Making healthcare accessible to all has long been a vision of the UAE and its modern, customer-centric approach towards availing services is second to none. For most residents, healthcare is availed through the country-wide network of healthcare providers linked to medical insurers who provide private coverage up to agreed limits according to the type of policy purchased.
For UAE Nationals, ie. Citizens of the country, their coverage goes a step further in that they are eligible for free healthcare both in Government state hospitals and private clinics, under a number of special schemes according to the emirate of residency. In Abu Dhabi, the Thiqa insurance programme provides coverage for UAE Nationals and their family members. This blog explores some FAQs about Thiqa so if you’re a UAE National with links to Abu Dhabi, then read on for more details!
What is Thiqa?
The Thiqa insurance scheme is a comprehensive healthcare programme offered by the Government of Abu Dhabi to UAE Nationals and those of similar status in the Emirate.
Who manages the programme?
Thiqa has been managed by Daman — the leading health insurance provider in the country — since 2008.
Who is eligible?
The following persons are eligible for medical coverage under the Thiqa insurance Programme:
- UAE Nationals
- Non-UAE National family members as per set criteria
What does Thiqa insurance entitle you to?
According to your status, Thiqa entitles you to the following:
UAE National or similar status from Abu Dhabi
- Full medical coverage in Thiqa’s Abu Dhabi public and private network
- Emergency treatment both in the UAE and worldwide
- No annual benefit limit per member
UAE Nationals or similar status from other Emirates, who are residing in Abu Dhabi (working, studying or living in their owned properties)
- Full medical coverage in Thiqa’s Abu Dhabi public and private network
- Emergency treatment in UAE is covered
- No annual benefit limit per member
UAE Nationals or similar status from other Emirates, who are not residing in Abu Dhabi
- Full medical coverage in Thiqa’s Abu Dhabi public network
- Emergency treatment in UAE is covered
- No annual benefit limit per member
Non-UAE Nationals sponsored by an UAE National family member
- Full medical coverage in Thiqa’s Abu Dhabi public network
- Emergency treatment in UAE is covered
- No annual benefit limit per member
How Much Does Thiqa Membership Cost?
Thiqa membership is free: meaning healthcare is easily accessible for any eligible members.
How Can I Enrol in Thiqa?
If you’re eligible to register for Thiqa, you may enrol (or renew your membership) online on Thiqa.ae, via the Thiqa app, using virtual branch office “Hayakom” or by visiting three special Daman branches. The quoted service standard for processing membership applications is three working days. During the application process, you’ll be asked to submit certain documents (e.g. Emirates ID, family book) according to your eligibility category. The online/app process will guide you through at each step so it’s easy to follow what’s required.
How Can I Access Thiqa Services
The Thiqa programme is managed by Abu Dhabi’s leading health insurer, Daman. They’ve made it easy to access and utilise the services the services offered by the programme using three main channels:
Online:
The online services at Thiqa.ae and the Thiqa app allow members to register, renewing the policy, enrol new family members, search for network hospitals and clinics, submit claims for reimbursement, check the status of pending claims, and much more.
Hayakom:
This is the Thiqa “Smart Branch” providing all the services of a Thiqa branch but through a convenient electronic, online methodology. It works through an advance appointment system, allowing members to select and book a convenient time to “virtually” meet a Thiqa representative. Members can share documents electronically and discuss their policies with a customer advisor. This forward-thinking medium provides all the same capabilities as an in-person visit to a branch without having to leave home.
Branches:
If preferred, Thiqa members can avail in-person services through three exclusive Daman branches in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
Are there other services available?
Thiqa also provides a gateway to other products and services. UAE Nationals can also access and arrange health insurance services for their low-income household members. This is provided through the Abu Dhabi Basic Plan (similar to the Essential Benefits Plan, or EBP, in Dubai). Under this Scheme, every resident of Abu Dhabi has access to affordable, high quality medical care 24/7 when they have this Plan, which can be purchased for less than AED1000. Offering core health insurance coverage for members in lower income brackets, the plan provides inpatient and outpatient services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, as well as emergency services elsewhere in the UAE.
Another service available to UAE Nationals exclusively is Musafer. This government provided scheme offers emergency travel insurance coverage for UAE nationals in respect of medical emergency anytime they’re travelling on a worldwide basis. Critical services such as medical evacuation and inpatient and outpatient emergency services are provided with no deductibles, co-payments or coinsurance. You can find out more about Musafer here.
