Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a serious disease that often starts in the inner lining of the stomach. The risk of getting this cancer usually goes up as people get older. However, if it is found early, it can be treated, and surgery is the main way to treat it.
With rising medical costs in the UAE, paying for treatment can be hard without help. This is why having stomach cancer health insurance in the UAE is important, as it can cover the treatment costs and give the patient peace of mind. This article will discuss whether or not stomach cancer cover under health health insurance in the UAE.
Does health insurance cover stomach cancer in the UAE?
Coverage is available for any stage of stomach cancer, as this is a critical illness. However, critical illnesses will be covered only when the condition is officially diagnosed. Any undeclared pre-existing conditions will not be covered.
Note: When getting health insurance, ask the provider if stomach cancer is covered for extra peace of mind.
Factors that may increase the chance of stomach cancer:
| Risk factor | Description |
| Family history of stomach cancer | Having close relatives with stomach cancer can increase your chances. |
| Long-term stomach inflammation | Chronic gastritis (inflammation) may lead to higher risks of stomach cancer. |
| History of ulcers or polyps | Past issues with stomach ulcers or polyps can raise the likelihood of cancer. |
| Unhealthy diet | Diets high in fatty, salty, or smoked foods increase cancer risk. |
| Work exposure to harmful substances | Constant contact with coal, rubber, or metal can affect your stomach health. |
| Tobacco use | Smoking or using other tobacco products raises the risk of stomach cancer. |
| Autoimmune atrophic gastritis | This long-term condition can lead to a higher chance of developing cancer. |
| Helicobacter pylori infection | This bacteria in the stomach can cause damage that may lead to cancer. |
| Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) | GERD can increase the likelihood of developing stomach cancer. |
| Other genetic conditions | |
| Lynch syndrome | A genetic disorder that can increase cancer risk. |
| Familial adenomatous polyposis | A condition that causes growths in the stomach, raising cancer risk. |
| Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer | A rare inherited form of stomach cancer. |
| Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) | This immune disorder can increase the chance of stomach cancer. |
| Peutz-Jeghers syndrome | A genetic disorder that can lead to cancerous growth. |
| Li-Fraumeni syndrome | A rare condition that raises the risk of several types of cancer, including stomach cancer. |
Main signs of stomach cancer:
It’s not easy to notice stomach cancer early, but some signs might show up when it gets worse, like:
- Not feeling hungry
- Feeling tired or weak
- Losing weight without trying
- Dark or bloody stools or vomiting blood
- Pain in the stomach, usually above the belly button
- Difficulty swallowing
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Feeling bloated or gassy after eating
- Feeling full after eating just a small amount
Key points to consider for stomach cancer health insurance in the UAE:
| Plan type | Details |
| Basic health insurance plans | Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) for Dubai residents earning under AED 4,000 offers basic coverage but has limits for specialist and hospital care. |
| Basic health insurance plans | Abu Dhabi’s Thiqa plan for UAE nationals provides more coverage for serious illnesses, including stomach cancer. |
| Comprehensive health insurance plans | Comprehensive health plans generally cover specialist consultations, advanced tests, chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and aftercare. |
| Comprehensive health insurance plans | Check your policy to know the specific cancer treatments covered. |
| Pre-existing conditions | If diagnosed before getting insurance, stomach cancer may be a pre-existing condition, and waiting periods of 6 months to 1 year may apply. |
| Cancer-specific insurance riders | Some insurers offer cancer-specific riders for enhanced coverage with higher limits beyond standard plans. |
Stomach cancer coverage in health insurance in the UAE:
Here’s what health insurance plans typically cover for stomach cancer:
- Ambulance service: Most health insurance plans include a free ambulance service to quickly get the patient to the hospital in an emergency.
- Worldwide coverage: Many plans allow the insured person to receive medical care at any network hospital worldwide, not just in the UAE.
- Hospitalisation benefits: Health insurance covers doctor consultations, the private room stays, pharmacy costs, treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, as well as tests and diagnostics.
Note: If the person already has stomach cancer (a pre-existing condition) when they buy the policy, there may be a waiting period of 6 months before cancer treatment benefits begin.
How to get a health insurance plan in the UAE?
It’s important to have health insurance, especially for covering stomach cancer treatments at an affordable cost. To buy a health insurance plan in the UAE, you can visit InsuranceMarket.ae, which offers a variety of health insurance plans from top providers.
Here’s how to apply:
- Go to InsuranceMarket.ae and head over to the menu.
- Click on “personal insurance” and then “health insurance”.
- You can then click “get quotes.”
- Select the type of insurance you want.
- Fill out the form with your details to get an idea of the premium you’ll need to pay.
- After submitting the form, review the available plans.
- Provide information about your current health and follow the steps on the website to complete the application.
What’s the final takeaway?
Stomach cancer is a serious illness that needs a lot of treatment, so having stomach cancer health insurance in the UAE is very important. Most health insurance plans in the UAE, especially comprehensive ones, usually cover this condition as it is a critical illness. However, how much is covered depends on your specific plan. Upgrading or adding cancer-specific coverage can give you better protection if you have a basic plan.
It’s good to check your policy, consider upgrading if needed, and know which hospitals are covered. This will help you manage the costs of cancer treatment more easily.
For more guidance on the best health insurance options or to understand the importance of both health insurance and critical illness coverage, InsuranceMarket.ae, one of the leading insurance brokers in the UAE, can help you compare plans from the top insurance companies. Exploring these options will give you the right coverage to reduce financial stress and let you focus on your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Is stomach cancer treatment fully covered by health insurance in the UAE?
The coverage for stomach cancer depends on your health insurance plan. Basic plans might offer limited coverage, while comprehensive plans usually cover most treatments, like surgery, chemotherapy, and aftercare.
Q. Does insurance cover all types of cancer in the UAE?
Most health insurance plans cover different types of cancer, including stomach cancer. Basic plans may have limited coverage, but comprehensive plans offer more benefits and better coverage.
Q. What are cancer-specific insurance riders?
Cancer-specific riders are extra coverage options you can add to your health insurance. They provide more benefits for cancer treatment, including higher limits and advanced treatments.
4. Are pre-existing conditions like stomach cancer covered in the UAE?
If you had stomach cancer before buying insurance, it may be considered a pre-existing condition. Many insurance plans have a waiting period before pre-existing conditions are covered, so check with your insurer.
