Best International Health Insurance Companies for Expats in the UAE – that will be the topic of today’s article.
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Introduction
As the world is evolving every day, our lifestyle has continued to see rapid growth. As we need to evolve with this changing lifestyle, we also need to be aware of all the uncertainties arising from those changes. Hence, to stay protected, we need to decide the right international healthcare system.
Of course, the UAE government has incredibly improved in satisfying expats. From medical facilities, outdoor activities to proper campaign measures to curb the global pandemic, the benefits of living in the UAE cannot be overemphasized. It’s home to a wide range of nationalities and absolutely income tax.
Thankfully, it’s not too difficult to move everything you own across the world. In the UAE, there’s plenty to recommend about life in a land where the skies are almost blue. Also, the weather and beaches are amazing. Now, if you love following a day of work by working on your tan, the UAE is the best option.
In fact, everything is gorgeous! From the man-made islands off the coast of Dubai to the world’s tallest tower, you’ll enjoy visiting the country. Well, if you choose to know more about the fantastic things the UAE has for you, read through this guide as we’ve unleashed some of the facts about living in the UAE.
Nevertheless, you can check our previous blog post about moving to the UAE expat guide to know better. Besides, in this article, we will walk you through the concept of the healthcare system in this country. Not only that, but we have compiled the best international health insurance companies.
Interesting Facts about Living in the UAE
Living in the United Arab Emirates is an incredible experience like no other. It’s a home to a wide range of nationalities, nightlife to rival London and New York, and absolutely zero income tax. So, why are expats choosing to live and work in Dubai and the UAE? Well, let’s quickly take a look at what we have.
Vast Professional Opportunities
Working in the United Arab Emirates is not just about money! This is because; it can also be a great way to fast forward your career, paving the way for new opportunities and greater responsibility for expat across the world. You’ll see large, urban areas such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai having thriving business economies that always require English-speaking new hires to drive forward their innovation and life.
No matter your field or industry, there’s likely to be an employment opportunity for you in the UAE. In fact, Dubai is becoming a global hub for business and is already certainly the Middle East’s prime location for commerce and enterprise.
Tax-free Earnings in the UAE
Tax-free in the United Arab Emirates is a huge benefit and may sound too good to be true. This factor, combined with the lack of tax on food, drink, and other goods, can literally make the emirates a very cheap place to live. So, if you find your way in this country, you’d be glad to enjoy your lifestyle.
However, to benefit most, you’ll need to get advice on tax residency to avoid having to pay tax on your income. Also, a few years spent working in the Middle East can set up your finances for life and help provide for a comfortable retirement.
Best Planned City in the World
Dubai’s growth for the past 20 years has been rapid, and few other places on the planet are able to rival it. Despite the city locale and a distinct lack of natural resources, most other cities and towns have thrived thanks to the superb town planning and the technology adopted throughout. This way, you’d never know just how close to nothingness you really are.
Food is a Lifestyle
In the United Arab Emirates, food is not just an attraction but a lifestyle. Also, researchers made it known that nearly 80 percent of the UAE’s current population are expats, and from time to time, they all fancy their home comforts. So, the food scene in the UAE is truly second-to-none when it comes to choice.
Again, you can work your way around the globe without ever having to leave your new hometown. But of course, while in the United Arab Emirates, you’ll undoubtedly want to sample the exotic flavors and aromas of the Middle Eastern Cuisine.
Best International Transport Hub
The international transport hub in the United Arab Emirates is second to none. Aside from this fact, the international airport is the third busiest in the world by passenger traffic, and the flights to almost all tourist destinations are just 5-6 hours away. In this country, you can take a holiday to Greece or Goa, and neither will cost you too much or take you too long. Moreover, even the Far East is within easy striking distance, and you’re already halfway to Australia.
Safety is Paramount in UAE
Having a feeling of security is quite essential when you’re moving to a new country. The good news is that Dubai is known to be among the safest place in the Middle East for tourists and residents alike. Also, the city’s strict laws mean that its crime rates are virtually non-existence, and where it does happen, it’s usually of the white-collar variety. This means you can live in the UAE with no worries.
Rich Culture and Outdoor Activities
It’s no doubt that cultures grow and thrive in the United Arab Emirates. The multi-cultural population of Dubai means that residents and expats are exposed to not just the traditional Middle Eastern cultures, languages, and religions, but rich cultures and heritage from worldwide. With these thriving cultures, the United Arab Emirates is a melting pot of globalization with a real community feel.
Understanding UAE Healthcare System in 2021
The healthcare system in the UAE is incredibly significant. And this made up to 337,011 medical tourists last year with tons of unique healthcare facilities. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult time for everyone, but the government has been trying its best to bring the country back to its normality.
