Health Insurance in UAE 2026 — DHA Plans, Costs & Best Providers
Updated April 2026 • UAE Finance Guide • 8 min read
Overview
Health insurance is mandatory for all UAE residents. In Dubai, the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) mandates coverage, while Abu Dhabi has DOH requirements. Employers must provide insurance for employees.
Key Details
Plan tiers: Basic DHA-compliant plan (AED 500-700/year) covers essential medical services at network facilities. Enhanced plans (AED 2,000-5,000/year) add dental, optical, and wider hospital networks. Comprehensive plans (AED 5,000-15,000/year) cover international hospitals, maternity, and dental. Premium/global plans (AED 15,000-40,000/year) provide worldwide coverage.
Important Considerations
Employer obligations: Employers must provide health insurance for all employees. Many also cover dependents (spouse and children). If your employer only provides basic cover, you can upgrade at your own cost through the same or different insurer.
Additional Information
Maternity coverage: Most plans require a 12-month waiting period for maternity benefits. Cost for maternity add-on is typically AED 3,000-8,000 above standard premium. Delivery costs in Dubai range from AED 15,000-50,000 (normal) to AED 25,000-80,000 (C-section) without insurance.
Practical Tips
Top insurers: Daman (largest in Abu Dhabi), Oman Insurance, AXA, Cigna, Bupa, and MetLife. Compare plans on Bayzat, Policybazaar.ae, or yallacompare. Key factors: hospital network coverage (especially if you prefer specific hospitals), annual limits, and co-payment percentages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is health insurance mandatory in UAE?
Yes, all UAE residents must have health insurance. In Dubai, DHA mandates it. Employers must provide for employees. Fines apply for non-compliance.
How much does health insurance cost in UAE?
Basic: AED 500-700/year. Enhanced: AED 2-5K. Comprehensive: AED 5-15K. Premium: AED 15-40K. Employer typically covers employee cost.
What is the cheapest health insurance in UAE?
Basic DHA-compliant plans start from AED 500-700/year. They cover essential medical services but are limited to network facilities.
Does UAE insurance cover maternity?
Most plans have a 12-month waiting period. Maternity add-on costs AED 3-8K extra. Without insurance, delivery costs AED 15,000-80,000.
Where to compare health insurance in UAE?
Bayzat, yallacompare, and Policybazaar.ae offer online comparison tools. Also check directly with major insurers like Daman, Oman Insurance, and AXA.