If you live in Dubai, it’s important to have medical insurance so that you can get the medical care you need if you get sick or injured. Fortunately, getting a health card in Dubai is a relatively easy process – as long as you have a valid UAE residence visa.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to get a Dubai health card, including choosing a government-approved insurer, providing the necessary documentation, and paying your insurance premiums.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of what it takes to get a health card in Dubai, and why it’s so important to have one. So, let’s get started!
In Dubai, medical insurance is mandatory, which means that all residents must have it. The Dubai health insurance law no. 11 of 2013 made medical insurance mandatory in Dubai, and it came into effect on January 1, 2014. This law requires all employers in Dubai to provide medical insurance for their employees. For people who are not employed or who are self-employed, and the non-working dependents, it is their own responsibility to ensure that they have medical insurance bought by themselves or their sponsor, respectively.
Step 1: UAE Resident Visa
To get a Dubai health card, the first requirement is to have a valid UAE residence visa.
If you are living in Dubai on a long term basis, you can apply for a residence visa through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or through your employer if you are employed and working in Dubai.
Once you get a valid UAE residence visa, you can proceed with the next steps in obtaining a health card. In some cases health insurance is a requirement to complete the visa process as well.
Step 2: Choosing an DHA Approved Insurer
The next step is to choose a government-approved insurer. There are several insurance companies in Dubai that offer medical insurance, but it’s important to choose an insurer that is recognized and approved by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
The DHA is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the complete healthcare sector in Dubai, and they have a list of approved insurance providers that you can choose from.
You must also ensure that you’ve compared and selected a plan that best suits your requirements and needs accordingly.
Step 3: Submitting the necessary documents
After you have chosen an insurer of your choice, the next step is the application where you will need to provide all the necessary documentation.
The mandatory documentation includes:
- Passport copy (front page)
- Visa Copy
- Emirates ID copy (front and back)
- UAE Birth Certificate (for Newborns)
- The requirements may vary depending on the insurer you choose, but generally, those are the most common documents that are required.
You may also need to provide a copy of your employment contract or other proof of income in case your Salary is below a certain threshold set by DHA. Along with the application you have to provide a completed Health Declaration Form to the insurer.
Step 4: Completing the Premium Payment
Once you have provided the necessary documentation, the last step is to pay your insurance premiums. The cost of medical insurance in Dubai can vary depending on a number of factors, such as your age, your health status, and more importantly the level of coverage you choose.
Once you have completed all of the above described steps leading to a successful purchase of your health insurance, you will receive your virtual Health Card. This card will be issued by your insurance provider and will include your name, photo, your policy number, DHA registration number and other important information. Health Insurance policies now are through the EID, which will be used to confirm that you have valid medical insurance and can avail of the services you seek at the centre.
Getting a health card in Dubai is a straightforward process as long as you have a valid UAE residence visa.
To summarise this:
You will need to choose a government-approved insurer
Provide the necessary documentation & Health declaration form
Pay your insurance premium
Get your Health Card & Insurance linked via your Emirates ID
Once you have completed these steps, you will receive notification that your Health Insurance & Dubai Health Card is linked to your Emirates ID, which will allow you to access medical care in any facility when you need it.
Remember, having medical insurance is important to protect your health and well-being, so make sure to get yours as soon as possible.
