Can an Emirati employee on a part-time contract receive medical insurance?

Hello,

In the UAE, Emirati employees are generally entitled to medical insurance as part of their benefits package, irrespective of their working hours or contract type.

Employers are required to provide medical insurance to Emirati nationals under the UAE’s Health Insurance Law (as per Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and other emirate regulations, like in Abu Dhabi under ADDM).

For further assistance, kindly share your WhatsApp number.

Dear Questioner,

Thank you for reaching out with your questions regarding the provision of medical insurance to an Emirati employee working under a partial contract.

1. Medical Insurance for Emirati Employees on Partial Contracts:

In the UAE, Emirati employees (UAE nationals) are generally entitled to medical insurance regardless of their employment status (full-time or part-time), and the employer is required to provide such coverage.

Even though your employee is working under a partial contract (4 hours a day, 5 days a week), the employer is still obligated to provide health insurance as per UAE law. This is in line with the country's commitment to ensuring healthcare coverage for all Emirati citizens.

2. Medical Insurance Options for Emirati Employees:

- Government Health Insurance Schemes:

In some Emirates like Abu Dhabi, there is a government-provided health insurance scheme for UAE nationals (SEHA), which may cover the employee’s medical needs regardless of their work hours.

This is available to Emiratis, even if they are employed on a part-time basis.

- Employer-Provided Private Insurance:

If your company provides private medical insurance through a health provider, the Emirati employee would also be eligible for coverage, as this is a standard benefit provided to employees (full-time or part-time), but it may depend on the specific terms of the employer’s arrangement.

3. Pension Contribution and Other Benefits:

Since the employee is registered for pension contributions, it indicates that the employee is being treated in accordance with UAE labor laws, and they are likely entitled to medical insurance as well.

4. Next Steps:

You should ensure that the medical insurance provided aligns with the regulations in the respective Emirate.

If the employee is working in Dubai, the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) regulations will apply, and if in Abu Dhabi, the SEHA system will likely cover the employee.

If your company is not offering private insurance or if the employee's benefits are unclear, I recommend discussing this with your HR department or reviewing the specific health insurance laws in your emirate to ensure compliance.

Please let me know if you need further assistance or if you require clarification on any other aspect of this matter.

Best regards,

Mohammed Salah

Legal Consultant

According to UAE law, companies are required to provide health insurance to Emirati employees, even if they work part-time, as long as they have a work permit and are registered for pension contributions.

For other medical options, the company can offer alternative health plans or insurance under available schemes.

For comprehensive advice and legal support, you can contact us via WhatsApp. Our center specializes in such cases and provides full assistance.

It is indeed possible and legally required to provide medical insurance to an Emirati employee who works part-time under a two-year work permit with registered pension contributions.

Employers have multiple options available to fulfill this obligation while ensuring compliance with local regulations.