In the emirate of Dubai, employers are required to provide health insurance coverage for their employees. Sponsors are required to get insurance cover for their resident dependents.

The UAE has a comprehensive, government-funded healthcare system and a rapidly developing private sector that delivers a high standard of care. Healthcare is regulated at both the Federal and Emirate level.

The healthcare system in the UAE varies from emirate to emirate, but the care you will receive throughout the country is top-notch. Expats are able to take advantage of both public and private facilities. However, where Emirati nationals receive treatment at public facilities and clinics at a low cost, and sometimes free, expats will have to pay a fee.

Coinsurance is a percentage of the costs of consultations, treatment, tests, drugs and medicines that you have to pay. A deductible is a fixed amount that you pay regardless of the overall cost of treatment. Both are used as means of keeping down the costs of medical insurance.

How will I be covered? Dubai Health Authority encourages employers to provide medical insurance for the spouse or dependents of its employees. However, if an employer does not provide cover, then your sponsor will need to arrange cover for you.

You should receive a card confirming your enrolment in the insurance plan as well as information on the services you are entitled to and a list of providers (hospitals, clinics, etc.) where you can receive these services. This list is often referred to as the “Network”.

Your insurance company (or its third party administrator) will have a network of providers in Dubai (and possibly other Emirates) that you can use. You should refer to your member handbook, your insurer’s (or TPA’s) website or otherwise contact them directly to find out which facilities you can use.

This is limited to your spouse and dependents children who are on your sponsorship.