Abu Dhabi Declares Health Insurance Requirements for Golden Visas

Golden Visa applicants in Abu Dhabi must have valid health insurance while in the UAE, according to an announcement that has been in effect since 2021 from Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health (DoH). This requirement applies to applicants who are freelancing, living abroad, or currently unemployed in the emirate.

Those without health insurance must cover the entire sum of any medical costs incurred in the UAE for themselves and their dependents. The health regulator also stated residents qualified for the Golden Visa will continue to be covered by their employer-provided insurance policy even after receiving their visas.

In this Pacific Prime Dubai article, we take a closer look at the UAE Golden Visa and the health insurance requirements for Golden Visa applicants.

The UAE Golden Visa: What You Need to Know

Launched by the UAE government, the Golden Visa aims to support talented individuals by offering stability. Those with the Golden Visa can live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a sponsor.

There are also various categories of residents and applicants, including professionals, international investors, and students, all of whom are eligible for ten-year visas.

Golden Visas Granted to COVID-19 Frontliners

On October 31st, 2021, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, granted Golden Visas to frontliners with the help of relevant authorities.

Personnel who played a role in protecting the nation and its people during the COVID-19 pandemic were also included. In Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Residents Office (ADRO) is in charge of processing Golden Visa applications.

Making the Golden Visa More Accessible

DoH and ADRO collaborate to enforce the Golden Visa program, update the application process, and increase accessibility for the public. This initiative helps attract and welcome talented individuals from across the globe.

Dr. Jamal Al Kaabi, the undersecretary at DoH, stated that DoH aims to make Abu Dhabi a leading destination for doctors and leaders from all over the world by offering them convenient access to medical services in the emirate.

He added that they will continue to support the emirate’s global growth as a tourism destination, business hub, and safe place to live. This aligns with their future vision, which relies on attracting talent and fostering innovation in Abu Dhabi.

At present, Abu Dhabi is home to 2.2 million residents representing over 200 nationalities. Many people have their sights set on relocating and settling in Abu Dhabi each year.

Sameh Al Qubaisi, Executive Director of the Executive Affairs Office at the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, expressed the department’s commitment to developing their role in offering the “largest possible support” in enhancing the quality of life in the emirate and its global position.

Who is Eligible for the Golden Visa?

First introduced in 2021, DoH and ADRO hold an annual ceremony to honor individuals who have received the Golden Visas. Golden Visa applicants who are deemed eligible consist of professionals in various fields of science and knowledge, including:

• Doctors
• Businessmen
• Entrepreneurs
• Specialists
• Scientists
• Creative and sporting talent
• Inventors
• Real estate investors

UAE Golden Visa Requirements

The update for the health insurance requirements for Golden Visa applicants aims to simplify  the application process  for those applying both from within and outside the country.Similarly, it encourages a smooth transition for them to live and settle in Abu Dhabi. 

The UAE Golden Visa requirements related to health insurance and the guidelines for issuing Golden Visas have been divided into two key categories:

• Employees working in Abu Dhabi
• Golden Visa applicants who don’t fall under the first category

For those in the first category, employers must continue to bear the costs of health insurance. Those in the second category are required to secure coverage for themselves and any dependents. Additionally, they must ensure the validity of their health insurance throughout their length of residing in the UAE.

Any Golden Visa applicant without health insurance coverage must sign an undertaking to provide the health insurance coverage or be willing to cover all healthcare and medical services costs if needed.

Keep in mind that you are eligible to obtain the visa if you’re purchasing property with a loan from local banks or buying off-plan properties of at least AED 2 million in 2023. The UAE government has also introduced an online eligibility checker for a more quick and convenient qualification check.

Get the Right Health Insurance with Pacific Prime Dubai

Unless you are prepared to cover all costs related to healthcare and medical services when you or your dependents need them, your best bet is to secure health insurance for Golden Visas.

Having the right health insurance plan gives you with peace of mind, knowing that your needs can be met without the concern of paying for everything out of pocket. But with many options available, choosing the best health insurance can be challenging.

With over two decades of experience in the insurance industry, Pacific Prime Dubai is a brokerage that you can trust to find the best international health insurance in Dubai for your needs and budget. The same goes for family medical insurance in Dubai or any other type of health insurance plan.

Contact us to have your insurance questions answered or to receive a free quote today!

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Jantra Jacobs

Senior Copywriter at Pacific Prime Dubai

Jantra Jacobs is a Senior Copywriter at Pacific Prime with over 10 years of writing and editing experience. She writes and edits a diverse variety of online and offline copy, including sales and marketing materials ranging from articles and advertising copy to reports, guides, RFPs, and more.

Jantra curates and reports on the results of Pacific Prime’s monthly newsletters, as well as manages Pacific Prime’s Deputy Global CEO’s LinkedIn posts. Complemented by her background in business writing, Jantra’s passion for health, insurance, and employee benefits helps her create engaging content - no matter how complex the subject is.

Growing up as a third-culture kid has given her a multicultural perspective that helps her relate to expats and their families while 8 years of working remotely have given her unique insight into hybrid work arrangements and enthusiasm for employee benefits.

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