Basic Health Insurance in UAE
The UAE has always thought of being foremost and renowned in its healthcare system. This way, the following country is capable of providing residents and expatriates access to high-quality medical facilities. Apart from all the crucial offerings, basic health insurance in the UAE is considered to be extremely vital.
So, if you are in the UAE, you need to understand the essential coverage of this insurance, as this is mandated for all residents and non-residents living in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In this article, we will explore all the crucial inclusions of basic health insurance in the UAE.
What is Basic Health Insurance?
If we discuss basic health insurance in UAE in the simplest terms, it generally plays a crucial role in making the healthcare system more affordable and accessible to everyone. This insurance also includes low-income employees and expatriates. The following insurance types are ruled by eminent health authorities, such as HAAD and DHA. This insurance plan is capable of covering crucial medical services like emergency care, GP consultations, medications, maternity services, etc.
In the UAE, it is mandatory for employers to offer this health insurance to their respective employees. Apart from this, dependents like children, spouses, and domestic workers should also be insured. With a basic insurance plan, you can cover all the essential requirements at an affordable price. This way, residents can easily meet the legal requirements and protect their health without thinking about the budget strain.
Why is Basic Health Insurance Mandatory in the UAE?
Recently, the government of UAE has made it mandatory for all residents to have basic health insurance. This ensures that every individual, regardless of their salary, can avail of necessary healthcare services. This approach is making society healthier without pushing the financial burden of medical charges. With mandated basic medical insurance in Dubai, the government is promoting early diagnosis and helping you to prevent serious health risks. Through this, no individual will be left without medical services because of expensive treatment charges.
In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, employers are required to offer health coverage to their employees, and residents need to cover their dependents as soon as possible. You can totally experience the incredible public health outcomes in this country, and it also makes everyone grasp the benefits of quality healthcare facilities.
Types of Basic Health Insurance Plans in UAE
Here, you can go through the detailed types of basic health insurance plans present in the UAE:
Family Health Insurance: When it comes to basic family health insurance plans in the UAE, it generally curbs the number of policyholders to yourself, your children, and your spouse. In this crucial plan, the total coverage amount is further divided among all the members of your family included in the insurance policy.
Individual Health Insurance: This type of insurance is suggested by the name of an individual and delivered by insurance companies to a single policyholder. The following insurance offers financial coverage against specific illness types along with several benefits.
Employee or Group Health Insurance: Employers in the UAE are mandated to deliver Group insurance plans. These are curated to incorporate and remove employees as they join or leave the organisation.
Senior Citizen Health Insurance: This type is planned for individuals who are 60 years old or above. Insurance providers offering this type of plan need to incorporate thorough medical check-ups before granting the claim.
Mandatory Health Insurance Requirements
We have enlisted the necessary requirements for mandatory health insurance in Dubai here for your reference:
- Employers are mandated to offer precise health insurance to all their employees.
- Employers also cover employees’ family members, such as spouses and children under 18 years of age.
- Residents of the UAE have to compulsorily insure their dependents, such as children, spouses, and domestic workers.
- If you somehow neglect or fail to deliver insurance plans, this may lead to fines and visa renewal delays. Other than this, you may also face critical penalties.
How to Apply for Basic Health Insurance in UAE?
There are multiple insurance-providing companies available in the UAE that offer tailored medical insurance compulsory in Dubai. Before buying basic health insurance, you need to go through the application process and compare their inclusions. For your knowledge, we have listed out the necessary steps here:
- You need to explore different insurance providers that must have been approved under DHA and DoH. Compare their coverage plans along with premiums and network healthcare facilities.
- Now, you have to choose a plan that meets the mandatory coverage requirements as per your needs and budget specifications.
- In the next process, you have to be ready with your required documents like Emirates ID, passport-size photographs, valid visa copy, salary certificate, etc.
- You need to complete the application process through the insurance provider’s authentic and authorised website.
- Now, you have to complete the payment process for the selected plan as the premiums.
- Once you are approved, the insurance provider will offer you the policy and digital health card.
Coverage Details of Basic Health Insurance
With the help of basic health insurance in the UAE, you can get a range of essential health coverage. Some of the more impeccable inclusions are medical diagnosis, surgeries, medication, maternity care, and much more.
