UAE Medical Insurance News
National Health Insurance Scheme for Expatriates in Abu Dhabi
The second phase of the Abu Dhabi Government Health Insurance Scheme came into effect in 2007, with the passing of the New Year. The scheme is expected to benefit approximately 1.5 million expatriates working in Abu Dhabi .
His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued the law which enforces employers to provide health insurance to their employees and the employee's direct family which includes his wife and up to three children under the age of 18.
The scheme aims to provide affordable and accessible health services to residents of Abu Dhabi . The law intends that cost effective and quality health cover should be available for all expatriates living in the emirate region. Expatriates make up approximately 80% of the emirate population.
The regulatory body for the scheme is the General Health Authority for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (GAHS). Temporary approval exists for holders of health cards issued by the GAHS or by other insurance companies before the 1 st January 2007 , until the card expires.
The law states that all health insurance UAE policies must be valid for one year and be annually renewable. The coverage must also be guaranteed renewable preventing insurance companies from declining to extend health coverage to any company or individual for any reason.
It is hoped the new scheme will ensure the availability of drugs at affordable prices, guarantee that employers will shoulder the medical expenses of their employees and reduce the pressure on public health services.
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