Health Insurance for Domestic Workers in UAE — Employer Requirements

Legal Requirements for Domestic Worker Insurance

In the UAE, employers (sponsors) of domestic workers are legally obligated to provide health insurance coverage. This requirement applies to all domestic workers including housemaids, nannies, private drivers, cooks, and gardeners. Dubai's health regulator enforces the mandate in Dubai, and Abu Dhabi's health regulator enforces it in Abu Dhabi. Since 1 January 2025, sponsors of domestic workers in all emirates must provide at least the federal basic health insurance plan. Failure to provide coverage can result in visa rejection, fines, and labour complaints.

The requirement became more strictly enforced following the UAE Domestic Workers Law (Federal Law No. 10 of 2017), which established a comprehensive framework of rights for domestic workers including the right to healthcare. Insurance is now a prerequisite for issuing and renewing domestic worker visas in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Minimum Coverage Requirements

The minimum coverage for domestic workers mirrors the basic requirements for all visa holders. In Dubai, the plan must be Dubai mandatory health insurance plan (EBP) compliant, covering inpatient hospitalisation, outpatient consultations, emergency care, prescribed medications, and basic diagnostics. In Abu Dhabi, the plan must meet the minimum standards of Abu Dhabi's health regulator, as administered through Daman.

Key coverage elements of compliant plans include:

• Inpatient hospitalisation including surgery and ICU
• Outpatient doctor consultations and follow-up visits
• Emergency treatment at any facility
• Prescribed medications from network pharmacies
• Basic laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging
• Maternity coverage (check the plan's table of benefits for waiting periods and enrolment terms)

Cheapest Compliant Plans

Compare quotes for compliant domestic worker plans in Dubai. In Abu Dhabi, ask Daman for current domestic worker plan terms and prices. These plans meet minimum regulatory requirements but have limited networks and higher co-payments compared to enhanced plans.

Employers can purchase these plans online through insurer websites or through licensed brokers. Common providers offering domestic worker plans include Daman, Orient Insurance, Oman Insurance, and Dubai Insurance Company. Comparison portals can help identify the cheapest option with an adequate network in your area.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Employers who fail to insure their domestic workers face several consequences:

• Visa rejection: Immigration authorities will not issue or renew a domestic worker's visa without proof of valid health insurance.
• Fines: the UAE's health regulators can impose monetary penalties on employers found in violation. Fine amounts are reviewed periodically and can increase for repeat offenders.
• Labour complaints: Domestic workers can file complaints with MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) if their employer fails to provide legally required benefits, including health insurance.
• Personal liability: Without insurance, the employer is personally liable for all medical costs incurred by the domestic worker. Ask the hospital for an estimate of treatment costs.

Practical Tips for Employers

• Purchase insurance before applying for or renewing the domestic worker's visa — it is a prerequisite.
• Give your domestic worker a copy of their insurance card and explain how to use it at hospitals and clinics.
• Register the domestic worker with a nearby primary care clinic for routine health check-ups.
• Set a calendar reminder for policy renewal to avoid any coverage gap.
• Consider upgrading to an enhanced plan if your domestic worker has ongoing medical needs — the marginal cost is often modest.