Health & Medical Insurance in Dubai & the UAE
What is Health/Medical Insurance?
The cost involved in health care today is extremely high and continuously increasing, which is where health/medical insurance becomes important.
Medical emergencies can happen at any moment, and besides the impact on one’s health, these emergencies can have a major impact on the financial standings of an individual or a family. Medical insurance is part of our Personal Insurance policies that covers the financial loss during emergencies (or even non-emergencies) and when a person gets sick.
Health/Medical insurance is insurance against the risk of incurring medical expenses whether it is individuals or corporations that are paying for the medical insurance expenses. It is the coverage that provides the payments of benefits as a result of sickness or injury.
How does Health/Medical Insurance work?
Different types of insurance providers exist. There are local (UAE) providers and international providers such as BUPA, AETNA, and Now Health among others, which UAE residents can enroll in.
Naturally, differences exist between local providers and international providers;
- International providers offer a high degree of coverage in terms of:
- the sum insured (total insurance amount)
- the annual limit
- they may offer more benefits and more extensive coverage (i.e. cancer care)
- Global coverage
- Streamlined, simple and effective reimbursement procedures
- Local providers provide the needed coverage and do a good job at it. Variations also exist within local providers depending on the coverage plan a person opted for.
When it comes to Dubai, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) mandates the minimum requirements for medical insurance for Dubai residents. All insurance companies have to be DHA compliant and the requirements include:
- A minimum of AED150,000 per year of coverage
- Mandatory maternity coverage
- Declared pre-existing conditions are covered
- No age limit when issuing a policy. Historically, insurers could have declined providing coverage after a certain age.
Documents Required for Health Insurance in the UAE
When applying for a health insurance policy, the following documents are typically needed:
- Passport Copy (for residents and expatriates).
- Emirates ID.
- Visa Copy (for non-UAE nationals).
- Salary Certificate or Proof of Employment (for employer-provided policies).
- Medical History or Pre-Existing Condition Declaration.
How to File a Health Insurance Claim in the UAE
Steps to File a Claim:
- Visit a Network Hospital: Use insurers’ approved medical facilities for cashless treatment.
- Submit a Reimbursement Request: If visiting a non-network hospital, submit bills and reports.
- Provide Required Documents: Submit invoices, prescriptions, and medical reports.
- Approval & Payout: The insurer processes the claim and reimburses eligible expenses.
What Happens After a Medical Claim is Processed?
After your claim is processed, you will receive an explanation of benefits (EOB) that details how your medical insurance is covering your recently submitted claim. Your doctor may send you a final bill for services outlining what you owe. Make sure you do not mistake this for your EOB. Make sure you pay your healthcare provider as soon as possible. If you believe an error was made on your EOB, contact your insurance provider directly.
Tips for Submitting a Successful Claim
The first step to submitting a successful medical insurance claim starts with preauthorization. Preauthorization is when you or your doctor call the insurance company to verify a specific medical service is covered under your plan. Preauthorization will also tell you how much, if any, your out-of-pocket cost will be.
Typically, your provider will submit your preauthorization and subsequent claim after services are provided. In rare cases, when you visit a doctor outside of your plan, you may be required to submit the claim yourself. Here are some steps to ensure your claim is processed smoothly:
- Verify your treatment claim is covered by your insurance plan
- Use the claim form from your benefits plan
- When filing by hand, be sure to write legibly
- Include all necessary information, including procedure codes (you can ask your doctor for these codes)
- Include pre approval (when necessary)
- Review all the information before filing
- File your paperwork promptly, and preferably online for faster processing (if applicable)
- Make a copy for your personal records
- All the original documents including Bills, reports to keep ready in hand as it may be requested in the future by the Insurance company for any further investigation.
Why would you need Health/Medical Insurance?
- Coverage for inpatient (when one has to stay at a hospital) and day-patient treatment in a hospital
- Coverage for outpatient visits (when you visit to a clinic) or a hospital
- Maternity coverage – there are several levels of maternity care that can be provided and it’s up to the person to choose which type of coverage suits them best (however there is a minimum amount that has to be provided for Dubai according to DHA)
- Organ transplants can be covered
- Cancer treatment can be provided
- Cover for newborn babies is available
- Reconstructive surgery can be covered if needed
- Rehabilitation expenses can be covered
- Emergency dental services
- Inpatient psychiatric treatment can be offered
- Terminal illness – palliative and hospice care
- Evacuation and repatriation services
- Alternative therapy if needed
There are many details to Health Insurance and it’s important to clarify these details and get specifics of what you are buying into before deciding on what to enroll in.
One will have to read through the summary benefits and the terms & conditions of a policy in order to fully understand its details. It is critical to find an insurance broker that is ready to provide you with the clarity you need, and this is where Petra Insurance Brokers comes in. We provide the clarity that you desire in order to make the right decision and we have been doing it in the UAE since the 1960s.
Eligibility to Buy a UAE Health Insurance Plan
- Residents & Expats: Mandatory health coverage is required for all UAE residents.
- Dependents: Spouses, children, and domestic workers can be included under a family policy.
- Employers: Businesses must provide health insurance for employees as per UAE labor laws.
- Senior Citizens: Limited providers offer policies for retirees and elderly individuals.
Why Do Premiums Increase?
Health insurance premiums can rise due to several factors:
- Medical Inflation: Increased cost of medical services and treatments.
- Policyholder’s Age: Older individuals have higher health risks, leading to increased costs.
- Claim History: Frequent claims can result in higher renewal premiums.
- Regulatory Changes: Government-mandated coverage enhancements.
- Advancements in Healthcare: New treatments and medications increase policy costs.
What is Medical Insurance Inflation?
Medical insurance inflation refers to the rising costs of healthcare services, including:
- Expensive treatments and advanced medical technology.
- Higher demand for medical professionals and hospital services.
- Global supply chain disruptions affecting medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.
Is It Mandatory To Have Health/Medical Insurance In Dubai?
The Dubai health insurance law no 11 of 2013 which came into passing on the 1st of January 2014, decreed medical insurance mandatory in Dubai. According to this law, all Emiratis and Dubai expats, along with their dependents, are required to have health insurance.
Can I Pay Health Insurance Monthly or Yearly in Dubai, UAE?
- Annual Payment: Most insurers require yearly premium payments.
- Monthly Installments: Some providers offer flexible payment plans with additional administrative fees.
- Employer-Provided Policies: Typically covered annually by the employer.
What is Not Covered by Health/Medical Insurance?
A health insurance policy covers unforeseen medical emergency costs, but there are some limitations to what will be covered and what it is not. Few of the standard exclusions of health insurance include the below:
- Fertility Treatment
- Obesity treatment
- Acne treatment
- Cosmetic treatments like implants
- Birth defects unless it turns into an emergency
- Developmental Delays
- Ayurveda Massages
- RTA accidents
- Work-related injuries Prosthetics and other medical devised
- Self-inflicted injuries.
Do Employers Have to Pay Health/Medical Insurance?
Dubai medical insurance law requires that employers ensure health cover for their workforce. The company can’t ask the employee to bear the insurance cost or deduct it from the salary to provide the health insurance. As per DHA guidelines, employers should offer a minimum basic health plan with a coverage of Dhs 150,000 per person per annum with an annual premium ranging between Dhs 525 – Dhs 750.
Why Is Dental Not Covered By Health/Medical Insurance?
In the UAE, medical insurance companies offer dental cover with limitations and restrictions. In the standard cover of a health insurance policy, emergency dental treatment is covered, although often only in the hospital’s emergency room. In the comprehensive plan, X-Rays, Scaling and polishing in case of gum disease, dental consultation, and medication, amalgam and composite filling, simple extractions, surgical extractions, and root canal treatment. However, it is very difficult to generalize dental coverage as every insurer has its own caveats and exclusions.
What Happens if You Don’t Have Health/Medical Insurance?
Every resident of Dubai is legally required to have some form of private medical cover. If you’re bringing any family with you to Dubai, and/or your employer isn’t providing you with what you feel is an adequate cover, it is required to take out some private medical insurance. Even for the residency visa stamping or renewal, insurance proof is required. Apart from that, it is sensible to have health insurance as you’ll have the peace of mind that there’s an extra safety net providing you with the cover that Dubai’s public services don’t offer.
Can You Purchase Individual Health/Medical Insurance at any time?
Yes, you can purchase individual health insurance at any time but it’s a mandatory requirement for your visa stamping be it a new visa or a renewal. Moreover, if the employee is in a corporate plan, most of the insurance providers insist to add the member within 30 days of entry to the UAE.
UAE Health & Medical Insurance FAQs
The ideal age to buy health insurance is as early as possible, typically from 18 years onwards, to benefit from lower premiums and continuous coverage.
Children can be added from birth onwards. Some policies allow coverage for newborns without a waiting period.
Yes, multiple policies are allowed, but claim benefits cannot exceed actual expenses. The primary insurer typically covers costs first.
- Cashless Claims: Approved instantly at network hospitals.
- Reimbursement Claims: Typically processed within 7-14 working days.
Follow the standard claim process, ensuring all required documents are submitted to the insurer for faster approval.
Other Personal insurance policies
Life Insurance
Life Insurance recognizes the value of human life. Although human life is priceless, the policy provides some compensation for family members.
Motor & Car Insurance
Make sure you’re protected when it comes to your automobile by going with a fully comprehensive motor insurance policy or Third Party Liability.
Household Insurance
Protect your life’s priceless items from accidental damage, fire, and theft and insure against losing your building and/or contents.
Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is designed to protect your pet and your finances when the unexpected happens.
Travel Insurance
Travel the world with peace of mind. Click and get your policy in seconds.
Classic Car Insurance
Owning a classic car is a lifelong dream for many car lovers. Make sure your investment is protected.
Family Income Protection Insurance
This policy is for people with young families who wish to protect against loss of income provided by the parents.
Disability Insurance
Disability insurance is designed to pay out if a person cannot do work and earn due to a disability.
Mortgage Protection Insurance
It’s the best way to protect your debts as the insurance matches the mortgage balance and is paid out in case of unfortunate events.
Psychiatry Care Insurance
Acquiring Psychiatric Care Coverage can decrease the stress associated with your mental health treatment, providing the security of coverage when you need it the most.
Maternity Insurance
If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, maternity insurance is a must-have for both mother and child.
Risk Management For High-Net-Worth Individuals & Families
High-net-worth insurance and risk management is a customized policy type designed to protect clients from risks.
Critical Illness Insurance
Critical Illness Insurance is essential for ensuring financial security during medical emergencies.