Medical malpractice insurance in Dubai: rules for clinics and doctors

What the law says

The main rule is Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability, as amended, with its executive regulation (Cabinet Resolution No. 40 of 2019).

• Practising a health profession in the UAE is prohibited without civil liability insurance against medical errors from an insurer licensed in the UAE
• Facility owners must insure their practitioners and bear the full cost of the premium
• A facility hosting a visiting physician is liable to compensate the patient for that physician's error, with a right of recourse against the doctor
• Details are set by the executive regulation and the health authorities, and can change: check the current text on the official UAE legislation portal

What DHA checks

• Malpractice insurance must be maintained for the whole period of practice and cover the validity of the licence
• The policy must show the professional's name, specialty, employing facility and the coverage
• A signed policy and employment contract must be available for audit at any time
• Missing proof can lead to disciplinary action against the facility and the professional
• Facility management is responsible for keeping malpractice cover for all licensed staff

What a policy typically covers

Wording differs between insurers, so treat this as a list of questions, not a promise of cover.

• Compensation to patients for injury caused by a medical error
• Legal defence and investigation costs
• Procedures within the licensed specialty, and whether aesthetic, laser or surgical work is included or needs an extension
• Work at a second facility on a part-time licence

What to check before signing

• The named professional, title and specialty match the DHA licence exactly
• The limit per claim and in aggregate: ask the insurer and DHA what is currently expected for the specialty
• Claims-made or occurrence basis, the retroactive date and cover for claims reported after the doctor leaves
• Exclusions: cosmetic procedures, off-label use, procedures outside privileges
• Start and renewal dates aligned with the licence, so there is no day without cover
• The insurer is licensed in the UAE

How we help

We do not sell insurance. We make sure each hire has the right licence title for the work they will do and flag scope gaps before the offer, and we include malpractice cover in the offer checklist so start dates do not slip. Recruitment fee: one month's salary of the placed employee, 50% when they start and 50% after probation, with a free replacement within 2 months. Consulting and CRM projects are priced after a free review.