How can I get a health insurance card in the UAE?

If you're a resident and worker in the UAE, having health insurance isn't just a good idea—it's the law. Whether you're in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or somewhere else in the emirates, expats and residents must have health insurance. Once you purchase a health insurance policy, you're subsequently given a health insurance card, which gives you access to a network of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations.

In this manual, we will walk you through applying for a health insurance card in the UAE, required documents, and how to use the card for health services. This article is especially useful for first-time expatriates, employers, or UAE residents who are new to the UAE healthcare system.

What Is a Health Insurance Card?

A health insurance card is a paper or electronic card that identifies you as being covered under an active policy of insurance. It contains such vital information as:

Your name

Insurance policy number

Insurance company

Start and end dates of coverage

Network of hospitals or clinics

Emergency contact phone number

The card is required whenever you visit a hospital or clinic so that the facility can process your treatment and claims under your insurer's network.

Is Health Insurance Mandatory in UAE? Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all UAE residents:

In Dubai, the employer or sponsor is legally obliged to include health insurance for employees and their dependents.

In Abu Dhabi, the employer is required to cover the employee and his/her immediate family members (spouse and a maximum of 3 children under 18 years of age).

In other emirates, the requirements may vary, but in general, they also require valid health insurance for visa issuance and renewal.

You cannot renew or obtain your residency visa without health insurance, and you may be fined.

How to Get a Health Insurance Card in the UAE: Step-by-Step Getting a health insurance card is an easy process, if your employer or sponsor is footing the bill. In case you are buying your own policy, do the following:

1. Choose a Licensed Health Insurance Provider You have options from the best providers such as:

Daman

Sukoon (earlier Oman Insurance)

Orient Insurance

Axa Gulf

ADNIC

MetLife

Compare their offerings on premium, hospital network, exclusions, and covers.

2. Submit the Mandatory Documents No matter if you're purchasing online or through a broker, you will have to provide:

Passport photocopy

Residency visa copy (or entry permit if new to UAE)

Emirates ID (or Emirates ID application form)

Passport photograph (for some insurers)

Some insurers may also request that you disclose your medical history if you're purchasing a full coverage plan.

3. Pay the Insurance Premium Once your documents are approved, you will be mailed a quote. Upon payment, the policy is activated, and the health insurance card is mailed out.

4. Obtain Your Health Insurance Card After the policy is activated, you will be mailed:

A physical card via courier (5–7 working days), or

An electronic insurance card via email or mobile app

Majority of UAE hospitals currently accept digital cards, especially those linked to your Emirates ID.

How to Connect Your Health Insurance to Emirates ID Your Emirates ID is, in most instances, your health insurance card once connected. This means hospitals and clinics can refer to your insurance information without another card.

Step to connect your card: Request your insurer to make your Emirates ID active on their system

At a hospital, show your Emirates ID instead of the card

Some companies like Daman, Sukoon, and Axa automatically link the ID at the time of policy issuance.

How to Use Your Health Insurance Card in the UAE Once you receive the card, this is how you use it:

Visit a healthcare provider in your insurer's network of approved providers.

Present your insurance card or Emirates ID at reception.

The clinic will verify your coverage and proceed with consultation or treatment.

Pay any co-pay amount if required (usually 10%–20% depending on your policy).

The rest will be paid directly to the provider by your insurance company.

You may also use the insurer's mobile app to track:

Medical appointments

Status of claims

Coverage limits

How to Replace a Lost or Expired Health Insurance Card If your health insurance card is lost or has expired:

Call your insurance company or use their mobile app

Request a replacement card (there could be a fee)

Alternatively, you may continue to use your Emirates ID if it's already linked

Final Thoughts

It is simple to get a health insurance card in the UAE after you choose a provider and submit the necessary documents. Your health insurance card grants you access to a wide network of medical services and covers your healthcare expenses, either partially or fully.

Always ensure your card is live, your Emirates ID is linked, and you are aware of your plan's benefits and exclusions. Regardless of whether you are a resident, an expat, or an employer, compliance with UAE's insurance rules gives you peace of mind and access to quality care when you need it most.