What's mandatory in Dubai? (short answer)

Health insurance: Dubai enacted Law No. 11 of 2013 which makes health insurance mandatory for residents. Employers normally provide employee medical cover; specific minimum plans (for low-income bands) are implemented as the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP). Motor insurance: Driving or registering a vehicle in Dubai requires valid motor insurance (electronic certificate used by RTA for registration/renewal).

Authoritative sources consulted: Dubai Law No. 11/2013 (Dubai legislation), DHA guidance on Essential Benefits Plan, and RTA vehicle registration rules (see References section below). 0

Common insurance types you'll need in Dubai

Step-by-step process to get insurance in Dubai

1. Define the risk — list what you need covered (health, vehicle, property, loan protection).
2. Check legal/employer responsibilities — confirm with HR if you are employed whether you are covered and whether dependents are included (employer group plans vary). If you are self-employed or an individual, you will buy a private policy or an EBP where eligible.
3. Compare options — use licensed brokers or aggregator platforms to compare prices and product wording; do not buy on price alone. Aggregators speed quotes but always download the policy wording. (See References for common aggregator sites.)
4. Verify license & regulator status — confirm insurer/broker appear on the Central Bank/CBUAE register of licensed insurance entities to avoid unlicensed sellers. 1
5. Collect documents (passport, visa, Emirates ID, driver license, Mulkiya, tenancy/title deed as applicable) — many insurers accept upload/online-only applications.
6. Apply — complete application, disclose medical history honestly, choose network preferences and add-ons; pay premium to issue policy/e-certificate.
7. Confirm registration — for motor: ensure electronic insurance certificate is valid for RTA registration/renewal; for health: insurer usually issues membership details and registers policy with DHA where necessary. 2
8. Keep records & renew on time — set reminders; compare annually before renewal.

Documents checklist (by policy type)

Claims — step-by-step & tips to reduce friction

1. Vehicle (minor damage): If no injuries, use the Dubai Police app to file a minor accident report (this electronic report is accepted by insurers). For injuries, call emergency services (999) and wait for police unless otherwise instructed. 3
2. Health: Confirm if your hospital visit is cashless (direct billing) or reimbursement. Save original invoices, discharge summaries, prescriptions and lab results — insurers require originals for many claims.
3. Property: File police report for criminal damage/theft; take photos and preserve damaged items where safe to do so. Provide invoices or valuations for repair/replacement.
4. Life: Prepare official death certificate, beneficiary IDs, policy documents and bank/payment details for fast settlement.
5. Escalation: If claim is delayed/unfairly denied, escalate within the insurer, then to the Central Bank/CBUAE dispute channels (keep dated correspondence). 4

Common myths, facts & pitfalls

• Myth: Employer cover always includes dependents. Fact: Not necessarily — dependent cover depends on employer policy; confirm in writing with HR.
• Myth: Third-party car insurance covers my repairs. Fact: It covers third-party damage only — your vehicle repairs require comprehensive cover.
• Pitfall: Buying on price alone — cheap policies often have small networks, high co-pay, or long waiting periods for critical benefits.
• Pitfall: Non-disclosure of medical history — can invalidate claims; always disclose accurately on applications.

Bank/mortgage intersections — what banks often require

Banks typically require:

• Car loans: Comprehensive insurance on financed vehicles for the loan period.
• Mortgages: Life or mortgage-protection cover that meets the bank’s conditions (some banks auto-enroll — compare bank plan vs private plan for gaps).

Consumer protection & escalation

If you have disputes, follow these steps:

1. Raise complaint through the insurer's formal complaints process (save timestamps).
2. Escalate to insurer’s complaints unit / ombudsman function (if any).
3. If unresolved, file complaint with the Central Bank / CBUAE or use UAE government consumer portals. Confirm insurer/broker licensing before escalating. 5

FAQ — quick answers

Do I need health insurance if my employer provides it?

If employer provides a compliant plan, you are covered; verify dependent coverage and network. Some employers provide only basic plans — you may choose top-up privately.

Can I drive without motor insurance?

No — vehicle registration and driving require valid insurance. RTA uses electronic insurance certificates for registration/renewal. 6

How fast can I get a policy?

Many motor and basic health policies can be issued same-day online; larger life/mortgage policies often need underwriting and medical checks.

Final practical tips

• Compare networks (health) and garages (motor) — a strong network speeds care & approvals.
• Keep digital copies of all policy documents and claim receipts in a secure cloud folder.
• Transfer your no-claim bonus (motor) if changing insurers — confirm transfer rules and evidence required.
• When in doubt, use a licensed independent broker for complex or high-value policies — confirm CBUAE licence. 7