The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates are working toward a formal health insurance arrangement that would extend coverage to Filipino workers in the Gulf state, with officials from both countries meeting on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly in Geneva to begin outlining a framework.
Health secretary Ted Herbosa and UAE assistant minister for medical affairs and life sciences Maha Barakat held a bilateral meeting mid-May, during the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. The two officials discussed establishing a formal system that would allow their respective national insurance programs to cover health checkups and medication expenses for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the UAE.
The UAE is home to an estimated 700,000 Filipinos working across healthcare, construction, and domestic services. No timeline for finalizing the arrangement was announced, but officials from both sides indicated that concrete next steps are being developed following the talks.
Officials from both countries are also pushing for stronger health awareness campaigns focused on preventing chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes, conditions that commonly affect OFWs but often go untreated because of demanding work schedules and limited access to preventive care, Gulf News reported.
Barakat recognized Herbosa’s efforts in promoting the welfare and healthcare protection of Filipinos working in the UAE, describing Filipino healthcare workers as “world-class” and a source of pride for the Philippines. She added that both the UAE and the Philippines share responsibility for protecting Filipino workers because of their significant role in the global healthcare workforce.
“The Philippines and the UAE deserve to take care of Filipinos, as they play a major role as part of the global health workforce,” Barakat said.
The health talks come months after a significant expansion of Philippines-UAE relations on the trade front. Signed on Jan. 13, 2026, in Abu Dhabi, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement is the Philippines’ first free trade agreement with a Middle Eastern country, opening access to one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
The agreement aims to reduce tariffs, enhance market access for goods and services, increase investment flows, and create new opportunities for Filipino professionals and service providers in the UAE, according to the Presidential Communications Office.
Under the existing national insurance system, OFWs can use PhilHealth benefits at accredited facilities in the Philippines. If hospitalized abroad, they may file reimbursement claims within 180 days of discharge. Qualified dependents in the Philippines may also avail themselves of benefits while the principal member is working overseas.
For 2026, the PhilHealth contribution rate remains at 5% of monthly income for direct contributors, including OFWs, with no premium rate increase implemented in January.
The proposed bilateral arrangement would go beyond the current model by allowing OFWs to access care directly in the UAE under a dual-country insurance framework, the Department of Health said.
