Health Insurance for Individuals and Families in Abu Dhabi: A Guide
Who must be insured, how plans differ, what affects the price, and how to choose the right network.
✓ Since 1995 · ✓ Central Bank of the UAE Reg. No. 081 · ✓ Compared across leading UAE insurers
In Abu Dhabi, health insurance is a legal requirement for every resident and a condition of getting or renewing a visa. If you sponsor family members, domestic workers or parents, or you're self-employed, you're responsible for insuring them. This guide explains how individual and family plans work. It's written by Al Berwaz Insurance Brokers, licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE (Registration No. 081).
Who must be insured, and by whom
- Employees: employers must insure every employee they sponsor.
- Spouse and children: employers must also cover one spouse and up to three children under 18.
- Other dependants: anyone else you sponsor, such as more children, parents or domestic workers, must be insured by you as the sponsor.
- Self-employed and investors: must buy their own cover.
Basic and enhanced plans
A basic plan meets the minimum requirements of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH), with a limited hospital network and set co-payments. Enhanced plans offer wider networks, lower co-payments, higher annual limits and extras such as dental, optical or cover outside the UAE. The right choice depends on your budget and which hospitals you want to use.
What to compare before you buy
- Network: which hospitals and clinics you can use directly, without paying upfront.
- Co-payment: the share you pay for each visit, test or medicine.
- Annual limit: the most the plan pays in a year.
- Maternity: what's covered, and whether a waiting period applies.
- Pre-existing conditions: how they're covered, and any waiting periods.
- Area of cover: UAE only, or also abroad.
How premiums are calculated
Insurers mainly look at age, plan level and network, area of cover, co-payments and, on some plans, medical history. Family plans are priced per member, so each person's age affects the total.
What to prepare
- Emirates ID and passport copies for each person
- Visa or residence details, and the sponsor's information
- Completed medical declaration forms, where required
- Details of your current cover, if you're switching
Why use a broker?
Plans with similar prices can have very different networks and co-payments. A broker compares plans across leading UAE insurers, explains the trade-offs, and helps with renewals and claims. Broker commission is built into the insurer's premium, so using a broker doesn't add to your cost.
Related:Individual and family health insurance · Group medical insurance guide · All guides
Got questions? We've got answers
Quick answers to other questions families ask us about health insurance.
Ask Us a QuestionWhat happens if my health insurance lapses?
Your visa renewal can be blocked and you may face fines for the period without cover. Renew before the expiry date and keep proof of continuous cover.
Can I add my parents to my plan?
Yes, if you sponsor them. Parents are usually priced higher because of their age, and some insurers ask for a medical declaration.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
It depends on the plan and insurer. You must declare them when you apply. Some plans cover them fully, while others apply waiting periods or limits.
Can I switch insurer at renewal?
Yes. Compare plans before your renewal date, and make sure the new cover starts the day the old one ends so there's no gap.
✓ Serving Abu Dhabi families since 1995
✓ Licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE (Reg. No. 081)
✓ Authorised by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi to arrange health insurance (Certificate No. B013)
Sources:Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. Checked October 2026.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Terms differ between insurers. Cover is subject to the policy terms, conditions and exclusions of the issuing insurer.