Covid-19 UAE: Low-income frontliners to get better health insurance

Low-income frontline heroes in the UAE and their immediate families will get expanded medical insurance coverage. The initiative was launched as per directives issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The initiative ensures that 10,000 eligible professionals enrolled in the Frontline Heroes Office registry will benefit from expanded coverage from February 1.

According to the Frontline Heroes Office, the insurance top-up programme was developed in partnership with the National Health Insurance Company - Daman.

ALSO READ: UAE frontliners to get travel discounts, financial support under new initiatives

Benefits are similar to Daman’s Enhanced ‘Sahtak’ scheme — the health insurance plan provided to expatriate employees of Abu Dhabi Government.

The top-up programme was developed in response to the results of a survey of over 8,000 frontline professionals. In it, one challenge that the UAE frontline heroes identified was their overall health and wellbeing during the pandemic.

Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of the Frontline Heroes Office, said: “Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed believes that protecting the health and wellbeing of our frontline heroes is the responsibility of the nation. These brave men and women have cared for and protected the health and safety of the people of the UAE throughout this pandemic.

“We owe deep appreciation to them and their families. This initiative ensures that our frontline professionals in need will have enhanced access to medical care.”

Daman will work directly with employers to identify and register eligible frontline professionals into the programme in accordance with a range of criteria set by the Frontline Heroes Office. Additionally, the health insurer will coordinate with treating medical facilities in terms of service approvals, coverage of claims and any interfacing required with its network of facilities.

The 12-month top-up programme covers deductibles and co-insurance that are set in the beneficiaries’ existing health insurance plans such as those set for consultations and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, those with plans with annual limits on pharmaceutical coverage will receive further coverage of up to Dh3,000 if they exceed that limit.

Khaled bin Shaiban Almehairi, Daman’s Chairman, said: “Everyone in Daman is incredibly honoured by the opportunity to show appreciation to the brave individuals and their families who have put the community of our beloved country first. They have spared no effort in their work, and we are committed to do the same as part of this programme.”

Daman has established a dedicated frontline heroes customer service team who will be reaching out to qualified frontline professionals to enrol them in the programme and introduce its expanded benefits.

• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi