Health insurance in UAE for students and young adults

In a nation like the UAE—where medical care is top-notch but expensive—health insurance isn't optional, it's a must. For young adults and college students, particularly international students and expats, knowing your coverage choices is the key to remaining healthy and not getting blindsided by surprise medical expenses.

This guide condenses everything you need to understand regarding health insurance for students and young people in the UAE, from legal requirements to affordable policies, coverage details, and the top sites on which to compare and buy cover online.

Is It Mandatory for Students and Young People to Carry Health Insurance in the UAE?
Yes. It is mandatory in most Emirates, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, irrespective of nationality or age.

In Dubai, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) mandates all residents, including students, to carry at least a basic level of health insurance cover.

In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Health (DOH) mandates all residents—dependents, students, and domestic helpers—to be covered under an active health insurance policy.

If you're an overseas student or a young person living independently, you'll need either:

A policy arranged by your university or institution

Coverage under a family member's or sponsor's policy

Or one that you purchase on your own

Why Young Adults and Students Require Health Insurance in the UAE?
Medical costs in the UAE are high, even for minor procedures. A visit to the general practitioner can run AED 300–500 if you don't have insurance. Lab tests, medication, or emergency room visits can add up fast.

Having an insurance policy means:

Access to private hospitals and clinics

Less expense for consultation, diagnosis, and treatment

Coverage for emergencies, accidents, and hospitalization

Peace of mind when sick or injured

Even if healthy at the moment, insurance means you'll be protected when life unleashes the unexpected with its ugly vengeance.

What Does UAE Student Health Insurance Typically Cover?
UAE basic and mid-tier health insurance plans for young adults and students generally include coverage for:

General practitioner visits

Specialist consultations (with referral) Emergency services and ambulances Hospitalization (in-patient)

Lab tests and diagnosis

Prescription medication

Surgical and treatment procedures

Optional dental and optical benefits (in some policies)

Some policies may also offer:

Mental health counseling

Maternity benefits (for adult females)

Telehealth consultation

Discounts on gym membership or wellness services

What Does It Cost to Get Health Insurance for Students in the UAE?

Health insurance premiums are based on:

The insurer

Level of cover (basic or full)

Age and country of origin

Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.)

Add-on benefits like dental, maternity, or mental health cover

Average:

Basic student plans: AED 600 – AED 1,200 annually

Mid-range comprehensive plans: AED 1,500 – AED 3,000 annually

Premium plans: AED 4,000+ annually

For the dollar-and-cent-conscious student, basic student plans are perfectly sufficient to cover average health and emergencies.

Can International Students Buy Health Insurance in the UAE?

Yes, and frequently a requirement for visa issuance or university admission.

Some colleges provide group health insurance policies to foreign students, but the coverage might be limited. If you want additional benefits or would like to choose your own clinics or hospitals, you should buy an independent individual health insurance plan.

Organizations like Shory facilitate simple comparison and online buying of inexpensive health insurance in a matter of minutes.

Best Health Insurance Companies for Students and Young Adults in the UAE When choosing a provider, seek coverage, network hospitals, affordability, and online convenience. Some of the top-rated insurers for young adults and students are:

1. Shory (Digital Platform) Not an insurer but the fastest means to compare health insurance from providers. Quote, personalize coverage, and buy a policy in less than 5 minutes—entirely online with no paperwork.

2. Salama Offers Shariah-compliant health insurance policies. Their most affordable options are cheap, and they provide excellent outpatient treatment and emergency coverage for younger policyholders.

3. Orient Insurance Owned by the Al-Futtaim Group, Orient is among the most well-known insurers in the UAE with a huge network of providers. Their most affordable health plans are ideal for students, offering a balance between price and coverage.

4. Daman Very popular among Abu Dhabi residents and across the UAE. Their Essential Benefits Plan is widely used by students and low-income expats.

5. Takaful Emarat Another great option for Shariah-compliant policies. Fairly priced policies with coverage for general medical needs and emergencies.

How to Select the Right Health Insurance Policy as a Student While browsing around, keep in mind the following:

1. Does it meet residency needs? In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, only DOH- or DHA-approved policies are acceptable. Make sure your plan complies.

2. Is your university providing improved coverage? Certain universities provide good group health insurance that's economical and optimized for students.

3. Is there a robust provider network? Verify if the plan covers clinics and hospitals close to your home, university, or dorm.

4. What's the deductible or co-pay? Lower premiums can mean higher out-of-pocket costs. Balance so that you don't have surprises.

5. Waiting periods and exclusions? Always take a close look at the fine print of the policy—especially if you're buying dental, mental health, maternity, or chronic condition coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions Do UAE student visa holders need health insurance? Yes. You will need to show proof of active health insurance coverage to obtain or renew your student visa.

Do students above 18 years old appear on a family insurance policy? In general, yes—up to age 21 or sometimes 25 if full-time students. After that, they must get a policy on their own.

Can I pay for health insurance monthly?

There are sliding monthly or quarterly payment plans made available by some providers, especially when purchased from sites like Shory. Whether you're studying for your degree in Dubai, working part-time in Abu Dhabi, or simply living independently as a young adult, UAE health insurance is an investment you cannot afford to live without. It protects you from hefty hospital bills, gives you access to top-notch care, and reassures you knowing you're always covered—whether for a cold, a sprained ankle, or an emergency surgery.

If you’re just starting your journey, begin by comparing policies on Shory. It’s the easiest way to explore affordable, student-friendly plans that meet your needs and budget. No paperwork. No guesswork. Just smart, instant health insurance.