Home

/

Guides

/

Health

/

Cancer Protection Health Insurance Plan in the UAE

Health

Cancer Protection Health Insurance Plan in the UAE

Health

Published on 25 Dec 2024

Last updated 25 Dec 2024

7 min read

Cancer is a globally faced health challenge, and the UAE is no exception. With access to world-class healthcare facilities, the country offers advanced treatments for cancer, but these can be expensive. Having a comprehensive cancer protection health insurance plan in the UAE ensures financial security, allowing patients to focus on recovery rather than costs.

This article will help you navigate the best cancer protection insurance options in the UAE and make informed decisions for your peace of mind.

What is cancer protection health Insurance?

Cancer protection health insurance is a specialised plan designed to cover costs related to the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from cancer. These plans typically include:

CategoryDescription
HospitalisationCoverage for inpatient and outpatient care, ensuring patients receive necessary treatment.
SurgeryFinancial support for operations required during cancer treatment, including pre-and post-surgery care.
Chemotherapy and radiationFull coverage for chemotherapy and radiation therapy are critical components of cancer care.
Diagnostic testsPayment for screenings, lab tests, and imaging to aid in early detection and monitoring.
Post-treatment careCoverage for follow-up appointments, rehabilitation, and supportive therapies post-treatment.

Cancer protection health insurance plan in the UAE:

The BASMAH initiative – A cover for cancer care in Dubai and the UAE

In 2021, Dubai started a program called Basmah to help people with cancer.  It allows low-income people (earning AED 4,000 or less per month) affordable cancer treatment. It covers common cancers like colorectal, breast, and cervical.

How does it help?

  • Offers care through the DHIC Center of Excellence in Dubai.
  • Covers extra costs if your insurance runs out.

Who can join?

  • People with a Dubai residence visa valid for at least one year can join.
  • Cancer coverage is only for insured LSB members with valid insurance, diagnosed with Cervical, Breast, or Colorectal cancer after the program started and who meet the required criteria.
  • This applies to both current and new Dubai residents who were not diagnosed with cancer before coming to the UAE.
  • If someone was diagnosed with cancer before moving to Dubai, they can join the program after living in Dubai for one year.
  • Enrollment is only allowed after a confirmed diagnosis from the Centre of Excellence (CoE).

What does the Basmah Program cover?

CoverageDescription
Screening and treatmentIncludes tests, doctor visits, and cancer treatments.
ScreeningIt can be done at many places, but some screenings might need approval.
TreatmentAvailable at special hospitals (Centers of Excellence).
CostInsurance covers treatment up to the annual limit. A special fund helps for additional treatment.
Waiting periodNo waiting period for those already in the program or agreeing to join.
DisclosureMust disclose pre-existing health conditions to the insurance company.
CommitmentMust follow the treatment plan to stay in the program.

Important things to look for in health insurance in the UAE:

When opting for health insurance, keep an eye on the following things to get the most out of it:

1. Coverage for chronic conditions

  • Check if your plan covers chronic illnesses, including cancer.
  • Some plans have a limit of AED 150,000 for these conditions, which may not be enough. Look for plans without such limits.

2. Lowering co-pay

  • For inpatient treatments (like hospital stays), co-pays on essential plans are capped at AED 500 per visit or AED 1,000 per year.
  • Many full-coverage plans don’t require co-pays for inpatient care.
  • Some plans have no co-pay for outpatient care (like doctor visits, tests, or medicines), while others charge 10–20% of the bill.

3. Family history of cancer

  • If you have a family history of cancer, like breast cancer, it usually doesn’t increase your premium.
  • However, insurers might charge extra if there are other health issues along with the family history.

4. Pre and post-treatment coverage

Make sure your insurance includes:

  • Regular cancer screenings, like mammograms.
  • Full coverage for chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries.
  • Care for terminally ill patients (hospice or palliative care).
  • International insurers offer advanced treatments.
  • No waiting periods for new chronic illnesses, which can delay coverage.

5. Waiting periods

  • Check for waiting periods (often 6 months) for new illnesses if you’re buying insurance for the first time.
  • To avoid delays, make sure there’s no gap in coverage during renewals.

6. Critical illness insurance

  • Along with health insurance, consider critical illness insurance. It provides a lump sum payment if you’re diagnosed with cancer or other serious illnesses. This money can cover extra costs that regular insurance might not.

Additional health insurance considerations:

Treatment in your home country

  • Many insurers cover treatment in your home country if your plan includes it.
  • Some even have partner hospitals for cashless payments.

Job loss during cancer treatment

  • Health insurance doesn’t cover job loss.
  • However, UAE law provides job loss insurance (ILOE) if you lose your job due to illness or other reasons.

Alternative treatments

  • Some plans cover alternative treatments like homeopathy and Ayurveda but usually with small limits.
  • Experimental treatments like Proton Beam Therapy are generally not covered, except in special cases with medical proof.

When does the cancer protection coverage begin?

For instance, if a woman is diagnosed with cancer after purchasing insurance, coverage kicks in, provided there is no prior undeclared medical history or misrepresentation. Insurers may request a detailed medical history to verify eligibility. For newly diagnosed chronic conditions, waiting periods of up to six months may apply. Review the policy benefits carefully to understand when coverage starts and if any restrictions exist.

How to choose the right cancer protection health insurance plan in the UAE?

StepDescription
Step 1: Assess your needsThink about your family’s medical history, age, and health. If cancer is common in your family, you may need a better plan.
Step 2: Research insurance providersLook for insurance companies in the UAE that offer cancer coverage. Check their reputation and reviews.
Step 3: Review policy coverageSee if the policy covers all stages of cancer, from early detection to treatments like surgery and chemotherapy.
Step 4: Understand the premium structureUnderstand how much you will pay for the insurance. Check if the premium is fixed or increases later.
Step 5: Check the waiting periodSome plans make you wait before they cover cancer. Try to choose a plan with little to no waiting period.
Step 6: Read the policy detailsRead the policy details carefully. Make sure you know what is not covered and how to make a claim.
Step 7: Seek professional adviceTalk to a health insurance expert for advice. They can help you choose the right plan for your needs.

What’s the bottom line?

Cancer care in the UAE requires careful planning, from selecting the right insurance plan to ensuring no gaps in coverage. Opting for a cancer protection plan in the UAE is one of the most effective ways to safeguard against the high costs associated with treatment and ensure access to quality care. A well-chosen plan, combined with early preventive measures and critical illness coverage, can significantly ease the financial strain and provide the best possible care for patients.

Understanding the importance of health insurance is essential to make informed decisions. Take the time to evaluate your options thoroughly, and its always a good idea to speak with a professional insurance advisor and compare different policies from trusted insurance companies in the UAE. This way, you can find the best protection that gives you peace of mind during difficult times.

author

ABOUT AUTHOR

Pragya is a content writer with over 2 years of experience who thrives on the power of storytelling. She crafts clear, engaging content that resonates with audiences and transforms ideas into fresh, compelling pieces. When she's not writing, Pragya might be found curled up with a good book, exploring a new coffee shop, or seeking inspiration in nature. This constant curiosity fuels her creativity, allowing her to bring fresh perspectives to every project.

Like this article?

Share: