When does your maternity cover start?
Dubai allows a wait of up to 9 months in two cases. Abu Dhabi's Basic plan has a 6-month wait for delivery.
What waiting period can apply to you?
| Who | The rule |
|---|---|
| Dubai. I earn AED 4,000 a month or less and was enrolled with my employer’s other staff, as a new hire or at the employer’s enrolment deadline | A pregnancy confirmed after you were enrolled must be covered. |
| Dubai. I earn AED 4,000 a month or less and my sponsor enrolled me at another time | The insurer may apply a 9-month wait for maternity services. |
| Dubai. I am a non-working spouse | The insurer can choose to apply a 9-month waiting period. |
| Dubai. I work and earn more than AED 4,000 a month | The Dubai policy says the pregnancy is covered "provided that the terms and conditions apply". It does not say whether a waiting period may be applied, so ask your insurer. |
| Abu Dhabi Basic plan | The Basic plan has a 6-month wait for delivery, unless you had 6 months of unbroken cover before. |
| Northern emirates Basic plan | The Basic plan for Sharjah and the northern emirates excludes maternity. |
In Dubai a newborn is covered on the mother's plan for the first 30 days and needs its own plan from day 30. What each plan pays for the birth is in the maternity guide.
Sources
- Maternity and New Born Coverage PolicyDubai Health Authority, Dubai Health Insurance Corporation. Issued 29 July 2022. In force from 29 October 2022. Read 11 November 2026.
- GC 03/2024, Updated Table of Benefits for Essential Benefits PlanDubai Health Authority. Dated 23 July 2024. In force from 1 January 2025. Read 11 November 2026.
- Abu Dhabi Basic Health Insurance Plan FAQDaman. Undated page. Read 11 November 2026.
- Circular No. (2025/15), Subscription to Health Insurance to Cover Pregnancy and Childbirth ServicesDepartment of Health Abu Dhabi. Dated 14 February 2025. Read 11 November 2026.
- WHI Basic Plan, Table of Benefits and PremiumsWorkers Health Insurance. Undated. Issued by Dubai Insurance Company PJSC as manager of the Insurance Pool. Read 11 November 2026.