Questions about health insurance for existing conditions in Dubai are often raised by both employers and individuals.
You may be wondering what qualifies as a pre-existing condition, for example, or how insurers assess the risk.
It's now mandatory in the UAE for employers to provide health insurance for their staff, and crucially, insurance companies are not permitted to deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions. So it’s wise to get a firm grasp of the ins and outs of the law and its practical applications.
This blog will walk you through how insurers handle pre-existing conditions in the UAE and what that means for your company or your personal coverage.
A pre-existing condition is any diagnosed medical issue that existed before your health insurance policy began. According to Dubai Health Insurance Law (DHA), a pre-existing condition is defined as:
“Any medical condition, illness, or injury that existed before the start date of a new health insurance policy, whether or not the policyholder was aware of it, had symptoms, or received a diagnosis or treatment for it.”
This includes:
Applicants are legally required to disclose any pre-existing conditions, and treatment in these areas may be excluded from coverage for a period of six months.
Under Dubai Health Insurance Law (DHA Resolution No. 7 of 2016), insurers may apply specific limitations to pre-existing conditions in certain plan types. However, these exclusions are regulated, particularly in employer-sponsored plans.
Most insurers in Dubai offer health plans that include limited coverage for pre-existing conditions. Coverage level depends on the policy type and the underwriting process.
There are three main types of underwriting:
If you’re managing a mid-sized or large team, pursuing MHD-based coverage is both feasible and financially sound. It simplifies onboarding, supports inclusive benefits and ensures chronic conditions are managed from day one.
Group health insurance and pre-existing conditions are often handled differently from individual plans. Employers can negotiate coverage terms that are not available to individuals.
If you’re taking out a large group scheme, you may be eligible for MHD underwriting, which will offer complete coverage for your employees from day one.
Spreading the risk across all employees rather than based on individual assessments allows for greater flexibility on both sides of the plan.
This makes pre-existing condition health insurance plans more accessible through employers and offers an attractive benefit to your team.
What you offer as a business affects your ability to recruit and retain skilled staff, so it makes sense to seek out the best possible health insurance terms your budget allows.
Even with MHD underwriting, insurers monitor and manage the risk from health insurance for pre-existing conditions in Dubai through various strategies:
These measures help control claims and keep group premiums more stable over time. Insurers will also look at the history of your company's claims when pricing group coverage.
If your business has a poor claims record, you may receive higher renewal quotes or face reduced benefits. This is where the value of working with an expert adviser becomes clear.
At AES Health, we help you, as an employer, understand group health insurance and pre-existing conditions - what you’re buying and what it means for your team.
Our approach:
This is not just about hitting the mark with compliance. It’s about creating a benefits package that supports your business goals and provides additional support for your team.
Whether you’re a mid-sized company looking for scalable cover or a larger firm seeking better value, we offer guidance tailored to your risk profile.
Before you choose a pre-existing condition health insurance plan, ask yourself:
If the answer to any of these is yes, it may be time to review your policy. AES can support you with clear advice, insurer comparisons and a renewed plan that meet your workforce needs.
If you're setting up health insurance for pre-existing conditions in Dubai for the first time:
At AES Health, we don’t just get quotes.
We help you plan this important investment for the long term, working with a panel of regulated insurers and can recommend the best fit based on your structure and goals.
Yes, you can cover your employees for pre-existing conditions in Dubai, but success depends on structure, underwriting, and expert negotiation.
With the right plan, your business can provide inclusive, compliant health coverage while protecting against unexpected cost escalations.
To find out how health insurance for existing conditions in Dubai can support your team, speak to us today.