Maternity Insurance in UAE

What is Maternity Insurance in the UAE?

Maternity insurance is a specialised form of health coverage. It helps manage the medical costs related to pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care. Whether you're planning a pregnancy or already expecting, pregnancy insurance ensures that essential services like prenatal checkups, delivery (normal or C-section), postnatal care, and newborn treatment are taken care of financially. In most plans, even the baby is covered for the first 30 days after birth.

In the UAE, especially in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, pregnancy insurance is often mandatory for married women. It eases the financial burden and gives families peace of mind during one of life’s most important phases.

Is Maternity Insurance Mandatory in the UAE?

The short answer is — yes, but it depends on where you live in the UAE.

In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, maternity insurance is legally required for married women. Employers must provide health coverage that includes pregnancy-related care such as doctor consultations, scans, delivery and postnatal treatment. However, in the Northern Emirates (like Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah), maternity coverage is not always mandatory. Its availability may vary as per your insurance provider.

The Real Cost of Maternity Care Without Insurance in the UAE

Pregnancy is a joyful journey. But without the right maternity insurance, it can also be a costly one. In the UAE, expecting families who don’t have pregnancy insurance often find themselves paying out-of-pocket for everything from doctor visits to delivery and newborn care.

Here’s a breakdown of what you might pay without maternity insurance in the UAE —

A single unexpected complication, like a baby needing NICU care for 3 days, can push your hospital bill well over AED 40,000. That’s why insurance for pregnant women in the UAE is financially protective. The right maternity plan can cover most, if not all, of these expenses.

Types of Maternity Insurance in the UAE

Not all maternity plans are the same, and that’s a good thing! After all, you can make a choice as per your specific needs. Depending on your budget and the level of care you expect, you can choose from basic, mid-tier or premium pregnancy insurance plans. Each type of insurance for pregnant women in the UAE offers different benefits and coverage limits.

The table below provides a simple comparison to help you understand your options — 

Note: If you’re looking for affordable maternity insurance in the UAE, a basic plan can be a good starting point. However, if you want wider coverage or have specific hospital preferences, consider mid or premium plans. Choosing the right pregnancy insurance UAE policy early means fewer financial surprises later.

Maternity Package vs Maternity Insurance — What’s the Difference?

When you're expecting, you’ll likely come across two options: a maternity package directly from a hospital or full maternity insurance through a health insurance provider. While they might sound similar, they offer very different levels of protection.

Example
Imagine you purchase a hospital maternity package for AED 9,500 that covers your prenatal visits and delivery. Everything seems fine until your baby arrives a few weeks early and needs to stay in the NICU for 2 days. Since most maternity packages don’t cover neonatal emergencies, you’d have to pay an additional AED 6,000-AED 8,000 out-of-pocket just for those two days.

However, if you had chosen a pregnancy insurance plan in the UAE, most of these costs would have been covered — especially under mid-tier or premium plans. 

What’s Covered Under Maternity Insurance in the UAE?

A comprehensive maternity insurance plan supports you before, during, and after your pregnancy and even covers your baby during the first month of life. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s usually included — 

What’s Not Covered Under Maternity Insurance in the UAE?

While maternity insurance in the UAE provides essential coverage during pregnancy, delivery, and your baby’s first days, there are a few limitations and exclusions that families should be aware of. Knowing what’s not included can help you avoid surprise bills and plan better.

1. ❌ Pregnancy before policy start or during waiting period
2. ❌ IVF and fertility treatments
3. ❌ Elective (non-medical) C-sections
4. ❌ Luxury hospital rooms or VIP upgrades
5. ❌ Newborn care after the first 30 days
6. ❌ Vaccinations beyond the newborn stage
7. ❌ Treatments at non-network hospitals (unless approved)
8. ❌ Alternative therapies (unless specified)

🔍 Tip: Always read your policy documents carefully and ask your insurer about specific exclusions. What’s covered under one pregnancy insurance plan in the UAE may be excluded under another.

Top Maternity Insurance Plans in the UAE 

With so many options available, choosing the right maternity insurance can feel overwhelming. To simplify your search, here’s a quick look at some of the best pregnancy insurance plans in the UAE — including their coverage limits, co-payment requirements, and key benefits.

💡 Pro Tip
If you’re planning to deliver at a premium hospital or want comprehensive cover for your baby, look for a pregnancy insurance plan in the UAE with higher coverage limits and lower co-payment. Always read the fine print and make sure your chosen OB-GYN and hospital are in-network. You can compare all these plans in one place using trusted platforms like Policybazaar.ae, where you can filter based on budget, hospital network, and coverage type.

Already Pregnant? Can You Still Get Maternity Insurance in the UAE?

Yes — it is possible to get maternity insurance in the UAE even after you’re already pregnant, but it’s not always guaranteed.

Whether or not you’ll be accepted depends entirely on the insurance provider, your pregnancy stage, and your medical history. If you're already expecting and applying mid-policy, some companies may allow you to add pregnancy insurance coverage through a process called midterm loading. However, this usually comes with a higher premium and stricter approval. You’ll need to submit medical documents like ultrasound scans, blood test reports, and pregnancy confirmation records.

⚠️ Important: Many assume they can wait out the standard 40-day waiting period and then declare the pregnancy. But insurance companies will verify your pregnancy timeline through your medical records (such as last menstrual period and scan dates). If the dates don’t match, your claim can be denied.

