UAE Basic Health Insurance Guide 2025

For every resident living in the UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates), having health insurance is not just a convenience but a legal requirement. If you do not have insurance, you may face heavy fines, and your visa may not be renewed.

In this detailed guide, we will discuss what UAE Basic Health Insurance (EBP) is, what it covers, and important things you need to keep in mind.

What Is UAE Basic Health Insurance (EBP)

In Dubai, it is called the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP). It is designed for people whose monthly salary is less than AED 4,000. This is the most affordable insurance plan, but it provides all basic healthcare services.

Its Importance:

• Visa Renewal: Without insurance, you cannot process your Emirates ID or visa.
• Medical Security: Protection from high hospital bills in case of sudden illness.
• Law Compliance: Adherence to government regulations.

What is Included in Basic Insurance? (Coverage Details)

According to UAE law, every basic insurance plan must include the following:

A. Doctor Fees and Clinics (Out-Patient)
When you are sick and only need to see a doctor:

• GP (General Practitioner): You can visit any nearby clinic to see a doctor.
• Specialist: If the GP recommends seeing a specialist, it is also covered (usually a referral is required).
• Coinsurance: Typically, you pay 20% of the bill yourself. For example, if the bill is AED 100, you pay AED 20 and the insurance company pays AED 80.

B. Hospital and Surgery (In-Patient)

If the situation requires hospitalization:

• Room: Cost of staying in a semi-private room or ward.
• Surgery: Costs of the operation, anesthesia, and operation theatre charges.
• Tests: All tests conducted within the hospital.

C. Emergency Treatment

This is the most important part. In case of an accident or a sudden heart attack:

• You can go to the emergency room of any hospital in the UAE (whether it is in your network or not).
• The insurance company will cover the costs until the patient’s condition stabilizes.

D. Pregnancy and Delivery (Maternity Benefits)

• Out-Patient: Doctor checkups, blood tests, and 3 to 8 scans during pregnancy (depending on the plan limit).
• In-Patient: Costs of normal delivery or C-section (surgery).
• Note: There is usually a specific limit for this coverage, often between AED 7,000 and AED 10,000.

E. Medicines (Pharmacy/Medications)

• Medicines prescribed by the doctor can be obtained from the pharmacy.
• Limit: The annual limit is approximately AED 1,500.
• You may also need to pay 20% to 30% “co-pay” from your own pocket for medications.

What is NOT Included? (Exclusions)

Basic insurance does not cover everything. The following are often not included:

• Dental: Only emergency pain treatment is covered; routine cleaning or braces are not included.
• Optical: Prescription glasses or contact lenses are not covered.
• Cosmetic Surgery: Surgeries done for aesthetic purposes.
• Hair Transplant: Treatments for hair restoration.

Pre-existing Conditions

If you have a pre-existing condition before getting insurance (such as diabetes, blood pressure, or cancer):

• According to UAE law, the insurance company cannot refuse treatment for these conditions.
• However, most companies have a 6-month waiting period. This means you will need to cover the costs yourself for the first 6 months, after which the insurance will start covering them.

Fines and Penalties in UAE

In the UAE (especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi), not having insurance can result in heavy penalties:

• Monthly Fine: A fine of approximately AED 500 per month applies until you obtain insurance.
• Sponsor Responsibility: If you have not provided insurance for your dependents or maid, the fine will be issued in your name.
• Visa Block: You cannot obtain a new visa until the previous fines are cleared.

How to Get Cheap Insurance?

Many companies in the UAE offer the “Essential Benefits Plan.” Some popular companies are:

• Orient Insurance
• AXA (GIG) Gulf
• Takaful Emarat
• Daman (best for Abu Dhabi)

Tip: Always check 3–4 quotes online and see if their network of hospitals is close to your home.

Read More About ILOE Insurance UAE Complete Guide & Calculator (2025)

FAQs

Question 1: Does basic insurance work across the entire UAE?
Answer: In emergencies, it works across the entire UAE. However, for regular checkups, you must visit only the clinics listed in your insurance card’s “Network List.”

Question 2: Can Emirates ID be renewed without insurance?
Answer: No. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the visa and Emirates ID process will not proceed in the system without insurance.

Question 3: Can I pay out-of-pocket and later claim from the insurance?
Answer: Basic insurance rarely offers reimbursement. Always try to go to hospitals that offer “Direct Billing” (treatment by showing the insurance card).

Question 4: What does 20% co-insurance mean?
Answer: It means that if the total bill is AED 200, you pay AED 40 and the insurance company pays AED 160. There is also a cap to ensure you are not overburdened.

Final Thoughts

Living in the UAE requires taking care of both your health and legal obligations. Basic Health Insurance is not just a card; it is your support in difficult times. If your salary is low, always opt for the EBP plan so that you remain legally protected at a minimal cost.

How to Use This UAE Health Insurance Fine Calculator?

If you are unsure about how much fine applies to you, our tool provides an accurate estimation. This calculator is designed according to the standard regulations of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Department of Health (DOH) Abu Dhabi.

What the Calculator Results Mean:

Delay Months: According to Google and UAE law, if your insurance is even 1 day expired, the entire month is counted. Our tool calculates the “Total Months” based on this logic.

Estimated Fine: In the UAE, the flat rate is AED 500 per month. Our calculator multiplies your delayed months by this amount to show the final figure.

Insurance Lapse Penalty: Health insurance is mandatory for every resident (expat) in the UAE. If you or your sponsor do not renew it on time, the system automatically starts calculating the fine.

Individual vs Dependent Fines: Remember, the fine applies per person. If you haven’t renewed insurance for your family (wife and 2 children), AED 500 per month will be charged for each member.

Blocking of Visa Services: Until your health insurance fines are cleared, your visa renewal or cancellation process cannot be completed.