Family Visa Health Insurance Requirements in Dubai (2026)
All individuals living in Dubai are required to have health insurance that meets Dubai Health Authority standards. Expat families may get coverage from a Dubai employer, or they may purchase an Essential Benefits Plan or a private insurance plan to meet emirate requirements.
In this article, we will outline the difference between the Essential Benefits Plan and private health insurance to make it easy to pick the best coverage for your family. We will outline qualifications, benefits covered, costs, and more.
What are the Health Insurance Requirements for Expat Families in Dubai in 2026?
Expat families moving to Dubai must purchase health insurance from UAE-approved insurers. Policies must fall under the DubaiCare Network or other Dubai Health Authority (DHA)-licensed providers. All plans must cover emergency, inpatient, outpatient, maternity, and surgical costs.
Dubai employers are required to provide insurance for their employees, but that requirement does not extend to the employees’ dependents. Expat families who do not get coverage from a Dubai employer must purchase private coverage or an Essential Benefits Plan (EBP).
Families coming to Dubai temporarily on a tourist visa must have a minimum coverage of USD $30,000 (AED 110,175). Required benefits include coverage for emergency medical treatment, COVID-19, hospitalization expenses, repatriation of mortal remains, and validity throughout the UAE.
Expat families who have a baby in Dubai must add their newborn to their health insurance policy within 30 days of birth. Contact your insurer or your employer’s HR department right after your baby is born. To add your baby to your insurance plan, you will need:
- Your newborn’s birth certificate (or a hospital-issued temporary birth certificate)
- Your Emirates ID and passport copy
- A copy of your current insurance policy
Medical reports are also helpful when enrolling your newborn, especially if the infant has pre-existing conditions.
What Happens if You Don’t Get Health Insurance in Dubai
Families who do not maintain health insurance that meets Dubai’s standards will be charged USD $136.15 (AED 500) monthly. They will also be responsible for unexpected medical bills, may face visa complications, and could be denied entry at the airport.
What Health Insurance Can My Family Get in Dubai?
Families in Dubai who are not already covered by a Dubai employer can purchase a Dubai Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) or private insurance, such as international health insurance. EBP plans are cost-effective, while private insurance may be more comprehensive but expensive.
What an EBP Plan Covers for Families in Dubai
EBP plans cover emergencies, surgeries, medical tests, medication, outpatient and inpatient treatments, and maternity for those making less than USD $1089.18 (AED 4,000) a month. However, there are restrictions, limitations, and copays.
Here is a breakdown of Essential Benefits Plan coverage:
Essential Benefits Plan Coverage in Dubai 2026 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Benefit | Copay | Limits |
| Annual maximum | N/A | USD $40,844.11 (AED 150,000) annually |
| Emergency medical care | 20% | See inpatient and outpatient care below |
| Emergency dental care | 30% | USD $136.15(AED 500) annually |
| Inpatient care | 20% | USD $136.15 (AED 500) per visit; USD $272.29 (AED 1,000) annually |
| Outpatient care | 25% | USD $27.23 (AED 100) per visit |
| Maternity care | 10% | Delivery of up to USD $1,906.06 (AED 7,000) or USD $2,722.94 (AED 10,000) for medically necessary C-sections |
| Prescriptions | 30% | USD $408.44 (AED 1,500) annually |
Beyond the benefits covered above, an EBP covers basic healthcare services within Dubai, vaccinations, and specialist referrals. Chronic and pre-existing conditions are covered after six months.
Covered outpatient maternity care under the EBP includes antenatal blood tests, three ultrasounds, and eight pre-delivery visits. Inpatient services include labor and delivery coverage. Newborns are covered under the mother’s plan for 30 days.
All follow-up visits within seven days for the same condition generally do not require an additional copayment.
What an International Health Insurance Plan Covers for Families in Dubai
International family health insurance plans from providers like Cigna, Sukoon and Bupa, Orient and Allianz, or GIG Gulf offer insurance that meets DHA standards and that provide comprehensive coverage worldwide. International plans can be tailored to your budget and health needs.
Real Pacific Prime clients paid an average of USD $17,669.98 (AED 64,893) annually for international family health insurance plans in Dubai in 2024. To note, expats in Dubai paid USD $5,895.98 (AED 21,653) individually for international health insurance.
You can find this proprietary data and additional information on international insurance costs in our Cost of Health Insurance guide.
For more information on the best health insurance providers for expats in Dubai, check out our article Best Insurance Companies in Dubai.
Where Can I Get Health Insurance for My Family in Dubai?
Only certain providers like Sukoon, Daman, Orient Insurance, and Dubai Insurance Company offer EBP plans for expats in Dubai. Apply for EBP plans through their websites, with the help of a broker like Pacific Prime, or on the Emirates Government Services Hub.
To get a private health insurance plan for your family in Dubai, it is best to contact a broker, like Pacific Prime.
Conclusion
Each family member, including dependents, moving to Dubai must have health insurance in order to get a residency visa or to have it renewed. Sponsors must provide proof of current, DHA-compliant insurance, with the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) being the most popular.
Contact Pacific Prime to find a family health insurance plan that not only meets Dubai’s legal qualifications, but that also caters to your budget, health history, and lifestyle. You can get a free quote on our page or speak directly to a broker to get started.
Suggested Reading:
- UAE Family Health Insurance: Coverage for 2026
- How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Dubai?
- How to Choose the Best Family Health Insurance in the UAE
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.
- Family Visa Health Insurance Requirements in Dubai (2026) - 13th May 2026
- Legal Requirements for Expats Living in Dubai - 12th May 2026
- Is Employee UAE Health Insurance Mandatory? - 12th May 2026
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