features an impressive maximum limit of AED 38,555,374 with complete oncology coverage and pre-existing condition benefits. Premium plans usually start from AED 8,000 annually.
Group and Family Plans
Group insurance covers employees under a single policy, often at more favorable rates than individual plans. Many UAE insurers provide tailor-made group plans starting as low as AED 675 per employee annually.
Family plans combine coverage for multiple family members under one policy, typically offering comprehensive benefits including outpatient care, maternity services, and emergency treatment. These plans are more cost-effective than purchasing separate policies for each family member.
Real Cost Breakdown by Plan Type
The price tags for medical insurance in the UAE show significant differences across plan types. Understanding these cost variations helps you make proper decisions about healthcare coverage as an expat in the country.
Basic plans: AED 500–1,500/year
Basic health insurance plans cover essential medical services such as outpatient consultations, emergency care, and hospitalization. These affordable options generally include regular diagnostics and simple surgical procedures within specific hospital networks. Many basic plans in Dubai begin at AED 525 yearly, making them ideal for low-income workers and dependents with simpler healthcare needs.
Mid-range plans: AED 3,000–7,000/year
Mid-tier insurance options provide broader healthcare access with comprehensive outpatient and inpatient care. These plans typically include specialist consultations, routine preventative care, and sometimes international emergency coverage. The price range reflects the better flexibility and wider network of , making them popular choices despite the higher cost
Premium plans: AED 8,000–20,000+/year
Premium health insurance in the UAE starts from around AED 8,000 annually and can exceed AED 20,000 for the most comprehensive packages. These plans offer global medical coverage, private hospital accommodations, specialist treatments, and often include dental, optical, and wellness benefits. Premium plans are commonly chosen by executives, frequent travelers, and those wanting top-tier medical services.
Family plans: Starting from AED 17,000/year
Family health insurance packages in the UAE typically start from AED 17,000 and can reach AED 33,500 yearly for a family of four. These comprehensive plans cover consultations, treatments, and medical expenses at various healthcare facilities, giving financial security during emergencies for all family members, including domestic help.
New 2025 Basic Package: AED 320/year
The UAE has introduced a basic insurance package priced at just AED 320 annually. This two-year valid policy covers individuals aged 1-64 years and includes treatment for without waiting periods. The policy has a co-payment structure: 20% for inpatient care (maximum AED 500 per visit) and 25% for outpatient services (maximum AED 100 per visit).chronic illnesses
What Affects Medical Insurance Cost in the UAE
Your medical insurance premium in the UAE is affected by several key factors. Understanding these elements helps you make financially sound healthcare decisions while avoiding unexpected costs.
Age and health status of the insured
Age is a major factor in calculating health insurance premiums. The higher your age, the higher your insurance premium will be. This happens because older individuals are more susceptible to various ailments and diseases. Younger people with better health can secure policies at lower premiums, which provides long-term financial advantages.
Pre-existing conditions and chronic illnesses
Your personal medical history significantly influences how much you'll pay for insurance. Insurers typically handle in five different ways: full coverage without premium loading, coverage with premium loading, coverage after a waiting period, exclusion of pre-existing conditions while covering everything else, or complete refusal of coverage.pre-existing conditions
Dubai's regulations require all insurers to underwrite applicants regardless of their medical history. Despite this, insurers may impose a waiting period of six months before covering these conditions. The new 2025 basic package offers a notable advantage by including coverage for chronic diseases without any waiting period.
Geographic location: Dubai vs other emirates
Dubai has considerably higher medical insurance costs compared to other emirates. The average health insurance cost in Dubai can reach up to AED 10,000 annually, while comprehensive insurance premiums across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other major cities start from AED 5,500 for individuals.
Coverage scope: local vs international
Local health insurance restricts treatment coverage to your country of residence within a specific hospital network. International plans, though more expensive, offer wider coverage and easier global claim processing. These plans allow access to premium hospitals worldwide, including renowned institutions like Mayo Clinic.
Add-ons like dental, optical, and maternity
Optional add-ons have a significant impact on your premium costs. Dental coverage typically includes annual limits around AED 4,500, while optical benefits commonly cover vision tests and prescribed eyewear with limits near AED 500. These add-ons provide additional coverage for specialized services not included in standard plans.
New 2025 Rules Every Expat Should Know
January 2025 marks a major change in the UAE's health insurance landscape with new regulations affecting all expatriates. The mandatory health insurance coverage now extends beyond Abu Dhabi and Dubai to all seven emirates, creating a nationwide system.
Mandatory coverage for private sector and domestic workers
Starting January 1, 2025, health insurance became mandatory for all private sector employees and domestic workers throughout the UAE. This regulation extends coverage to workers in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, ensuring complete insurance coverage across the country. Employees with work permits issued before January 1, 2024 are temporarily exempt until their residency permits come up for renewal.
AED 320 Basic Health Insurance Package explained
The main element of the 2025 regulations is a new basic health insurance package priced at just AED 320 per year. This affordable policy covers individuals aged 1-64 years. If you're over 64, you must submit a medical disclosure form with recent medical reports. The policy remains valid for two years, with the second-year premium refundable if a visa is canceled. The package provides access to seven hospitals, 46 clinics, and 45 pharmacies across the UAE.
Who pays: employer vs individual
Employers are fully responsible for purchasing this insurance. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) clearly states that private sector employers and sponsors of domestic workers must cover the cost when issuing or renewing residency permits. Employers cannot reduce employees' salaries or deduct premium costs from their pay.
Coverage limits and co-payments
The package includes a specific co-payment structure: 20% for inpatient care (capped at AED 500 per visit with an annual maximum of AED 1,000). Outpatient services require a 25% co-payment (maximum AED 100 per visit). Follow-up visits within seven days for the same condition require no co-payment. Medication co-payments are set at 30%, with coverage up to AED 1,500 annually.
Telehealth and chronic disease coverage
Two features make this package particularly valuable. First, it covers chronic diseases and pre-existing conditions without any waiting period. Second, telehealth services allow you to receive medical consultations by phone or online without co-payments (except for pharmacy services). This gives you convenient access to medical advice without visiting facilities in person.
Conclusion
UAE medical insurance is mandatory for all expatriates living in the Emirates. The prices range widely from AED 500 to over AED 20,000 per year, with costs varying based on your coverage needs, age, pre-existing conditions, and which emirate you live in.
The 2025 nationwide mandatory insurance regulations create a significant change in healthcare accessibility across all seven emirates. The new AED 320 Basic Health Insurance package helps thousands of private sector employees and domestic workers who previously had no coverage. This affordable option includes treatment for chronic diseases without waiting periods and telehealth services, making healthcare more accessible to everyone.
You should carefully select a plan type that matches your medical needs and budget. Basic plans are suitable for healthy individuals with minimal healthcare requirements, while premium international plans provide comprehensive coverage for families or those with complex medical histories.
Before making your final healthcare decision, take time to compare different insurance providers and understand their co-payment structures. Many expats focus only on the premium costs but fail to consider potential out-of-pocket expenses that could affect their finances during medical emergencies.
UAE medical insurance serves as both a legal requirement and financial protection. Despite the wide price variations, the expanded range of options in 2025 means you can find suitable coverage regardless of your budget. Finding the right balance between adequate coverage and affordable premiums is essential for successfully managing healthcare during your time in the UAE.