For general coronavirus health information in the UAE, including vaccination schedules and locations, we’ve got you covered. Moreover, you should know that the top areas for medical tourism include orthopedics, dermatology, sports medicine, fertility treatment, and dentistry. Not only that, but expats should know that anyone in the country can access healthcare, but private healthcare is costly.
However, in the United Arab Emirates, there are four different regulatory bodies for healthcare services. They include; the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), Emirates Health Authority (EHA), the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD), and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). But when it comes to finding the best health insurance, we have listed some top-rated international health insurance companies.
How the Healthcare System Works?
The United Arab Emirates has a government-funded healthcare system and a rapidly developing private sector that delivers one of the world’s largest or highest standards of care. With that being said, always know that the healthcare system is regulated by both the federal and emirate level, meaning that the system varies from emirates to emirates.
Aside from the fact mentioned above, the medical facilities are modern, and many are accessible to UAE nationals and foreigners alike. Therefore, both private hospitals and public ones offer excellent healthcare, while the majority of the healthcare providers are foreign or foreign-trained.
On the other hand, medical services in the UAE can be pretty expensive, but the old saying ‘you get what you pay for works in this country. However, for UAE nationals, healthcare is subsidized by the government, but expats usually can access the hospitals and clinics covered by their health insurance.
Also, if foreigners prefer to visit providers out of network, services can be reimbursable by their insurance company or must be paid out of your pocket, which could essentially be cost. Meanwhile, finding doctors in the United Arab Emirates is primarily done through online portals with a wealth of information at your fingertips about both the physician and the clinic available 24 hours a day.
How Healthcare Vary in the United Arab Emirates?
Like we’ve discussed earlier, the healthcare system in the United Arab Emirates can vary depending upon where you work, but unlike other places, it can vary even more depending upon where you are. Though it goes by the emirate, but be rest assured of high-quality services, and incredible facilities. Without further ado, below are the ways in which the healthcare system varies in the country.
- For the UAE nationals, public health and medical treatments are essentially low or free for all Emirati.
- For expat residents, the cost of medical services in the UAE is expensive, but in return, they get high-quality services
- For women and children, the UAE can be one of the most family-friendly nations in the world. Coincidentally, there are numerous healthcare centers for females only, and women fully staff them.
- In Abu Dhabi, companies are required to provide health insurance to their employees, including one spouse and three children.
Top 10 International Health Insurance Company in the UAE
There are many types of international health insurance companies in the United Arab Emirates. They provide several types of plans that could take care of expats medical needs when they are away from home. Generally, there are four types of international health insurance plans, and they include the following.
a. Individual International Insurance Plan
The individual international health insurance plan is most suitable for people traveling abroad for business, jobs, or personal reasons. This insurance has coverage for one person, and it ensures that even when you are alone in a foreign country, you have international insurance to support you.
b. Family International Health Insurance
If you’re traveling to a foreign country with your family, then family international medical insurance plans are the right thing to do. This health insurance plan covers the medical expenses of all the family members providing you maximum protection at a considerable price. Moreover, all you’ll have to do is share complete information about your family members before finalizing the premiums that are to be paid.
c. Students International Health Insurance
Research has made it known that even in this 21st century, the highest number of travelers moving from one country to another for a prolonged time is students pursuing their higher education. This means this type of insurance plan covers healthcare, emergencies for students, and routine check-ups.
d. Corporate Company International Insurance
According to the laws in the UAE, all employers must provide health insurance cover for their employees and even to foreigners. So, if you’re an employer planning to buy insurance for your immigrant employees, this insurance package is extremely the best for you.
International Health Insurance Companies in UAE
AXA Gulf Insurance
AXA insurance is one of the leading international health insurance companies in the United Arab Emirates. This company provides expats the best medical care and protects your family against any injury or illness whether you’re traveling abroad or staying in your home country.
In addition to this fact, AXA insurance has tie-ups with the best hospitals to provide a variety of healthcare protections for both expat and locals. Below are some of the benefits that you can avail yourself of with AXA Health Insurance Company.
- Foreigners can claim their insurance at any time of the day or week
- The insurance plan comes with many ranges of covers while you get worldwide medical emergency assistance
- Travelers can avail of personal accident cover with this insurance company
- You can also avail dental cover with this insurance as well as wellbeing telephone service
- AXA health insurance company has an extensive network around the world
Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC)
The Abu Dhabi national insurance company is known as SHIFA medical insurance. They provide several medical plans, including the facility of direct billing that gives assurance to the family. Aside from this fact, the ADNIC insurance companies have a special program for Dubai residents with a discounted price for expats. Without much talk, below are the things SHIFA plans would give you.
- Foreigners can get their annual limit covered for any chronic or pre-existing medical conditions.
- Individual can avail direct billing facility and maternity claim up to your annual limit.
