Few UAE women get insurance coverage for critical illness

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Picture used for illustrative purposes alone
Picture used for illustrative purposes alone

Dubai - One of the main reasons given by female respondents for not having critical illness cover was that they were 'not familiar with the concept of critical illness insurance'.

By Staff Reporter

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Published: Tue 18 Oct 2016, 11:00 PM

Last updated: Wed 19 Oct 2016, 1:20 AM

Surprisingly few women in the UAE have critical illness cover, according to a recent YouGov survey commissioned by Friends Provident International (FPI).
The research, conducted in August, shows that only 18 per cent female respondents have critical illness insurance in place, compared to 23 per cent men. The research also indicated that women are less likely to have life insurance, with less than a third (37 per cent) having cover in place, compared to 45 per cent of men.
One of the main reasons given by female respondents for not having critical illness cover was that they were 'not familiar with the concept of critical illness insurance'.
"It is of great concern that so few women appear to have taken steps to protect themselves and their families," said Marcus Gent, FPI's Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa.
Mandatory health insurance and private insurance are only designed to cover medical expenses, as and when the policy holder requires it. In such cases, the policy will cover medical expenses that are strictly correlated with the cost of actual medical treatment.
 "Even if they are not the family's main salary earner, I would urge all women to consider the impact on their family if they contract a serious illness," he added.
Women live longer
Statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO) show that while women in the UAE live, on average, two years longer than men, their death is more likely to be caused by critical illness such as cancer, cardiovascular disease or Alzheimer's.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com  


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