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European expats are required to have health insurance to reside in Dubai. European expats can purchase local or international health insurance plans, and the benefits and annual limits must meet the minimum coverage standards set by the Dubai Health Authority.
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Are you interested in moving from Europe to Dubai? Are you unsure which health insurance plans will fulfill visa requirements? The insurance experts at Pacific Prime wrote this article to help European expats and digital nomads find answers to their questions on health insurance in Dubai.
We’ll explain more about health insurance requirements for European expats and all foreigners and provide the best health insurance providers for the region. Keep reading, or click here for a free health insurance quote!
Health Insurance Requirements in Dubai for European Expats
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) requires European expats and all residents in Dubai to be covered by a health insurance policy. Health insurance plans will need to meet the minimum standards set by the Dubai Health Authority, which include the following:
- An annual overall limit of at least AED 150,000 (around EUR 34,908)
- Emergency medical treatment coverage
- Inpatient and outpatient care coverage
- Newborn care coverage
- Maternity services
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions
European expats working for Dubai companies will have their health insurance plans provided by their employer. Dubai employers are required by law to offer at least the minimum health insurance coverage outlined by the Dubai Health Authority.
Dependants of European expats are also required to have coverage, but employers are not required to insure employees’ dependents. It is the employee’s responsibility to ensure their dependents have health insurance.
European expats who don’t work for a Dubai employer or who are self-employed will need to purchase their own health insurance plans. A variety of different types of health insurance plans are available to European expats in Dubai.
Types of Health Insurance Plans Available for European Expats
European expats can choose from basic or more comprehensive health insurance plans. These plans can be purchased from either local or international providers. Depending on income, European expats may qualify for the Essential Benefits Plan in Dubai.
Any local health insurance provider in Dubai will offer at least a basic health insurance plan that includes these benefits. Some top international health insurance providers, such as Cigna Global, Sukoon, Bupa Global, and others, offer DHA-compliant plans.
The Essential Benefits Plan in Dubai
The Essentials Benefits Plan (EBP) is a government-mandated health insurance plan regulated by the Dubai Health Authority. It was created to provide basic health coverage for residents earning no greater than AED 4,000 (around EUR 931) a month.
The EBP covers essential medical services and meets all the minimum requirements of the DHA. Expats can purchase an EBP for their non-working dependents, regardless of their income. This means that even high-earning European expats can enroll their dependents in an Essentials Benefits Plan.
Health insurance companies that offer Essential Benefits Plans to residents in Dubai are Sukoon and Dubai National Insurance.
Local and International Health Insurance Plans in Dubai
European expats can choose to purchase local or international health insurance plans. Local health insurance plans only cover European expats within the boundaries of Dubai or the emirates, while international plans are globally portable and often have higher annual limits.
European expats who plan to travel outside of Dubai and the UAE are often recommended to purchase international health insurance plans. International health insurance is available for individuals and families, so European expats can insure any of their dependents.
Best Health Insurance Plans for European Expats in Dubai
The best health insurance plans for European expats in Dubai are provided through Cigna Global, GIG Gulf, and Sukoon and Bupa. We will share more about their Dubai Health Authority-compliant health insurance plans in the following sections.
Cigna Global Plans in Dubai for European Expats
Cigna Global provides European expats specialized coverage for Dubai through its Cigna Healthguard℠ plans. These come in varying levels of annual benefit limits and were designed to comply with the Dubai Health Authority’s minimum requirements for healthcare coverage.
European expats can choose between three Cigna Healthguard℠ plans: Regional, International, and International Plus. The Regional plan only covers European expats within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, other Middle East countries, and Asia (excluding Singapore, Hong Kong, and China).
The International and International Plus plans provide worldwide coverage (excluding the USA, unless you pay for a premium increase). The International Plus plan offers the most comprehensive coverage to European expats in Dubai, with an unlimited annual benefit maximum.
GIG Gulf Plans in Dubai for European Expats
Gulf Insurance Group (GIG) is a leading insurer in the Middle East that provides health insurance plans designed to comply with the Dubai Health Authority standards. They provide both local and regional geographical coverage, so European expats can travel across the emirates.
Their local expertise and knowledge can make them a valuable insurance provider to European expats in Dubai. Their network of providers includes top-quality hospitals and clinics in Dubai.
Sukoon and Bupa Plans in Dubai for European Expats
Bupa Global partners with Sukoon Insurance to provide Dubai Health Authority-compliant plans to European expats in Dubai and the UAE. They provide four health insurance plans: Select, Premier, Elite, and Ultimate.
- Select Plan: Provides geographical coverage in Dubai and surrounding Middle Eastern countries, with an option to upgrade to worldwide coverage (excludes the US). This plan has an overall annual limit of AED 4,670,000 (around EUR 1,086,805).
- Premier Plan: Provides worldwide geographical coverage, excluding the US. It also has the same annual limit as the Select plan, of AED 4,670,000 (around EUR 1,086,805).
- Elite Plan: Provides more comprehensive benefits than the Select and Premier plans. It offers worldwide coverage that includes the US and an annual limit of AED 14,019,000 (around EUR 3,262,510).
- Ultimate Plan: Provides the most comprehensive benefits of the health insurance plans offered by Bupa and Sukoon Insurance, with an unlimited annual limit. This plan also comes with worldwide coverage that includes the US.
Why Health Insurance is Important for European Expats in Dubai
Health insurance is important for European expats in Dubai due to the legal requirements for residents in Dubai, the high costs of healthcare, and the peace of mind it offers policyholders. These benefits make health insurance a valuable protection for European expats.
