Is Employee UAE Health Insurance Mandatory |
||
|
Question: There are currently two Emirates which mandate employer provided health insurance coverage; Dubai and Abu Dhabi. While there are no current laws mandating employer sponsored health insurance in many of the Emirate states, local regulators are considering the introduction of a mandatory employee health insurance scheme, for which employers in the United Arab Emirates would be responsible for the premiums. Dubai, which does possess an employer sponsored health insurance scheme for company employees, has had trouble regulating the scheme, due to the severe economic downturn which hit the region in 2009. The law is on the books, but enforcement is extremely limited, with officials estimating that only half of all employees living in a free zone have the requisite cover. However, for many Dubai employers, health insurance, even if it was not mandatory, does present an attractive recruitment tool and is often included as part of an employee’s compensation package, along with flight tickets to their home nation. It is important to note though, that while Dubai has limited enforcement of its scheme, Abu Dhabi does have a strictly enforced employer sponsored medical insurance system. Abu Dhabi employers who do not contribute in compliance with local regulations are fined DHS 300 per employee. Although Sharjah has not introduced an employer sponsored health insurance system, the Emirate does have the wherewithal to sustain a scheme similar to the initiatives in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Sharjah regulators are currently assessing the local viability of introducing such an scheme but there is no time frame yet as to its deployment; it is advisable to follow local media for additional information on any developments. Medical Services within the UAE, while generally of an extremely high quality, can be expensive. As such it is highly recommended that all individuals, families, and groups located in the UAE, GCC, or on the Arabian Peninsula, purchase some form of comprehensive UAE medical insurance policy. Pacific Prime works with over 60 of the world’s leading international health insurance providers, such as BUPA, Allianz, DKV, and William Russell. With extensive experience working with expatriates and local nationals across the Arabian Peninsula to fulfill their healthcare protection needs, we are able to provide some of the most comprehensive Middle East health insurance plans available within the market. Middle East medical insurance plans which we can provide are extremely flexible, ensuring that the coverage is specific to your unique requirements. Policies which we can provide will offer a range of extended benefits such as Out-patient Treatment, Maternity Treatment, Dental Protection, Emergency Evacuation and many more. For more information about UAE Health Insurance, or to receive a free international medical insurance quote, please contact us today. |
||
Still Need Help?
Moving Abroad Guide
Our online guide tells you everything you need to know and prepare for as an expat moving abroad.
Compare Quotes
Use our online quotation tool to instantly compare health insurance plans on the market
Contact Us Now
Our health insurance advisors will ensure that you get exactly the cover you need.
Cost of Health Plans 2023
Read about the average cost of international health plans in 100 locations, as well as unlock analysis on the latest health insurance trends.