Top 12 Medical Insurance Companies in the UAE
Medical insurance is a legal requirement in the UAE for both locals and expatriates. Employers are responsible for providing coverage to their employees, whether they are newly arriving from abroad, moving between jobs, or renewing their residency. Unlike in many Western countries, medical insurance in the UAE is typically employer-funded, meaning employees pay little to nothing for doctor visits and treatments. Understanding the country’s insurance landscape is essential for businesses to remain compliant and ensure their staff have seamless access to healthcare.
Cercli’s global HR system supports employers in understanding local medical insurance regulations and ensuring new hires receive appropriate cover.
The Legal Framework for Employer-Provided Medical Insurance in the UAE
The UAE has established a clear and structured legal framework to ensure that all residents have access to adequate healthcare. Employer-provided medical insurance is a key part of this framework. While requirements vary slightly across the Emirates, they will soon be standardised nationwide.
In Abu Dhabi, compulsory health insurance was introduced under Law No. (23) of 2005. Employers are required to provide cover for their employees and eligible dependents, one spouse, and up to three children under 18. The scheme is regulated by the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH), which also sets the minimum coverage under the Basic Health Plan.
Extension of Dubai’s Health Insurance Law Across All Emirates from 2025
In Dubai, employer-provided insurance is governed by the Dubai Health Insurance Law No. (11) of 2013, with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) overseeing compliance. From 1 January 2025, similar requirements will apply across all Emirates. Employers in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah will be required to provide medical insurance as a condition for issuing or renewing residency permits.
Employer Responsibilities and Consequences of Non-Compliance
This mandate aims to ensure complete health coverage for private-sector employees and domestic workers. Non-compliance may result in visa delays, employer fines, and potential issues with business licensing.
Employers must also ensure that the plans they choose meet local regulatory standards, such as those set by the DOH or DHA, to remain compliant. This framework protects employees’ access to care while giving employers a straightforward approach to managing medical insurance in line with UAE labour and immigration rules.
Upcoming Nationwide Health Insurance Requirements for Employers in the UAE
The law requires employers across all Emirates to provide medical insurance to their staff, with specific regulations enforced by local authorities such as the DOH in Abu Dhabi and the DHA in Dubai.
From 2025, these obligations will be unified across the UAE, with non-compliance leading to penalties including visa delays and fines. Employers must ensure selected plans meet local minimum standards.
Why Does It Matter?
For employees, it ensures access to medical care in case of illness or injury. For employers, meeting the legal requirements is essential to avoid penalties that could disrupt operations.
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Top 12 Medical Insurance Companies in the UAE
Medical insurance is a legal requirement for employees across the UAE and an essential part of workforce management. Whether you’re employing local staff or expatriates, selecting the right insurer helps ensure regulatory compliance and access to reliable healthcare.
Below are 12 recognised medical insurance providers operating in the UAE.
1. Daman Health: A Leading Medical Insurer in the UAE
Daman Health is one of the largest health insurance providers in the UAE. Established in 2006 and based in Abu Dhabi, the company offers medical insurance plans for individuals, families, and businesses.
Its plans range from basic to more extensive options, supported by a broad medical provider network. Daman also offers coverage for chronic conditions and maternity care.
2. ADNIC: Health Insurance Services for Individuals and Corporations
Founded in 1972, ADNIC (Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company) provides health insurance plans tailored to individuals and corporate clients. It is known for a high claim settlement ratio and a wide provider network, making it a trusted option for employers across the UAE.
3. AXA Gulf: International Health Cover with UAE Access
AXA (now part of GIG Gulf) has offered health insurance in the UAE since 1990. It provides a range of plans, including:
- International coverage
- With access to 24/7 medical support
- Online claims
Its global network and UAE presence make it suitable for both residents and expatriates.
4. Aetna Insurance: International Health Plans for UAE Residents
Aetna Insurance, part of CVS Health, has operated since 1853 and is active in the UAE health insurance market. It offers international plans designed for expatriates and frequent travellers, supported by an extensive global healthcare network.
