Insurance and medical expenses in Dubai

In 2018, the United Arab Emirates was recognized as one of the 10 most efficient health and medical care systems in the world, with insurance that reimburses almost all medical expenses. But if there is no insurance, medical expenses can be very high.

The UAE has a very advanced medical infrastructure, but what makes this country special in terms of medicine and treatment is not its infrastructure but its insurance system. Emirati nationals usually do not pay for medical services.

Types of insurance in Dubai

Health insurance in Dubai covers medical expenses related to illnesses, accidents, and surgeries. There are different types of insurance in Dubai, which we will discuss in detail:

Individual health insurance plan

This type of insurance includes all types of special diseases and free hospitalization and expenses before and after hospitalization. In this type of insurance, all medical expenses are paid to the person himself. In this insurance, only the insured is covered.

Family health insurance plan

This insurance is cheap and covers more diseases. This type of insurance covers the entire family including spouse and children.

Insurance for the elderly

Few companies offer this insurance. Companies are stricter in providing this form of health insurance and require medical examinations. The insurance premium of this plan is higher than other insurance premiums.

Group or employee insurance

In this type of insurance, the insurer is usually the employer. This type of insurance has a lower premium and it should be noted that all those who work in Dubai must have insurance.

Insurance of dangerous diseases

The diseases under this insurance are more specific and are not included in other insurance. Constant visits to the hospital, long-term treatment, and high hospitalization costs make this type of insurance expensive.

What is the form of health insurance for foreigners?

Insurance rules are different in different cities of the UAE and these rules are used for foreigners and expats.

Abu Dhabi

citizens in this city are covered by insurance. People who have this insurance card can use many public and private hospitals. This insurance is under the supervision of the Emirates Treatment Network.

People applying for this insurance must have UAE citizenship, live in Abu Dhabi, and be between 18 and 75 years old. Also, these people should go to the Abu Dhabi Ministry of Health and be screened. During this screening, cardiovascular diseases are diagnosed faster, which reduces the cost and increases the health level of people. 

Not having insurance is a crime in Abu Dhabi, and if you don't have insurance, you have to pay 300 dirhams per month. Immigrants must go to employers to get insurance. This insurance plan covers the whole family up to 3 children and the guardian pays the insurance premium. All dependents have to pay only half of their medical expenses.

Dubai

In this city, everyone must have insurance. All insurance costs are borne by the employer and insurance premiums should not be deducted from employees. People who have UAE citizenship will have Saada insurance coverage. Of course, individuals can apply for private insurance. If you do not have insurance, the government will fine you 500 dirhams per month. Also, if immigrants do not have insurance, they will not be extended their stay and will not be allowed to stay.

Comparison of private and public insurance

Public systems are usually used by UAE citizens and expatriates usually use private systems. In the following, we compare these two insurances and systems:

Darby private insurance

In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the insurance premium must be paid by the employer, and the amount of the insurance premium starts from 600 dirhams and depends on the age and

Needed treatments and coverage. Private insurance can usually provide personalized coverage.

General insurance

Any person who works legally in Dubai can get public or government insurance by paying insurance premiums from the employer. In order to receive services in government hospitals, government insurance is required. This insurance can be requested in person and online, and the minimum premium is 320 dirhams.

The cost of insurance in the UAE

Most companies consider insurance premiums as part of salary. But in some situations this is not the case. Nurses in this country are exempt from paying insurance premiums. A comprehensive and reasonable insurance in this country can cost ten thousand dirhams. If you want to get this insurance for your family, you have to pay 33500 dirhams. Insurance with basic coverage in this country will cost about 17,000 dirhams, equivalent to about 5,000 dollars.

In the end

The UAE has an advanced health and insurance system. Not having insurance in this country is a crime for all people and includes a fine. Usually, the employer pays the insurance premium and the insurance covers the treatment costs to a good extent. If expatriates do not have insurance, their stay is not extended and they must leave the UAE.