Domestic Worker Insurance UAE: Complete Guide to Requirements and Benefits (2025)

Are you employing domestic help in the UAE? If so, major changes are coming your way. Starting January 1, 2025, all domestic workers in the UAE must have health insurance coverage—a requirement that will directly impact thousands of households across the country. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the new domestic worker insurance UAE regulations, from coverage requirements to costs and benefits. Whether you employ a maid, nanny, driver, or cook, understanding these insurance requirements is no longer optional—it’s essential for legal compliance and protecting both your household and your employees.

Understanding Domestic Worker Insurance UAE

Domestic worker insurance UAE policies are designed to provide essential healthcare coverage for household employees. These policies ensure that domestic workers have access to medical care when needed, protecting both the worker’s wellbeing and the employer’s financial interests. The domestic worker insurance UAE requirements will become mandatory starting January 1, 2025. This significant change affects all households employing domestic staff, including:

Housemaids and cleaners
Nannies and babysitters
Cooks and household chefs
Drivers and chauffeurs
Gardeners and household maintenance staff
Nurses and caregivers for elderly or disabled family members

Understanding these requirements isn’t just about legal compliance—it’s about ensuring your household staff has proper protection while minimizing your financial exposure to unexpected healthcare costs. Domestic Worker Health Insurance Uae - Imdad Center

Domestic Worker Health Insurance Uae - Imdad Center

Domestic Worker Insurance Requirements UAE: New Mandatory Rules for 2025

The domestic worker insurance requirements UAE has established include mandatory health coverage for all household staff. These new regulations represent a significant shift in employer obligations.

Key Legal Requirements

Mandatory Coverage: Health insurance is now a prerequisite for issuing or renewing residency permits for all domestic workers
Policy Validity: Insurance policies must be valid for two years
Age Range: Coverage is mandatory for individuals aged between 1-64 years
Pre-existing Conditions: No waiting period for workers with chronic illnesses
Visa Linkage: Insurance coverage must be maintained throughout the employment period

“The domestic worker insurance requirements UAE will enforce include specific co-payment structures and coverage minimums,” explains a representative from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

Implementation Timeline

The new requirements take effect on January 1, 2025, and apply to:

All new domestic worker visa applications
All visa renewals for existing domestic workers
Transfer of sponsorship for domestic workers

Employers who fail to comply with these requirements may face penalties, including:

Inability to process new visas or renewals
Potential fines for non-compliance
Complications with labor disputes

Understanding Domestic Worker Health Insurance UAE: Coverage and Benefits

The domestic worker health insurance UAE scheme includes access to a network of 7 hospitals and 47 clinics, providing comprehensive coverage with specific co-payment structures.

Basic Health Insurance Package Details

Coverage Type	Co-Payment	Cap Limit
Inpatient Care	20%	AED 500 per visit
Outpatient Care	25%	AED 100 per visit
Medications	30%	AED 1,500 annually

The basic domestic worker health insurance UAE package costs AED 320 annually with a two-year validity period. This package provides essential coverage while maintaining affordability for employers.

Healthcare Network Access

Employers must ensure their domestic worker health insurance UAE policy covers the mandatory minimum requirements. The basic package includes access to:

7 hospitals across the UAE
47 clinics for outpatient care
44 pharmacies for medication needs
Telehealth services without co-payment requirements

“The telehealth services are particularly valuable, allowing domestic workers to consult with healthcare providers without leaving the household,” notes Dr. Aisha Mohammed, a healthcare policy expert in Dubai.

Coverage Limitations

It’s important to understand what’s not covered in the basic package:

Pregnancy and childbirth
Dental care (beyond emergency treatments)
Elective cosmetic procedures
Certain specialized treatments

Employers can opt for enhanced coverage beyond these basics if desired.

Domestic Worker Insurance Cost UAE: Budgeting for Employer Obligations

When planning for domestic worker insurance cost UAE employers should understand both the basic requirements and potential additional expenses.

Basic Insurance Costs

Annual Premium: AED 320
Validity Period: Two years
Refund Policy: Second-year premium is refundable if the visa is canceled

“When selecting domestic worker insurance UAE packages, employers should consider both coverage and cost,” advises Mohammed Al Hashimi, an insurance consultant specializing in domestic worker policies.

Additional Cost Considerations

Beyond the basic premium, employers should budget for:

Co-payments: Your domestic worker may need assistance with their portion of healthcare costs
Enhanced Coverage: Additional protection beyond the basic package
Administrative Fees: Processing fees when obtaining or renewing insurance

Cost-Saving Strategies

To manage domestic worker insurance cost UAE employers can:

Compare quotes from multiple providers
Consider bundling policies if you employ multiple domestic workers
Look for providers offering value-added services
Ask about discounts for early renewal or multiple policies

Top Domestic Worker Insurance Companies UAE Employers Should Consider

Several domestic worker insurance companies UAE wide offer packages that exceed the minimum requirements. When comparing options, consider these factors:

Key Selection Criteria

Network Size: How many hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies are included?
Claim Process: How easy is it to file and process claims?
Additional Benefits: What coverage is offered beyond the basic requirements?
Customer Service: Is support available in multiple languages?
Digital Access: Do they offer online policy management and claims?

The top domestic worker insurance companies UAE offers include additional benefits beyond the basic package, such as:

Enhanced outpatient coverage
Dental care options
Repatriation benefits
Employer liability protection

How Domestic Worker Insurance Dubai Requirements Differ from Other Emirates

While the federal law applies across the UAE, there are some nuances to domestic worker insurance Dubai requirements compared to other emirates:

Some Dubai-based insurers offer specialized packages with enhanced coverage
Certain healthcare facilities in Dubai may have different co-payment structures
Dubai’s larger network of healthcare providers may offer more options for care

Many providers offer specialized domestic worker insurance Dubai packages with enhanced coverage options tailored to the emirate’s unique healthcare landscape.