5. MetLife: Health Cover Options for UAE Employers and Individuals
Established in 1868, MetLife provides health insurance plans that include critical illness cover. Its offerings are used by employers and individuals in the UAE seeking structured, benefit-based coverage.
6. National General Insurance Company: Health Cover in the UAE Since 1980
National General Insurance Company (NGI), founded in 1980, is based in the UAE and provides a variety of health insurance options. Its plans support access to care for both individuals and businesses, with an emphasis on financial stability and regulatory compliance.
7. Oriental Health Insurance: Serving UAE Policyholders Since 1960
Oriental Health Insurance Dubai, a subsidiary of Oriental Insurance Company, has provided medical insurance since 1960. It offers a range of plans designed for both residents and expatriates, with a focus on service and practical coverage.
8. Allianz Care: Health Insurance with International Reach
Allianz Care, part of the Allianz Group, founded in 1890, focuses on global health insurance plans. It is frequently chosen by expatriates in the UAE who require international coverage and access to cross-border healthcare networks.
9. Sukoon Insurance: Health Cover for Individuals, Families, and Corporations
Formerly Oman Insurance Company, Sukoon Insurance has operated in the UAE since 1975. It offers plans for individuals, families, and businesses, with coverage levels designed to meet different healthcare needs across the Emirates.
10. Ras Al Khaimah National Insurance Company: Medical Insurance with Local Expertise
Established in 1976, RAKNIC is known for its regional presence and insurance services in Ras Al Khaimah and beyond. It provides medical insurance plans suitable for individuals, families, and businesses throughout the UAE.
11. GIG Gulf: Medical Insurance Options Across the UAE
GIG Gulf, active since 1962, offers health insurance plans alongside other insurance services. Its medical plans serve both individuals and organisations, with options for varying levels of coverage and online policy management.
12. Takaful Emarat: Sharia-Compliant Health Insurance in Dubai
Founded in 2008, Takaful Emarat provides Sharia-compliant health and life insurance. It offers health plans based on Islamic finance principles and is an option for employers or individuals seeking ethical, family-oriented cover.
What Employers Should Look for When Selecting a Medical Insurance Provider
The claim settlement ratio is one of the most reliable indicators of an insurer’s dependability. A higher ratio indicates that claims are processed and paid efficiently, helping employees access timely treatment and maintain confidence in their employer’s benefits offering.
Employers should assess an insurer’s historical performance and average settlement times, as this directly impacts employee satisfaction and reduces follow-up workload for HR teams.
Network Coverage: Access to Quality Healthcare
A comprehensive provider network ensures employees can access quality healthcare facilities across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates. Employers should check that the insurer’s network includes reputable hospitals, clinics, and specialists near employees’ work or home locations.
For companies with staff who travel frequently within the UAE, nationwide coverage is valuable in ensuring continuity of care without extra out-of-pocket expenses.
Plan Flexibility: A Tailored Approach to Employee Benefits
Flexible plans enable employers to tailor coverage to suit different employee groups.
This could include:
- Options for inpatient and outpatient care
- Maternity benefits
- Chronic illness management
- Dental or optical add-ons
- Wellness programmes
Employers should seek providers that offer adaptable solutions, allowing them to adjust benefits in line with workforce changes without needing to renegotiate complete contracts.
Compliance: Avoid Fines and Reputational Damage
Compliance with regulatory requirements is non-negotiable. Insurers must provide plans that meet the standards of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or the Department of Health, Abu Dhabi (DOH), depending on employees’ location. Non-compliant plans risk visa delays, fines, and reputational harm.
Employers should request formal confirmation of compliance and regularly review updates to regulatory frameworks, primarily as the UAE’s new nationwide mandate extends to all emirates from January 2025.
