If you employ a maid, nanny, cook, driver, or any other domestic worker in Dubai, providing their health insurance is not a choice — it is your legal obligation as their sponsor. Failing to do so can block visa renewals, trigger monthly fines, and expose you to serious legal liability.
The good news is that insuring a domestic worker in Dubai is among the most straightforward and affordable things you will do as an employer. A valid, DHA-compliant policy costs as little as AED 630 per year — less than AED 55 per month — and can be arranged online in under an hour.
This guide explains exactly what you must do, what it costs, which insurers offer domestic worker plans in Dubai, and what happens if you skip it.
Is Health Insurance Mandatory for Domestic Workers in Dubai?
Yes, without exception. Dubai Law No. 11 of 2013 on Health Insurance, reinforced by Federal Law No. 10 of 2017 on Domestic Workers, makes it compulsory for every household sponsor in Dubai to provide health insurance coverage for their domestic staff.
This law covers all domestic worker categories, including:
- Housemaids and cleaners
- Nannies and babysitters
- Cooks and household chefs
- Drivers and chauffeurs
- Gardeners and maintenance staff
- Private tutors living in the home
From January 1, 2026, this requirement was extended nationwide across all seven UAE emirates, bringing Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah into line with Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The new federal mandate is enforced through the MOHRE-ICP Unified Health Insurance Gateway, meaning the immigration system automatically checks for active insurance before processing any visa.
The rule is clear: no valid insurance policy linked to the worker’s visa file means no visa issuance and no visa renewal.
Who Is Responsible for Paying? The Sponsor’s Legal Obligation
As the domestic worker’s sponsor, you are entirely responsible for arranging and paying for their health insurance. There are two important rules that many sponsors get wrong:
- You cannot deduct the insurance premium from the worker’s salary. Under UAE law, the cost of health insurance is borne by the sponsor — not the employee. Deducting it from wages is prohibited and can be reported to MOHRE.
- The policy must be in your worker’s name, linked to their visa file. A verbal agreement or informal arrangement does not satisfy the legal requirement.
This obligation begins from the moment you sponsor the worker’s residency visa and continues uninterrupted for the duration of their employment with you. If you switch insurance providers, there must be no gap between the old policy expiring and the new one starting.
What Level of Coverage is Required? The Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) Explained
For domestic workers earning AED 4,000 or less per month — which covers virtually all maids, nannies, and drivers in Dubai — the minimum legally required plan is the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP), set by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
Here is exactly what the EBP provides:
| Benefit | EBP Coverage Detail |
| Annual coverage limit | AED 150,000 |
| Inpatient hospitalisation | Covered — 20% co-pay, max AED 500 per stay / AED 1,000 per year |
| Outpatient GP & specialist | Covered — 25% co-pay, max AED 100 per visit |
| Follow-up visits within 7 days | No co-payment required |
| Emergency care (UAE-wide) | Covered |
| Maternity (basic) | Covered |
| Medications | 30% co-pay, capped at AED 1,500 per year |
| Chronic & pre-existing conditions | Covered after 6-month waiting period (waived if previously insured in UAE) |
| Mental health (2026 update) | Limited coverage included |
For domestic workers earning above AED 4,000 per month, the EBP is technically not available as it is a lower-salary-band product. In practice, most domestic staff fall well below this threshold. If your worker earns above it, you must provide a standard individual health plan that meets or exceeds EBP benefit levels.
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost for a Domestic Worker in Dubai?
This is the part most sponsors are pleasantly surprised by. Domestic worker health insurance in Dubai is tightly regulated and very affordable. The DHA sets an annual premium range that all participating insurers must comply with.
For 2026, the typical cost ranges are:
| Worker Category | Annual Premium (AED) | Notes |
| Domestic worker (general, age 0–65) | AED 600 – 725 | Standard EBP rate set by DHA annually |
| Female worker aged 18–45 | AED 1,200 – 1,600 | Higher due to maternity risk |
| Worker over 65 | AED 2,000+ | Medical disclosure form may be required |
| Enhanced plan (wider network) | AED 1,500 – 3,000 | Optional upgrade beyond EBP minimum |
As a practical reference: GIG Gulf currently offers the EBP for domestic helpers from AED 630 per year (excluding VAT and levies). Daman and other participating insurers offer similarly priced products. The DHA mandates that EBP premiums remain within a capped range, so no insurer can charge dramatically more for the basic plan.
The total annual cost of insuring your domestic worker is typically less than a single out-of-pocket GP visit at a private clinic in Dubai.
Which Insurers Offer Domestic Worker Health Insurance in Dubai?
