The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates are moving toward a health insurance plan that could cover up to 700,000 Filipino workers in the Gulf state, officials said on Monday, 8 June 2026.
Bilateral talks outline coverage framework
Health secretary Ted Herbosa and UAE assistant minister for medical affairs and life sciences Maha Barakat met in mid‑May on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. The two officials discussed a formal system that would let their national insurance programmes pay for health check‑ups and medication for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) stationed in the UAE.
While no firm timetable was given, both sides said concrete next steps are being drafted. They also highlighted the need for stronger health‑awareness campaigns aimed at chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes, conditions that often go untreated among OFWs because of demanding work schedules. “The Philippines and the UAE deserve to take care of Filipinos, as they play a major role as part of the global health workforce,”— Maha Barakat, Assistant Minister for Medical Affairs and Life Sciences, UAE
Broader ties and benefits for overseas Filipino workers
The health talks follow a wider expansion of Philippines‑UAE relations. On 13 January 2026, the two governments signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in Abu Dhabi, the Philippines’ first free‑trade pact with a Middle Eastern nation. The deal aims to cut tariffs, boost market access for goods and services, and create new opportunities for Filipino professionals in the UAE.
Under the current PhilHealth system, OFWs can use benefits at accredited facilities in the Philippines and, if hospitalised abroad, file reimbursement claims within 180 days of discharge. For 2026 the contribution rate stays at 5 % of monthly income for direct contributors, including OFWs, with no premium increase announced in January. The proposed bilateral arrangement would go beyond this model by allowing OFWs to tap into UAE‑based health coverage directly, though officials did not specify a launch date.
