Best expat health insurance quotes in the UAE

The Emirati healthcare system is a mix of both public and private sectors. While UAE nationals can get free universal healthcare in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, expats must take out private insurance to cover their medical expenses.

Expats and foreign residents must have private health insurance in the UAE to cover all medical care. Failing to do so can result in a fine of up to AED 500 per month. If you are in the UAE for work, your employer or sponsor must take out insurance for you (and sometimes your family).

It’s best to start your private health insurance policy just before you arrive in the UAE. If you have a coverage gap between your insurance at home and your new policy, this could leave you with out-of-pocket expenses in case of emergency.

Usually private health insurance policies are on an individual basis. If you want to cover a partner or family members, you can add them on when you build your policy. If you have several dependents, it’s worth shopping around for the best family plan.

When you first design a health insurance plan, you can choose what you will pay yourself and what the provider will pay. Which treatments your plan covers depends on if you’ve met your deductible, whether you have a provider network, and other factors.

Insurance premiums are based on age, medical history, level of coverage needed, and whether you include extra benefits. Since healthcare is relatively expensive in the UAE, health insurance costs will be higher than in other countries in the Middle East.

The claims process in the UAE varies between insurers. Some deal directly with healthcare providers and pay bills on your behalf while others require you to pay upfront and send an invoice after. If you’re concerned about having to pay upfront, look for a provider who can sort out claims directly.