In the UAE, employers are legally required to provide medical insurance for their domestic workers. This is not optional — it is a mandatory condition for obtaining and renewing a domestic worker work permit. This guide covers exactly what coverage is required, how much it costs, and how to enroll in 2026.
⚡ Quick Facts
| ✅ Mandatory? | Yes — required by UAE law for all domestic workers |
| 💰 Basic Plan Cost | AED 600–1,200/year |
| 🏛️ Regulator (Dubai) | DHA — Dubai Health Authority |
| 🏛️ Regulator (Abu Dhabi) | HAAD / DoH — Department of Health |
| 🏛️ Regulator (Other Emirates) | UAE Ministry of Health |
| 📞 MOHRE | 600590000 |
| ⏱️ Enrollment Timing | Must be active before work permit issuance |
⚖️ Is Medical Insurance Mandatory for Domestic Workers in UAE?
Yes — under the UAE Domestic Workers Law (Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2022) and emirate-level health regulations, all employers of domestic workers are required to provide health insurance coverage for their workers. MOHRE verifies insurance enrollment during the work permit issuance and renewal process.
⚠️ Work permit cannot be issued or renewed without proof of valid medical insurance. Employers who fail to maintain insurance face fines and permit cancellation.
🏥 What Must the Insurance Cover?
| Coverage Type | Required? |
|---|---|
| General practitioner (GP) visits | ✅ Yes |
| Emergency treatment | ✅ Yes |
| Specialist referrals | ✅ Yes (basic plans) |
| Prescribed medications | ✅ Yes |
| Laboratory tests | ✅ Yes |
| Hospitalization (in-patient) | ✅ Yes (basic plans) |
| Maternity care | Optional (enhanced plans) |
| Dental & optical | Optional (enhanced plans) |
💰 Medical Insurance Costs for Domestic Workers 2026
| Plan Type | Annual Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Essential Plan (Dubai) | AED 600–800 | Essential health benefits — GP, emergency, hospitalization |
| Standard Plan (Abu Dhabi) | AED 800–1,000 | Broader network, specialist access |
| Enhanced Plan (All Emirates) | AED 1,200–2,500 | Dental, optical, maternity, wider hospital network |
🏥 Emirate-Specific Requirements
🏙️ Dubai
All domestic workers must be enrolled in a DHA-compliant Essential Benefits Plan (EBP). Employers can purchase from any DHA-approved insurer. Mandatory since 2016.
🕌 Abu Dhabi
Coverage regulated by DoH (Department of Health). Domestic workers must be covered under an employer-sponsored plan. Coverage must include Thiqa or equivalent network access.
🌆 Other Emirates
Regulated by UAE Ministry of Health. Must meet minimum essential coverage standards. Tadbeer centers typically handle enrollment as part of the work permit package.
🔄 How to Get Insurance for Your Domestic Worker
Most MOHRE-approved Tadbeer centers include medical insurance enrollment as part of their 2-year domestic worker package. Ask specifically about insurance when signing up.
Contact a DHA/DoH-approved insurer directly. Popular providers include Daman, AXA, Oman Insurance, and Al Ain Ahlia.
If you have an employer group health policy, check if it can be extended to cover domestic workers — some plans allow this.
Upload the insurance certificate when applying for the domestic work permit through the MOHRE-approved Tadbeer center or directly via MOHRE services.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my maid's insurance expires?
You must renew the insurance before expiry. An expired policy means your domestic worker has no health coverage, and you may face fines and permit renewal issues.
Does the insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Basic plans typically exclude pre-existing conditions. Enhanced plans may offer partial coverage after a waiting period. Read the policy carefully before enrolling.
Who pays for the domestic worker's medical insurance?
Under UAE law, the employer is responsible for providing and paying for health insurance. The cost cannot be deducted from the worker's salary.
Can I use the same insurer as my own health plan?
Yes — many employers add their domestic worker to their existing family health plan. Confirm with your insurer that domestic workers are eligible under your policy.
What is the minimum coverage required for a domestic worker in Dubai?
Dubai requires the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) at minimum, which costs approximately AED 600–700/year and covers essential inpatient and outpatient services.
Is the medical examination the same as medical insurance?
No — these are two different requirements. The medical examination (Wafid) confirms the worker is healthy before entry. Medical insurance covers ongoing healthcare costs during employment.
🏠 Looking to Hire a Domestic Worker in UAE?
GCC Domestic lists all 136 MOHRE-approved Tadbeer centers across UAE. Compare centers, view profiles, and contact directly via WhatsApp — zero commission.
📌 Source: MOHRE UAE Official Website — Updated 2026. Always verify at mohre.gov.ae