who can be a dependent on health insurance in the UAE

Health insurance in the UAE is not just a regulation across most emirates—it's a crucial security blanket that covers residents and their families against rising medical costs. Regardless of whether you're an expatriate worker, employer, or resident sponsor, one of the most common questions is: Who can be listed as a dependent under your health insurance plan in the UAE?

This post explores regulations, eligibility, and practical realities of dependents under UAE health insurance policies and how they impact your family's healthcare and legal needs.

What Is a Dependent in the Context of Health Insurance?

In health coverage, a dependent is a person who relies on the primary policyholder (typically the sponsor) for upkeep and is placed on the same health coverage policy. This may include spouses, children, and in some cases, other family members depending on the insurer's policy and UAE laws.

Legal Requirement for Health Insurance in the UAE Starting January 2025, mandatory health insurance coverage by the UAE government is made effective for all seven emirates. This means:

The employer is responsible for insuring their employees.

The sponsor (i.e., working spouse or parent) must insure their dependents.

Failure to insure dependents will incur penalties, delayed visa renewal, and legal problems.

What is a Dependent?

1. Spouse Your legally married husband or wife can be included as a dependent in your medical coverage plan. You must furnish:

A valid marriage certificate

Your Emirates ID

Proof of employment and visa

Depending on your insurer or your employer, your spouse may qualify under a family plan or require an independent individual policy.

Important Note: Spouse coverage is covered by most employers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi but not in Northern Emirates like Sharjah, where you may need to purchase it yourself as a sponsor.

2. Children Biological, adopted, or stepchildren sponsored by you may be covered by your health insurance as dependents. UAE rules usually allow cover for:

Children under the age of 18

Male children up to age 21–25 if full-time students

Female children up to marriage or a specified age (depending on provider)

You will need to present documents like:

Birth certificate copies of passport

Visa details

Evidence of education (for adult children still in school)

In Abu Dhabi, one spouse and up to three children below the age of 18 should be covered by the company. In Dubai and other emirates, the burden can fall on the parent (sponsor).

3. Parents Adding your parents as dependents is possible but more complex. The majority of insurance companies in the UAE require:

An independent individual health policy for both parents

A greater premium, especially if your parents are aged or have medical conditions

You will need:

Copies of passport and visa

Emirates ID

Medical background

Parent cover in some emirates is not included under employer-sponsored family packages and must be arranged independently.

4. Domestic Workers (House Help, Nannies, Drivers) Under UAE law, household staff sponsored by individuals must also have valid health insurance. While not typically seen as dependents in the family sense, they fall under the sponsor’s responsibility.

Employers must ensure that:

Domestic workers have at least basic health coverage (like Dubai’s Essential Benefits Plan)

Coverage is valid throughout the visa period

5. Extended Family Members Having siblings, in-laws, and other relatives as dependents is not standard practice and will not be permitted unless you are the legal guardian or there are special cases. Direct dependency and legal documentation are required by most insurers for any non-magazine relative.

Types of Insurance Plans Available for Dependents The form of plan your dependents qualify for depends on your insurance provider and emirate of residency. Below are the most common ones:

1. Employer-Provided Family Insurance Some employers offer extended family coverage for their workers, including spouses and children. But this is not mandatory (except in Abu Dhabi), and some employers only offer coverage for employees.

2. Individual Health Insurance Plans If you are not covered by an employer, you can purchase an individual plan for your spouse, children, or parents. These may be basic or comprehensive coverage.

3. Government Insurance Programs Thiqa Program (Abu Dhabi): Offers comprehensive coverage to eligible residents and Emirati nationals.

Enaya Program (Dubai): Offers coverage to Dubai nationals and government staff.

Factors to Keep in Mind While adding dependents to your plan or buying new policies, note the following:

Dependent's age

Pre-existing conditions

Limit of coverage and co-payments

Access to hospital networks and treatment

Cost of premium paid annually

Rules of renewal and visa connection

Check what's included—policies can often have exclusions on dental, optical, or long-term sickness unless you get a full policy.

Including Dependents in the UAE Minimal policies (say, the Dubai Essential Benefits Plan): AED 600–1,200/annum for each dependent

Full cover: AED 4,000–15,000/annum according to age, coverage level, and employer

It will cost more to insure older parents or dependents who are chronically ill.

Conclusion In the UAE, your dependents such as your spouse, children, and even parents can be covered under your health insurance policy—subject to your visa sponsorship and the insurance company's rules. Insuring your dependents is not only a legal requirement; it's necessary for maintaining your family's health and to avoid fines or delays in visas.

Before you purchase a policy, compare policies, check network hospitals, and check what is covered. Investing in the right health insurance provides peace of mind—not just for you, but for all that you care about.