Mandatory under Abu Dhabi Law No. (23) of 2005. Employer covers employee, one spouse and up to 3 children under 18. UAE nationals are covered under the Thiqa programme. Compare plans, networks and limits.
Abu Dhabi employers must provide health insurance for each employee, one spouse and up to three children under 18, under Law No. (23) of 2005, administered by the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH). UAE nationals in Abu Dhabi are covered by the government-funded Thiqa programme, administered by Daman (National Health Insurance Company). Minimum cover includes GP, specialist, emergency, inpatient, outpatient, maternity and prescribed medications.
| Law | Abu Dhabi Law No. (23) of 2005 Regarding the Health Insurance Scheme for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi |
| Effective from | 1 June 2006 |
| Administered by | Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH), formerly Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) |
| Who must be covered | Employee + one spouse + up to 3 children under 18 |
| Who pays | Employer or sponsor for employee cover; dependant cover may vary by contract |
| UAE nationals | Covered by Thiqa programme, administered by Daman (National Health Insurance Company) |
| Minimum cover includes | GP, specialist, emergency, inpatient, outpatient, maternity, prescribed medications |
| Nationwide extension | From 1 Jan 2025, health insurance mandatory for private-sector employees across all 7 emirates (MOHRE Cabinet decision) |
| Data verified | 11 Jun 2026 |
Sources: Abu Dhabi Law No. (23) of 2005 (Gulf Migration GRC text); DoH at doh.gov.ae; MOHRE at mohre.gov.ae for nationwide 2025 extension. Verified 11 Jun 2026. Always confirm the current minimum benefit standards with the DoH or a licensed insurer before relying on any figure.
UAE nationals resident in Abu Dhabi are covered by a separate government-funded scheme, not through employer-provided private insurance.
Thiqa provides comprehensive health cover for UAE nationals in Abu Dhabi, administered by Daman (National Health Insurance Company). It is government-funded and covers a wide range of public and private facilities in Abu Dhabi and beyond. Thiqa cardholders access healthcare directly; no employer premium payment is required.
Thiqa cover extends to approved facilities across the UAE and to emergency treatment abroad in some circumstances. Check with Daman for the current list of covered facilities outside Abu Dhabi and any prior-approval requirements for specialist referrals.
Expatriate employees are not covered by Thiqa. Their employer must provide a DoH-compliant health insurance plan from a licensed insurer. The plan must meet the DoH's minimum benefit standards and cover the employee, one spouse and up to three children under 18.
The DoH minimum is the floor. What you compare matters most above the basic plan.
| What it includes | Basic (DoH minimum) | Enhanced plan |
|---|---|---|
| GP and specialist visits | Covered | Covered |
| Inpatient and emergency | Covered | Covered |
| Maternity | Included | Higher limit |
| Prescribed medications | Covered | Covered |
| Provider network size | DoH-approved facilities | Wider network |
| Dental and optical | Not included | Optional add-on |
| Cover outside UAE | Limited | Optional add-on |
Typical positions. Actual benefits set per plan and per DoH standards. Always read the plan's table of benefits. DoH minimum cover verified 11 Jun 2026.
ADNIC is headquartered in Abu Dhabi. All listed insurers hold CBUAE licences and DoH approval for Abu Dhabi plans.
Yes. Abu Dhabi Law No. (23) of 2005, effective 1 June 2006 and administered by the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH), makes health insurance mandatory for all residents in Abu Dhabi. Employers and sponsors must provide cover for employees, one spouse and up to three children under 18. UAE nationals are covered under the government-funded Thiqa programme.
Thiqa is a government-funded health coverage scheme for UAE nationals resident in Abu Dhabi, administered by Daman (National Health Insurance Company). Thiqa cardholders access healthcare at approved facilities without paying insurance premiums; the cost is borne by the Abu Dhabi government. Expatriate employees are not eligible for Thiqa and must be covered by employer-provided private health insurance.
The DoH minimum benefit standard requires cover for GP consultations, specialist visits, emergency treatment, inpatient care, outpatient care, maternity and prescribed medications. Dental and optical are not included in the basic standard. Specific limits and co-payment levels vary by plan; always check the plan's table of benefits.
Under Abu Dhabi Law No. (23) of 2005, employers are required to cover the employee, one spouse and up to three children under 18. Cover for additional dependants, domestic workers or elderly parents beyond this scope may be the employee's responsibility or require a separate plan. Check your employment contract and the DoH rules for the current position.
The DoH mandate sets a floor. Compare networks, annual limits and co-pays to find the right plan for your family in Abu Dhabi.
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