What Is Daman Insurance in UAE and What Does It Cover?
If you're living in the UAE and wondering about your health insurance options, Daman is the country's leading health insurer, serving over 3 million members across the emirates[1]. Whether you're an i...
The Lifetimes UAE editorial team curates, fact-checks, and updates guides on personal finance, property, health, immigration, legal, business, and lifestyle topics relevant to Lifetimes UAE readers. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team before publication.
If you're living in the UAE and wondering about your health insurance options, Daman is the country's leading health insurer, serving over 3 million members across the emirates[1]. Whether you're an individual, a family, an employee, or a business owner, Daman offers comprehensive health insurance plans tailored to different needs and budgets. Understanding what Daman covers and how it works can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare protection.
Who Is Daman and What Do They Do?
Daman (The National Insurance Company) is the UAE's largest health insurance provider, offering a wide range of health insurance solutions to individuals, families, and businesses[1]. As part of PureHealth, the UAE's largest integrated healthcare platform, Daman provides access to an extensive network of healthcare facilities across the country[1].
What sets Daman apart is their commitment to transparency and digital innovation. They're the only insurance company in the region that publishes their Adjudication Rules publicly, making it clear how and when they cover healthcare services[5]. With over 3,000 hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in their network, Daman ensures you have quality medical services within reach, wherever you are in the UAE[2].
What Does Daman Insurance Cover?
Daman's coverage varies depending on the plan you choose, but most comprehensive plans include the following core benefits[3]:
- Inpatient treatment — hospital stays and overnight care
- Outpatient treatment — visits to clinics and healthcare providers
- Maternity services — pregnancy and delivery care
- Emergency services — urgent medical care available 24/7 across the UAE
- Prescription medicines — coverage for medications prescribed by healthcare professionals
- Diagnostic and laboratory services — tests and diagnostics to support diagnosis and treatment
Beyond these core benefits, Daman plans offer optional add-ons, including international assistance services and second medical opinion services[3]. Some plans also provide optional worldwide coverage, which is particularly useful if you travel frequently or have family abroad[3].
Daman Insurance Plans for Different Needs
Individual and Family Plans
For individuals and families, Daman offers flexible plans with optional worldwide coverage[3]. These plans are designed to give you and your loved ones access to the best medical services, whether you need local care or coverage when travelling. Family plans start from as low as AED 800 per year, making them affordable for most households[3].
The Basic Health Plan
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, Daman's Basic Health Plan is specifically designed for domestic helpers and low-income members with an Abu Dhabi visa[2]. This pocket-friendly plan includes[4]:
- Outpatient, inpatient, and emergency treatment within the UAE
- Out-of-pocket costs of AED 200 per admission (capped at AED 500 annually)
- Medicine coverage at 70% of costs (up to AED 1,500 with a 30% deductible)
- Diagnostic and lab services with a 20% co-pay (maximum AED 50 per visit)
Abu Dhabi Government Health Plans
Daman offers specialised plans for Abu Dhabi residents, including the Abu Dhabi Basic Plan, which covers hospital stays, treatments, and medicines within Abu Dhabi, plus emergency services throughout the UAE[6]. These plans start from as low as AED 750 per year[6].
Corporate and Business Plans
For employers, Daman provides customisable health insurance solutions designed for businesses of all sizes. Whether you have 6–150 employees or more, Daman can tailor coverage with flexible Gold, Silver, and Bronze plan options[2]. Businesses in the Northern Emirates can also access affordable plans designed specifically for private sector companies in those regions[7].
Specialised Plans
Daman also caters to specific groups, including:
- Golden Visa holders — comprehensive coverage tailored for long-term residents
- Retirees — retirement health insurance plans for your golden years
- Travellers — inbound and outbound travel emergency health insurance
- Thiqa members — plans to upgrade current coverage with additional benefits
Pre-Existing Conditions and Waiting Periods
If you have pre-existing medical conditions, it's important to understand Daman's waiting period policy. Most pre-existing conditions are covered after a 6-month waiting period, but this applies only to inpatient treatment for specific conditions including[4]:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Arterial diseases
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- All cancer cases
- Neurosurgery
- Cerebrovascular diseases
- Maternity and delivery cases
However, the waiting period doesn't apply if you were continuously covered without any break for at least 6 months under a health insurance plan approved by the Department of Health (DOH)[4]. This means if you're switching from another approved insurer, you may not face additional waiting periods.
Daman's Network and Accessibility
One of Daman's biggest advantages is the vast healthcare network of over 3,000 hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies across the UAE[2]. This extensive coverage ensures you can access quality medical services conveniently, whether you're in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or the Northern Emirates.
All Daman plans provide access to Department of Health (DOH)-approved network providers, ensuring you receive care from qualified, regulated healthcare facilities[4]. The company also offers 24/7 customer support and services throughout the year, so you can get help whenever you need it[3].
How to Renew Your Daman Policy
Renewing your Daman insurance is straightforward and convenient. You can renew your policy through multiple channels[4]:
- Online through the Daman website
- At Daman branches across the UAE
- Through an insurance broker
- By contacting Daman customer services directly
The renewal process is designed to be quick and hassle-free, so you can maintain continuous coverage without interruption.
Daman's Commitment to Transparency and Community
Daman stands out in the insurance industry for its transparency. The company publishes its Adjudication Rules quarterly (in March, June, September, and December), which detail exactly how and when healthcare services are covered[5]. These rules are based on international best practice guidelines and evidence-based medicine, giving you confidence in how claims are assessed.
Beyond insurance, Daman actively contributes to the community by hosting over 300 family-friendly health and wellness events each year[1]. This commitment to public health reflects their mission to improve healthspans and wellbeing across the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started with Daman Insurance
Whether you're self-employed, working in the private sector, employed by the government, or a business owner, Daman has a plan that fits your needs and budget. The first step is to assess your healthcare requirements—consider factors like whether you have dependents, pre-existing conditions, or if you travel frequently.
Once you've identified your needs, you can explore Daman's range of plans on their website or speak with their customer services team. With over 3 million members already trusting Daman for their health insurance, you'll be joining the UAE's largest health insurance community. Remember, health insurance isn't just about covering emergencies—it's about ensuring you and your family have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it, without the financial stress.
Sources & References
About Us - Daman — damanhealth.ae
Daman: Health & Medical Insurance Plans - Dubai, Abu Dhabi, UAE — damanhealth.ae
Family and Individual Health Insurance - Dubai, UAE - Daman — damanhealth.ae
The Basic Health Insurance Plan Archives - Daman — damanhealth.ae
Health Coverage Information - Daman — damanhealth.ae
Abu Dhabi Basic Health Insurance Plan - Daman — damanhealth.ae
Daman Expands Coverage to the Northern Emirates with Amanak — ipmiglobal.com