Since health insurance is required for all UAE citizens, Dubai’s insurance providers have been forced to provide affordable plans for people to choose from.

However, businesses are not required by law to offer coverage for their workers’ dependents, even if they are urged to do so.In order to save money, several Dubai-based businesses do not provide their workers’ dependents the choice of insurance coverage.

Employees are then forced to search for a suitable health insurance plan for their families on their own, which may be difficult and expensive. According to the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP), which was made required at the end of 2016, and the Dubai Health Insurance Law (ISAHD), businesses with 100 or fewer employees, residents, domestic workers, and employees’ dependents must all have health insurance in Dubai. This guarantees that low-cost, high-quality health insurance plans are available to domestic workers, children, dependents, and residents who are not employed.

For people who make less than 4,000 AED a month or who are unemployed and unable to pay for health insurance for their family, an EBP plan is often the best choice. Access to a general practitioner, referrals to specialists, some surgical operations, laboratory testing, emergency services, check-ups, medicine, and maternity care are all included in its affordable, standardized packages, which have premiums ranging from AED 650 to AED 725 annually.

Obtaining prior clearance or pre-authorization from the insurance company is necessary for some in-patient coverage, including as diagnostic tests, treatments, and procedures in non-life-threatening instances, since they may not be covered. Additionally, as EBP is a basic plan, there are limits and restrictions to be mindful of, such as a maximum coverage amount of AED 150,000 annually.

It’s critical to understand co-insurance payments for fundamental in-patient medical procedures. Co-payments are limited at AED 500 each visit and are set at 20% of the total price. AED 1,000 is the yearly maximum, beyond which the insurance must pay for the whole course of therapy. The insured pays 30% of the prescription drug’s cost out of pocket, and the basic plan restricts annual medication purchases to AED 1,500.

To ensure full coverage beyond the six-month waiting period, you must ensure the insurer is aware of any pre-existing or chronic diseases. However, the insurance will pay for any urgent medical problems associated with the disease via medical claims.

Choosing the best EBP cover choice

As soon as the majority of individuals were legally required to have health insurance, Dubai’s health insurance providers began to provide reasonably priced EBP packages. However, it is crucial that all insurance companies provide an EBP as a choice, particularly in these times, since it provides consumers with a measure of financial and health relief.

Here are some of the best insurance providers that provide EBPs, whether you’re wanting to acquire one for your spouse, kids, or domestic help:

AXA Insurance

• Annual Cost: 677 AED
• Coverage Includes:
  • Maternity coverage
  • Pre-existing and chronic condition coverage
  • Direct billing for in-patient and out-patient care within the United Arab Emirates

The National Health Insurance Company

• Cost Range: AED 615 to 800 (depending on whether it’s for a dependant or domestic assistant)
• Coverage Includes:
  • Access to the greatest network of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in the UAE
  • In-patient, out-patient, maternity, and emergency services
  • Local health insurance policies with options for global coverage

Oman Insurance

• Cost: AED 560
• Coverage Includes:
  • Emergency services
  • Laboratory services
  • Maternity care
  • In-patient and out-patient care
  • Access to more than 500 hospitals and clinics, and 1,400 pharmacies

MetLife Alico

• Cost: AED 1,312 for dependents and AED 761 for domestic assistance
• Coverage Includes:
  • Preventive services (DHA-mandated vaccinations and immunizations)
  • Diagnostic testing
  • Maternity services
  • Prescription medications
  • Physiotherapy
  • In-patient treatments
  • Emergency medical care or hospitalization
  • Basic doctor visits in the UAE

Takaful Emarat

• Cost: Prices start at AED 525
• Coverage Includes:
  • In-patient and out-patient care
  • Maternity coverage
  • Tests, diagnoses, treatments, and procedures in hospitals for non-urgent medical conditions (prior permission necessary)

RAK Insurance

• Cost: Starts at AED 485
• Coverage Includes:
  • In-patient and out-patient services
  • Maternity coverage
  • Day care services
  • Emergency services
  • Hospital tests, diagnoses, treatments, and procedures for non-urgent medical situations (prior permission necessary)

Selecting a plan of insurance that meets your requirements

You may not be a good match for the health insurance policies that your friends or coworkers have. Take a step back and consider your unique demands before choosing the insurance they have acquired.

When making this choice, you should take into account the following important factors:

Do you prefer a comprehensive plan or a health insurance policy with minimal coverage?
Only the bare minimum of benefits mandated by the Dubai Health Authority are included in basic healthcare insurance. These plans often have considerably cheaper premiums, but the deductibles are larger.

Which should you choose, coinsurance or deductible?

The primary difference between the two is the method used to determine your portion of medical expenses (fixed vs. percentage). Depending on the policy, health insurance plans may provide a mix of them or only one of them. Depending on whether you anticipate utilizing your coverage for more costly procedures or not, you should choose either option.

What is the maximum amount you are prepared to pay for health insurance?

It is crucial to strike a balance between the policy’s comprehensiveness and expense. When determining the extent of your coverage, try to estimate the potential cost of excluded therapies (of course, it would be impossible to include in emergency treatments since they are not predictable). You must also think about if you will need to include your spouse and kids in the strategy.

Are the hospitals and physicians you often visit part of the network?

Depending on the plan you choose, insurance providers will give you a list of medical facilities that you may use without paying out of pocket. Make sure the coverage you choose includes all or the majority of the medical professionals you often utilize. If not, you will be responsible for covering the cost of the consultation or treatment and receiving reimbursement. This often takes a few weeks, and you ultimately get around 80% of your money returned.

Do you need a package with global coverage?

If you travel often, you should make sure that your plan covers you in all of the places you typically visit in order to guarantee that you are compensated for any medical expenses you incur. Additionally, some insurance provide direct billing options overseas.

Therefore, keep in mind that it is crucial to take the time to consider your individual demands as well as the healthcare plans that are accessible. To make an educated choice, get in touch with one of our insurance experts or use our comparison tool. Although you have little control over medical crises, making wise decisions early on may help you be ready for them.

Disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only and is not sponsored or affiliated with any insurance company mentioned. The information provided is based on publicly available data and is intended to help readers make informed decisions about health insurance plans. We do not endorse, recommend, or promote any specific insurance provider or policy. Readers are encouraged to verify details with the respective insurance companies and consult a professional advisor for tailored advice.