Healthcare
UAE — Healthcare: Public Healthcare & Mandatory Insurance
The UAE has no free universal public healthcare for expatriate residents — instead, health insurance is mandatory for every resident, regardless of emirate, employer, or visa type, and is required for any residency visa issuance or renewal. Dubai's mandate (Law No. 11 of 2013) is enforced by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), which also runs the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) minimum-coverage standard (AED 150,000 in annual benefits) for employees; Abu Dhabi's mandate is enforced by the Department of Health (DoH); the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) sets the baseline for the Northern Emirates. The UAE Cabinet extended mandatory health insurance nationwide across all seven emirates from 1 January 2025. Employers are legally responsible for their employees' health insurance coverage; without valid insurance, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) will not issue or renew a residency visa.
Key facts
- Health insurance is mandatory for every UAE resident, required for residency visa issuance/renewal.
- Dubai's DHA enforces Law No. 11 of 2013 and its Essential Benefits Plan (minimum AED 150,000 annual benefits).
- Abu Dhabi enforcement is via the Department of Health (DoH); MOHRE sets the Northern Emirates baseline.
- Mandatory insurance was extended nationwide across all 7 emirates from 1 January 2025.
- Employers are legally responsible for employee health insurance coverage.
Costs
- Minimum annual benefit coverage (Dubai EBP): AED 150,000
Required documents
- Valid health insurance policy (required for visa issuance/renewal)
Common mistakes
- Assuming free public healthcare exists for expatriates — coverage is mandatory private/employer-provided insurance, not a public system.
- Letting insurance lapse, which blocks residency visa renewal via ICP.