How to choose the best family health insurance in the UAE
Moving to the UAE opens the door to new possibilities and challenges. If you’re relocating with your family, you’ll be able to make memories somewhere new with your loved ones. No matter where you go in the world, your priority is to keep your family safe.
Getting the best health insurance in UAE for family ensures they are always protected, although navigating the insurance realm can be tricky for newbies, for example, the UAE medical insurance prices change from one plan to another and one company together. This Pacific Prime UAE article will help you choose the best health insurance for dependents in the UAE.
Rules regarding family health insurance in the UAE
All visa holders in the UAE are required to have health insurance. However, the rules regarding insurance for dependents differ throughout the country, as per the following:
- Abu Dhabi: Employers must provide medical insurance to their employees and their dependents, but only up to the third child (under 18 years old). Employees with more than three children are responsible for providing health insurance for the fourth child and onwards.
- Dubai: Employers are legally required to provide health insurance for their employees, though not for their dependents. Instead, visa sponsors are responsible for health insurance for dependents.
- The rest of the UAE: In Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain, employers are not legally obligated to pay for either their employees’ or their employee’s dependents’ health insurance.
It’s worth noting that UAE healthcare facilities must offer emergency care to patients, regardless of whether they have a valid medical insurance plan. Even so, getting health insurance for your dependents is highly recommended.
Considerations for medical insurance for dependents in the UAE
Selecting the right health insurance policy for your dependents can be confusing anywhere in the world. Choosing one in the UAE can be even more complicated since different emirates have different rules. Here are some considerations you should keep in mind to help you find the cheapest health insurance for your family in the UAE.
Dubai
In Dubai, the Essential Benefits Plan offers the minimum level of health insurance coverage that is required by law. According to the UAE law, foreigners living in Dubai can have insurance cover up to AED 150,000 annually.
Abu Dhabi
In Abu Dhabi, the basic medical insurance plan is available through the National Health Insurance Company. Employers under this policy are required to pay 50 percent of the plan’s premium for their employees’ dependents.
Employer-provided health insurance in Abu Dhabi covers one wife and three children at most. Therefore, employees must pay for medical insurance for parents, maids, or nannies who are dependents. The UAE law states that the maximum health insurance cover is AED 250,000 annually for expats living in Abu Dhabi.
Supplement your policy with add-on benefits
While a basic health insurance policy in the UAE offers certain benefits, they could be missing some useful healthcare. For example, many basic plans do not include dental, vision, or even vaccinations. Choosing additional coverage could be more cost-effective than paying hefty bills for unexpected health problems out of pocket. Unfortunately, many expats and tourists are in debt due to the unforeseen medical bills that they simply cannot afford.
Health insurance based on the dependents relationship
Health insurance plans in the UAE vary depending on the relationship between the visa sponsor and the dependent. Some dependents will have to pay more to be insured. In some cases, it can be cheaper to take out a family health insurance plan.
Some UAE companies require employees to have their dependents insured under the same family health insurance plan. The reason for this is that it reduces the risk of insurance claim rejections. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider, broker, and employer before purchasing a family health insurance plan.
On the other hand, if you’ll only have to sponsor a small family or chosen dependents in the UAE, the health insurance policies may vary as follows:
Parents as dependents
If your parents are your dependents, it’s important to realize that securing health insurance for individuals over the age of 65 can be challenging. Insurers may refuse pre-existing condition coverage and charge a much higher rate if they do provide insurance. Health plans for seniors who are over the age of 50 can be more expensive than plans for a child or spouse. In fact, health insurance premiums can reach up to AED 30,000.
Domestic workers as dependents
Nanny, maid, gardener, or driver health insurance in the UAE has to be processed and funded by the head of the house, who is their visa sponsor by law. In the UAE, the cost of medical insurance plans for domestic workers can begin at around AED 650.
Compare health insurance plans
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xhdgfKvxUk
Whether you’re choosing health insurance plans for your dependents or yourself, you’re going to have to research and compare different insurers and plans to find the right one – unless you get help from an insurance broker. Pacific Prime Dubai can help do the hard work for you and make sure you’re looking at the best options. With over two decades of experience in the insurance industry, Pacific Prime has the know-how and connections to ensure you choose the ideal plan for your needs and budget.
Contact us to receive impartial advice or an obligation-free plan comparison or a quotation today.
Jantra curates and reports on the results of Pacific Prime’s monthly newsletters, as well as manages Pacific Prime’s Deputy Global CEO’s LinkedIn posts. Complemented by her background in business writing, Jantra’s passion for health, insurance, and employee benefits helps her create engaging content - no matter how complex the subject is.
Growing up as a third-culture kid has given her a multicultural perspective that helps her relate to expats and their families while 8 years of working remotely have given her unique insight into hybrid work arrangements and enthusiasm for employee benefits.
- Homeschooling in the UAE: Things you should consider - 27th April 2023
- Your Guide to Getting a Dubai Health Card for Children - 6th April 2023
- 2023 Guide to Mandatory Health Insurance in Dubai - 30th March 2023
Comments
Comments are disabled for this post