UAE health insurance: What if your employer doesn’t comply?
Employees can report violations through official complaint channels
DUBAI: Health insurance is a crucial safety net for employees, ensuring access to medical care without financial burden.
In the UAE, providing health insurance is not just an employer’s responsibility – it is a legal requirement. While Abu Dhabi and Dubai have enforced this mandate for years, from January 2025, the regulation has expanded to cover the Northern Emirates, including Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. Employers must now secure valid health coverage for employees as a condition for issuing or renewing residency permits.
However, some employees still face challenges when companies fail to comply, leaving them without essential medical coverage. Reports of workers being unable to visit doctors due to a lack of insurance have raised concerns.
Legal obligations
Under Dubai Law No. 11 of 2013, employers must bear the full cost of health insurance for their employees. Additionally, Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 reiterates this obligation, making it clear that businesses are responsible for ensuring continuous coverage throughout an employee’s tenure.
Non-compliance with this requirement is a direct violation of UAE labour laws. Employees have the right to raise complaints with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) if they are not provided with insurance. Employers cannot transfer this responsibility to workers or deduct premiums from salaries.
Filing a complaint
Employees who believe their rights have been violated can lodge a complaint with MOHRE. The ministry will review the case and attempt an amicable resolution. If a settlement is not reached within 14 days, the dispute is referred to a competent court, with MOHRE providing a detailed report summarising the case and its recommendations.
MOHRE is authorised to make binding decisions in disputes where the claim amount is under Dh50,000, or when both parties agree to an out-of-court settlement. Complaints can be submitted through the MOHRE website, the MOHRE mobile app, or via their Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre at 80084.
Penalties for non-compliance
Employers who fail to provide health insurance face fines starting at Dh500 per uninsured employee per month, with penalties escalating up to Dh150,000. Repeat offences within a year can see fines double, reaching a maximum of Dh500,000.
Beyond financial penalties, DHA has the authority to issue warnings, suspend a company’s ability to offer health insurance, or revoke business permits entirely. In severe cases, DHA may coordinate with relevant licensing authorities for further action. Employers who delay health insurance coverage may also incur additional fines from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
With strict enforcement mechanisms in place, employees are encouraged to report violations to ensure compliance and secure their right to essential healthcare coverage.