The United Arab Emirates is noted for its high-quality healthcare, which has led to an increase in medical tourism over the previous decade. There are 181 doctors per 100,000 people, showing that healthcare is plentiful. Health insurance is one of the most important issues in any culture because it ensures that a significant number of people have access to high-quality treatment. The UAE has some of the best healthcare infrastructures in the world, which is a huge lure for expats thinking about moving there. For expatriates living in Dubai, health insurance is a must, and it plays an important part in guaranteeing a good standard of healthcare in the UAE. Our study further highlights the fact why is health insurance so important in the UAE.
Overview of Health Insurance in the UAE and its Importance
In Dubai, unless you are an Emirati national, you will require private medical insurance. Your employer is required by law to offer you basic health insurance in Dubai, but none of your dependents are (e.g. spouse, children, parents). Every Dubai resident is required by law to have some type of private medical insurance. If you're bringing family to Dubai with you and/or your employer isn't providing you with what you consider acceptable coverage, it's a good idea to get some private medical insurance.
Emirati people are the primary users of Dubai's public healthcare, which is provided free of charge. Emergency care, visits with GPs and specialists, diagnostic testing, physiotherapy, prescription medicine, and maternity care are all examples of public services. The UAE's healthcare system is a combination of private and public, however, expats will use the private system. It is vital to be insured in Abu Dhabi and Dubai; in fact, it is now a legal necessity. Thus, on the contrary, health insurance is considered highly important in the UAE.
According to labor rules, you are entitled to a health card that grants you access to the Dubai Health Authority's limited network of hospitals and clinics. The Health Insurance Law of Dubai No 11 (2013) mandates that all citizens have health insurance coverage that meets or surpasses the Dubai Health Authority's minimum benefits. It is the employer's responsibility to provide health insurance (not the employee). The employer is required to provide health insurance to its employees in accordance with the applicable health insurance policy. The employer is not allowed to make the beneficiary pay for the insurance. Employers are also prohibited from deducting an employee's income in order to offer health insurance, according to the law.
Saada is available to UAE nationals living in Dubai. It offers insurance to Dubai residents who do not qualify for any of the city's government-sponsored healthcare programs. Saada users can seek treatment at a variety of DHA and private healthcare facilities. Citizens of the United Arab Emirates can opt-out of their private healthcare plan and join the government-run plan. Expat employers are required to provide health insurance to their workers. Sponsors must also supply their dependents with private health insurance. EBP is for Dubai citizens and their dependents who earn less than AED 4,000 per month. The Plan has a fixed yearly cost of AED550-AED650 and includes features such as emergency treatment limited to Emirates within the UAE, basic healthcare in Dubai, and a 30% co-pay for each prescription.
Health Insurance of UAE Nationals
Various schemes are there depending on the various Emirate which has been further discussed below:
Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi government's 'Thiqa' program gives comprehensive medical care to all UAE nationals living in Abu Dhabi. Citizens are given a Thiqa card, which grants them full access to a vast number of commercial and public healthcare providers in Daman's network. It also comes with expanded geographic coverage and additional health benefits.
UAE residents living in Abu Dhabi between the ages of 18 and 75 must go through the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi's Weqaya screening to be eligible for the Thiqa program. The health check is performed to identify cardiovascular risk factors and is only waived in unusual circumstances. The Abu Dhabi Department of Health announced a number of changes to health insurance plans, including the 'Thiqa' plan and the Abu Dhabi Basic Plan. The amendments took effect on July 1, 2016. They were created to take advantage of the health-insurance system in order to boost overall efficiency in the industry and better fulfill current and future demands.
Dubai
Saada is a health-insurance program for residents of Dubai's emirate. It provides insurance coverage to residents of the emirate of Dubai who is not currently covered by any government health program. The program offers treatment through a vast network of private-sector healthcare providers as well as DHA-run clinics. Citizens' Emirates ID cards contain information on the Saada program to which they have subscribed. Residents of Dubai can use the Dubai Health Authority's eSystem to register an online complaint against health insurance services and/or providers in the emirate (iPROMeS).
Sharjah
Health insurance coverage for UAE nationals in the emirate of Sharjah is overseen by the Sharjah Health Authority's Department of Health Insurance. Initially, Sharjah Government employees, their families, and Senior Emiratis were the only ones covered by health insurance (those who are 60 years old or above). Since January 2020, however, it has decided to provide insurance coverage to all Sharjah residents.
Ajman
The government of Ajman provides health insurance to all of its employees. The Ajman Government website has an up-to-date list of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies that have been approved by the health insurance network, as well as claim forms.
Conclusion
Looking forward to moving to UAE, Dhanguard can help you get health insurance for you and your loved ones. Our expert team will help you choose the right policy for you. If you are looking for any insurance-related services in the UAE, connect with us, we will gladly assist you.