- Emergency medical services are provided within the UAE.
- Basic healthcare services are covered only in Dubai.
- In basic inpatient healthcare services, the insured individual is responsible for a 20% co-insurance payment with a maximum limit of AED 500.
- Annual medical coverage of around AED 150,000.
- Affordable treatments for pre-existing and chronic health conditions that are not involved during the first 6 months but are covered afterwards.
- The medication charge is covered up to a yearly limit of AED 1,500.
Exclusions in Basic Health Insurance
The basic insurance type is known to be a great option as health insurance for low income people. However, it has certain exclusions you need to be aware of.
- Cosmetic procedures.
- Routine dental and vision care.
- Alternative therapies such as homoeopathy, acupuncture, etc.
- Treatments out of the UAE.
- Experimental treatments.
How Much Does Basic Health Insurance Cost in UAE?
The average cost of basic health insurance in the UAE is around AED 616 per annum. However, the affordability range can vary depending on the insurance provider you are choosing. So, it becomes essential for you to compare the insurance rates and accordingly prefer the one that suits your requirements.
Benefits of Basic Health Insurance in UAE
With a basic health insurance plan in UAE, you can unveil a range of benefits as given below:
Affordable healthcare services: This insurance plan delivers a cost-efficient way to be insured without facing any type of financial burden.
Get access to a range of medical facilities: You can easily acquire multiple ranges of medical facilities like emergency treatments, doctor consultations, hospitalisation, etc.
Be legally compliant: As an employer or as a resident, you can strictly abide by the UAE laws and regulations.
Widespread Medical network: You can get access to an extensive range of approved and highly quality-oriented hospital networks.
Claim Process for Basic Health Insurance
For a detailed reference, we have given an authentic claim process for your basic health insurance in UAE:
- Before acquiring any type of medical services, make sure to verify if the following treatment is covered in the policy or not.
- Make sure to verify if the healthcare provider is a part of your insurance network.
- During the visit, you have to present your health insurance card and policy number to the healthcare provider.
- Get the medical treatments and ensure all the necessary ones are recorded.
- Submit your claims to the insurer.
- Your claim will be reviewed by the insurance company and reimbursed for the eligible charges.
- If there are any exclusions, they will be deducted as per the terms.
FAQs about the Basic Health Insurance in UAE
What is the coverage limit for your basic health insurance plan?
A basic health insurance plan generally provides an annual coverage of around AED 100,000 to AED 250,000. However, the range can vary depending on your insurance provider. Moreover, the insurance policy should match your requirements.
Is basic health insurance enough, or should I add extra coverage?
Your basic health insurance can cover all the essential medical services. But, if you prefer adding extra coverage, you can have access to specialised treatments along with higher coverage limits.
Can I add extra coverage to my basic health insurance plan?
Yes, you can add extra coverage to your basic health insurance plan. Some of the core benefits include dental and vision care, specialised treatment, and much more. This can give you more comprehensive healthcare coverage.
Can I customise my basic plan with add-ons?
Yes, there are many insurance providers available in the market who offer customised add-ons. Some of the essential ones are vision and dental care, wellness coverage, and much more. You can tailor these add-ons to your specific requirements.
How to Choose the Right Basic Health Insurance Plan?
To choose the right basic health insurance plan, you have to consider a number of factors, such as premium range, coverage limits, healthcare providers’ network, co-payment terms, and much more.
What are the penalties for not having basic health insurance in the UAE?
You may face penalties like extreme fines and visa renewal delays for not having your mandated basic health insurance in the UAE.
Do pre-existing conditions affect my eligibility for basic health insurance in the UAE?
Your pre-existing conditions might influence your overage, but there are many basic health insurance plans that deliver coverage after a waiting period.
How long does it take to activate my policy after purchase?
Generally, it takes around 24 to 48 hours to activate your basic health insurance policy after you purchase it. There are many providers who also incorporate immediate coverage.
Is there a waiting period for any treatments in a basic health insurance plan?
Yes, most of the plans for basic health insurance in UAE have a waiting period of around 6 to 12 months for pre-existing conditions and other eminent treatments.
Are there any restrictions for expats regarding health insurance in the UAE?
Expats present in the UAE need to have a basic health insurance plan provided by their employers.