That’s why it’s always safer and more cost-effective to buy insurance for pregnant women in the UAE before conception. This way, you complete the waiting period in advance and avoid any premium loading, policy exclusions, or rejection risks.

How to Make a Maternity Insurance Claim in the UAE?

Making a claim under maternity insurance in the UAE is a simple process — as long as you know how your plan works. Most insurers offer two ways to settle pregnancy-related expenses: cashless claims and reimbursement claims.

Cashless Claims (Direct Billing)

• If you visit a hospital or clinic within your insurance network, you usually don’t have to pay anything upfront (except for co-pay, if applicable)
• Just present your Emirates ID at the hospital — the provider will bill your pregnancy insurance plan directly
• This is the most convenient option and is widely available across major UAE hospitals
• Depending on your policy, you may still need to pay a small co-payment or deductible

Reimbursement Claims

• If you receive treatment outside your insurance network or for services not fully covered (e.g. some diagnostic tests or physiotherapy), you’ll need to pay first and claim later
• After your visit, submit your paid invoices, doctor’s notes, and test reports to your insurer
• The insurance company will review and reimburse you based on your maternity insurance UAE policy limits

💡 Quick Tip: Always confirm whether a hospital is within your network before your visit, especially for scans, emergency care, or delivery. It can save you both time and money.

Renewing Your Maternity Insurance in the UAE

Renewing your maternity insurance on time is just as important as buying the right plan. This is especially true if you're planning to conceive or are already expecting. If your policy is already active, you don’t have to go through the waiting period again when you renew.

Most insurers in the UAE allow renewal up to 30 days before the policy expiry date. If you renew without any break in coverage, you’ll continue to enjoy full maternity benefits including prenatal checkups, delivery, and newborn insurance for the first 30 days.

Here’s why timely renewal of your pregnancy insurance in the UAE is important —

1. ✅ You avoid repeating the waiting period (which can be 40 days to 12 months)
2. ✅ No need to pay extra premiums or face ‘loading’ charges
3. ✅ Your baby stays covered from birth (for the first 30 days)
4. ✅ You're financially protected if complications arise close to renewal

You can easily renew your plan online through platforms like Policybazaar.ae. Here, you can compare plans, upgrade your coverage, or even change insurers — all in just a few clicks.

Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead, Worry Less!

Starting or growing a family is one of life’s most meaningful decisions. The right maternity insurance in the UAE makes that journey smoother, safe, and financially stress-free. If you're still planning or already expecting, know that pregnancy insurance protects you from surprise costs while ensuring you and your baby receive the care you deserve.

From prenatal checkups to delivery and newborn care, a good insurance plan for pregnant women in the UAE can support you in this phase. Just remember to compare your options carefully, understand what's included (and what's not), and buy your policy before you conceive, if possible.

Smart parenting begins with smart planning. Maternity insurance is one of the first steps in giving your baby the healthiest possible start!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is maternity insurance mandatory for all residents in the UAE?

Not for everyone. Maternity insurance is mandatory for married women under employer-sponsored health plans in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, in the Northern Emirates, it's not compulsory. In this case, the coverage varies depending on your insurer.

Can I buy maternity insurance as an individual if my employer doesn’t provide it?

Yes, you can. Many providers offer individual health insurance plans that include maternity benefits. These are ideal for self-employed women, dependents, or anyone whose employer plan doesn't include insurance for pregnant women in the UAE.

Do I need to be married to get maternity insurance?

Yes, in most cases. Most maternity insurance plans in the UAE are only offered to married women. Unmarried pregnancy is not legally recognised in the UAE. In most cases, insurance providers require a marriage certificate to activate maternity benefits.

Can I upgrade my health insurance plan to include maternity benefits?

It depends on your insurance provider. Some may allow you to upgrade mid-policy through a process called midterm loading. However, this is subject to approval and may come with a higher premium. It's always smarter to plan ahead and choose the right maternity insurance UAE plan before getting pregnant.

How long is the waiting period for maternity insurance in the UAE?

The waiting period can range from 40 days to 12 months, depending on your plan. That means you can’t claim maternity-related expenses until that time has passed. Buying your pregnancy insurance early ensures you're fully covered when you need it.

Is my baby automatically covered after birth under my maternity insurance plan?

Only for the first 30 days. After that, you must register your newborn under a separate health insurance policy. During the first month, most maternity insurance plans in the UAE cover vaccinations, health checks, and emergency care like NICU, depending on your coverage level.

Does maternity insurance cover complications or emergencies during delivery?

Yes — especially mid-tier and premium plans. These policies usually cover medically necessary C-sections, NICU admission, anaesthesia, and delivery-related complications. However, always check the policy’s sub-limit to understand how much is covered.

Can expat women buy pregnancy insurance in the UAE without employer sponsorship?

Yes. Expats can buy private maternity insurance plans even if their employer doesn’t provide it. These plans vary by price and coverage, but many insurers offer flexible options for expat families in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Emirates.

Does maternity insurance cover abortion or miscarriage treatment?

Some plans do, but only when medically necessary and approved by a licensed doctor. Elective abortions are not covered under any pregnancy insurance in the UAE as per local law and insurance guidelines.

Can I choose any hospital with my maternity insurance?

Only if it’s within your plan’s network list. Each maternity insurance plan includes a list of approved hospitals and clinics. If you go outside the network, you may need to pay upfront and apply for reimbursement. In some cases, your claim could even be denied.