UAE's Health Insurance Scheme to be Implemented From Jan.1
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The UAE launched a nationwide health insurance scheme for all private sector employees and domestic workers, who do not have coverage, on Monday, Dec. 16.
The scheme will be implemented from Jan. 1, 2025. The plan will extend mandated health insurance, already in place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, to Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation will mandate a nationwide standard of health insurance, which was previously left to each emirate's discretion.
The new health insurance scheme will be implemented to improve the conditions of the country's labor market and benefit employees and employers by reducing the financial costs related to medical treatments.
More Details About the Nationwide Health Insurance Scheme
Employers are supposed to purchase the health insurance scheme as a condition for issuing or renewing residency permits.
The mandate does not apply to employees whose work permits were issued before Jan. 1, 2024. It will only become mandatory with their residency permits are due for renewal.
Employees can purchase the new insurance package through the DubaiCare network or from accredited insurance companies.
The insurance policy will be valid for two years and the second-year premium can be refunded if the visa is cancelled.
The basic insurance package costs AED320 per year with no waiting period for employees suffering from chronic illnesses.
The insurance covers people aged up to 64; individuals over this age must submit a medical disclosure form and attach recent medical reports.
The insurance provides a 20 percent co-payment for inpatient care. The insured person will pay a maximum of AED500 a visit with an annual cap of AED 1,000 including medications.
The co-payment for outpatient care is 25 percent, so the insured individual pays a maximum of AED100 per visit.
Co-payments for medications are up to 30 percent, with an annual cap of AED 1,500.
The co-payment is not required for follow-up visits for the same condition within seven days.