Implementation of the compulsory health insurance system for workers in the private sector and auxiliary workers begins

Today, the implementation of the compulsory health insurance system for workers in private sector companies and domestic workers began at the state level, which was launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, in cooperation with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship for Customs and Port Security, and the Ministry of Health and Community Protection, in coordination with a number of insurance companies, in line with The Cabinet’s decision to extend health insurance coverage to include all emirates of the country for workers in the private sector and domestic workers.

In detail, the Ministry announced “on its official website” that, starting today, January 1, 2025, employers must purchase the new health insurance policy as a basic condition for issuing or renewing residency, through the “Care-Dubai Care Network” or any of the approved insurance companies. . This excludes workers who have work permits issued before January 1, 2025, but insurance must be purchased upon renewing their residency. She noted that a health insurance policy can be purchased through the website (whi.ae), or from business services and guidance centers.

The Ministry confirmed that employers in private sector institutions and establishments, and employers of auxiliary service workers, will bear the cost of health insurance when issuing or renewing any residence permit for workers, starting from January 1, as the health insurance system provides its package at a competitive price of 320 dirhams annually, while inpatients bear it. For the insured who are admitted to the hospital, a deductible of 20% is paid by the insured up to 500 dirhams per visit and an annual maximum of 1,000. Above these limits, the insurance company will cover 100% of the treatment costs.

She pointed out that outpatients “who do not need hospitalization” bear a 25% fee paid by the insured, up to a maximum of 100 dirhams for each visit, and there is no deductible percentage if a follow-up visit is made within seven days for the same disease, while the deductible rate for medications is 30% covered. Up to 1,500 dirhams annually, while the insurance policy does not include pregnancy, childbirth and dental coverage.

The Ministry mentioned 6 advantages of the basic health insurance package, including the competitive price of the package (320 dirhams per year), and the duration of the policy is two years, with the possibility of recovering the value of the policy for the second year if the residency is cancelled, and treatment of chronic diseases and pre-existing medical conditions without a waiting period, in While most insurance products do not cover the first 6 months of purchasing the insurance policy, the network covers (7) hospitals, (47) clinics and medical centers, and (44) pharmacies.

The benefits included the ability for dependent members of the worker’s family to benefit from the same benefits and prices for the product in accordance with the provisions of the insurance policy, and the provision of remote health care services, medical consultations conducted over the phone or the Internet, allowing patients to obtain advice and treatment without the need to visit the clinic or The hospital does not pay any deductible, except for pharmacy services.

The Ministry stressed that the health insurance system will have a significant positive impact on enhancing the competitiveness of the UAE labor market by contributing to raising competitive indicators with regard to the quality of life of individuals and human rights, social and health protection, in parallel with the significant positive impact on workers, employers and society in terms of reducing costs. The financial results resulting from the treatment and unpaid leave that this worker receives if she is not insured.

It is worth noting that the health insurance system was approved within the framework of the state’s keenness to complete the protection system for all workers in the labor market and support the provision of a decent life for them within a comprehensive vision to expand the umbrella of the integrated human rights and social protection system that includes the workers’ protection system, the unemployment insurance system for workers and the optional alternative system. For the end-of-service reward “savings system”, in order to enhance the established trends in providing a safe and healthy work environment for workers and achieving quality of life for them.