Providing Health Insurance for Employees in Dubai
In Dubai, health insurance is mandatory for employees, and companies must provide coverage once their work visas are issued. It is crucial for employers to understand the requirements and options available when it comes to employee health insurance in Dubai.
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Are you starting a business in Dubai and need to manage your employee’s health insurance policies? In this guide, we will go through what you need to know about employee mandatory health insurance in Dubai and how you can fulfill the requirements.
Understanding Mandatory Health Insurance in Dubai
In Dubai, it is mandatory for residents to have health insurance coverage. This requirement applies to all employees, including investors, self-employed individuals, workers with temporary contracts, part-time workers, and domestic helpers.
It also applies to retirees who receive a pension and have started working for a new employer, as well as individuals under the age of 18. Health insurance can be provided by an employer or sponsor, ensuring that residents have access to essential healthcare services.
It also applies to retirees who receive a pension and have started working for a new employer, as well as individuals under 18. Health insurance can be provided by an employer or sponsor, ensuring that residents have access to essential healthcare services.
The Health Insurance Law of Dubai No 11 (2013) stipulates that residents must have a minimum level of health insurance coverage, known as the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP). The EBP is designed to provide affordable access to high-quality healthcare for lower-income employees.
The EBP coverage includes:
- Inpatient and non-emergency care
- Outpatient treatment
- Physiotherapy sessions
- Medicines
- Ambulance and emergency healthcare
- Maternity benefits
- Pre-existing and chronic conditions.
Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) and Coverage
The Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) is the minimum level of health insurance coverage that Dubai residents must meet by law. This plan ensures that lower-income employees, non-working residents, domestic helpers, and children have access to affordable and high-quality healthcare.
Covered Benefits
The EBP provides coverage for inpatient and non-emergency medical treatments, outpatient treatment, physiotherapy sessions, prescribed medicines, ambulance and emergency healthcare, maternity benefits, as well as pre-existing and chronic conditions.
This comprehensive coverage ensures that individuals and their dependents can receive the necessary medical care without incurring excessive out-of-pocket expenses.
Eligibility and Cost
The EBP is available for Dubai residents with a monthly salary of less than AED 4,000, including dependents who are not working. The premium for the EBP depends on the individual’s employment status and age. For employees, the annual premium ranges from USD $177 to USD $680.
Dependents, including domestic helpers, can also be covered under the EBP with an annual premium of USD $177. The EBP offers an affordable option for individuals and families to meet the mandatory health insurance requirement.
| Plan | Annual Premium (USD) |
| Employee | $177 – 198 |
| Dependent (General non-working group) | $177 |
| Dependent (Elderly parents) | $680 |
| Domestic Helper | $177 |
Choosing an Insurer for Health Insurance
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has compiled a list of insurers that participate in the mandatory EBP health scheme. By selecting an insurer from this list, you can ensure compliance with the DHA’s requirements and provide comprehensive coverage for your employees.
List of EBP Participating Insurers:
- Abu Dhabi National insurance Company (ADNIC)
- AXA Insurance
- Dar al Takaful
- Metlife Alico
- National General Insurance (NGI)
- National Health Insurance Company (Daman)
- Noor Takaful
- Oman Insurance Company
- Orient Insurance
- Ras Al Khaimah Insurance
- Takaful Emarat
- Union Insurance
Before making a decision, it’s important to evaluate each insurer based on their reputation, financial stability, range of coverage options, and customer service. Consider the insurer’s network of healthcare providers and hospitals, as this can impact the ease of accessing medical services.
The right insurer should provide reliable coverage, prompt claims processing, and excellent customer service to meet the healthcare needs of your employees in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is health insurance mandatory for employees in Dubai?
Health insurance is mandatory for all residents, visa holders, and employees in Dubai. As such, all expats are required to have health insurance coverage.
Who is responsible for providing health insurance coverage?
Employers are responsible for providing health insurance coverage to their employees once their work visas are issued.
What is the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP)?
The Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) is the minimum level of health insurance coverage that Dubai residents must meet by law. The EBP is designed for low-income employees to stay insured and get access to quality healthcare services.
Who needs to apply for health insurance in Dubai?
All employees in Dubai, including investors, self-employed individuals, and domestic helpers, are required to have health insurance. Retirees, individuals under the age of 18, and workers with temporary contracts also need to be insured.
What does the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) cover?
The Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) covers inpatient and non-emergency medical treatments, outpatient treatment, physiotherapy sessions, medicines, ambulance and emergency healthcare, maternity benefits, and pre-existing and chronic conditions.
Conclusion and How Pacific Prime Can Help
Providing health insurance for your employees in Dubai is not only a legal requirement but also an essential part of ensuring their well-being and productivity. Navigating the regulations and options can be complex, which is why Pacific Prime Dubai is here to assist you every step of the way.
As experts in the industry, we understand the needs of businesses in Dubai and can help you find the right employee benefits plans. Whether you are looking for group medical insurance, comprehensive coverage, or add-on benefits, we can help you find a plan that suits your organization’s needs.
Contact Pacific Prime Dubai today to discuss your employee benefits needs and receive a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the complexities of health insurance in Dubai and create a tailored solution that meets the needs of your organization and employees.
Born and raised in the cultural melting pot that is Hong Kong, and having studied at an international school, Vista has developed a multicultural perspective that he uses in his writing and strives to connect to people of different backgrounds.
In his free time, Vista enjoys immersing himself in different worlds, from video games to light novels and movies. His hobbies help him expand his writing style by putting himself in the point-of-view of different people and characters.
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