Healthcare for Expats in the Uae

Healthcare for expats in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a global business destination in recent times and is now

home to many foreign nationals. If you are considering a residential shift to the region, an

understanding of how the UAE healthcare system works with regards to expats is essential.

Medical Insurance A Must

All expatriates living, working or visiting the UAE should have a complete comprehensive

healthcare/medical insurance as healthcare can be very expensive.

As per UAE media reports most expats prefer private treatments but they are costlier. Thus a sound

medical insurance policy can mitigate the expenses to a large extent. It is easiest to obtain health

insurance, through application of a health insurance card, which costs nearly USD300 and comes with

one-year validity.

There are several international insurance companies specializing in private health insurance in

Dubai and elsewhere. If you are new to the country it is advisable to meet a health insurance broker on

how to choose the right expatriate medical insurance in the UAE for your family needs.

Medical facilities in public hospitals are good, and emergencies are handled free of charge. Noteworthy

are Latifa Hospital and Rashid Hospital which provide excellent care in Dubai.

Public Health Insurance Program for Expatriates - ISAHD

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE

and Ruler of Dubai has introduced a public health program called ISAHD (Insurance System for

Advancing Healthcare in Dubai).

It defines a basic coverage (AED 500 to AED 700 (i.e. USD 136 to USD 190) p.a. per insured employee)

that employers must provide to all employees earning less than AED 4,000 (about USD 1,088 per

month). This would cover general physician visits, any referral, surgery, maternity or any emergency.

To be completely implemented by June 2016, the new law will soon give health treatment access to

expatriates...