Submitted by: Submitted by bayzat
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Category: Business and Industry
Date Submitted: 07/31/2015 12:11 AM
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...