Knowing the cheapest private health insurance rate for a family or individual in UAE will save you a lot of money whether you are a citizen or an expat.
Because health insurance is required in the UAE, you’ll need to understand how it operates in each of the emirates. You’ll need to know how to get health insurance in the United Arab Emirates and how much it costs if your employer does not provide the policy.
Despite the high cost of private health insurance in the UAE, the care offered is of good quality. The majority of insurance policies cover a wide range of services and treatments. Aside from the profitable property investments you will be making going forward, taking care of your well-being should be considered a top priority.
Do You Require Private Health Insurance in the United Arab Emirates?
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Yes. If you don’t have proof of health insurance, you won’t be able to get a resident visa in the UAE. Expats in the UAE, unlike Emirati nationals, must pay for both private and public health insurance.
Employers in Abu Dhabi are obligated to provide health insurance to their employees and four dependents (one spouse and up to three children under the age of 18; expats with four or more children will have to take on their coverage themselves).
Employers in Dubai are required to provide medical insurance to their employees, however they are not required to provide coverage for dependents.
Employers are not obligated to provide medical insurance to their employees in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates.
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The Health Card of the United Arab Emirates
How does a health card work in Dubai? If you or your spouse’s company in Dubai does not provide health insurance, you must apply for a health card. The health card provides basic health care coverage identical to that provided by the Emirati government.
Expats who desire to use public hospitals and clinics must have a health card, thus even if you have private health insurance, you need to apply for the health card. Private insurance may not cover all treatments, and it may be cheaper to go to a government hospital or clinic in some situations.
Fees for a Health Card
Below is the price for a health card for both children and adults.
Aged 0–9 years: AED 100 (27 USD)
10–17 years: AED 200 (54 USD)
For those aged 18 and up: AED 300 (82 USD)
What do you need to get a health card in Dubai? Obtaining a UAE Health Card requires a passport copy, a covering letter from a sponsor visa application, two passport-size pictures and a filled-out application form.
Various Types Health Insurance Plans in Dubai
When compared to countries in Europe or North America, the UAE’s health insurance coverage is quite normal. Most private insurance companies offer four basic health insurance policies that cover everyone from a single expat to a relocated family:
Individual plans: for a single person or a family seeking for a comprehensive medical insurance plan in the United Arab Emirates.
Family plan: With qualified family discounts, these plans can give excellent value.
Plans for a Group: For policies with more than 20 members, significant reductions and other added benefits are possible.
Individuals and organizations who travel to the UAE regularly can choose traveler plans, which typically offer a great level of flexibility and can be adapted to your specific trip itinerary.
What is the Average Cost of Private Health Insurance in Dubai?
In the United Arab Emirates, most employers incorporate health insurance as part of their employee compensation package. This isn’t always the case, though. You should expect to pay roughly 10,000 AED per year for a reasonably comprehensive medical insurance policy (2,720 USD).
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Is It Possible to Get Health Insurance If You Have Pre-Existing Conditions in Dubai?
Health insurance doesn’t usually cover pre-existing conditions or those you’ve had in the last few years. Here’s what you can purchase and where you can get it.
Even if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you can receive health insurance. However, most policies limit the amount of money that can be paid out to treat pre-existing diseases.
What Does it Mean to Have a Pre-existing Condition?
Any medical problem for which you have previously received treatment is referred to as a pre-existing medical condition. This covers consultations, medicine, surgery, and any other NHS or private hospital treatment.
The following are examples of pre-existing conditions:
- Diabetes
- Blood pressure that is too high
- Coronary artery disease
- Asthma
- Osteoarthritis
- Cancer
- Back discomfort that necessitated surgery
