UAE Medical Insurance News

The 10 Must-Know Things for Expats About Healthcare in Dubai

For expats moving to live and work in Dubai, it is important that they know about health insurance, healthcare services and their entitlement to treatment in case of an emergency. Given that Abu Dhabi moved towards a system where health insurance for foreign nationals is mandatory back in 2008, Dubai had been expected to follow this very same path in regards to its expatriate population. Currently, that decision has been kept firmly on hold, chiefly due to financial concerns resulting from the bursting of its economic bubble.

Negative media reports describe how expats in need of medical attention in Dubai endure long waits to see a doctor, then are presented with huge medical bills to settle, and that the health sector in general lacks sufficient funding to be able to provide a better service. It is therefore important to have a more up-to-date perspective of the current state of medical services in Dubai, and for expats to be acquainted with the 10 most important things to know about healthcare in the emirate.

In general the quality of the healthcare provided in Dubai is up to Western or European standards, and it is more so in the healthcare facilities of the private sector. However, the free access to medical services allowed by the government to qualifying individuals has had the effect that doctors are overworked, and the facilities and amenities in general are under pressure due to heavy usage.

The initial solution was to make private health insurance compulsory for expatriates, and it would have been the correct decision, save for the fact that the economy plummeted, and exerting additional financial pressure on the foreign workforce would must likely produce the effect of seeing them leave Dubai. Additionally, funding for restructuring the local health insurance industry depended upon the participating insurers having a local presence, but some of these insurers were badly hurt financially and it was feared that they would be unable to deliver the level of quality expected by their insured foreign nationals.

It is believed that the compulsory health insurance for expatriates plan is just on hold, and likely to be implemented once Dubai once again enjoys a robust economy. Furthermore, Dubai has established long-term plans to become a destination for medical tourism, and this goal alone will guarantee that the standards of service are improved to a level consistent with the expectations of citizens and expatriates taking the medical insurance on offer.

Having set the above scenario in regards to Dubai's healthcare plans, these are the ten most important things for expats moving to live and work in Dubai;

1.) Going forward, it is likely that the compulsory health insurance for expatriates will come into effect in the medium-term.

2.) For the time being, expats working legitimately in Dubai can apply for a health card issued by the Health of Ministry, which provides access to the state system in case of a medical emergency, plus fairly low-cost access to all the general healthcare services. The validity of the aforementioned card is one year.

3.) Private medical insurance provides access to the better healthcare facilities offered by private hospitals and clinics, and most expats are encouraged to get this type of medical cover, in case they didn't have it already.

4.) Expats may be offered access to a corporate medical scheme or medical insurance at a discount by their employer, as part of their benefits package. It is highly recommended that expats take advantage of such a valuable benefit, when offered by the employing company.

5.) It is worthwhile to check with a General Practitioner on what inoculations should be taken before travelling to Dubai, according to the most updated information available. Whilst malaria and measles have been eradicated from Dubai, hepatitis for example, may still pose as a potential risk. And as general advice when travelling abroad, it is recommended to have the inoculation against tetanus up to date, regardless of destination.

6.) The laws in Dubai in relation to drugs, both prescription and narcotics, are extremely strict and the their infringement yields an extremely severe punishment. Some prescription or over the counter drugs which are deemed acceptable in most countries are banned substances in Dubai. It is advised to pay extreme attention to this, before travelling. To find out whether a particular prescription drug appears in their banned list, it is recommended to contact contact the Drug Control Department of the Dubai Ministry of Health.

7.) Health concerns in Dubai include: sexually-transmitted diseases, respiratory problems caused by sand and dust, plus any heat-related ailments derived from exposure to the extreme temperatures of the emirate, particularly during the summer, with dehydration, heat stroke and sunburn as the most common examples of such risks.

8.) When seeking medical attention it is important to know that the corresponding costs vary depending on the type of medical facilities. As an example, a private medical facility will not accept a health card issued by the Dubai Health Ministry to cover treatment costs, and the charges themselves are likely to be higher that those at a state facility. Conversely, a state facility will most likely refuse treatment, unless in an emergency, to a person who is privately insured.

9.) A good private insurance policy will provide the insured with access to the best medical facilities in Dubai, due to their long-term goal to become an internationally recognised centre for medical tourism, since considerable investments are being made to enhance the quality of healthcare provided in the private medical facilities.

10.) It is recommended that expats having recently arrived in Dubai should speak to fellow expats, colleagues, neighbours and new acquaintances to inquire about where the best medical attention can be received for specific medical conditions/ailments. Whether locally, or somewhere else within the UAE, there will be somebody who has experienced a similar situation first-hand, and knows where to seek attention from the best healthcare provider available.

 

For more information about UAE, the international health insurance plans that we can offer there, or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our expert advisers today.

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