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Medical Insurance for Maids and Domestic Workers

In Dubai all residents must have health insurance, it is mandatory by law. Here are the most frequently asked questions relating to medical insurance for domestic workers.

Who are domestic workers?

H. H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE approved Federal Law No. 10 of 2017. It states that domestic workers applies to the following occupations

  • housemaid
  • private sailor
  • watchman and security guard
  • household shepherd
  • family chauffeur
  • parking valet workers
  • household horse groomer
  • household falcon care-taker and trainer
  • domestic labourer
  • housekeeper
  • private coach
  • private teacher
  • babysitter/nanny
  • household farmer
  • gardener
  • private nurse
  • private PRO
  • private agriculture engineer
  • cook

Who is responsible for providing cover for domestic workers?

Where a person employs domestic workers on their sponsorship, whether the sponsor is a National or a Resident, the sponsor must arrange and pay for insurance coverage.

What is the minimum level of cover required by law?

The Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) sets out the the minimum level of cover required for domestic workers and all residents of Dubai.

This coverage includes;

  • An annual claim limit of AED 150,000
  • Emergency medical treatment limited to Emirates within the UAE
  • Basic healthcare services within the Emirate of Dubai
  • Treatment for chronic and pre-existing conditions are not included for the first 6 months, but are included after.
  • For basic in-patient healthcare services there is a 20% co-insurance payable by the person insured with a cap (the most that can be paid) of AED 500 per encounter, and an annual aggregate cap of AED 1,000. Anything above these caps the insurer will pay for.
  • Cost of drugs and medicines up to an annual limit of AED 1,500 – there’s a 30% co-insurance (payable by the person insured) in respect of each and every prescription.

The complete details of coverage can be found in Appendix A of DHA’s Employer’s Information Pack.

How much does cover for domestic workers cost?

The Essential Benefits Plan generally costs between AED 550 and AED 720 per year.