Workplace Wellbeing

Employers and Health Insurance in Dubai: Who Must Provide Cover

The Wellbeing Voice Desk · 30 Oct 2026

In summary

Dubai's Health Insurance Law, Law No. 11 of 2013, requires employers to provide health cover for their employees that meets at least the Essential Benefits Plan, and they cannot pass the cost on to staff. Dependants, including domestic workers, are the responsibility of whoever sponsors their visa. Fines for employers range from AED 500 to AED 150,000, rising to AED 500,000 for repeat breaches. Since 1 January 2025, a similar requirement applies to private-sector employees and domestic workers in the Northern Emirates.

Key takeaways

Dubai employers, including free zone companies, must provide and pay for staff health insurance.
The cost cannot be deducted from your salary.
Dependants (spouse, children, domestic workers) are the visa sponsor's responsibility, not automatically the employer's.
Minimum cover is the Essential Benefits Plan; visa renewal depends on valid insurance.
Fines: AED 500 to AED 150,000; up to AED 500,000 for repeat breaches.

Dubai's Health Insurance Law, Law No. 11 of 2013, requires every employer to provide health cover for its staff that meets at least the minimum standard, and employers cannot pass the cost on to employees. Gulf News reported in July 2026 that this applies to free zone companies in Dubai as well, and that the premium cannot be deducted from salary.

The law took effect on 1 January 2014 and was phased in by company size until 30 June 2016, according to a summary by law firm Al Tamimi & Company.

Who covers whom

PersonWho must provide cover in Dubai EmployeeThe employer, at its own cost Spouse and childrenTheir visa sponsor (often the employee), unless the employer offers family cover Domestic workerThe sponsor

Employers are not legally required to insure dependants. Gulf News noted in 2022 that whether family cover is included "is up to the employer", while the sponsor remains responsible for making sure dependants are insured.

What the minimum cover looks like

Every sponsor must provide at least the Essential Benefits Plan, the basic package defined by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Gulf News put typical premiums at AED 550 to AED 650 in July 2026. The plan has an annual limit of AED 150,000 and set co-payments; see our explainer on what Dubai's Essential Benefits Plan covers. Many employers offer more generous plans; your contract and policy documents show which one you have.

Insurance is also tied to residency: visa renewal depends on the employee holding valid health insurance.

Penalties

Al Tamimi's summary of the law gives fines for employers who fail to provide insurance of AED 500 to AED 150,000, with a maximum of AED 500,000 for repeated breaches. Gulf News reported the same range in March 2025 and noted that the DHA can also issue warnings and notify licensing authorities.

If your employer does not provide cover

A Dubai lawyer quoted by Gulf News in March 2025 said failing to insure staff breaches the Dubai Health Insurance Law and the employee can complain to the DHA and to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). MoHRE complaints can be filed on its website, its app or through the Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre on 80084. MoHRE tries to settle the case first and refers it to court if it is not resolved within 14 days.

Elsewhere in the UAE

Abu Dhabi: employers must insure the employee and family, which Gulf News reported in 2026 as the spouse and up to three children, under Law No. 23 of 2005.
Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah: since 1 January 2025, employers must buy health insurance for private-sector employees and domestic workers before issuing or renewing a residence permit. MoHRE's basic scheme costs AED 320 a year.

What to check

Your insurance card and the plan name, so you know what is covered.
That no insurance deduction appears on your payslip.
Whether your spouse and children are on the employer's plan or need their own.
Before a visa renewal, that cover is valid for the full period.

For general information, not legal advice. Details can change; check with the Dubai Health Authority or MoHRE before relying on them.

Frequently asked questions

Can my Dubai employer deduct health insurance from my salary?

No. Al Tamimi & Company's summary of Law No. 11 of 2013 says employers cannot pass the cost of cover on to staff, and Gulf News reported in July 2026 that Dubai employers cannot deduct it from salary.

Does my employer have to insure my family in Dubai?

Not by law. Employers are not required to cover dependants; the sponsor of the dependants must put cover in place. Some employers include family cover as a benefit, so check your contract.

What can I do if my employer does not provide health insurance?

A lawyer quoted by Gulf News in March 2025 said this is a violation of the Dubai Health Insurance Law and the employee can complain to the Dubai Health Authority and MoHRE. MoHRE complaints can be made on its website or app, or on 80084.

Sources & references

Medically/editorially reviewed by The Wellbeing Voice Desk · 31 Oct 2026

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