Health Insurance in Abu Dhabi

Why is Health Insurance Mandatory in Abu Dhabi?

The Abu Dhabi Health Insurance Law (No. 23 of 2005), regulated by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), made medical insurance compulsory for all residents. The law was introduced to —

• Give every resident access to quality medical care
• Protect people from unexpected medical expenses
• Reduce the financial burden on hospitals and residents alike

Employers must provide health insurance Abu Dhabi for their employees and their dependents. Sponsors must also ensure coverage for family members and domestic workers.

What is the Penalty for Not Having Medical Insurance in Abu Dhabi?

Public vs. Private Healthcare Access in Abu Dhabi

Healthcare in Abu Dhabi operates under two main systems: public and private.

• Public Hospitals: Managed by SEHA, the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, these hospitals offer high-quality services at government-subsidised rates. However, waiting times can be longer.
• Private Hospitals: Facilities such as Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, NMC Royal, and Mediclinic offer quicker appointments, international specialists, and English-speaking staff. This, however, comes at a higher cost.

💡 Note: While public care is usually 20–50% cheaper, most expats receive treatment through private hospitals as their medical insurance Abu Dhabi plans primarily cover these facilities.

Who Needs to Buy Health Insurance in Abu Dhabi?

Everyone living in the emirate must have valid coverage. Here’s how it works —

Even Golden Visa holders have to maintain medical coverage for themselves and their families throughout their stay.

Types of Health Insurance Plans in Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi health insurance system includes multiple plan categories based on needs and budget. Here’s a look at the main categories available —

Basic Health Plans 

The most basic category is the basic health plan, which is primarily for those wanting just enough cover for visa regulations. 

• These plans cover essential medical services such as general physician consultations, emergency care, hospitalisation, and more 
• They are affordable and provide access to basic services 
• The focus here is to ensure everyone in Abu Dhabi has access to primary and emergency healthcare without financial strain

Semi-Comprehensive Plans

Semi-comprehensive plans go a step beyond the basics by offering more flexibility and higher coverage limits. These are often chosen by expats, families, and employers seeking broader protection for their staff.

• Covers inpatient and out-patient, specialist consultations, and more
• Access to an expanded hospital and clinic network across the UAE
• Higher annual coverage limits compared to basic plans
• Lower co-pays for advanced treatments and branded medicines

Comprehensive (Premium) Health Plans

Comprehensive or premium plans are designed for individuals and families who prefer full-scale protection, including international coverage. These plans are popular among senior executives, frequent travellers, and families seeking top-tier healthcare access.

• Worldwide medical coverage, including elective treatment abroad
• Access to premium hospitals and specialist care
• Coverage for advanced procedures, surgeries, and chronic illness management
• Wellness and preventive care benefits, including annual health check-ups, mental health support, and alternative therapies

Cost of Health Insurance in Abu Dhabi

Health insurance Abu Dhabi plans start from as low as AED 4 per day. However, the actual prices depend on age, coverage type, medical history, and lifestyle.

The basic plan for domestic workers starts at around AED 320 per year, covering outpatient and inpatient services with co-payments.

Features and Benefits of Health Insurance Abu Dhabi

Medical insurance in Abu Dhabi helps you safeguard your health and finances. Here’s a detailed look at the key features and benefits you can expect —

• Financial protection: Health plans cover expensive treatments, surgeries, and medicines. Instead of paying thousands of dirhams out of pocket, your insurer covers most (or all) of the costs. This helps you focus on recovery instead of worrying about bills.
• Access to top hospitals: You can access healthcare at top clinics and hospitals like Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Mediclinic, Burjeel, and more. This wide network ensures timely and high-quality care no matter where you are in the Emirate.
• Emergency coverage: In case of medical emergencies, insurance plans cover ambulance services, emergency room treatments, and hospitalisation.
• Preventive care: Most comprehensive plans cover annual check-ups, vaccinations, and health screenings. These help detect potential illnesses early and promote a healthier lifestyle.
• Maternity benefits: Plans often include prenatal consultations, delivery expenses, postnatal care, and newborn baby coverage. This ensures that mothers and infants receive complete medical support throughout the pregnancy journey.
• Specialist access: With semi- and comprehensive plans, you can directly consult leading specialists across departments like cardiology, orthopaedics, neurology, dermatology, and oncology. This way, you can access advanced diagnostic procedures and specialist consultations without long waiting times.
• Coverage for Prescription Medicines: Many insurance plans cover prescribed medicines and treatments recommended by licensed physicians. This significantly reduces your out-of-pocket medical spending.
• Dental and Optical Benefits: You can upgrade comprehensive health plans to include dental treatments such as cleaning, fillings, and extractions. You can also choose enhanced optical care — eye check-ups, corrective lenses, and minor eye surgeries. 

Inclusions and Exclusions of Abu Dhabi Health Insurance

Common Add-Ons for Medical Insurance in Abu Dhabi

Most plans under health insurance Abu Dhabi allow you to enhance coverage with optional add-ons —

Emergency Medical Services in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is well-equipped for medical emergencies —

• Government ambulances (998) provide free emergency transport
• Private ambulances charge around AED 500–1,500 for non-urgent transfers
• Private emergency room visits can cost around AED 800–1,200, excluding tests and treatments

Insurance generally covers emergency care, but only at approved facilities. Patients should confirm network hospitals before admission, except in life-threatening situations.

