DubaiCare Insurance: The AED 320 Basic Health Insurance Package
Dubai Care insurance explained: the AED 320 basic health package for workers in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, co-pays, exclusions, network and how to buy.
DubaiCare is the network that sells the UAE's Basic Health Insurance Package for private sector employees and domestic workers, mandatory since 1 January 2025 for visas issued or renewed in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. The premium is AED 320 a year, paid by the employer, on a two-year policy. Members pay 20% on inpatient care (capped at AED 500 a visit and AED 1,000 a year), 25% on outpatient visits (capped at AED 100) and 30% on medicines (capped at AED 1,500 a year).
Last checked: 19 October 2026
What "Dubai Care insurance" actually is
People search for "Dubai Care insurance" because the employer, the typing centre or the visa process mentions it. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) describes the scheme as a Basic Health Insurance Package that employers buy "through the DubaiCare Network or another approved supplier" before a residence permit is issued or renewed (MOHRE). So DubaiCare is the main sales and service channel for the federal basic package, not a separate premium plan you choose for your family.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi already had compulsory health insurance before 2025, with their own rules (Dubai's Essential Benefits Plan and Abu Dhabi's Daman and Thiqa system). The basic package closed the gap in the other five emirates, so that, in Gulf News' words, the whole workforce is now covered (Gulf News).
Who must have it
- Private sector employees whose residence visa is in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah.
- Domestic workers sponsored in those emirates.
- Dependants can be added on the same benefits and the same price, according to MOHRE.
- Existing workers: MOHRE says workers with valid work permits dated before 1 January 2025 are excluded until their residence permit is renewed. At renewal, the policy must be bought.
Gulf News reported that the package covers ages one to 64, and that people over 64 must submit a medical disclosure form and recent medical reports. Employers can buy a better plan from any approved insurer instead. The basic package is the minimum, not the only option.
Price and policy term
| Item | Basic package |
|---|---|
| Premium | AED 320 per year |
| Who pays the premium | The employer (or the sponsor, for domestic workers) |
| Policy term | Two years, matching the visa |
| If the visa is cancelled | Second-year premium is refundable |
| Waiting period for chronic or pre-existing conditions | None |
What the member pays (co-payments)
| Service | Co-payment | Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Inpatient (hospital admission) | 20% | AED 500 per visit, AED 1,000 per year. Above the cap, 100% covered. |
| Outpatient visit | 25% | AED 100 per visit. Follow-up within 7 days for the same condition: no co-payment. |
| Medicines | 30% | AED 1,500 per year |
| Telehealth (phone or online consultation) | No co-payment | Pharmacy still applies |
Figures from MOHRE. A worked example: an outpatient visit billed at AED 300 costs the member 25%, which is AED 75. A visit billed at AED 600 would be 25% (AED 150) but the cap brings it down to AED 100.
What is not covered
MOHRE lists pregnancy, childbirth and dental care as not covered. That matters for families: a worker who plans to add a spouse should look at a plan with maternity cover, not just the basic package. See our family health insurance guide for how maternity, newborns and dependants work across the emirates.
The DubaiCare network (hospital and clinic list)
The basic package works inside a defined network. MOHRE lists 7 hospitals, 47 clinics and medical centres, and 44 pharmacies. Check the policy wording for what happens if you are treated outside the network. Because the network changes, do not rely on a list copied onto a third-party site. Ask the employer or the policy issuer for the current network list and check that there is a clinic near where the worker lives.
How an employer buys it
- Before applying for or renewing the residence permit, buy the policy through the DubaiCare Network or another approved supplier. Gulf News reported it is also sold through the Insurance Pool website and app and at business service centres.
- Enter the worker's details exactly as in the passport and Emirates ID, so the policy links to the visa application.
- Keep the policy certificate. The residence permit will not be issued or renewed without valid insurance.
- Give the worker the card or digital card and explain the co-payments and the network.
Questions go to the scheme's enquiry line listed by MOHRE: 800 382467.
How it compares with Dubai and Abu Dhabi
| Northern Emirates basic package | Dubai EBP | Abu Dhabi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal basis | Federal scheme from 1 Jan 2025 | Dubai Law No. 11 of 2013 | Abu Dhabi Law No. 23 of 2005 |
| Price | AED 320 a year | Set by insurers within a DHA index band. See Dubai guide | Varies by plan |
| Maternity | Not covered | Covered, with limits | Depends on plan |
Abu Dhabi's system is covered in our Daman guide and Thiqa guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dubai Care insurance only for Dubai?
No. Despite the name, the DubaiCare Network sells the federal basic package used for visas in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Dubai has its own Essential Benefits Plan.
How much is the basic health insurance in Sharjah?
AED 320 a year on a two-year policy, paid by the employer. The second-year premium is refunded if the visa is cancelled.
Does the basic package cover pregnancy?
No. MOHRE lists pregnancy, childbirth and dental care as not covered.
Can I add my wife and children?
MOHRE says dependants can get the same benefits at the same price. Because maternity is excluded, many families choose a wider plan for a spouse.
Does it cover pre-existing conditions?
Yes. Chronic and pre-existing conditions are covered with no waiting period.
Who do I call about the policy?
The enquiry number published by MOHRE is 800 382467. For treatment questions, contact the policy issuer shown on your card.
Run a clinic in Sharjah or the Northern Emirates and want insured patients to find you? See Google Ads for clinics in Sharjah.
Sources
- MOHRE: Health insurance scheme (Basic Health Insurance Package)
- Gulf News: UAE announces new basic health insurance from January 1
- DHA ISAHD: Dubai health insurance
Published 19 Oct 2026 · Access One
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