Health Insurance Cost for a UAE Residency Visa (Northern Emirates)
Health insurance is mandatory for a UAE residence visa, but "how much will it cost?" rarely has a single answer. The premium depends on who is being covered and the level of cover they need — so two applicants at the same counter can be quoted different amounts. This guide explains what sets the price for a residency plan in the Northern Emirates, the typical ranges, and how to get an exact figure for your own case.
What the price depends on
A residency health insurance premium is built from a few simple factors:
- **The applicant's age** — older applicants generally cost more to insure.
- **The plan level** — higher tiers raise the annual medical cover limit and widen the clinic and hospital network.
- **One-year vs two-year cover** — domestic worker and maid visas require a two-year policy, which changes the price.
- **The network** — each plan is tied to a medical network (for example Nextcare or Aafiya); the choice can affect both price and which clinics you can use.
- **Insurer eligibility** — the final figure is subject to the insurer accepting the applicant's profile.
Typical cost for Northern Emirates residency
For a standard one-year residency plan in the Northern Emirates, prices start from around **215 AED**. Entry and mid-level plans (roughly 215–290 AED) cover most new visa and renewal cases on the Northern Emirates network, while higher tiers (up to around 480 AED) lift the annual medical cover limit and broaden the network. You can see the current plans, cover limits and prices on our health insurance page for UAE residency, which we keep up to date.
One-year vs two-year cover
Most residency visas are covered by a one-year policy renewed alongside the visa. Domestic worker and maid visas are the exception: as per ICP, they now require a minimum **two-year** policy, available from around **450 AED**. If you are sponsoring a worker, budget for the two-year plan rather than a standard annual one — see our full guide to domestic worker and maid visa health insurance.
What the price includes
A compliant residency plan is more than a certificate for the file. Depending on the tier, the premium typically covers outpatient consultations, a defined annual medical cover limit, and access to the plan's clinic and hospital network, along with ICP linking so the policy is recognised for visa processing. Exact benefits vary by plan and are confirmed before payment.
How to get your exact price
The fastest way to a firm number is to send the applicant's details so we can match the right plan.
- Visa copy or Emirates ID copy of the applicant
- Passport copy
- Sponsor's Emirates ID copy or trade licence copy
Send these on WhatsApp with the emirate and whether it is a new visa or a renewal. We confirm the suitable plan and the final price, then share a direct payment link — or message our health insurance service if you first want to check what your visa type requires.
Where these prices apply
These plans are for residency processed in the Northern Emirates — Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain follow separate insurance systems and are not covered by this plan range.
Avoid these costly mistakes
- Letting a policy lapse "until renewal" — the expired policy blocks the renewal itself
- Buying a plan below the cover required for the visa type or emirate
- A name mismatch between the policy and the passport, which can get the policy rejected
- Leaving a domestic worker on a one-year plan when a two-year policy is required
Conclusion
There is no flat price for residency health insurance, but there is a clear range: from around 215 AED for a one-year Northern Emirates plan, and from around 450 AED for the two-year domestic worker cover. Send the applicant's details and we will confirm the exact figure for your case — see the current options on our health insurance page, or message us on WhatsApp for a quick quote.
Related guides: UAE Health Insurance Requirement for Visa · Domestic Worker & Maid Visa Health Insurance · Renew UAE Residence Visa