Тим Эллиотт
Welcome to Lawgical, the UAE’s first and still the only legal podcast. My name is Tim Elliott. Lawgical comes to you from the Dubai-based legal firm HPL Yamalova & Plewka here in JLT, 18th floor, overlooking sunny Dubai. Here’s the managing partner Ludmila Yamalova. Good to see you.
Людмила Ямалова
Good to see you too, Tim.
Тим Эллиотт
This time, Ludmila, the subject is insurance. We’re going to be talking about making plans, protecting interests, what you need, what you must have, and what might be a good idea when it comes to covering yourself for all eventualities. I wanted to start, Ludmila, by garnering your opinion. Insurance is important, but a friend of mine once said, “It’s a total waste of money—until you need it.”
Людмила Ямалова
Indeed. And this is why it’s such a polarized subject. On one hand, we dislike the idea of parting with money regularly for an eventuality we hope will never happen. On the other hand, if that eventuality does occur, having insurance provides a much-needed comfort blanket.
Insurance is a topic that inspires strong opinions worldwide. In the UAE, it’s especially topical because it hasn’t historically been as ingrained in the culture as in some other countries. For instance, in places like the US, insurance is a given—it’s almost automatic. You buy a car, you get car insurance. You buy or rent a house, you get insurance. But in the UAE, this mindset has only started to take root relatively recently, particularly with mandatory health insurance requirements in Dubai.
Тим Эллиотт
So, medical insurance in the UAE is a must for residency visas. It’s mandatory and linked to your Emirates ID. Similarly, car insurance is required to register a vehicle. Are there other areas where insurance is becoming a necessity?
Людмила Ямалова
Yes, insurance is becoming increasingly embedded in daily life here. For example, certain businesses require liability or indemnity insurance as part of their licensing process. Similarly, employers must provide health insurance for their employees in Dubai. While mandatory, the coverage often depends on cost considerations, with many opting for the cheapest plans.
However, this approach overlooks the value of tailoring policies to meet actual needs. For instance, in the case of health insurance, employers should consider whether their employees have access to sufficient hospital networks or coverage for specific conditions like pregnancy.
Тим Эллиотт
You’re advocating for more thoughtfulness in selecting policies. But most people only realize the gaps in coverage when they actually need to use it.
Людмила Ямалова
Exactly. For example, we often see cases where someone realizes too late that their health insurance doesn’t cover maternity care, emergency procedures for newborns, or other critical needs. Similarly, many employees working internationally or remotely might not be aware of whether their UAE-based health insurance covers them abroad.
Another frequent scenario involves employees who are terminated but want to retain their health insurance. There’s often confusion about whether policies remain valid after employment ends. These are the kinds of issues we see, which highlight the importance of understanding the fine print.
Тим Эллиотт
Beyond health and car insurance, are there other types of coverage people in the UAE should consider?
Людмила Ямалова
Absolutely. Content insurance for renters is one example. Many leases in the UAE exclude coverage for personal belongings, so if a leak damages your property, you’re responsible for replacing your items. Without insurance, pursuing legal action against your landlord can be time-consuming and costly.
Another important type is directors and officers (D&O) insurance, which provides liability coverage for individuals in senior positions. This is crucial for those managing subsidiaries or branches of foreign companies, as they could be held personally liable for certain decisions.
Finally, property insurance is another area often overlooked. Many people own multi-million-dirham properties here but don’t insure them unless required by a mortgage provider.
Тим Эллиотт
It sounds like insurance offers an alternative to legal recourse in many cases.
Людмила Ямалова
Exactly. Having insurance can save you from the time and expense of legal proceedings. For instance, if your rental property floods, content insurance can cover your losses and temporary accommodation costs. Similarly, D&O insurance can cover legal fees if a claim is brought against you in your professional capacity.
Тим Эллиотт
What’s your general advice on must-have insurance in the UAE?
Людмила Ямалова
Health insurance is non-negotiable, not just because it’s mandatory, but because it protects you and your family. If you rent, consider content insurance. If you own property, property insurance is essential. For professionals in senior roles, D&O insurance is highly advisable. Finally, depending on your lifestyle, travel insurance and life insurance are worth considering.
Тим Эллиотт
That’s another episode of Lawgical, this time focusing on insurance in the UAE—what’s a good idea, what you need, and what’s mandatory. As ever, our legal expert here on Lawgical, Ludmila Yamalova, Managing Partner at Yamalova & Plewka. Thank you, Ludmila.
Людмила Ямалова
Thank you, Tim. Always a pleasure.
Тим Эллиотт
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