At a glance
- On 1 January 2025, the UAE's new nationwide health insurance scheme went live.
- It extends mandated health insurance provisions (previously in place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai) to private sector employers in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
Following an announcement by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, and beginning on 1 January 2025, all private sector employers across the UAE are required to purchase a health insurance policy for their employees as a pre-requisite condition to issuing or renewing their residency permits.
The new mandate does not apply to employees with work permits issued before 1 January 2024, but will become effective when their residency permits are due for renewal.
The cost of the insurance, which starts at AED300 to 400 (USD82 to 110) annually, can be purchased through the DubaiCare Network or through any other approved health insurance supplier.
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