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Health Insurance

Understanding health insurance in UAE: what you need to know

The UAE has its own health system which is government-funded. However, it is also mandatory for UAE residents to take out health insurance, which is typically done via an employer. While this minimum-limit coverage, as defined by the government, provides useful protection in the event of illness or injury, it’s also a good idea to consider taking out a private policy in addition to mandatory insurance. Here’s why:

1) Faster treatments

With mandatory health insurance and medical coverage, you may be placed on a waiting list for treatment. During this time, your condition could get worse. With private health insurance, you can expect to be fast-tracked as soon as you make an appointment, as both diagnosis and treatment times are much quicker when attending a private hospital or clinic.

2) Private rooms

If you require a short stay in the hospital, you may feel like you want privacy during your convalescence. This is not guaranteed under mandatory health insurance. When you choose a private health insurance policy that stipulates that a private room will be guaranteed in the event of requiring a hospital stay, you can have the peace of mind that you’ll be able to recover in a more discreet and comfortable environment.

3) Value for money

In comparison to other countries, the cost of private health insurance is significantly less in the UAE. This is because things like surgical operations and treatments are cheaper. With a health insurance policy, you can expect to get the best possible treatment when you need it, without having to worry too much about the overall cost.

4) Access to more treatments and prescriptions

Some drugs and operations are not available with mandatory health insurance. To ensure access to the treatment you need, it is important to have a private health insurance policy with adequate cover.

5) Lots of options

When choosing private health insurance in UAE, you can select from policies that cover you within your city of residence, or plans that cover you for the whole UAE. If your occupation doesn’t involve much travelling, a city-wide plan could help you to save money. If you require nationwide coverage, you’ll be able to find a health insurance plan that suits your lifestyle.

If you’d like to know more about health cover in UAE, please feel free to contact us today. A member of our team will be happy to help you find the most suitable deal.

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Categories
Health Insurance

Warning signs that you need to reassess your health insurace plan

Knowing which insurance provider to go with and plan to choose can be tricky in the first place. And once you’ve gone through the tedious process of choosing one it can be tempting to stick with it for longer than you necessarily should. As our needs change, so does the type of insurance plan that we require.

Is it time for you to compare cheap health insurance plans? Here is a list of warning signs to look out for.

Your health has changed

If you have previously been a generally healthy person who rarely sees the doctor but have recently had a new diagnosis, or are experiencing ongoing symptoms and suspect that they will need medical investigation and potentially treatment, you should consider looking at your plan again to check that it still meets your needs. This means you will be covered for all instances.

Your risk has increased

With the current COVID-19 pandemic, everyone is more at risk. This is not just due to the dangers of the virus but because public health services around the world are now under intense strain. It’s currently much harder to be seen at the local clinic for something that previously would have been addressed and treated quickly, such as a common ear infection. Unless your condition is an emergency, it can take weeks to get an online appointment and prescription. Private cover can help to speed things up.

You’re paying a large premium for cover you never use

You are struggling to pay your monthly health insurance premium and have only claimed for coverage a minimal number of times over the last few years. We never suggest getting rid of your health insurance, however, there is no harm in exploring other options and shopping around.

You never seem to be covered when you need to be

If you often find yourself using services that are not covered by your plan, this is a telltale sign that your current health insurance plan isn’t working for you. Your plan should enable you to access a wide range of services in your area, that are near to your home, easily accessible and without additional cost. This is more important now than ever with social distancing restrictions in place and limitations to how far people can travel.

Photo: Free image by Pixabay