Did you know that your health insurance might cover more than just going to the doctor or staying in the hospital in the UAE? Most of us consider health insurance only for these basic things, but your plan might include much more. It could cover things like acupuncture, check-ups to catch problems early, and wellness programs to keep you healthy. Learning about these health insurance hidden benefits can help you make the most of your insurance, save money, and get better care. This article will take a look at things you didn’t know that your health insurance covers in the UAE.
Here are the things you didn’t know that your health insurance covers in the UAE:
1. Preventive services covered by insurance
Many health insurance policies in the UAE cover preventive services, which might surprise you. These services help find health problems early so they don’t become bigger issues later.
What does health insurance cover?
- Annual health screenings: Many policies pay for yearly check-ups and tests like blood tests and cholesterol checks.
- Vaccinations: Flu shots and other vaccines are often covered under your insurance’s preventive care benefits. However, certain vaccines may only be covered for specific age groups, such as children aged 0-6 years, and only for specific vaccines as outlined in your policy. Be sure to review your insurance coverage to understand which vaccines are included.
- Maternity care: If you plan to have a baby, your coverage will include prenatal check-ups, ultrasonography, delivery, newborn coverage for 30 days (some plans), emergencies, etc. These less-known health insurance benefits can help you stay healthy and avoid serious health problems later.
2. Mental health services
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and many health insurance plans are starting to cover it.
Health insurance coverage for mental health:
- Counselling and therapy sessions: Some insurance plans pay for sessions with therapists or counsellors. This can help people deal with stress, anxiety, or depression.
- Psychiatric consultations: If you need medication or more specialised care, insurance might cover visits to a psychiatrist.
Knowing that these helpful insurance benefits are available can encourage people to get the help they need without worrying about the cost.
Note: Mental health coverage is excluded from the DHA guidelines, but some plans allow you to add this coverage within certain limits.
3. Alternative therapies covered by health insurance
Many don’t know that their health insurance might pay for alternative therapies. These treatments are usually thought to be something you pay for yourself, but that’s not always true.
Alternative therapies included in health insurance:
- Chiropractic care: Some insurance plans cover chiropractic treatments, which can help with back pain, joint problems, and other muscle issues.
- Acupuncture: More and more plans are starting to cover acupuncture, which is good for pain relief and other health issues.
- Homoeopathy and naturopathy: Although rare, some insurance plans pay for these treatments, especially if they are part of a bigger health plan.
These uncommon health insurance benefits can give you more options for healing and improving your health that you might not have thought about before.
4. Travel benefits and emergency services
If you travel a lot, you’ll be happy to know that many health insurance plans cover you even outside your home country.
Health insurance travel benefits:
- International emergency coverage: If you have an emergency while travelling, your insurance might cover medical costs like hospital stays and emergency care.
- Medical evacuation: If you need urgent medical help unavailable where you are, some plans cover the cost to get you to the nearest good hospital.
- Telehealth services: You can use virtual doctor consultations while travelling to get medical advice without needing to be in your home country.
Knowing about these travel benefits can give you peace of mind, ensuring you’re covered if something happens while you’re away.
How to get the most out of your health insurance?
It’s important to know about the things your health insurance covers and take an active role in your healthcare to ensure you get all the benefits from your health insurance.
Tips for making the most of your coverage:
- Review your policy every year: Insurance plans can change, so it’s important to check what your policy covers each year.
- Ask questions: If you need clarification on what is covered, ask your insurance provider. Don’t be afraid to ask about any extra services that might be included.
- Use preventive services: Take advantage of your insurance’s free preventive services to catch health issues early and save money on future healthcare costs.
By following the tips given above, you can make sure you’re using all the benefits your health insurance provides.
What’s the final takeaway?
So these are some of the most common things your health insurance covers in the UAE. Your health insurance is more than just a way to pay unexpected medical bills. By knowing about these health insurance hidden benefits and extra services it might cover, you can get more out of your plan, save money, and make sure you and your family have full care. It’s important to review your policy often, understand what is covered, and ask your insurance provider about any extra coverage you might need to learn about. This way, you can make the most of your health insurance and use all its benefits.
If you’re curious about how to get the most from your policy, such as making cashless claims or using your insurance without upfront payments, or if you’re interested in learning how to file a health insurance claim smoothly in the UAE, check out our blog.
To better understand and find the right plan for you, take a moment to explore the options on InsuranceMarket.ae, one of the leading insurance brokers in the UAE, and ensure you’re fully covered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Does health insurance cover treatments like acupuncture and chiropractic care?
Some health insurance plans do cover treatments like acupuncture and chiropractic care. It’s best to check your policy to see if they’re included.
Q. Are mental health services, such as therapy or counselling, covered by health insurance?
Yes, many plans now cover therapy and counselling. However, the type of services and the number of sessions may vary depending on your plan.
Q. Can health insurance cover gym memberships or wellness programs?
Some health insurance plans offer discounts or even cover gym memberships and wellness programs, especially for preventive care. It depends on the insurer.
Q. Does health insurance cover maternity and prenatal care services?
Yes, most health insurance plans cover maternity and prenatal care. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, and other necessary care for the mother and baby.
Q. Are vaccinations, including flu shots, covered under health insurance plans?
Yes, many plans cover flu shots and other vaccines as part of preventive care, but some may only cover specific vaccines for certain age groups.
