Health insurance in the UAE is not just something you must have by law—it’s very important for both residents and expats. But what if you already have a medical problem before applying for insurance? Does this mean you can’t get insurance? The good news is that pre-existing conditions don’t stop you from getting health insurance. In fact, there are many choices, and knowing how these conditions affect your coverage will help you find the best plan.
This guide will explain everything you need about pre-existing conditions in health insurance in the UAE, including waiting times, coverage options, etc. Let’s get started!
What are pre-existing diseases and conditions in health insurance?
Pre-existing conditions are health problems or diseases that a person already knows or is a suspected condition yet to be diagnosed before getting a health insurance policy. This can include long-term illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. These conditions are important in health insurance because they can affect how much coverage you get and how much you have to pay for your insurance.
How do pre-existing conditions affect health insurance in the UAE?
Getting health insurance for pre-existing conditions can be tricky. These conditions might become serious or long-lasting and require expensive treatments. Because of the higher risk, insurance companies may ask for more money in premiums and refuse to cover some pre-existing health problems.
The importance of disclosing pre-existing diseases:
When buying health insurance, telling the insurance company about any pre-existing diseases is important. The policy is given based on the details you share in the application form. Hiding important information or giving false details is considered dishonest or even fraud. If the insurance company finds out later, they can refuse to pay your claims, cancel your policy without giving back the money you paid, and may even take legal action against you.
Pre-existing condition waiting periods:
One important thing to think about is the waiting period for pre-existing diseases. This is when your insurance won’t pay for any medical costs related to your pre-existing conditions. In the UAE’s waiting period can be anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the insurance company.
How are pre-existing conditions identified?
Any illness, injury, or health problem you had before getting health insurance may be considered a pre-existing condition. Insurance companies can check your past medical treatments or diagnoses to find out if you have pre-existing conditions. Sometimes, the insurance company may require you to take a medical test.
When buying the policy, you must also give honest and complete information about your health.
Can you get health insurance with a pre-existing condition?
Yes, you can still get health insurance even if you have a pre-existing condition. In Dubai and across the UAE, health insurance companies must offer coverage, and they cannot refuse you because of a pre-existing health problem. However, most insurance plans come with a waiting period of at least six months before covering these conditions. This waiting period can sometimes be waived in case of a medical emergency. You might also have to pay a higher premium to cover pre-existing conditions.
Do pre-existing conditions lead to higher premiums?
Yes, having a pre-existing condition can result in a higher premium. Insurance companies are careful when offering coverage for pre-existing conditions because these conditions might become serious or long-term in the future, leading to expensive treatments. To balance this risk, insurers often charge higher premiums. Along with the waiting period, higher premiums are a way for insurance companies to manage the risk of covering pre-existing conditions.
How to get health Insurance with a pre-existing condition in UAE?
You can get health insurance even with a pre-existing medical condition. Just be aware of the waiting period for your condition and any extra premium you might need to pay. In the UAE, most insurance companies cover pre-existing conditions after at least six months of waiting. However, the waiting period may be waived in medical emergencies.
Here is a list of pre-existing diseases and conditions in health insurance:
| Pre-existing disease/condition | Description |
| High blood pressure | A condition where the blood pressure is higher than normal. |
| High cholesterol | High levels of cholesterol in the blood. |
| Diabetes | A disease that affects how the body uses blood sugar. |
| Asthma | A condition that affects the airways and makes breathing difficult. |
| Thyroid | Issues with the thyroid gland affect hormone levels. |
| Epilepsy | A disorder that causes seizures. |
| Sleep apnea | A condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep. |
| Cancer | A disease where cells grow uncontrollably. |
| Pregnancy | A condition where a woman is expecting a baby. |
| Heart disease | A range of conditions affecting the heart’s function. |
| Arthritis | Inflammation of the joints causes pain and stiffness. |
| Liver disease | Conditions that affect the liver, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis. |
| Kidney disease | Problems related to kidney function, such as chronic kidney disease. |
| HIV/AIDS | A virus that affects the immune system. |
| Obesity | A condition where a person has excessive body fat. |
| Depression | A mental health problem characterised by persistent sadness. |
| Stroke | A condition where blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing damage. |
| Tuberculosis (TB) | A bacterial infection that affects the lungs. |
| Hepatitis | Inflammation of the liver, mostly due to a viral infection. |
How to buy health insurance in the UAE if you have a pre-existing disease?
Here are some easy tips to help you get health insurance even if you have a pre-existing condition:
- Compare waiting periods: Check the waiting periods for pre-existing conditions in different plans. Pick a plan with the shortest waiting time for your condition.
- Check premiums: See if the insurer will cover your pre-existing condition by charging a higher premium. If so, buy the policy if the benefits are worth the cost.
- Don’t worry about minor illnesses: Common issues like colds, coughs, and fevers are not considered pre-existing conditions by insurance companies.
- Be honest about your health: Always provide correct health information when buying insurance. Hiding details can result in claim denial and cancellation of your policy.
- Avoid copayment plans: Some health plans require you to pay part of the medical costs for pre-existing conditions. If possible, try to avoid these plans.
What’s the final takeaway?
Pre-existing diseases and conditions are an important part of getting the right health insurance, especially in the UAE, where health insurance is required by law. Understanding how pre-existing conditions affect your coverage, the waiting periods, and what is not covered is important so you can make smart choices. Always be honest about your health history and choose a plan that suits your needs. Research and comparing different policies can help you find the best health insurance for pre-existing conditions in the UAE.
By knowing what to expect and picking the right plan, you can ensure you are well-protected, even with pre-existing health conditions.
If you’re looking for a way to make this process easier, InsuranceMarket.ae can provide helpful comparisons and guidance, ensuring you find a plan that keeps you well-protected without any surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs):
Q. What happens if I don’t declare my pre-existing condition?
Your insurance claims can be denied if you don’t declare your pre-existing condition. The insurance company may cancel your policy or refuse to pay for treatments related to the condition.
Q.What if my pre-existing condition is serious?
If your condition is serious, you may need a more detailed insurance plan that offers wider coverage. Keep in mind that the premiums will likely be higher.
Q. Is pregnancy a pre-existing condition in health insurance?
Yes, pregnancy is seen as a pre-existing condition. However, it is handled differently than other pre-existing illnesses or injuries. Insurance companies usually don’t raise the premiums or refuse coverage if you are pregnant before buying health insurance.
Q. Do health insurance companies refuse to cover a pre-existing disease?
No. Most health insurance companies in the UAE will cover pre-existing conditions. However, they might charge higher premiums or include a waiting period before they provide coverage for the condition.
Q. Are there waiting periods for pre-existing condition coverage?
Yes. Most health insurance companies in the UAE have a waiting period of at least 6 months before they cover pre-existing conditions. You must wait for this to pass before getting coverage for these conditions.
