How Much Does Insurance Cost In Dubai?
Health insurance in Dubai averages around USD $5,269 per year for individuals, with monthly premiums starting as low as USD $127 for individuals and USD $647 for families. Final costs depend on factors like health status and policy benefits.
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If you’re an expat or digital nomad moving to Dubai, understanding health insurance costs and how Dubai’s healthcare ranks globally is essential.
For expert advice, reach out to Pacific Prime. We specialize in international health insurance in Dubai, helping you compare providers easily. By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to explore health insurance options for expats in the UAE and gain insights into life in Dubai.
Average Cost Of Insurance In Dubai
The average cost of international health insurance in Dubai for individuals was USD $5,269 in 2021. The average cost of international health insurance in Dubai for families was USD $14,585 in 2021. This is according to the 2021-2022 annual world report done by Pacific Prime.
This 2021-2022 report found that the average premiums for health insurance across the world ranged from:
- USD $2,035 in Thailand for individuals and USD $7,367 for families TO…
- USD $7,431 in the US for individuals and USD $20,929 for families
This places Dubai’s international health insurance costs in the middle of international averages.
Pacific Prime’s overall findings summarized that the rates in the United Arab Emirates held steady from 2021 to 2022 with less change than many other countries had.
Read here a comprehensive list of the hospitals in the UAE to help you determine which one you want to live near.
Top Insurance Cost Drivers In Dubai
In Dubai, the top cost drivers are, in this order, consultations or treatments for outpatient, inpatient, maternity, dental, optical, and mental health care. These cost drivers can directly affect the cost of an individual’s premium the following year when it’s time to renew their plan.
Pacific Prime’s reports show that those who generated higher claims from outpatient consultations and treatments in 2021 had to deal with higher premiums at renewal time. Outpatient claims are also a top cost driver globally.
Here are the percentages of how many claims fall within each of these cost driver categories:
- 61.3% of claims in the UAE are for outpatient care
- 21.2% of claims in the UAE are for inpatient care
- 8.8% of claims in the UAE are for maternity care
- 5.9% of claims in the UAE are for dental care
- 2.1% of claims in the UAE are for optical care
- 0.8% of claims in the UAE are for mental health care
It is common for insurance companies around the world to increase premiums from year to year, as this is the nature of healthcare inflation.
To serve yourself best against this reality, we recommend working with an insurance broker who can assist you in times of renewal and negotiate with insurers on your behalf to get you the best premium and plan possible.
Learn the difference between an insurance broker and an agent and why they will benefit you.
If you have questions or interest in learning how Pacific Prime can serve you, fill out our contact form and we’ll get back to you promptly.
Sample Insurance Quotes For Expats In Dubai
Pacific Prime’s free insurance quote generator includes plans from multiple insurance providers, making it easy to compare a variety of quotes and plans side by side. There is even a feature where you can save your favorite quotes after you make an account by providing your email address.
In this section, we will be using our free insurance quote generator to chart out several sample quotes to show expats how much insurance costs in Dubai. Exact premiums are always subject to change based on your unique health situation and needs and which types of coverage you select.
Insurance Quotes in Dubai for 30-Year-Old Expats
The following quotes are for a 30-year-old expat living in Dubai for over a year. The following plans are for worldwide coverage, excluding the United States.
The plans include the following types of coverage:
- Inpatient
- Outpatient
- Maternity
- Emergency Evacuation
- Emergency Repatriation
| Insurance Provider | Monthly Premium | Deductible (excess) | Annual Limit | Dental Coverage | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salama April Dubai | $127 | $0 | $200,000 | ✖ | |
| Salama April Dubai | $138 | $0 | $200,000 | ✔ | |
| Salama April Dubai | $150 | $0 | $1,000,000 | ✖ | |
| Salama April Dubai | $160 | $0 | $2,500,000 | ✖ | |
| Orient Insurance | $227 | $0 | $1,750,000 | ✖ | Excludes repatriation |
| Orient Insurance | $247 | $0 | $4,000,000 | ✖ | Excludes repatriation |
| Bupa | $384 | $3,400 | $2,890,000 | ✖ | Excludes evacuation and repatriation |
| Dubai Insurance | $389 | $50 | $2,500,000 | ✖ | Excludes repatriation |
Please Note: Salama April Dubai is connected to the larger April International insurance provider, Orient Insurance is part of Allianz, and Dubai Insurance is part of William Russell.
Go here to see the full plan details for these or other insurance quotes and to adjust your preferred deductible cost!
Insurance Quotes in Dubai for Expat Families
The following quotes are for an expat family of four living in Dubai for over a year. The following plans are for worldwide coverage, excluding the United States.
The plans include the following types of coverage:
- Inpatient
- Outpatient
- Maternity
- Emergency Evacuation
- Emergency Repatriation
| Quote Sample | Monthly Premium | Deductible (excess) | Annual Limit | Dental Coverage | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arabia | $734 | $0 | $3,500,000 | ✖ | |
| Arabia | $908 | $0 | $4,000,000 | ✔ | |
| Dubai Insurance | $1523 | $50 | $2,500,000 | ✖ | |
| Bupa | $1,494 | $3,400 | $2,890,000 | ✖ | |
| Bupa | $2,100 | $425 | $2,890,000 | ✖ | |
| Dubai Insurance | $2,535 | $50 | $5,000,000 | ✔ | Excludes repatriation |
| Arabia | $983 | $0 | $4,000,000 | ✔ | |
| Arabia | $647 | $0 | $3,500,000 | ✖ |
Please Note: Arabia is connected to the larger NOW Health insurance provider and Dubai Insurance is part of William Russell.