Customer Service: Support for HR and Employees
Reliable and accessible customer service is essential to reducing the administrative burden on HR teams. Employers should prioritise insurers with dedicated support channels, extended service hours, multilingual assistance, and streamlined digital tools.
Tools such as mobile apps for submitting claims, checking coverage, or locating network providers can improve the employee experience and reduce queries directed to internal teams.
Simplifying Regional and Global Workforce Management for MENA-Based Businesses
Cercli supports companies in the Middle East that require a compliant and adaptable way to manage their workforce, whether teams are local, remote, or distributed across borders. Cercli is developed to reflect the specific needs of businesses in the region. It helps companies in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and across MENA streamline HR operations, comply with local regulations, and manage payroll efficiently.
Cercli manages tasks such as WPS registrations in the UAE, GOSI processing in Saudi Arabia, DEWS contributions, and contract compliance, helping businesses handle regional payroll and HR requirements more easily. As companies expand their hiring to include remote employees, contractors, and international teams, Cercli supports global workforce management through compliant and structured solutions.
Managing Global Teams Through a Centralised HR and Payroll System
Companies can pay contractors or full-time employees in more than 150 countries using multicurrency payroll, Employer of Record (EOR) services, and legally compliant international contracts.
Cercli provides HR teams with a centralised system to manage key stages of the employee lifecycle, including:
- Onboarding
- Asset management
- Leave tracking
- Time-off calendars
- Payroll processing
- Offboarding
By consolidating employee data in one place, companies can reduce manual tasks, minimise payroll errors, and maintain apparent oversight of workforce activity.
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Steps to Set Up and Manage Employee Medical Insurance
Choosing a Compliant Insurer or Broker
Start by selecting an insurer or broker approved by relevant authorities, such as the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or the Department of Health, Abu Dhabi (DOH). Selecting a compliant provider ensures that policies meet legal requirements and avoid issues with visa processing.
Employers should assess insurers’ track records, claim settlement ratios, and network coverage, or engage a broker who can compare plans and secure rates suited to workforce needs.
Enrolling New Hires and Dependants Efficiently
Once an employee joins, they must be enrolled in a compliant medical insurance plan before their residency visa is issued or renewed.
Employers should establish a transparent process for collecting necessary documentation at the onboarding stage, such as:
- Passport copies
- Emirates IDs
- Information for eligible dependants
For dependants, coverage typically includes one spouse and up to three children under the age of 18. Timely enrolment helps avoid visa delays and ensures continuous access to healthcare for employees and their families.
Managing Renewals Aligned with Visa Updates
Medical insurance must be renewed annually in line with each employee’s visa renewal. Employers should maintain accurate records of policy expiry dates and visa timelines to prevent any lapses in coverage. Many employers use automated reminders or HR systems to track these dates.
Renewing policies early provides time to reassess whether current coverage meets workforce needs, allowing for adjustments before the next policy period.
Communicating Benefits to Employees Effectively
Clear communication is essential to help employees understand and make full use of their medical insurance benefits.
Employers should provide straightforward guidance on:
- What is covered
- How to access care within the insurer’s network
- How to submit claims
Providing explicit reference materials, such as benefit summaries or FAQs, can help reduce confusion and make the plan more straightforward to understand. Keeping employees informed of changes, such as:
- New providers added to the network
- Helps maintain confidence in the scheme
- Reduces HR queries
Improving HR Operations in the Middle East: Cercli’s Regional Platform
Cercli is designed to support companies in the Middle East in managing their workforce, whether teams are based locally or spread across more than 150 countries, within a single system. The software enables businesses to run compliant payroll across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the wider MENA region, manage leave, onboard new staff, track company assets, and process international contractor payments in multiple currencies.
Whether managing 25 employees or expanding to 500 across different markets, Cercli supports HR teams with a system that reflects local employment practices while also accommodating international operations.
Book a demonstration to learn how Cercli supports MENA businesses in managing HR, payroll, and global teams while meeting local compliance requirements.
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