Mandatory health insurance became effective across all UAE emirates on January 1, 2025 — including Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, UAQ, and Fujairah. Every private sector employer in Sharjah must now provide health insurance for all employees, regardless of company size.
Domestic worker sponsors must also provide health insurance for maids, nannies, drivers, and all household staff. The Basic WHI (Workers Health Insurance) plan costs just AED 320 per employee per year — but the penalties for non-compliance reach AED 500,000.
This guide covers exactly who must comply, what the Basic WHI plan covers, how to purchase it, and how to avoid the fines that are now being actively enforced.
Need help with this process? Al Qalam Typing Center handles every step — from document preparation to final submission.
Who Must Comply with Sharjah’s Mandatory Health Insurance
The mandate covers all new work permits and visa renewals since January 1, 2025. The final compliance deadline for all existing workers was June 30, 2025.
- All private sector employers on the Sharjah mainland
- All household sponsors employing domestic workers (maids, nannies, drivers)
- All company sizes — there is no minimum headcount exemption
- All nationalities of employees
Basic WHI Plan vs. Enhanced Plan
| Feature | Basic WHI Plan | Enhanced Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Annual premium | AED 320/employee | AED 440/employee |
| Annual limit | AED 150,000 | AED 250,000 |
| Inpatient cover | Yes | Yes |
| Outpatient cover | Limited | Broader |
| Maternity | Basic | Enhanced |
| Dental/optical | No | Yes (limited) |
| Pre-existing conditions | Covered from day 1 | Covered from day 1 |
| Purchase portal | whi.ae | whi.ae |
Penalties for Non-Compliance
| Violation | Fine (AED) |
|---|---|
| Failure to provide health insurance | Up to AED 500,000 |
| Per uninsured employee | AED 1,500 per person |
| Work permit block | New permits blocked until compliant |
| Visa renewal block | Renewals blocked until compliant |
How to Purchase the Basic WHI Plan
- Go to whi.ae (the official UAE Workers Health Insurance portal).
- Register as an employer with your trade license.
- Enter employee details (name, passport, Emirates ID, work permit number).
- Select Basic (AED 320) or Enhanced (AED 440) plan.
- Pay online by credit/debit card.
- Download and save insurance certificates for each employee.
- Upload certificate numbers in your next visa renewal or work permit application.
Cost Planning for Sharjah Employers
| Team Size | Basic WHI Annual Cost | Enhanced Plan Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 employee | AED 320 | AED 440 |
| 5 employees | AED 1,600 | AED 2,200 |
| 10 employees | AED 3,200 | AED 4,400 |
| 25 employees | AED 8,000 | AED 11,000 |
| 50 employees | AED 16,000 | AED 22,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did mandatory health insurance start in Sharjah?
The mandate became effective January 1, 2025. The final compliance deadline for existing workers was June 30, 2025. All new work permits and visa renewals have required health insurance since January 1, 2025.
How much does mandatory health insurance cost in Sharjah?
The Basic WHI Plan costs AED 320 per employee per year (approx. AED 27/month). The Enhanced Plan costs AED 440/employee/year. Purchase through whi.ae.
Do small businesses (under 10 employees) need to provide health insurance in Sharjah?
Yes. All private sector employers must comply regardless of company size. There is no minimum headcount exemption.
Need help with this process? Al Qalam Typing Center handles every step — from document preparation to final submission.