- You can also get a reimbursement of your claims outside the SHIFA network
- They provide emergency services for locals and expats moving to the country for the first time
- Individuals get a variety of healthcare options, including organ transplant, home nursing, and many others, to mention a few.
Emirate Health Insurance Company
The Emirate Health Insurance Company is one of the authorized companies in Abu Dhabi. This insurance company follows the norms of the Health Insurance law in the country, and it’s also licensed to participate in the health program in Abu Dhabi. However, expat can improve their plans according to what they need but should be applicable under the Health insurance law of Abu Dhabi. The medical insurance policy of this insurance company is divided into the following.
- Advanced plan according to your needs and requirements
- VIP plans including exclusive international beneficial coverage for expats
- The Emirate basic health insurance plan is aimed to provide help to blue-collar workers
- Emirate standard plan is basically meant for expat families and locals in the country
Ras AI Kharimah Insurance Company
The Ras AI Kharimah Insurance Company provides insurance plans according to your requirement. RAK also uses third-party assistance that allows individual as well as organizations to have access for 24 hours throughout the week. Additionally, you can avail of a direct billing option with the RAK insurance policy. Along with insurance product benefits, they also offer Everest Pro, which is an innovative single premium product.
Dubai Islamic Insurance
The Dubai Islamic Insurance & Reinsurance Co was established in 2002. It’s a national shareholders company that’s also known as AMAN insurance. They have many plans that cover the most modern elements of insurance which include; clearly set out principles, admission to the best hospitals, fast claim settlements, and many others, to mention a few.
Oman Health Insurance Company
The Oman insurance company is one of the top health insurance companies in the country. When it comes to providing healthcare options, Oman Insurance Company follows all the norms of the Dubai Health Authority. Not only that, but this insurance company also includes domestic help, dependents of sponsors, and more. Without further ado, below are the benefits of using the Oman health insurance company.
- The Oman Insurance Company covers all states in Emirates, except for Abu Dhabi, where only emergency cases can be covered.
- Expat can also avail direct billing for outpatients and inpatients
- It’s one of the insurance companies with the easiest application procedures
Daman Health Insurance Company
The Daman health insurance has also made it to the top of our list. Health insurance offers a wide range of benefits to the insurance holders. Aside from this noticeable fact, they also provide services to individuals, families, and even low-income members in the country. The Daman Insurance Company has a good network with 2000 health providers in the UAE region. And again, they’re known for offering one of the cheapest health insurance in Dubai.
MetLife Individual Plan
With Metlife Insurance Company, you’re covered with your medication in the United Arab Emirates. This company provides an affordable individual medical plan and also sponsored dependents in the country. Also, they provide critical illness protection, stroke, and cancer full coverage, and vaccines that the DHA mandates. Moreover, you can get a visit to a general physician with this company.
Frequently Asked Questions about UAE Health Insurance
Is health insurance mandatory in Dubai?
Health insurance in the United Arab Emirates is mandatory if you’re living in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. On the flip side, you can purchase any private insurance voluntarily elsewhere. And one of the benefits of living in this country is that employers usually arrange health insurance coverage for their staff.
What are the best insurance companies in UAE?
There are many health insurance companies in the United Arab Emirates. As mentioned earlier, you can pick anyone listed above to get the best one that meets your specifications and requirements. Or refer to the explanation above for more information.
Can I have two health insurance in UAE?
According to the DHA, having two health insurance plans running concurrently is allowed, but residents can make only a claim from one policy, and double claims will be treated as legal. This way, you’ll need to submit a separate set of documents to make your claims.
How can I get insurance in the UAE?
Getting an insurance policy in the UAE is quite simple, as discussed earlier. All you have to do as an expat is to get your valid health documents ready, contact an insurer, fill up an application form, pay the fee and confirm your payment. You can refer to this platform for more information about opening insurance as an expat in the United Arab Emirates.
Can I get medical insurance without an ID?
Well, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, expats now have to show their valid ID before they could be allowed to open a health insurance plan. However, if your current medical health care insurance has authorized this change, you can then ditch your health insurance card since your Emirates ID will suffice. This means, depending on the insurance company, you can get one without an ID.
Is Emergency treatment free in UAE?
As of today, the UAE government provide standard health care, and expat can benefit from this medical treatment either in a private hospital or government parastatal. However, in the case of an emergency, the treatment to stabilize the process is usually free. Meanwhile, other treatment would demand credit cards or insurance payments.
Is UAE expensive for a living?
Well, we can tell you that UAE is quite an expensive country to live in. Besides, Dubai is 38.78 percent less than living in New York City.
Conclusion
Currently, healthcare insurance is mandator in Dubai and most cities in the United Arab Emirates. So, if you want to select your favorite, compare your expat healthcare insurance with the best-known medical insurance companies. In other news, refer to our platform for relevant updates.
