Abu Dhabi Raises Health Insurance Co-Payments, Launches Chronic Disease Program

Abu Dhabi adjusted its Basic Health Insurance Plan effective July 1, 2024, with changes to co-payments for diagnostic and lab services. The Department of Health launched Healthy Living Abu Dhabi in 2026 with 25 initiatives focused on conditions such as obesity and diabetes. These updates apply to plan holders across the emirate and affect daily access to care in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra.

Co-payment and premium adjustments

The plan now applies a 20 percent co-payment capped at Dh50 for diagnostic and lab services including radiology. In-patient services and one-day procedures carry a Dh200 co-payment per encounter with an annual aggregate limit of Dh500 for Basic Plan holders. The annual premium for UAE-national-sponsored domestic helpers under age 60 rose from Dh600 to Dh750. Total coverage remains Dh250,000 per year with access to over 1,250 health facilities.

These figures come directly from the policy updates documented in official announcements. Residents who use diagnostic services or require hospital procedures will encounter the new payment structure at the point of service. Domestic helpers sponsored by UAE nationals under the specified age group will see the higher premium reflected in annual renewals.

Healthy Living Abu Dhabi measures

Healthy Living Abu Dhabi deploys 25 initiatives that include the Nutri Mark food labeling system with A to E grades and restrictions on unhealthy food advertising. The program addresses chronic diseases through these and additional steps. Residents encounter the labeling on packaged foods and see changes in advertising for certain products in local stores and media.

Policy documents list the coverage amount and facility network as unchanged. The combined effect of the insurance adjustments and the 2026 initiatives shapes how residents manage routine medical visits and preventive health choices in Abu Dhabi. The government states the measures will support ongoing management of health services.

Further details on implementation will be provided through Department of Health channels as the initiatives progress.