In Oman, employers must provide health insurance for their domestic workers as a mandatory requirement for work permit issuance and renewal. This guide covers what's legally required, how much it costs, and how to enroll in 2026.
⚡ Quick Facts
| ✅ Mandatory? | Yes — required for work permit and residence card |
| 💰 Basic Plan Cost | RO 50–120/year |
| ⏱️ When Required | Before/at time of work permit application |
| 🏥 Coverage | Government hospitals + approved clinics |
| 📞 MOL | 1502 |
⚖️ Why It's Mandatory
Under Oman's work permit regulations, employers must provide valid health coverage for domestic workers as a condition of both initial permit issuance and renewal. A worker without valid health insurance cannot have their residence card renewed.
💰 Health Insurance Costs 2026
| Plan Type | Annual Cost (RO) | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Government Plan | RO 50–70 | Government hospitals, emergency, essential medications |
| Standard Private Plan | RO 80–100 | Approved clinics, GP, specialist referrals |
| Enhanced Plan | RO 100–120+ | Wider network, dental (basic), optical |
🏥 What Coverage Must Include
- ✅ Emergency treatment at government hospitals
- ✅ General practitioner consultations
- ✅ Essential prescribed medications
- ✅ Basic diagnostic tests and X-rays
- ✅ Work-related injury treatment
- ✅ Maternity (if applicable under the plan)
🔄 How to Enroll
Approach approved insurance companies such as Oman Insurance, Dhofar Insurance, National Life & General Insurance, or Al Ahlia Insurance for domestic worker plans.
Once enrolled, you receive an insurance certificate — keep a copy for MOL and ROP submissions.
Include the insurance certificate when applying for the work permit at MOL.
Renew the insurance before it expires. Lapsed coverage can block residence card renewal.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deduct health insurance from my maid's salary?
No — health insurance must be paid entirely by the employer. Deducting insurance costs from the worker's salary is illegal.
What happens if the domestic worker gets seriously ill?
Serious illness requiring hospitalization is covered under the health insurance. The employer is also legally responsible for the worker's medical care beyond what insurance covers.
Is health insurance the same as the medical exam?
No — the pre-employment medical exam tests fitness before entry. Health insurance covers ongoing medical care during employment. Both are separate requirements.
Which hospitals accept domestic worker health insurance in Oman?
Most Oman government hospitals (operated by the Ministry of Health) accept standard domestic worker insurance. For specific network details, contact your insurance provider.
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📌 Source: Oman MOL Health Requirements — Updated 2026. Always verify at mol.gov.om