The Essential Benefits Plan (EBP): For Low-Income Earners

Healthcare for All

The UAE’s vision for 2026 is that nobody should be left without medical care. The Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) is a specialized individual health insurance plan designed for people earning AED 4,000 per month or less. At CoverB, we take pride in acting as an individual health insurance advisory firm that helps low-income workers and their sponsors find the best legal protection.

Key Features of the EBP in 2026

• Price Cap: The premium is regulated to stay affordable, typically between AED 600 and AED 900 per year.
• No Waiting Periods: Chronic conditions like diabetes are covered from day one (no 6-month wait).
• Maternity: Basic antenatal care and emergency delivery are included.
• Emergency ER: Access to major government and private hospitals for life-threatening issues.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

Because the price is so low, the EBP has trade-offs:

• The Network: You can usually only visit smaller clinics or specific government hospitals.
• Exclusions: Dental, glasses, and physiotherapy are almost never included.
• Pharmacy: If you have a very expensive chronic medicine, the AED 1,500 limit might be too low.

Expert Advice from CoverB

If you are sponsoring a worker on a low salary, the EBP is the perfect way to stay compliant with 2026 laws. Visit https://coverb.ae/retail-2/individual-health-insurance/ to see the list of DHA-approved EBP providers today.