Are you moving to Dubai for work? Are you self-employed and wondering how to get the best health insurance plan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)? Have you just been transferred to another region in the Emirates, and you don’t know what it means for your health insurance plan?
In the Pink of Health
If you have any concerns regarding your health insurance in the UAE, then you can benefit from reading this article. From key information about the mandatory health insurance program initiated by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to why you should compare health insurance providers, here is a list of things that you need to know about getting the best healthcare in the emirates.
1. A Royal Decree
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, formed the DHA back in 2007, and since then, has delivered on its promise of implementing strategic healthcare programs. This includes regulating medical services as well as enhancing healthcare services and products based on international best practices.
As early as 2013, the mandatory health insurance program began to be rolled out in phases. Implementation started with companies that have a thousand employees or more. In 2017, the inclusion of health workers and sponsored family members formed part of the final phase of the royal ruling on healthcare.
Since then, 99 percent of Emiratis and holders of Dubai visa holders have been insured. Approximately 4.7 million people in the UAE have already complied with the law.
2. Who Needs Health Insurance in the UAE?
In a nutshell, everyone needs health insurance in the UAE (and everywhere else).
The Health Insurance Law of Dubai No. 11 of 2013 states that all UAE nationals, residents, visitors, employers, sponsors, health services providers, insurance companies, claim administration companies, insurance brokers, and any other individual or category specified by the Executive Council upon recommendations made by the Health Authority of Dubai must have some level of basic health coverage.
This includes all dependents such as the spouse and children as well as domestic workers like cooks, drivers, or maids to be covered by at least the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP).
3. What is the Essential Benefits Program?
The EBP is a health insurance plan that provides basic coverage for the plan holder. It is primarily designed for people earning 4,000 dirhams or less in a month. Sponsors, whether an employer or a family member, must purchase the EBP to comply with the law.
The EBP typically costs between 550 to 750 dirhams a year. However, should you want to get more comprehensive healthcare coverage, you are free to choose from any of the government-approved insurance companies. For more information on each insurance provider’s offers, you can look up the best deals from an online insurance comparison site.
General practitioner consultation, dental care services, maternity coverage, and free emergency treatment at any hospital are included in the EBP. It also covers all pre-existing conditions within six months from the date of insurance purchase. The maximum EBP insurance limit is 150,000 dirhams per year in case of emergencies.
4. Abu Dhabi’s Thiqa Program
There are some variations when it comes to healthcare coverage between regions. The same variances can be observed between Emiratis and expatriates.
For example, there is the Thiqa Program in Abu Dhabi that provides full medical coverage for UAE nationals residing in Abu Dhabi. Under this program, Thiqa cardholders have more comprehensive access to more public and private healthcare providers within the National Health Insurance Company network. It also covers a broader geographical area and added health benefits.
Resident expatriates in Abu Dhabi, whether sponsors or employers, must provide health insurance for their employees and families. Family dependents include one spouse and three children below 28 years of age.
Only half of the premium is required to be paid for by the employer, while the other half must be taken care of the employee or sponsor. Expats in Abu Dhabi who have the basic health plan are covered for up to a maximum of 250,000 dirhams
5. Dubai’s Saada Scheme
The emirate of Dubai has the Saada Scheme, where citizens who are not beneficiaries of any government health program can purchase insurance coverage. Their Saada card is their key to getting treatment from an extensive network of private healthcare providers and DHA healthcare centers.
Expats living in Dubai covered by an entry-level health plan are covered for a maximum of 150,000 dirhams per annum. Since this a basic plan with limited networks, they have the option to upgrade to a more comprehensive health plan.
There are also some emirates that have incorporated their own healthcare programs. Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al Quwain are all under the Ministry of Health’s regulations when it comes to healthcare.
Employers in these emirates are not mandated by law to provide healthcare coverage for their dependents or employees. In Sharjah, mandatory healthcare coverage is provided for government employees and their dependents.
6. Fines and Non-compliance
Those who do not comply with the royal mandate regarding health insurance may be fined AED 500 per member for each month of non-compliance but not exceeding AED 150,000. Should the same violation be committed in the same year, the fine shall be doubled but not exceed AED 500,000.
Failure to comply will also mean that there will be no renewal of existing visas. New visas will also not be issued for applications of offending parties.
7. Health Insurance for the Elderly, Pregnant Women, and Newborn babies
Each medical plan in Dubai must include coverage for initial maternity investigations, three prenatal scans, eight prenatal appointments, 7,000 dirhams for normal delivery, 10,000 dirhams for required C-section, and newborn care that is valid within 30 days from the date of delivery.
There are other healthcare policies that may extend newborn care coverage for up to three months. Women who opt to purchase a healthcare policy while pregnant must be ready for higher premiums that may cost up to 25,000 dirhams.
The perceived risk of larger medical claims and frequent treatments can also jack up the premiums for elderly plan holders age 60 and above. Prices can vary from 6,000 dirhams to 8,000 dirhams per person, depending on their medical history and pre-existing conditions.
Quick and Convenient
When deciding to get a healthcare package, using an online insurance comparison site can greatly assist you in scouring for the best insurance package. Aside from allowing you to view insurance deals from the comforts of your own home, you also get a side-by-side comparison that provides you with a more comprehensive view of the options available.
Choosing a health insurance plan in the UAE can be quite tricky if you do not know the basics. Before you go into comparing the plans available, you must have a good handle on the fundamental healthcare laws. This will allow you to be guided accordingly and arm you with the necessary knowledge to pick out the best one that addresses your needs.