The DHA maintains a list of approved Participating Insurers (PIs) licensed to provide the EBP specifically. Currently around 14 insurers are authorised for the EBP. The most commonly used for domestic workers include:
GIG Gulf (formerly AXA Gulf)
GIG Gulf is one of the most actively marketed domestic helper insurance providers in the UAE. Their EBP product starts from AED 630 per year and can be purchased entirely online. They offer a mobile app (MyGIG) for managing the policy, downloading the e-card, and finding in-network providers.
- EBP from AED 630/year
- 100% online application — no branch visit needed
- Multilingual 24/7 customer support
- Direct billing at network hospitals and clinics
Daman (National Health Insurance Company)
Daman is the UAE’s largest health insurer and a DHA-approved EBP provider. They offer a Basic Health Plan specifically for domestic helpers and low-income members. With over 3,000 in-network providers across the UAE, Daman gives domestic workers broad access to clinics and pharmacies without out-of-pocket billing surprises.
- EBP from approximately AED 615/year
- Largest provider network in the UAE
- Well-regarded for claims settlement speed
Sukoon Insurance (formerly Oman Insurance)
Sukoon is another DHA-approved EBP insurer with a strong presence in Dubai. They are frequently used by households and agencies for domestic worker coverage.
Orient Insurance
Orient Insurance is a long-established UAE insurer offering EBP products for domestic staff. They are well-suited for sponsors who prefer a local insurer with a proven track record.
Other approved insurers
Additional DHA-authorised EBP providers include Islamic Arab Insurance Company (SALAMA), Al Buhaira National Insurance, MetLife, and several others. The DHA publishes an updated list of participating insurers on its official portal, and your insurance broker can confirm current availability.
How to Arrange Health Insurance for Your Domestic Worker: Step by Step
The process is simple and can usually be completed within 24 to 48 hours:
- Gather the required documents. You will need: a copy of the worker’s passport, a copy of their UAE visa (or entry permit if they are still outside the UAE), a copy of their Emirates ID (once issued), and a copy of their labour contract or salary certificate showing a salary of AED 4,000 or less.
- Choose a DHA-approved insurer. Select from the participating insurers listed on the DHA portal or use an insurance comparison platform. For most families, GIG Gulf or Daman are the easiest starting points because of their online purchase options.
- Complete the application form. Most insurers now offer online applications. You will upload the documents listed above and provide basic details about the worker (nationality, age, any known health conditions).
- Pay the premium. For a standard EBP plan this is typically a single annual payment of AED 600 to 725. Some insurers offer monthly instalments.
- Receive the insurance certificate and e-card. These are issued digitally. Download them and share the e-card with your worker so they can present it at clinics.
- Link the policy to the visa file. Your insurer files the policy through the MOHRE-ICP Unified Health Insurance Gateway automatically. Ask for confirmation that the policy number has been successfully linked to the worker’s visa file before submitting any visa application.
- Submit proof with the visa application. When you apply for or renew the worker’s residency visa at an Amer or Tasheel centre, you will include the insurance certificate. The system verifies the policy electronically.
What Are the Penalties for Not Insuring Your Domestic Worker?
This is where many sponsors underestimate the stakes. Non-compliance is not just a bureaucratic inconvenience — it carries real financial and legal consequences.
| Consequence | Detail |
| Monthly fine | AED 500 per uninsured worker per month |
| Visa block | Worker’s residence visa cannot be issued or renewed |
| Emirates ID blocked | Cannot process Emirates ID for uninsured worker |
| Escalating penalties | Repeat violations: fines up to AED 150,000 per offence |
| Employer fine (severe breach) | Up to AED 500,000 for persistent non-compliance |
| Grace period after expiry | 30 days in Dubai before daily fines begin accruing |
These fines accumulate and are tied to your visa file. Even if the gap goes unnoticed for months, the system will flag it the next time you apply for any visa-related transaction — for yourself or anyone you sponsor. Outstanding fines must be cleared before any visa can be processed.
Beyond the financial risk, leaving your domestic worker without health insurance means they may avoid seeking medical care when they need it most — which creates a very different kind of problem inside your household.
How Does Your Domestic Worker Use Their Health Insurance?
Once the policy is active and your worker has their insurance e-card, using it is straightforward:
- Always visit in-network hospitals and clinics. The insurer provides a list of approved providers. Out-of-network visits are either not covered or significantly more expensive. Show your worker how to check the provider list, either on the insurer’s website or their mobile app.
- Present the e-card at the reception desk. The clinic will verify coverage directly with the insurer (or their third-party administrator). Your worker pays the applicable co-payment at the time of the visit.
- For prescriptions, go to an in-network pharmacy. Medications are covered at 30% co-pay up to the annual AED 1,500 cap. Keep receipts if reimbursement is needed.
