The Northern Emirates health insurance mandate did not arrive all at once — it has been phased in by company size across Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. As of the latest phase, there are no more exemptions: every private-sector employer must provide compliant cover. If you want the full compliance walkthrough, read our Northern Emirates Employer Health Mandate — 2025 Compliance Guide. This piece focuses on the rollout timeline and the questions we hear most.
Rollout Timeline
- Phase 1 — 2024 · Large employers (100+ staff): Companies with 100 or more employees were the first required to enroll all staff in an approved plan. Complete.
- Phase 2 — 2025 · Medium employers (11–99 staff): The mandate extended to companies employing between 11 and 99 people, with full compliance required before year-end. In force.
- Phase 3 — 2026 · All remaining employers (1–10 staff): Every remaining private-sector employer — including micro-businesses and domestic-worker sponsors — must now be compliant. Now active — no exemptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which emirates does the mandate cover?
Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Dubai (DHA) run separate mandatory schemes under their own health authorities.
What is the minimum required benefit level?
The Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) is the minimum compliant product. It covers inpatient, day-case and emergency treatment. Outpatient coverage varies by plan — we can help you find the best fit for your team and budget.
Can I use any insurance company?
No. The insurer must be CBUAE-licensed and the health product must be approved for the Northern Emirates mandate. Advice works with 30+ compliant insurers and only recommends approved options.
Do I have to cover my employees' families?
Dependant coverage is not currently mandatory under the Northern Emirates law (unlike Abu Dhabi). Many employers still add families as a retention benefit — we can get competitive family rates alongside your group plan.
What happens if I don't comply?
Non-compliant employers face monthly fines per uninsured employee, which escalate for repeat offences and can block new visas and renewals until compliant cover is in place. The safest move is to get covered before a renewal deadline forces a scramble.
How fast can Advice get a plan in place?
For groups under 20 lives, we typically have quotes and policy documents within 48–72 hours. Larger groups with census data take 3–5 working days — and we handle all the paperwork. Call +971 9 222 1133 or send us a WhatsApp to get started.