In the UAE, many top health insurers offer a range of health insurance plans. Knowing which diseases these plans cover is crucial for choosing the right one for you and your family.
This article will provide a list of diseases covered under health insurance in the UAE and explain important factors like pre-existing conditions and exclusions that can affect coverage.
Knowing about these aspects will better equip you to navigate health insurance options and make an informed choice about your coverage.
Understanding health insurance and what it covers?
In most Emirates, like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, health insurance is mandated for all residents, including expats. This allows everyone to have access to essential healthcare services.
The UAE’s rules require health insurance to offer at least basic benefits, such as disease coverage, hospital stays, emergency services, maternity care, etc. However, top insurance companies in the UAE often provide extra coverage options. These may include treatment for chronic diseases, mental health issues, and dental and vision care.
Health insurance is closely tied to disease coverage, as its main purpose is to protect you from the costs of medical treatments. Understanding what diseases your plan covers will help you select the right insurance that meets your needs and offers the required protection.
Why health insurance is important in the UAE?
The future is uncertain, and the COVID-19 pandemic back in 2020 showed us how vulnerable we can be to serious health issues. While we can’t always predict or avoid such problems, we can take steps to lessen their financial impact. Here’s why having health insurance is important:
1. Health insurance is a legal requirement:
In Dubai, everyone must have health insurance, and not having it can lead to hefty fines.
2. Major change in your lifestyle:
Modern life is fast and stressful, leading to health issues like diabetes and heart disease, even in young people. Poor lifestyle choices and stress are taking a toll on our health.
3. Rising medical expenses:
Healthcare costs have risen sharply. Without insurance, even a short hospital stay can be extremely expensive and wipe out your savings.
4. Advantages of having health insurance:
Health insurance provides good value for money. You pay a small annual fee to get coverage for yourself and your family. Some plans also offer compensation if you lose income due to serious illness or accidents.
Here is the list of diseases covered under health insurance in the UAE:
Here are some of the common diseases covered under health insurance in the UAE:
| Disease category | Coverage details |
| Heart diseases | Includes coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes. Coverage typically includes diagnostic tests (e.g., blood tests, ECGs, angiograms), treatments, and surgeries (e.g., bypass grafts, valve repairs). |
| Cancer | Covers various types of cancer (e.g., breast, lung, colon, prostate). Includes diagnostic tests, surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and palliative care for advanced stages. |
| Diabetes | Covers diagnosis, treatment, and management. Includes regular consultations, blood sugar monitoring, medications, and diabetes education programs. |
| Digestive system disorders | Covers disorders like GERD, IBS, and IBD. Includes diagnostic tests, medications, and treatments. |
Note: Check your health insurance policy carefully to understand what it covers, as this can vary between plans and insurance companies.
Diseases and conditions typically not covered by health insurance:
| What is not covered | Explanation |
| Pre-existing conditions not disclosed | Conditions you had before getting the insurance may not be covered, especially if not disclosed. |
| Cosmetic and non-essential procedures | Procedures like plastic surgery or facelifts for cosmetic reasons are usually not covered. |
| Self-inflicted injuries and suicide | Injuries from self-harm or suicide attempts are generally not covered. |
| High-risk injuries from Extreme Sports | Injuries from high-risk activities or adventure sports might not be covered. |
| Injuries due to war, conflicts, terrorism, and natural disasters | Injuries caused by war, terrorism, or natural disasters are often excluded. |
Note: Understanding these exclusions helps you plan better and avoid surprises with your health insurance. If you have questions, get in touch with your insurance broker for clarification.
How to understand your health insurance coverage in the UAE?
- Read your policy thoroughly: Look at your health insurance document to see which diseases are covered.
- Look for exclusions: Check for any diseases or conditions not covered by your policy.
- Talk to your insurance provider: Get in touch with your insurance company to ask about details and ensure you know what’s included in your plan.
- Learn about network providers: Find out which hospitals and clinics your insurance covers.
- Check for annual limits: Be aware of any yearly limits on the coverage for treatments or diseases.
How do insurance brokers in the UAE help with health insurance inclusions and exclusions?
Insurance brokers are experts who help you understand what is and isn’t covered by your health insurance. They explain what’s included and what’s not, helping you pick the right policy for your needs. If you need to make a claim, brokers can help solve any problems and make the process easier.
Regularly checking your policy with a broker helps you stay informed about any changes. They can adjust your policy to reduce exclusions and ensure it fits your health needs and budget.
As one of the leading insurance brokers in the UAE, InsuranceMarket.ae offers a trusted platform where you can easily compare policies and get expert advice to make the best decision for your health coverage.
What’s the final takeaway?
So that was all about the list of diseases covered under health insurance in the UAE. Understanding what diseases your health insurance covers is key to effectively managing your health and finances. Knowing what is included in your coverage helps you make better decisions about your medical care and avoid surprise costs.
By learning about commonly covered conditions and following the steps in this guide, you can make sure you and your family are well-protected.
For more insights into making the most of your health insurance, such as learning about the claim process or exploring the top insurance companies in the UAE, be sure to check out the related blogs on InsuranceMarket.ae. This way, you’ll stay prepared and have peace of mind if you need medical care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Is health insurance mandatory in Dubai?
Yes, it is mandatory in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates.
Q. What Health Insurance Covers in the UAE?
In the UAE, health insurance must come from an approved local insurance company, whether provided by your employer or purchased individually. The basic coverage includes hospital stays, emergency care, routine doctor visits (both general and specialist), maternity care, medical tests, and exams that your doctor prescribes.
Q. What is the best medical insurance in the UAE?
The following are the top health insurance in the UAE:
- Takaful Emarat
- Sukoon
- Orient
- GIG
- Cigna
- Bupa
Q. Are pre-existing conditions covered by health insurance?
Yes, many insurance plans in the UAE cover pre-existing conditions. However, they usually require you to wait at least six months before claiming benefits. Some plans might let you skip this waiting period if you pay a higher premium.
Q. Does health insurance include maternity costs?
Most plans in the UAE cover maternity expenses, but there is often a waiting period. Coverage typically includes screening tests, regular check-ups, prenatal and postnatal care, and care for the baby starting 30 days after birth.
