Some breathing space to get Dubai medical insurance sorted

Keren Bobker advises on the changes to medical insurance laws in Dubai.

There are many articles that say everyone in Dubai must have medical insurance by the end of June, but I have now been told that the deadline has been extended. Can you confirm that this means that I do not have to buy medical insurance for my maid until the end of the year? I don't want to break the law, but I also don't want to pay out money if I do not need to. SV, Dubai

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has announced that any individual sponsors who fail to provide compliant medical insurance cover for any employees, dependents and even for themselves if required, by the Phase 3 deadline of June 30 will not be fined in 2016. In effect this gives people a further six months to put in place the mandatory plans, but there is a catch. It has been stated by the DHA that sponsors are still liable for any medical costs incurred by dependents and staff during any period without cover, and as these can easily mount up for even a relatively minor medical condition it could be a false economy not to get cover in place sooner rather than later. The extension does not apply to companies, as they must still have cover in place by the deadline to avoid fines, which can be substantial.

Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with over 20 years’ experience. Contact her at [e-mail]. Follow her on Twitter at @FinancialUAE.

The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only.

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