Go here to see the full plan details for these or other insurance quotes and to adjust your preferred deductible cost!
Factors that Affect Health Insurance Premiums in Dubai
Expat health insurance premiums in Dubai are influenced by the expat’s age, family size, health status, coverage level, and more. Some factors are adjustable, such as your preferred deductible fee, but some can’t be changed, such as your individual health situation.
Here is a list of 11 factors that affect health insurance premiums for expats in Dubai:
- Age: Younger individuals typically pay lower premiums than older individuals. As people age, they are more likely to require medical care, which increases the risk for insurance companies.
- Location: The cost of healthcare varies by region. Areas with higher healthcare costs and a higher cost of living tend to have higher insurance premiums.
- Smoking and Tobacco Use: Smokers and tobacco users are at higher risk for health problems, so they often pay higher premiums than non-smokers.
- Health Status: Individual health history and pre-existing conditions can significantly impact premiums. People with chronic illnesses or pre-existing conditions may face higher costs.
- Family Size: Family health insurance plans cover multiple people, so the size of the family can affect premiums. Adding dependents to a policy will generally increase the premium.
- Coverage Level: The extent of coverage also influences premiums. Plans with lower deductibles and more comprehensive coverage tend to have higher premiums.
- Deductibles and Copayments: Higher deductibles and copayments can lower premiums but increase out-of-pocket costs when medical care is needed.
- Network: Plans that offer access to a broader network of healthcare providers may have higher premiums than those with narrower networks.
- Marketplace Competition: The number of insurance companies offering plans in a specific market can influence premiums. More competition can lead to lower prices.
- Healthcare Inflation: General trends in healthcare costs and inflation can impact premium increases over time.
- Policyholder Behavior: The overall health and behavior of the insured population can also affect premiums. If a large number of policyholders utilize healthcare services frequently, it can lead to higher premiums.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does insurance cost in Dubai for a single woman?
Health insurance in Dubai can cost anywhere from USD $127 – $389 a month for a single woman, and higher! It all depends on the coverage plan you select and your current health status. It is always advisable to compare quotes from a variety of providers to find the best deal.
Can expats get health insurance in Dubai?
Expats are highly encouraged to get health insurance when moving to Dubai. They can get insurance from private insurance companies such as Aetna, Cigna, William Russell, Allianz, April International, Bupa Global, MSH International, AXA (Gig Gulf), NOW Health, and more!
Is Dubai health insurance expensive compared to the US?
Dubai health insurance is more affordable than in the United States. According to Pacific Prime’s 2021-2022 international insurance report, the average cost of international health insurance in Dubai for individuals was USD $5,269, while the average in the United States was USD $7,432.
What happens if you don’t have medical insurance in Dubai?
Expats, residents, and employers of Dubai who fail to comply with the Dubai Health Insurance Law may be fined no less than AED 500 (about USD $136) and no more than AED 150,000 (about USD $40,838). The amount violators are fined can be doubled if they commit the same violation within one year.
Is healthcare free in Dubai for tourists?
Expats and other foreigners have to pay for their medical care. The only exception is for medical emergencies. If you experience a medical emergency in Dubai, treatment to stabilize your condition will be provided for free. This is true of both public and private hospitals.
Conclusion
Insurance in Dubai costs less than international health insurance in the United States, so expats moving from the West will likely consider it quite affordable. In addition, Dubai health insurance is about in the middle when compared to Thailand, which has the cheapest insurance costs in the world, and the United States, which has the most expensive.
There are a variety of top insurance providers that offer coverage in Dubai, and Pacific Prime partners with each of them. Compare their quotes today, and reach out to Pacific Prime to learn how we can help you find the best policy for your needs.
Are you looking for maternity insurance plans in the UAE? Have you heard that health insurance is free in Dubai? Take these links to find out more!
After obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, International Relations from Mahidol University International College, Veerabhatr has forged his career as a content writer in the travel, lifestyle, and real estate industries, writing in both English and Thai. He now continues to hone his skills as a writer at Pacific Prime, looking to engage and educate the audience by simplifying insurance.
Writer by day, and a DJ by night, Veerabhatr is a staunch music lover, and listens to all spectrums of genres available. He also loves to drink beer (moderately), eat all types of food, go to the beach, and learn about different cultures across the globe. He is also a die-hard fan of football and motorsports.
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Comments
2 Comments
What are the typical wait times for medical appointments in Dubai for insured expats? Are there any community health initiatives or wellness programs in Dubai specifically for expats?
For insured expats in Dubai, wait times for medical appointments at private facilities are typically short, with many specialists available within days or even the same day, thanks to Dubai’s efficient healthcare system. Community health initiatives and wellness programs in Dubai, such as those organized by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), include health screenings, fitness campaigns, and expat-focused wellness events like yoga classes or corporate wellness programs. Additionally, many private health insurance plans include access to telemedicine, making healthcare even more accessible.
For personalized guidance on health insurance plans that support your healthcare and wellness needs in Dubai, contact Pacific Prime for expert advice and a free quote comparison.
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