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Health Insurance

Do you need health insurance when moving to Dubai?

For anyone moving to a new country, it is essential to know what the healthcare arrangements are before you arrive. In the case of the UAE, the situation is complicated by regulations that differ between emirates.

Do you need private health insurance in the UAE?

The short answer to this question is yes. Emirati nationals do not need to purchase private health insurance, but anyone moving to the UAE from abroad will need private health insurance. Under Emirati law, employers are required to provide basic health insurance to their workers. However, this cover will not extend to your family members and dependents.

What about Dubai?

All residents of Dubai are required to have some kind of private medical cover. If you are moving with your family, you will need to purchase insurance for them, unless your employer offers more generous insurance than they are legally required to.

What kind of healthcare system does Dubai have?

Healthcare in the UAE is a hybrid public-private system. The ratio of one to the other varies between the emirates. In the case of Dubai, the split is roughly 20% public and 80% private. Public healthcare is primarily for Emirati nationals, whose treatment is either free or low-cost. Public healthcare in Dubai does not extend to dental, eye, or ear care.

Expats can make use of Dubai’s public healthcare, but it is usually in their interests to use private care instead; especially as they are obliged to take out private health insurance. Private medical facilities in Dubai are also generally of a much higher standard than public facilities.

Is health insurance mandatory in Dubai?

Yes, major medical insurance is mandatory for all residents of Dubai, irrespective of whether they are currently employed or not. Any expat hoping to earn their residency visa will need to have private medical cover to qualify. There are also hefty fines levied against any resident without private medical coverage for every month they are uninsured. The monthly insurance premiums are considerably cheaper than these fines, so it is in every residents’ interests to acquire medical insurance.

If you are planning on moving to Dubai, you should be prepared to take out private medical insurance. While your employer must provide you with basic cover, this won’t extend to your dependents and will only cover the most basic treatments. Compare the best rates on insurance today.

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Health Insurance

Why choose private healthcare insurance?

Depending on where you live in the world, affordable health care can be difficult to find. Luckily, there are plenty of low-cost insurance companies offering fantastic plans for you and your family. Along with quality care, private health insurance also provides peace of mind. You will no longer have to worry about money every time you and your family fall ill. If you are still unsure, we have rounded up the most common reasons for choosing private healthcare insurance.

Shorter waiting times

There is nothing worse than worrying about your health and having to wait a long time for your test results. Wherever you are in the world, you have probably experienced long waiting times to see a medical professional. In fact, many people have to wait weeks, or even months, to see a consultant or specialist. On top of that, you may then have to wait a while for your results to come back. This can add unnecessary stress for both you and your family while you wait. With private health insurance, you will usually receive treatment quickly. In most cases, you will be able to book an appointment within days, receive results within a shorter timeframe, and skip waiting times for planned surgery.

More control over your care

Private healthcare means that you can have more control over your care. From choosing your doctor to selecting which hospital you will be treated in, private medical insurance provides even more choice. The more options you have, the more confident you will feel. A good health insurance company may also offer additional services such as private rooms to make you feel more comfortable at the hospital.

Access to more services

A top health insurance provider can also offer cover for a range of other costly services including dental care, physiotherapy, eye care, and even ambulance services. This can save you a lot of money in the long term as these extras are very rarely included in public health systems and are usually very expensive.

Perks

Depending on which medical insurance provider you choose, you may receive a whole host of other perks and benefits from cinema tickets to free giveaways. As it is such a competitive industry, insurance companies are always trying to stand out from the crowd. Look out for companies that provide rewards and perks for signing up with them. Of course, their healthcare plan is more important than the freebies they offer, so be sure to find a provider that covers what you need first.

For help finding private health insurance companies, contact us at Compare Insurance today.

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