Guide to Health Insurance in the UAE

The UAE is one of the best places to seek medical care, and this has led to a rise in medical tourism. Various health authorities regulate the health sector in various Emirates. Both public and private hospitals have competent physicians and modern equipment.

Although healthcare services might vary in the different Emirate States, the quality is still high. Expats can visit both private and public facilities. Having a health insurance cover in the UAE is beneficial because it makes treatment cheap, and you can access various treatments.

Why Health Insurance in the UAE is Necessary

Health insurance in Dubai is not only necessary, but it is also mandatory. The good thing is that expectant women can get maternity benefits even from basic plans. Also, many hospitals provide insurance for all.

Life can be unpredictable, and although we hope for happy, peaceful lives, you never know when a disease might strike. This is why you and your family ought to be covered. You can get emergencies and medical needs at any time, and if you live in a city with expenses like Abu Dhabi, the medical cover comes in handy. Health insurance is beneficial for both residents and expats.

Health insurance allows you peace of mind knowing that you have a financial backup, which will enable you to get the right treatment without financial strain. Different schemes provide a wide variety of benefits, with some paying 100% of the bills. However, all organizations in Dubai are required by the law to provide insurance for their workers.

Health Insurance in the UAE

The UAE has many health facilities that offer top-notch services. However, these services come at a cost; this is why health insurance is necessary. The following guide will help you to understand health insurance in the UAE:

Public Health Insurance

Different Emirati governments provide full covers for their citizens, for instance, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ajman. In Abu Dhabi, the government under Thiqa program provides full insurance for all UAE citizens who live in Abu Dhabi.

Residents get a Thiqa card, which allows them access to various public and private hospitals registered with Daman’s network. This also means that you can access more health benefits, and it also covers a large geographical area. To qualify, citizens have to be around 18-75 years, and they also have to undergo the Weqaya screening which is conducted by the Health Department- Abu Dhabi. This screening is conducted to identify if the residents have any cardiovascular risks.

Health insurance in Dubai is not that different from Abu Dhabi. The government has implemented a health insurance program called Saada. This program provides insurance for citizens who are not under any health program offered by the government. Citizens can get treatment in Dubai Health Authority health centers as well as in the private sector. Citizens’ Emirates identity cards contain details of their healthcare insurance subscriptions under the Saada program.

Expat Healthcare Insurance

Health insurance in Dubai also covers includes expats. Employers are expected to provide healthcare coverage for their employees. If you’re an expat working in Dubai, the law requires your employer to pay for your medical insurance without deducting any amount from your salary.

According to the law, the employee is to provide medical cover per the health insurance policy. He is also to bear all the costs of this cover instead of having the beneficiaries bear this burden. The employer should also verify that your health insurance is valid for the period you will work for him.

Health insurance in Dubai also requires the employer to bear all the costs of medical interventions and health services of his employees if they have no medical insurance. Your employer should also give you your health insurance card. According to the law, the employer has the responsibility to provide you will medical cover and should not force you to bear any costs. In Abu Dhabi, sponsors and employers should provide medical cover for employees and their families. This includes 1 spouse and 3 children who are below 18 years.

Private Healthcare Insurance

Many expats prefer private healthcare in Dubai because these policies cover many services that are not provided by other policies. Many employees receive medical cover from their employers, but the policies are often limited, and they do not cover essential services such as dental services.

According to the law in many Emirates, for instance, in Dubai, every resident has to be covered under a health insurance policy. When choosing private health insurance in Dubai, you ought to understand that different packages have different conditions that they cover.

If you are a first time subscriber and have any pre-existing medical conditions, you ought to share this with the insurance company. This condition will not be covered for the first 6 months, but the company will cover this after.

Prescriptions

Certain medication which might be readily available in other countries might fall under the category of controlled substances in the UAE. This is done to prevent drug trafficking, to prevent these drugs from falling in the wrong hands, and to make psychotropic and narcotic medicine available for medical use only.

Controlled drugs refer to those medicines which can lead to addictions when mishandled and which can be abused. These drugs are only administered to patients with chronic and acute conditions according to modern medical requirements and practices.

However, this does not mean that all medicines are restricted; you can find most medicines in the UAE in both hospitals and pharmacies. People traveling to the UAE can bring prescribed medication in the required quantity. However, to import specific medications, you ought to get a permit from the Ministry of Health and Prevention. The government restricts the use of controlled medication and outlaws drug abuse to strengthen the treatment and prevention of drug abuse.

The UAE has the best healthcare facilities which offer treatment for residents, expats, and tourists. These modern facilities have the best healthcare professionals and equipment. Although you will get top-notch services, the costs are usually high, and this is where your healthcare insurance saves the day.