- For specialist referrals, start with a GP. Under the EBP, specialist visits require a prior approval and a referral from a general practitioner. Skipping this step can result in the visit not being covered.
- For emergencies, go directly to the nearest hospital. Emergency care is covered throughout the UAE regardless of network, so do not delay treatment due to insurance questions in a genuine emergency.
A practical tip: save the insurer’s customer service number in your phone and share it with your worker. If they are ever unsure whether a clinic is in-network or whether a treatment is covered, a quick call saves time and avoids unexpected bills.
Should You Upgrade Beyond the Basic EBP Plan?
The EBP meets the legal minimum, but it is worth considering whether it is the right level of care for your household’s circumstances. Here are situations where upgrading to a broader plan makes sense:
- Your worker is female and of childbearing age. The EBP includes basic maternity, but if pregnancy is likely during employment, a plan with more comprehensive maternity coverage — lower co-payments, more delivery options — may be worth the additional cost.
- Your worker has a known chronic condition (diabetes, hypertension, etc.). The EBP covers these after a 6-month waiting period. An enhanced plan may cover them from day one or with fewer restrictions.
- You want access to a wider range of private hospitals. The EBP network is functional but not comprehensive. A plan at AED 1,500 to 3,000 per year typically opens up many more clinic and hospital options, including leading private hospitals in Dubai.
- Your worker frequently travels with your family. Standard EBP coverage is UAE-based. If your domestic worker travels internationally with you, you may want a plan with emergency international coverage.
Enhanced plans for domestic workers are available from most major Dubai insurers and usually do not require a medical examination for workers under 45 with no declared pre-existing conditions.
What Happens When You Change Domestic Workers?
If your domestic worker’s employment ends — whether through contract completion, resignation, or cancellation — the insurance policy should be cancelled along with their residency visa. Some insurers allow a partial refund of premium for the unused period. Ask your insurer about their cancellation and refund policy when you first purchase.
When you hire a new domestic worker, you must arrange a new health insurance policy for them before their visa is issued. You cannot transfer the old policy from one worker to another.
If there is a gap between workers, there is no insurance obligation during the gap period (since no one is being sponsored). But the moment you bring a new worker under your sponsorship, the clock starts again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my domestic worker choose their own health insurance in Dubai?
No. Under UAE law, the sponsor is responsible for arranging and paying for the domestic worker’s health insurance. The worker cannot purchase their own policy and present it to meet the visa requirement. The policy must be obtained by you, in their name, through a DHA-approved insurer.
Does the EBP cover my worker if they need treatment in another emirate?
Emergency care is covered throughout the UAE regardless of where it occurs. For non-emergency outpatient treatment, coverage typically applies within Dubai. Some insurers extend network access to other emirates — confirm this with your specific provider before purchasing. Gulf News notes that policy terms vary between insurers on this point, so it is worth checking before you commit.
What if my domestic worker already had insurance with their previous employer?
If your worker was previously insured in the UAE and provides proof of continuous coverage, most insurers will waive the standard 6-month waiting period for chronic and pre-existing conditions. Always ask about this when arranging the new policy — it is a meaningful benefit that many sponsors overlook.
Is the health insurance premium included in the visa processing fee?
No. Health insurance is a separate cost from the visa application fees, Emirates ID fees, and medical fitness test. When budgeting for a new domestic worker, plan for the insurance premium on top of all standard visa costs. The total package for a new domestic worker visa in Dubai typically runs AED 5,000 to AED 10,000+, with insurance adding AED 630 to AED 725 for the basic EBP.
What if my worker refuses to use the insurance and prefers to pay out of pocket?
From your perspective as sponsor, the obligation is to have valid insurance in place, regardless of whether the worker uses it. The legal and visa compliance requirement is on you — not on the worker’s willingness to use the card. Keep the policy active throughout their employment.
Can I insure multiple domestic workers under one policy?
Not typically under a standard EBP individual plan. Each domestic worker needs their own named policy linked to their own visa file. However, some insurers offer group or household plans for families with multiple staff members — ask your broker whether this option is available and whether it saves money at your headcount.
Final Thoughts
Insuring your domestic worker in Dubai is one of the simplest, most affordable legal obligations you have as a sponsor. The EBP costs as little as AED 630 per year, can be purchased online in minutes, and protects both you and your worker from the consequences of an unexpected medical situation.
Do not wait until visa renewal time to sort it out — by then, a gap in coverage may already have triggered fines. Set a calendar reminder for your worker’s policy renewal date, at least 30 days before it expires, and treat it like any other household bill. For more information on related topics, read our guides on health insurance for families in Dubai and how to add dependents to a health insurance plan.