Saving Costs: Medical and Health Insurance in Dubai

Until something serious happens to you or people you know, you tend to forget that health care can be extremely costly here. We tend to put off medical cover and think it is not a necessity since the current health services are available on as-you-pay basis where we take the chance on hopefully not requiring it.

By Dubai Raj

Published: Mon 8 Feb 2010, 11:16 PM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 10:15 AM

A bad way to think. Treatment for a major injury from an accident or a severe heart condition, or cancer or any number of illnesses and diseases can cost you anywhere from Dh2,000 to Dh100,000. Can you really afford not to take out medical cover? Of course costs of such insurance play a vital role in getting adequate medical coverage for those needy times.

Premium calculation here in obtaining medical insurance is somewhat different when looking at individual plans. Local insurance companies will penalise the holder by charging more premiums (higher rates) based on their historical claims and required benefits, whereas international companies will base their charges/rates on age and geographic coverage as well as benefits.

The new Dubai Health Funding system is similar to the Health Insurance Law that Abu Dhabi introduced in 2006. However, unlike the Abu Dhabi system that ensures that all employers and sponsors are responsible for health insurance coverage at all times for their employees and their families, the Dubai system is more employer-friendly. The employer has a choice of offering cover to the employee only.

Your employer will most likely provide you with Private Health Insurance which will cover you for almost all of your personal health needs. Your dependents may not be covered by this and if so you may elect to utilise the public health facilities which are open to anyone holding a resident visa here.

These require a health card which are available through the public hospitals (Dept. of Health), they enable you or your family to attend the public hospitals and community health centres. Basic healthcare services that everyone will be entitled to will include: primary outpatient care, prescription drugs, long-term community care, childhood immunisation, children’s dental care, mental health, ambulatory specialist care, non-emergency inpatient care and acute and emergency care.

Dubai generally has a high standard of medical care, both in primary health and in Hospital facilities. Dubai’s public health care is run by the Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS). It provides free or very low cost medical services for UAE residents. It must be remembered that the conditions in the Middle East are quite different from our home countries and these conditions lead to some special precautions and requirements to live in Dubai in a healthy manner.

Expatriates used to constitute about 75 per cent of public hospitals’ patient burden. Thus beginning 2001, medical services are no longer free to expatriates but are still provided with high subsidies. However, life threatening emergency cases are provided free of charge. Public hospitals offer the most number of surgical procedures.

A large percentage of Dubai’s expatriate workers are unable to afford treatment. If you are not covered by a company or private medical insurance, it is advisable to apply for a health card which entitles residents to low cost medical treatment at public hospitals and clinics. An application form can be collected from any public hospital then submitted (typed in Arabic), along with the correct documents to your local Health Care Centre. The health card is valid for one year and can be renewed online.

Documents required

Passport copy, covering letter from sponsor, visa application copy, 2 passport size photographs, completed application form. It will need to be completed in Arabic, but you’ll find typing offices all over town to do the translation and typing for you. Return to the health card office at any one of the locations below with your passport and several copies of it.You’ll then receive your health card, a blank form for the medical test and a receipt — don’t leave without these items.

Fees

Citizens (card valid for 4 years): 0-9 years — Dh25; 10-17 years — Dh50; 18 years and above — Dh100.

Non-citizens (card valid for 1 year): 0-9 years — Dh100;10-17 years — Dh200;17 years and Above —Dh300.

Plus Dh200/- for medical examination(for more information, please visit the Department of Health and Medical Services). Whilst your medical card is renewable annually, you only have to undergo these tests when your residency permit comes up for renewal.If you make sure you register your mobile number when you renew, you will get frequent texts reminding you of the expiry before it happens.

Service Locations for obtaining your health cards

Dubai Hospital; Rashid Hospital; Al Wasl Hospital.

Bear in mind that there are a large number of international companies specialising in private health insurance in Dubai also. Comprehensive health insurance costs from around Dh180 ($50) per month for decent regional coverage. However, price shouldn’t be your only consideration when comparing policies, and you should also consider the benefits of different policies. As with all insurance plans do some homework and check the small print on exactly what is and isn’t covered or best speak to a professional adviser and seek guidance. All policies include limitations and restrictions like ‘pre-existing’ medical conditions and certain occupations are often excluded or attract surcharges. Many companies also limit costs for a particular treatment within a calendar year, in addition to having an overall annual limit for all treatment. Coverage options such as maternity will have a waiting period attached to the benefit. If you are planning on becoming pregnant or starting a family it is important that you think ahead and obtain an insurance plan that will provide protection for the delivery.Local plans will typically not have much flexibility when it comes to what additional coverage a policyholder can obtain, while many international health insurance plans will afford the policyholder the opportunity to tailor the plans coverage options to meet their specific requirements but obviously at a cost.

Of course the rationale behind any kind of insurance we take out lies in the fact that future is uncertain and no one has any idea about what will happen in future. Reduce the risk associated with unfortunate events that may arise in future. Health insurance is very important for each & every individual especially out here.

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