UAE: Does new health insurance cover pre-existing chronic conditions?

Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has issued a clarification on the scope of coverage of the newly introduced health insurance package, launched on January 1.

The package was launched in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security and the Ministry of Health & Prevention (ICP), as well as several insurance companies, and provides competitively priced health coverage with minimal treatment costs for private sector employees and domestic workers across the UAE.

The ministry has clarified that the package includes coverage for chronic diseases and pre-existing conditions without a waiting period -- unlike most insurance products, which typically exclude such conditions for the first six months.

However, the policy does not cover maternity, childbirth, or dental treatments.

The ministry further stated that the insurance network includes seven hospitals, 47 clinics and medical centres, and 44 pharmacies. Additionally, dependents of insured employees can benefit from the same coverage and pricing in accordance with the insurance policy terms.

The package also provides telehealth services and medical consultations via phone or online platforms, enabling patients to receive medical advice and treatment without visiting a clinic or hospital and without co-payment, except for pharmacy-related services.

MOHRE stated: “Employer in private sector companies and sponsors of domestic workers are responsible for covering the cost of health insurance when issuing or renewing residency permits as of January 1, 2025. The insurance system offers this package at a competitive price of Dh320 per year”

For inpatient treatment, the insured individual must cover 20 per cent of the treatment cost, capped at Dh500 per visit and a maximum of Dh1,000 per year. Beyond this limit, the insurance company will cover 100 per cent of the expenses.

For outpatient treatment, the insured must pay 25 per cent of the cost, up to a maximum of Dh100 per visit. Follow-up visits within seven days for the same condition are exempt from co-payment. The co-payment for medications is 30 per cent, with coverage up to Dh1,500 annually.

As of January 1, employers had to purchase the new health insurance policy as a prerequisite for issuing or renewing residency permits. This can be done through “Network- Dubai Care” or any other approved insurance company.

Exceptions: Employees whose work permits were issued before January 1, 2025, are not required to have the new insurance until their residence permits are renewed. The policy can be purchased online via whi.ae or at business service centers.

The ministry highlighted six main advantages of the new package:

1. Competitive pricing: Dh320 per year.

2. Two-Year validity: The policy is valid for two years with a refund option for the second year if the residency permit is cancelled.

3. Coverage for chronic and pre-existing conditions: No waiting period.

4. Extensive medical network: Includes seven hospitals, 47 clinics and medical centres, and 44 pharmacies.

5. Coverage for dependents: Insured employees’ family members can benefit from the same pricing and coverage terms.

6. Telehealth services: Access to remote medical consultations via phone or internet, allowing patients to receive advice and treatment without clinic or hospital visits and without co-payment (except for pharmacy services).