The UAE will roll out a new healthcare scheme for private sector employees and domestic workers starting January 1, 2025. The initiative aims to align healthcare policies in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah with existing coverage in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Under the new policy, employers must purchase health insurance for workers to renew residency permits. However, employees with work permits issued before January 1, 2024, will only need coverage when renewing their residency.
Khalil Al Khoori, Undersecretary of Labour Market and Emiratisation Operations at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), highlighted the program’s benefits: “This reflects the UAE’s commitment to extending protection to all workers, ensuring access to high-quality healthcare services and enhancing the country’s labour market competitiveness.”
Employers will have access to the DubaiCare Network or accredited insurance providers, with packages starting at AED 320 per year. Policies will cover individuals aged 1-64, and a medical disclosure form is required for those over 64. Insured workers will pay up to AED 500 per visit, with an annual cap of AED 1,000 for medications, after which all costs are covered by the insurer.
