How to obtain medical insurance in UAE

Before jetting off to the UAE – for leisure or business – securing insurance is a must. The healthcare landscape in the Emirates boasts world-class facilities but also comes with a hefty price tag. In this guide, we'll delve into the optimal insurance options and explore the diverse rate offerings from insurance providers in Dubai.

The healthcare system in the Emirates stands among the world's finest and bears a striking resemblance to Russia's setup. The Ministry of Health and Prevention, or MOHAP, oversees all medical facilities, while each emirate maintains its own control structure. Locals are seldom seen working in this sector, resulting in a higher percentage of doctors being specialists recruited from abroad.

For citizens, all medical services are free of charge, whereas foreigners have access only to private healthcare, although medical insurance is popular in the United Arab Emirates, covering the costs of even the most expensive procedures. It's worth noting that such insurance is mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

To obtain residency in the country, expatriates must undergo a medical examination to rule out severe viral and infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, among others. Vaccination is not compulsory in the UAE, except for those arriving from countries with high disease prevalence, such as cholera.

Newborns undergo free genetic disease screenings, while older individuals have access to screening programs for the prevention and detection of cardiovascular and other age-related conditions.

Is insurance necessary for Russians in the UAE?  

The answer is definite – yes, because without it, entry into the country is impossible. Foreigners' insurance is checked upon entry at Dubai Airport when obtaining a visa. If the trip involves relocation, all insurance costs are covered by the employer. The minimum coverage amount is $50,000. Also, a mandatory requirement for the UAE is to have a clause in the insurance policy covering treatment for coronavirus.

Pros and cons of the policy  

Pros:  

• Ability to use both private and public clinics. 
• Additional services can be added to the basic tariff.
• High quality of services and equipment.

Cons:  

• Dental services and psychological assistance are not included in the basic package. 
• Penalties may apply for lack of insurance.

Insurance conditions  

It should be noted that the conditions vary for each company and program. The basic tariff implies that:

1. The policyholder pays 20% for treatment if the total amount does not exceed $136. 
2. The insurance company covers the rest above this amount. The insurance covers 70% of the cost of medications. $408 per person per year is allocated.
3. Six months after the policy is opened, the insurance company will cover the treatment of chronic diseases.

Additionally, you can always get medical insurance from private companies, which offer a wider range of services, including dentistry, ophthalmology, dermatology, psychology, and other specialized fields.

Family  

Tailored for those with children or non-working dependents, this plan offers a safety net, though with slightly lower coverage. Some insurers sweeten the deal with a 10% discount for comprehensive coverage for families of 3 or more.

The package covers:

• Outpatient treatments. 
• Hospital stays.
• Trauma care. 
• Pregnancy-related complications. 
• Organ transplants, and more.

Cost: from $4,600

For a family of four expatriates opting for comprehensive coverage, the price tag will hover around $9,000.

Collective  

Crafted to cater to groups of 20 or more, these plans are a boon for companies looking to extend perks to their workforce. Expect hefty discounts and added perks with this tariff.

Cost: Customized pricing.

Essential  

Dubai's mandated Essential Benefits Plan ensures basic medical coverage for individuals with monthly earnings below $1,100 or their dependents. The essentials include:

• General practice visits. 
• Emergency services. 
• Basic tests and examinations.
• Fundamental diagnostics.
• Mandatory vaccinations. 
• Prescription drugs, with capped costs.
• Limited physiotherapy sessions – no more than 6 sessions per year.
• Cancer care.
• Maternity services. 
• The basic plan does not include: dentistry and orthodontics. 
• Laser vision correction. 
• Hearing correction.

Cost: Approximately $145-205 annually, covering expenses up to $41,000.

Individual  

Ranging across various budgets, individual plans offer a comprehensive spectrum of coverage. The premium depends on factors such as:

• age and gender; 
• overall health;
• pre-existing conditions and additional preferences like dental coverage.

Expect the price to hike with broader coverage.

Cost: Approximately $2,700.

For a 30-year-old expat in good health and steady employment, a comprehensive individual plan may come at a price point of $1,500.

Which insurance plans suit a jaunt to the United Arab Emirates?  

AlphaShield  

When jetting off to the UAE, the Classic or Premium packages are your go-tos. Plus, the Premium bundle throws in auto insurance and expense reimbursement for lost documents, alongside trip cancellation protection – a nifty add-on often appended to any policy.

