Regulation in Dubai: deep changes in 2014
Deep changes intervene in Dubai regarding the regulation for medical insurance. These changes in the regulation also affect expatriates. Abu Dhabi was the first Emirate which changed its regulation. Dubai is now the second one. You can download the specific communication on this matter or visit the DHA web site.
⇒ DHA
Extract of the regulation in Dubai, including for expatriates
The strategy of Dubai Health Authority (“DHA”) is built upon two key pillars. The first pillar is that all Nationals and expatriate residents (“Residents”) of Dubai should have access to healthcare. In order for this to happen there must be funding mechanisms in place to ensure that the costs of care are met. The second pillar is that healthcare provision must be of the highest quality relevant to the needs of the population.
The objective of the Law is therefore to ensure that there is a system of funding in place that meets the objectives of access and quality.
Coverage for all
The law requires that all Nationals and Residents of Dubai (including dependents) must have coverage in place to pay for emergency and curative healthcare needs. For Nationals, there will be a Dubai Government funded scheme structured in a similar manner to a private insurance scheme with annual cover limits, table of benefits included and list of services excluded.
For Residents and their dependents, funding will be provided by private health insurance schemes. The law applies to all economic areas of the Emirate of Dubai including Free Zones.
Regulation in Dubai and Emirates
Please note that subscribing to an international health insurance does not free you from the local regulations. If you are eligible to contribute to the local healthcare system in certain countries and do not have local cover in place, you may be subject to paying a tax levy.