Essential Domestic Worker Benefits UAE Employers Must Provide

Proper insurance is among the essential domestic worker benefits UAE law requires employers to provide. These benefits extend beyond just health insurance and include:

Mandatory Benefits

Health Insurance: As detailed in the new regulations
Adequate Housing: Safe and proper accommodation
Food and Basic Necessities: Daily meals and essential items
Rest Periods: Adequate daily and weekly rest
Annual Leave: Paid vacation time
End-of-Service Benefits: Gratuity payments upon contract completion

The domestic worker benefits UAE regulations protect both employees and employers from unexpected costs and legal complications.

Health Insurance for Maids in UAE: Coverage Options and Requirements

The new regulations make health insurance for maids in UAE mandatory for visa issuance and renewal. When purchasing health insurance for maids in UAE, consider coverage for both emergency and routine care. Maids often have specific healthcare needs that may differ from other domestic workers. Consider:

Regular check-ups and preventive care
Gender-specific healthcare services
Mental health support
Occupational injury protection

Nanny Insurance UAE: Special Considerations for Childcare Providers

Nanny insurance UAE policies may need additional considerations given the nature of childcare work:

Coverage for injuries that may occur while caring for children
Protection against claims related to childcare responsibilities
Enhanced liability coverage
Access to pediatric healthcare facilities (in case of accompanying children to appointments)

Driver Insurance UAE: Requirements for Household Chauffeurs

Driver insurance UAE requirements include standard health coverage plus considerations for:

Coverage for injuries sustained while driving
Regular vision and health checks relevant to driving safety
Access to healthcare facilities near common driving routes
Potential coordination with vehicle insurance policies

Law for Domestic Workers in UAE: Legal Framework and Compliance

The law for domestic workers in UAE now includes mandatory health insurance requirements as part of a broader framework of protections.

Key Legal Provisions

Federal Law No. 10 of 2017: Establishes basic rights and protections for domestic workers
Health Insurance Mandate: The new requirement effective January 2025
Working Hours Regulations: Limits on daily and weekly working hours
Contract Requirements: Mandatory written employment contracts
Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: Processes for addressing workplace conflicts

Understanding the law for domestic workers in UAE helps employers maintain legal compliance and avoid potential penalties or legal complications.

Compliance Requirements

To ensure full compliance with domestic worker regulations:

Maintain valid insurance coverage throughout employment
Keep insurance documentation accessible
Ensure timely renewal of policies
Understand and follow the co-payment structure
Educate your domestic worker about their coverage and how to access care

How to Obtain Domestic Worker Insurance: Step-by-Step Guide

Securing the right insurance doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these steps to obtain domestic worker insurance:

1. Gather Required Documentation

Before applying, prepare:

Domestic worker’s passport copy
Valid UAE residence visa or application
Emirates ID (if available)
Employment contract
Your identification and contact details

2. Research and Compare Providers

Request quotes from multiple insurance companies
Compare coverage networks and benefits
Check customer reviews and claim processing reputation
Verify that policies meet the minimum legal requirements

3. Apply for Coverage

Submit application forms and documentation
Pay the premium (typically AED 320 for the basic package)
Receive policy documents and insurance cards
Keep digital and physical copies of all insurance documentation

4. Educate Your Domestic Worker

Explain coverage details and limitations
Provide the insurance card and emergency contact information
Demonstrate how to find in-network providers
Explain the co-payment process

5. Plan for Renewal

Mark renewal dates on your calendar
Begin the renewal process at least 30 days before expiration
Update any changed information
Consider coverage adjustments based on experience

Expert Tips for Employers

Finding the Best Domestic Worker Insurance UAE Providers in 2025

To find the best domestic worker insurance UAE providers, industry experts recommend:

Look Beyond Price: “The cheapest option isn’t always the best value. Consider network size, claim processing efficiency, and additional benefits,” advises Sarah Johnson, an expatriate insurance specialist.
Check Provider Reputation: “Research customer reviews and ask other employers about their experiences with different insurers,” suggests Ahmed Al Mansoori, a human resources consultant.
Consider Accessibility: “Choose providers with multilingual support and digital tools that make policy management easier for both you and your domestic worker,” recommends Maria Santos, a domestic staff management expert.
Verify Network Coverage: “Ensure the provider’s network includes facilities near your home for convenient access to care,” notes Dr. Fatima Al Zaabi, a healthcare administrator.
Ask About Value-Added Services: “Some insurers offer additional services like health check-ups, vaccination programs, or wellness initiatives that can benefit your domestic worker,” points out Thomas Chen, an insurance broker.

Conclusion

The domestic worker insurance UAE landscape is changing significantly with the new mandatory requirements taking effect in 2025. By understanding these changes now, you can prepare properly and ensure a smooth transition for both you and your domestic employees. Remember that proper insurance coverage isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s an investment in your household’s stability and your domestic worker’s wellbeing. When domestic workers have access to proper healthcare, they can remain healthy and continue providing the valuable services your household depends on. Take time to research your options, understand the coverage details, and select a policy that meets both the legal requirements and your specific household needs. By doing so, you’ll protect your domestic worker, comply with UAE law, and gain peace of mind knowing you’ve fulfilled your responsibilities as an employer.

Ready to Take Action?

Start researching insurance providers today to find the best coverage for your domestic worker. Compare options, ask questions, and prepare for the 2025 implementation date. Your proactive approach now will save you time, money, and potential complications later.

Blog|04 Jun 2025