Dubai makes health insurance compulsory

A new law has made health insurance coverage compulsory for every resident in Dubai starting next year. 

Presently only a million residents are covered out of the more than three million residents in Dubai.

Officials from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) said many blue-collar workers are not covered and this new law will ensure that everyone has access to essential health services. 

“The law is fundamental to ensure smooth delivery of basic health insurance to everyone living in the emirate, which means over three million people, which includes nationals (Emiratis) and residents with Dubai visas,” said Eisa Al Maidoor, director general of the DHA. He unveiled the law on Tuesday to the media. The Health Insurance Law was approved by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.