The Abu Dhabi Health Insurance Law, which started in 2005, was enforced on 1st June 2006. This law made the basic health insurance cover mandatory for Emiratis as well as expatriates and their dependents.

With time, the health insurance regulatory system got divided amongst two regulators - HAAD and SEHA. The Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) looks after the regulation of the health sector, and the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) manages Abu Dhabi’s healthcare facilities (govt-owned). HAAD also regulates the basic health insurance plan.

Implications of Abu Dhabi health insurance law for employers and their employees

The Abu Dhabi Medical Insurance Law decrees that employers and sponsors must provide health insurance coverage to the employees and their dependents (one spouse and three children under the age of 18 years). The annual premium for a health insurance plan that would benefit an employee must start from AED 950, while the maximum cost of an annual premium depends on the coverage benefits. The healthcare services under the Abu Dhabi medical law must include coverage for primary care services, maternity care services, emergency services, surgeries, tests and more.

What happens if I am not covered by health insurance in Abu Dhabi?

According to the Abu Dhabi health insurance law, it is mandatory and a legal requirement for everyone in Abu Dhabi to have adequate health insurance. If you do not have health insurance, as per the Abu Dhabi medical insurance law, you may have to pay a fine of AED 300 per person, every month. Not only that, but the Abu Dhabi government will also not renew the visa or grant residency to a person who does not have proof of health insurance.

What does the Abu Dhabi Health Insurance Law state for Employees dependents?

Though under the Health insurance law in Abu Dhabi, it is mandatory for organizations to cover the medical insurance of employees and their dependents, they are not obligated to do so for all the dependents. While employers must pay 50% of the insurance for dependents, the remaining 50% of the premium needs to be borne solely by the employee. In case any employee wants medical insurance coverage for more than the specified number of dependents, he/she will have to incur the premium cost themselves.

Are there any minimum coverage benefits that health insurance plans must include?

According to the Health Insurance Law Abu Dhabi, employers must offer minimum health benefit plans to their employees. The plans must provide coverage for medical services such as medical examination, primary health care and treatment provided by specialists and general practitioners, X-rays and tests, in-patient services and hospital treatment, gum and dental treatment (excludes dentures and orthodontics), medications, and accommodation charges of one attendant of the patient.

The Abu Dhabi Health Insurance Law also states that unless expatriates are covered under a health insurance scheme, they are not to be employed and issued any residence permit. They are also not allowed to renew expats’ existing permits without a health insurance policy.

Choose the right benefits for your employees with Cigna group health insurance plans

At Cigna, we care. To let you and your employees have a smooth and hassle-free experience, we have designed comprehensive, convenient, and flexible plans. We customize health insurance products to align with your requirements for maximum profitability. Some of the benefits that we offer to the employers are - close collaboration to help you reach your business goals, effortless onboarding processes, assistance to ensure that your plans are compliant with the changing times, a broker support service team, localized card printing, etc. Our GlobalCare plans are also highly ideal for you if your workforce includes Emiratis, expatriates, or a combination of both. Some of our standard health benefits for employees include in-patient and day-care surgery, out-patient cover, cancer coverage, mental health services, and maternity coverage. You can learn more about the features and benefits by visiting the Employers and Brokerspage.

Cigna also offers health insurance plans for expats and their families

Cigna's health insurance plans will offer the best for you and your families. You can choose the Regional, International, or the International Plus Healthguard plan. The standard benefits that we offer in our plans are mental health care, in-patient/out-patient treatment, maternity services, out-patient consultations, out-of-area emergency cover, tests, and medications. We also provide add-on modules (optional) that offer advantages across medical services such as dental care, vision care, wellness screenings and tests. You can make your choice from our three levels of cover as per your convenience, requirements, and budget. To know more about the plans and how they work, please check our Individual & Families page.