UAE health insurance: What to do if your employer fails to provide coverage

Dubai: In the UAE, employers are required by law to provide health insurance for their expatriate employees. In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, this requirement has long been in place, ensuring all companies cover their staff with adequate health insurance. Since January 2025, this mandate has been extended to the Northern Emirates — Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. Under this expanded regulation, employers must now purchase health insurance policies as a prerequisite for issuing or renewing residency permits.

This recent development reinforces the UAE's commitment to ensuring all employees have access to essential healthcare, early disease detection, and financial protection. It also aims to reduce employers' healthcare costs by promoting preventive care and early intervention.

Despite these regulations, some workers still face challenges. A Gulf News reader recently raised concerns about their employer failing to provide health insurance, leaving them unable to visit a doctor when needed. The reader shared the following query:

"I would like to ask if I have the right to file a complaint against my employer. I have been with my company for almost a year, but I still have not received health insurance. Because of this, I am unable to visit a clinic or see a doctor when needed. Could you please advise me on what steps I should take? I hope the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) will conduct inspections to ensure all companies comply with the rules."

Vivian Ch'ng, associate at Alsuwaidi and Company, explained that under Dubai Law No. 11 of 2013 on health insurance (the Dubai Health Insurance Law), employers are required to provide health insurance to their workers and bear the costs of the insurance subscription. Additionally, Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 states that it is the employer's obligation to cover insurance costs as determined by legislation.

Employers must ensure that their employees' health insurance remains valid throughout their period of employment.

“Failure to provide health insurance is a violation of the Dubai Health Insurance Law, which entitles the employee to file a complaint with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE),” Ch'ng said.

If an employee believes their rights have been violated, they can file a complaint with MOHRE. The UAE Labour Law allows employees to submit a request to MOHRE, which will examine the issue and attempt to resolve the dispute amicably.

“If no settlement is reached within 14 days from the date of application, MOHRE will refer the dispute to the competent court, providing a memorandum that includes a summary of the dispute, arguments from both sides, and the ministry’s recommendation,” Ch'ng explained.

MOHRE can make a final decision in labour disputes if the amount claimed is less than AED 50,000 or if the parties agree to an amicable settlement, regardless of the claim's value.

Complaints can be submitted via the MOHRE website (www.mohre.gov.ae) or the MOHRE app. Alternatively, employees can seek assistance through MOHRE’s Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre at 80084.

Employers who fail to provide health insurance may face fines ranging from Dh500 to Dh150,000. Repeat violations within one year can result in fines doubling up to a maximum of Dh500,000.

The DHA has the authority to issue warnings, suspend activities related to health insurance in Dubai, or revoke permits. In some cases, DHA may notify licensing authorities or relevant bodies to take further action.

“In response to the reader’s query, employers face a penalty of Dh500 per uninsured employee or dependent per month. As DHA coordinates with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for enforcement, delays may also result in additional fines from GDRFA,” Ch'ng added.