Health Insurance in Dubai

Health Insurance in Dubai – Things You Need To Know

In 2015, a mandatory health insurance for all Dubai residents was announced and it will offer basic insurance to all. Currently, it has provided the DHA facilities that include clinics and hospitals, and private clinics at the minimum with access to hospitals for emergencies.

Based on this law, every resident is entitled to have a Dubai health insurance policy that will provide access to several hospitals and clinics. The policy plans available for the employees with less than 4,000 AED salaries (LSB or Lower Salary Bracket) should have the minimum required benefits as per the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). For those who earn more (Non LSB) can take advantage of a more comprehensive health insurance scheme. This health insurance has better coverage and wider network list and commonly offered to the staff and management level who earns more than 4,000 AED.

The total cost estimated will amount to AED 525-588 per year for the LSB category. The maximum health cover will reach AED 150,000. This will greatly benefit lower-ranked workers. However, for many workers in Dubai, this does not provide the sufficient cover they need.

What do you do if you do not have a health insurance?

It is the sole duty of your employer or visa sponsor to look for insurance companies in Dubai that can offer affordable deals for group policies. If you still do not have a health insurance policy, you may contact the Dubai Health Authority as this is not permitted under the Mandatory Health Insurance regulation. In some cases, companies will offer better health insurance from the minimum requirement as part of the compensation package, however, not all companies can offer this benefit.

So, if you are choosing a company to work for in Dubai, it’s best to check if they offer better health insurance as one of their major benefits. Some can also offer to cover your dependents.

Things you need to know before getting a health insurance

The coverage you can expect from the mandatory Dubai health insurance will include your regular checkup or visit to a doctor within the designated clinics, which will cost around AED 150-300 per visit. Your health insurance will also cover tests and medications but a portion will be shouldered by the insured which is called the co-insurance payment. The higher the co-insurance, the cheaper the premium contribution will be.

Inpatient hospitalization is also included in the mandatory health insurance scheme which will give the members the access to certain hospitals within the designated network list.

Maternity cover is available for all married females for Dubai residents. Pre natal visits up to 8 times are available and child delivery is offered with a minimum benefit of 7,000 AED. As such, you can expect to pay more if you are a married female as this benefit will be included in the policy.

Optical and Dental care are not available in the minimum health insurance policy unless it is for an immediate treatment for emergency cases. If you get a more comprehensive cover, then you can expect more coverage such as routine services and tooth fillings.

You also need to consider several factors like which hospitals, clinics, and doctors are part of your insurance network. Learn which healthcare providers are listed under your Dubai health insurance, not all of them are created equal.

Especially if you are an expat, it’s essential to know which health insurers will provide you the best possible coverage like giving you the option to consult the doctor or health expert of your choice. Otherwise, you will need to shell out AED 200-300, or even more, if the doctor you visit is not part of your health insurance network.

Do you have more questions?

Please feel free to call us at 04 295 5884 every Mondays – Fridays from 8am until 5pm and our consultants will be available to speak to you.

You can also send an email to [email protected] and we will get back to you on the next working day.