- Fulfills Legal Requirements: Health insurance coverage fulfills legal requirements and protects European expats from consequences like denied visa applications and fines. Penalties for not following this law can include fines of around AED 500 (around EUR 117) per month per uninsured person.
- Protects Against High Private Healthcare Costs: Private healthcare service costs in Dubai can be high. Without health insurance, European expats must pay these medical bills out of pocket. Minor surgeries in Dubai often cost more than AED 30,000 (around EUR 6,982).
- Provides Peace of Mind: European expats who are covered by health insurance are going to be less stressed in the event of an unexpected illness or accident than those who are uninsured. Health insurance provides invaluable financial support during stressful times.
Purchasing health insurance is an essential step for expats moving to Dubai from Europe. Understanding the value of health insurance can help you feel more informed when making a decision to purchase a plan for yourself or your family.
Cost of Health Insurance in Dubai for European Expats
European expats can expect to pay an average of USD $5,896 (EUR 5,038) annually for an individual health insurance plan in Dubai. Average annual family health insurance plans in Dubai are priced around USD $17,670 (EUR 15,097).
Dubai and the rest of the UAE have seen health insurance premiums rise due to a variety of factors, such as general inflation and improved medical technology. The exact cost of health insurance in Dubai for European expats will vary depending on the plan chosen and the provider.
To learn more about the cost of family and individual health insurance premiums across the globe, download the Pacific Prime Cost of International Health Insurance Report here!
Four Tips to Help Europeans Lower Their Premiums in Dubai
European expats in Dubai can help keep their health insurance premiums affordable by comparing a variety of plans from different providers, customizing their coverage, choosing a high-deductible plan, and consulting with an insurance broker. We’ll explain more about these tips below.
1. Compare a Variety of Plans from Different Providers
Compare a variety of plans from different health insurance providers before you choose a plan. You may find a health insurance plan for you that fits you better than one from different health insurance provider. You can use free quote tools to help you compare plans easily and quickly.
When comparing separate plans, make sure you analyze the geographical coverage, annual limits, benefits covered, and exclusions. Take your time with this step so you don’t miss any key points. Comparing plans can help you find the most affordable fit for your health insurance needs.
2. Customize Your Health Insurance Coverage
Don’t pay for coverage you don’t need; customize your coverage in your health insurance plan. While Dubai Health Authority rules mean you will have to buy a standardized basic coverage, you can still customize any additional benefits to ensure that you are only paying for what you need.
Are you unsure if you’ll need vision coverage? Don’t choose a plan with vision riders. Many insurance providers offer a variety of insurance solutions. Choose the plan that best fits your coverage needs.
3. Choose a High-Deductible Health Insurance Plan
Choosing a high-deductible plan can lower your annual or monthly premium. With a high-deductible plan, the insurance company will pay less upfront and shift more of the financial risk to the policyholder. This can help keep your family premiums more affordable.
4. Consult With an Insurance Broker
Consulting with an insurance broker can help European expats make the best choice for their health insurance plans by expediting the process and adding valuable support. Insurance brokers can help you find the most affordable option for yourself in Dubai.
Insurance brokers are partnered with a variety of health insurance providers and understand which may be more flexible with their underwriting. Insurance brokers can help explain complex insurance jargon so you understand your policy completely.
They will also help expats in Dubai compare across a wide variety of insurance providers, which will save expats time as they will not have to contact the insurers directly themselves. If you’re unsure where to start with securing health insurance, reach out to a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is my European Health Insurance Card valid in Dubai?
European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are not valid in Dubai and will not cover any medical expenses. EHIC only covers European expats in other EU countries. European expats will need to purchase a local or international health insurance policy for Dubai.
How much does health insurance cost in Dubai for European expats?
Private health insurance premiums are around USD $5,896 (around EUR 5,038) annually on average for an individual plan. The average annual family premium is priced around USD $17,670 (EUR 15,097). Costs may vary depending on your provider and plan.
Are Dubai employers responsible for providing health insurance to European expat employees?
Dubai employers are responsible for providing at least the minimum health insurance coverage outlined by the Dubai Health Authority to European expat employees. They are not responsible for insuring any dependents that European expats may have.
What happens if European expats don’t have health insurance in Dubai?
European expats who can’t provide proof of adequate health insurance coverage will not be issued a residency visa in Dubai. If your health insurance expires while you are in Dubai and you don’t renew it, you can face serious fines and legal ramifications.
Conclusion
European expats in Dubai are required to purchase and maintain adequate healthcare coverage throughout their stay in Dubai. Health insurance policies can be bought through local or international providers. Without this important coverage, European expats can face fines and other consequences.
Are you ready to begin shopping for health insurance in Dubai? Let the insurance experts at Pacific Prime help. Pacific Prime is partnered with a wide variety of global health insurance providers who provide plans in Dubai, and can help you find the best fit for your needs.
We are a global health insurance broker who specializes in expat health insurance and can offer a wealth of professional expertise and services. Our tailor-made policies suit every budget and health care need for European expats and digital nomads across the world.
Contact Pacific Prime to discuss, free of charge, a range of health insurance plans available for you and your loved ones in Dubai. To get a no-obligation, free price comparison quote, visit our website today!
Interested in reading more articles for expats in Dubai? Check out our following blog posts:
- Health Insurance in Dubai for Canadians
- Student Health Insurance in Dubai: What International Students Need
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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