For severe cases, patients are directed to SEHA trauma centres or premier hospitals such as Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

Top Health Insurance Companies in Abu Dhabi

The Department of Health authorises leading insurers offering wide coverage networks and reliable claim service. Here are some of the leading names —

• Daman Insurance (Thiqa)
• Orient Insurance
• Takaful Emarat
• Abu Dhabi National Insurance (ADNIC)
• Cigna
• Sukoon Insurance
• Watania Takaful
• Dubai National Insurance
• RAK Insurance

Eligibility Criteria for Medical Insurance in Abu Dhabi

Documents for Medical Insurance in Abu Dhabi

• Sponsor’s passport and visa copy
• Emirates ID of the sponsor and the applicant
• Dependent’s passport and visa page
• Completed medical insurance application form
• Previous insurance certificate (if applicable)

How to Buy Cheap Health Insurance in Abu Dhabi?

Finding cheap health insurance Abu Dhabi is simple when you compare plans online. Platforms like Policybazaarinsurance.ae make it easy to —

1. Fill out your details: Enter your age, nationality, and visa type
2. Compare quotes: View side-by-side plans from leading insurers
3. Filter options: Choose based on coverage, hospital network, and add-ons
4. Select and buy: Complete the process 100% online — quick and paperless
5. Get instant policy: Receive e-policy and coverage details instantly

Claim Process for Health Insurance in Abu Dhabi

Filing a claim for medical insurance in Abu Dhabi depends on whether the facility is in your network or outside it. Here’s how both processes work —

For Network Hospitals (Cashless Treatment)

This option is ideal for regular procedures or even elective treatments, which are scheduled medical procedures that require prior approval from your insurer. Here’s how cashless claims work —

1. Check if pre-approval is required. If yes, submit your doctor’s report, test results, and treatment plan to your insurer before the procedure.
2. Once approved, visit a network hospital or clinic. Show your health card or Emirates ID.
3. The hospital sends the claim directly to your insurer. The insurer verifies the documents and settles the bill with the hospital.

For Non-Network Treatments

If you face an emergency or need a healthcare service that’s not available at a network hospital, you can first get the treatment and file a claim later. 

1. Notify your insurance company within 24 hours of admission through their 24/7 helpline.
2. Collect hospital bills, discharge summaries, prescriptions, and receipts.
3. File your claim online. You can use the insurer’s official website or the app after recovery.
4. The insurer reviews and reimburses approved costs directly to your account.

💡 Tip: Whenever possible, choose hospitals within your insurer’s network. It simplifies approvals and allows cashless treatment without upfront payments.

Abu Dhabi’s Growing Focus on Digital Health

Abu Dhabi has become a leader in digital healthcare. Through apps like Daman, Mediclinic, and the government’s Malaffi system, residents can —

• Get video consultations via dedicated apps from major providers like Burjeel, Mediclinic, and NMC.
• A typical teleconsultation costs between AED 150–250, often covered by insurers.
• Connect medical records across hospitals for seamless continuity of care through the Malaffi, the emirate’s health information exchange platform.
• Daman’s telehealth app provides 24/7 doctor consultations, making routine check-ups and mental health counselling easier and more accessible.

This shift towards telemedicine has made health insurance Abu Dhabi more efficient, transparent, and accessible than ever.

Abu Dhabi Health Tourism

Abu Dhabi has positioned itself as a growing medical tourism destination in the Middle East. Patients from Asia, Europe, and neighbouring countries travel here for high-quality and affordable treatments in fields such as —

• Cardiology
• Orthopaedics
• Fertility and IVF
• Dermatology
• Cosmetic surgery

Top hospitals like Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Burjeel Medical City offer medical tourism packages, including treatment, accommodation, and concierge support.

Thanks to JCI-accredited hospitals, English-speaking professionals, and transparent billing systems, Abu Dhabi attracts a rising number of international patients every year.

Health Insurance FAQs

Q: Is health insurance mandatory for an Abu Dhabi visa?

Ans: Yes. To get an Abu Dhabi residence visa, you must have a valid health insurance policy. For tourist visas, insurance is also mostly necessary.

Q: What is the fine for not having health insurance in Abu Dhabi?

Ans: Residents without valid medical insurance can face a fine of around AED 500 per month. Additionally, visa or residency renewals may be delayed or rejected until proof of insurance is provided.

Q: Are there health insurance options for self-employed individuals in Abu Dhabi?

Ans: Self-employed residents can buy individual health insurance plans that offer coverage similar to employer-provided policies and can be tailored to suit personal and business needs.

Q: How much does health insurance cost in Abu Dhabi?

Ans: A health card is issued by the Dubai Health Authority and allows access to government hospitals. However, it’s not a substitute for private health insurance.

Q: Can I pay my health insurance premium monthly?

Ans: Health insurance in Abu Dhabi starts from around AED 4 per day. Costs vary depending on age, coverage type, medical history, and insurer. Basic plans are more affordable, while comprehensive plans offer wider benefits at a higher price. 

Q: Does Abu Dhabi health insurance cover all types of medicines?

Ans: Most policies cover prescribed medicines up to a set limit. However, branded or specialised drugs may not be fully covered unless specified in the policy.

Q: Is health insurance mandatory for expatriates in Abu Dhabi?

Ans: All expatriates must have valid health insurance to live and work in Abu Dhabi. It is a legal requirement and must remain active throughout the residency period.