COVID-19 coverage: Included.

Coverage amounts: from €30,000.

Assistance: Savitar Group.

Ingosstrakh  

Even the basic deal packs in perks like dental aid, allergy coverage, and early homeward return.

COVID-19 coverage: Included.

Coverage amounts: from $40,000.

Assistance: Balt Assistance.

OxygenGuard  

The fundamental tier covers outpatient and inpatient care, drug expenses, while deluxe packages add in premature return home, dental treatments, accident protection, and more. Plus, there's an option for virtual doctor consultations, often handier than a face-to-face visit.

COVID-19 coverage: Included.

Coverage amounts: from $30,000.

Assistance: Oxygen Assistance.

Navigator  

A plethora of options awaits, including outpatient and inpatient care, transport costs, and meds. Add-ons like dental care, early return options, and civil liability come at an additional cost.

COVID-19 coverage: Included.

Coverage amounts: from €40,000.

Assistance: Savitar Group.

EuroGuard  

The policy blankets a gamut of risks, from pricey diagnostics such as MRI and CT scans to covering heart and vascular surgeries in dire circumstances. It's one of the most comprehensive and pocket-friendly options out there.

COVID-19 coverage: Included.

Coverage amounts: from €40,000.

Assistance: Euro-Center.

Travelers going abroad can arrange insurance through any insurance company or directly within banking applications like Tinkoff or Alfa-Bank. The process of obtaining tourist insurance varies depending on the duration of the stay abroad. The key points to note include:

Specify your travel details  

Choose the country or geographic area, travel dates, and type of vacation. Ensure that the insurance covers the activities you plan to engage in. For instance, if you're heading to ski resorts, ensure the policy includes coverage for injuries related to this activity.

Select the insurance amount and additional services  

Sometimes, a specific coverage amount is required for visa application purposes. Make sure to clarify this before your trip. Additional options may include baggage or ski equipment insurance, coverage for lost documents, or trip cancellation insurance.

Provide your personal information  

At this stage, enter your full name and date of birth as stated in your passport.

What expenses are not covered by the policy  

This varies depending on the insurance company, so be sure to clarify all details before purchasing the policy. The following are commonly excluded from basic coverage:

Expenses for accommodation and meals in the event the insured person is quarantined due to coronavirus infection.

COVID-19 testing.

Consequences of not having the insurance  

For every month without insurance, you may be fined $136. Additionally, without medical insurance, you will not be issued or able to renew a resident visa.

Cost of medical services and rules for getting them  

How insurance works:

Emergency care. Emergency assistance can be called from anywhere in the UAE by dialing 998. Emergency care in the hospital will be provided for free, but subsequent treatment will be chargeable. If you're hospitalized in a facility where your insurance isn't valid, you'll be transferred to one where your policy is accepted.

Doctor appointments. Routine visits to doctors are covered by standard insurance plans. To get a general consultation, you can visit either a public or private hospital without needing a referral: you choose the doctor yourself.

Dentistry. Dental services in Dubai can be quite expensive. Unlike comprehensive insurance plans, basic tariffs do not include dental care – it's an additional option. If your insurance covers dental services, you'll have access to regular check-ups, treatment, teeth cleaning, and other procedures.

Pharmacies and prescription drugs. Dubai has a high percentage of 24-hour pharmacies. Prescription drug coverage depends on your insurance policy. For instance, the basic tariff covers up to $410 per year. Additionally, some medications, like sedatives and antidepressants, might be illegal in the UAE, so it's advisable to check the full list of prohibited substances on the MOHAP website.

Pregnancy and childbirth. Giving birth and receiving treatment for infertility in Dubai is only possible for married couples. A woman must register at the hospital no later than the seventh month of pregnancy, providing her and her spouse's passports, as well as the marriage certificate. The basic tariff includes 8 doctor visits with necessary tests and analyses – up to $1,900 for natural childbirth and up to $2,700 for a cesarean section. The child receives insurance under the policy for 30 days after birth, which includes neonatal tests, routine vaccinations, and screenings.

Conclusion  

Interested in buying an apartment in Dubai for living or investment? We can help. Just visit the main page of our website and explore dozens of current offers in the Dubai real estate market. Request a callback, and our experts will select the most suitable options for you and help you navigate through all the legal intricacies. With love and without commission.